Bar Economico

Housed in the former Der Raum space in Richmond, Economico is a meticulously styled, shabby dive bar complete with pastel coloured walls, drink tickets, caged service areas and florescent lighting. It looks more like a third world rum brothel than an upmarket bar in the inner suburbs.

There’s a selection of quality dark and white rums, mixed in with some old Der Raum classics like the Latin Threesome, Jamaican Black Strap and Don’s Zombie. The menu changes sporadically, but you can always check the specials scrawled across a sheet of butcher’s paper.

Instead of paying the bartender directly, customers buy $5 drink tickets in advance and pass them over once you’ve got your cocktail. Basic cocktails start at two tickets and can go up to four.

The idea is about losing the pomp, speeding up the process, and simply enjoying a little romantic escapism in the meantime.