Wow wow wow...just wow! Its not easy to find, basically its down 2 different alleys, but its worth the effort.
For starters, its small, but they limit the number of clientele to 10 (or 12...the number seems a little bit fluid), and that gives it a very intimate feel. Its like you are stepping back into some kind of old school bar. There is a bit of theatre - the barman dresses the part, the mixing of the drinks, the ice cubes (you need to see them to believe them). Then, the drinks...they are nothing short of amazing. It does cocktails and not much else, so don't go here thinking you are going to get a VB on tap. And its not particularly cheap - the cocktails we had were approx. $25 each, but they were worth it.
If you are looking to take someone somewhere that is unique, intimate, classy, and very very impressive, then this is the place to go.

Approximate cost: $25

Bar Americano is a prestigious bar in a laneway just off Lt Collins st. This was a little bit hard to find (right at the end of a curved laneway inside a laneway) but persist!

Apart from cocktails, they also serve coffees etc during the day. You can even ask for a spiked/irish coffee.
The cocktails are really good. It heaps that they use top notch spirits in the base.
To go with your drinks they have nice little tidbits. ie. white bean & tomato sandwich, Panetone etc
The place is worth checking out. It is quite a small space, and you will be close to other couples, but they have managed to create a very intimate feeling.
One tip for girls though - wear shoes you are comfortable in, because it is a standing bar.

Definitely the greatest little cocktail bar in Melbourne. Once you find this little hole in the wall bar, look right past the wine list and tell the bartender how you are feeling, he will find you a flavour to match your mood. They are also incredibly knowledgeable about their craft and will tell you the story behind every drink - amazing.

Hidden and tucked away in Presgrave Place you can find this extraordinary little bar, the likes of which I've never seen before in Melbourne. It's a mission and a half to find it, but once you do you'll be very happy that you did.
For starters, it's the tiniest bar you'll ever see - more like a walk in robe than a place where people go to drink and socialise. Don't let this fool you though - the ambience is fantastic! And because everyone is so close to each other, with the bar itself really the only furniture in the place, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed and strangers find themselves actually talking to each other instead of just ignoring each other.
Secondly, don't come here looking for a beer. This is a cocktail bar, pure and simple, and they are amazing! Honestly you couldn't be disappointed if you tried. Yes it's not a cheap place to visit because of this, but it's well worth it. They do do coffees during the day as well (they are open from 8.30 in the morning, closing round 1 AM), but in m opinion you wouldn't come here for a coffee - its cocktails all the way!
Thirdly, it's home to Melbournes smallest art gallery. Don't ask me to explain this - go and see for yourself.
Finally, the service. The bartenders know their stuff! There's usually only one on at any given time, but you are never waiting long for service - its brilliant.
WOMO needs to let me give this bar 6 stars! For a small group of friends wanting to go somewhere different, you can't go past it.