Perched on the stairs of a shuttered pawn shop, Alice is an ’80s-themed late-night dive bar of the highest order. Though it’s owned by Pete Hollands of Frog’s Hollow Saloon , Alice doesn’t hinge on complex cocktails like that excellent bar does.

Here, it’s about immersing yourself in the atmosphere created by old-school TVs mounted above the backbar; a jukebox blaring ’80s hair metal; and black-and-white band photos tinged scarlet from red bulbs.

But of course, you can absolutely get an outstanding drink at Alice. There are 11 signature creations, including two classics – the signature Alice Old Fashioned and the cult-favourite Ramos Gin Fizz. Hollands is also pouring Aussie wines and beers, plus a whole bunch of booze from America.

Alice is tucked down a laneway, but it’s not entirely hidden. There’s a neon-red sign above the door and a row of caged windows at ground-level glow red, hinting at what’s bubbling away beneath.