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 about The 86

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

Photos of The 86

Venue photos and gallery images for The 86 in Melbourne.

Location

The 86

185 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Get directions

Always travel safely and be aware of your surroundings.

The 86reviews & ratings

Read ratings and recent reviews of The 86 in Melbourne from Google Maps, Yelp and WhereIs.Gay where available.

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

2 months 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

John I

a month ago

No the greatest cabaret show sadly but good vibe en general

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

11 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