Bars

The 86

The 86 Cabaret Bar

Melbourne, Australia

3.8

118 reviews

Visit website Directions

Neighbourhood

Melbourne

About The 86

The 86 is one of Melbourne's most distinctive LGBTQ+ venues: part cabaret room, part cocktail bar and part late-night performance space. Set on Smith Street in Fitzroy, it programmes drag, comedy, burlesque and other live shows rather than relying on a conventional club night. Friday begins with free comedy and Saturday moves into the venue's late-night show, with food available earlier in the evening. Additional performances appear on the ticket calendar and Thursday trading is seasonal, so it is worth planning around a specific event. Expect velvet booths, a theatrical atmosphere and a genuinely mixed queer crowd.

What to expect

A theatrical, inclusive bar with seated shows, comedy, drag, burlesque and late-night entertainment.

Vibes

Cabaret Comedy Drag Show Burlesque Food Cocktails Live entertainment

Good to know

Practical tips before you visit

Friday and Saturday are the regular bar nights

Thursday opening is seasonal

Other nights depend on ticketed events

Book ahead for popular shows

Visit The 86

Visit website Directions

Address

185 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Phone

03 9077 4360

Opening hours

Closed now

Opens Friday at 19:00

Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: Event dependent Friday: 19:00–03:00 Saturday: 19:00–03:00 Sunday: Event dependent

Location

185 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

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Location

The 86

185 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

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WhereIs.Gay rating

4.2

118 reviews

Overall rating across WhereIs.Gay and Google Maps.

Rating by source

WhereIs.Gay
3.8
Google Maps
4.2

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Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

Joe Lan

a month ago

We had a wonderful night out. Bar staff were friendly, drinks are reasonably priced and the performances were excellent! Will definitely visit again next time visiting Melbourne.

Review from Google Maps

Mark Riley

a year ago

Love this place - found it randomly for "one drink" but stayed super late. Fab bar staff, amazing professional west end theatre level entertainment - great atmosphere. Go!

Review from Google Maps

Jason Amaya

6 years ago

Very friendly staff, good shows, it's the most colourful places I had met in Melbourne

Review from Google Maps

Joanna Belly Dance

10 months ago

The 86 Cabaret Bar is a beautiful, immersive, and inclusive space filled with art, creativity, and good times. Always such a joy to be there, and a true celebration of community!

Review from Google Maps