Six reasons why you need to go to Naked for Satan in Fitzroy

Sip, savour, and stare at the view! With a fantastic rooftop, cheap and tasty pizzas, and the coolest name ever, here are six reasons why you need to go to Naked for Satan in Fitzroy, one of the best bars of Melbourne.

One of my favourite bars in Melbourne

Summary

Reason 1: a really cool name
Reason 2: that rooftop view!
Reason 3: drinks that stand out
Reason 4: classy interior design
Reason 5: really, really cheap pizzas
Reason 6: the perfect place for a romantic date
About Naked for Satan

Reason 1: a really cool name

Sure, Naked for Satan is definitely a really cool name, but it's also very intriguing, and even a little worrying. Does it mean that the devil will steal my soul if I drink a pint of beer? Do they practice diabolical rituals there at full moon? None of that fortunately! Naked for Satan has nothing to do with the dark forces, but takes its name from a Russian immigrant: Leon Satanovich.

At the end of the 1920s, Satanovich fled the pogroms in Russia and eventually settled in Melbourne. He found work as a cleaner in Fitzroy, in the Moran & Cato building (named after two cousins ​​who owned a chain of grocery stores) on Brunswick Street. He became a popular figure in the neighbourhood and was quickly nicknamed Satan. During the Great Depression in the 1930s, part of the building was closed. Satanovich took the opportunity to set up a vodka distillery in the basement, using copper boilers and water tanks that he found abandoned in a warehouse. The heat generated by his equipment forced him to work almost completely naked. That’s how the phrase ‘Let’s get naked for Satan’ became the secret code for those who wanted to stock up on clandestine vodka... History does not tell what happened to Leon Satanovich, but his legend has lived on in Fitzroy. And so in 2010, when a new bar opened its doors in the old Moran & Cato building, it took the name Naked for Satan!

Reason 2: that rooftop view!

There are several rooftop bars in Melbourne, but Naked for Satan is certainly the one with the best view. The terrace which runs 270° around the top floor offers a unique panorama of Fitzroy, with Brunswick Street about twenty meters below. Will you spot this beautiful mural by Adnate on Johnson Street between two buildings? But the highlight is on the south side. The view of the Melbourne skyline is simply stunning, day or night. Empty seats are always hard to find on this side of the terrace!

Reason 3: drinks that stand out

But what would be this view if the drinks weren't up to it? Luckily, they are! In addition to the classic beers, wines and spirits you can find anywhere, Naked for Satan stands out in several ways. First, by serving a few craft beers specially brewed for the place. Second, with a list of house cocktails, such as the Brokeback Mountain (peach vodka, apple juice, lime). And finally, by distilling their own gin and vodka, drawing inspiration from Satanovich’s legacy! The bar also offers a selection of around twenty vodkas infused with different flavours, from alpine chocolate to watermelon and mint. Enthusiasts take note!

Reason 4: classy interior design

Naked for Satan is located in the middle of Fitzroy, Melbourne’s oldest suburb. The streets of the neighbourhood and especially Brunswick Street have this undeniable alternative and bohemian vibe, but the moment you step through the doors of the bar, you are transported into a different world where rustic charm meets urban chic. The interior design is a great mix of vintage and contemporary elements, with exposed brick walls, wooden counters, retro furnishings, and even some ancient copper boilers and distillation machines on the ground floor. The purple sofas downstairs and the comfortable armchairs on the upper area also contribute to make the atmosphere warm and inviting. 10 out of 10!

Reason 5: really, really cheap pizzas

Great deal alert! From Monday to Thursday, all day, pizza costs only $4 with any drink purchased! And not a simple slice. A whole pizza, generously garnished and very good! Only drawback, this offer is limited to the downstairs area. No view of Melbourne from the rooftop while enjoying your pizza!

But the menu is not limited to these pizzas, as good as they are. Naked for Satan also offers a wide choice of tapas to share and of larger plates, in a dinner version or as an 'express lunch' every day from 12pm to 4pm. They also introduced a 'Tuesday Dégustation' in September 2024, with a 6-course menu and pairing wine. Bon appétit!

Reason 6: the perfect place for a romantic date

This last reason is in some way the sum of all the previous ones. With its stylish decoration, its excellent menu and its amazing rooftop, Naked for Satan is without a doubt one of the best bars in Melbourne for a romantic date. Picture this: you and your partner, homemade cocktails, a delicious dish on your plate, and a breathtaking view of Melbourne. What could possibly go wrong? And who knows, maybe the 'daring' decoration on the stairs leading to the toilets will get you in the mood for the rest of the night...

About Naked for Satan

Naked for Satan is located at 285 Brunswick Street, in the heart of Fitzroy. Tram 11 from the city stops practically in front of the entrance.

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 12pm-late / Sunday 12pm-7pm

Happy hour from 4pm to 7pm every day (Saturday excluded) with special prices on beer, wine, negroni and sangria.

For more details, visit Naked for Satan’s website.