Ghost Donkey

The Verdict

New York’s famed mezcal bar, Ghost Donkey, is bringing its Mexican flair and fairy-light-covered ceiling to longstanding nightlife destination Crown Melbourne. 

After expanding its empire to Las Vegas, Denver, Phoenix, and New Zealand, Ghost Donkey’s newest residency on Melbourne’s Southbank will be the only of its kind in Australia. 

The venue is sticking to tradition with a line-up of over 35 mezcals and tequilas, poured into handmade copitas, elevated shot glasses, and shaken into punchy cocktails—bring on the salt. 

In terms of the menu, expect to share plates of guacamole, salsas, Elotes (Mexican-style corn on the cob), and more substantial options like nachos loaded with chorizo, pickled red onion, crema fresca, fresh radish and coriander. 

There’s an impressive taco range, including a Baja kingfish number, with ponzu, avocado and border slaw, or a rich mole chicken soft shell edition. For something decadent, opt for the Sonoran hotdog—where American and Mexican flavours marry in a long bread roll. 

Their signature cocktail El Burro Fantasma—served in an on-brand ceramic donkey cup—is the ultimate boozy fusion of Pelotón De La Muerte mezcal and Aperol, with hints of agave, lime, pink grapefruit, and chilli. 

The all-red interiors, with leather-look banquettes, velvet armchairs, floor-to-ceiling curtains and mood lighting hint to speak-easy bar vibes, but there’s nothing secretive about the party Ghost Donkey brings to the Yarra River. 

Image credit: Ghost Donkey (supplied)