The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is back and some of our city’s best bars and restaurants are really getting around it…
Whether you’re a comedy enthusiast with dozens of tickets lining your pockets, or you’re a comedy newbie heading along to the festival for the first time, who doesn’t love a good laugh, and more importantly, a good deal?
We have compiled a list of some of the best places to drink and dine before or after seeing a show. All you have to do is flash your ticket!
Bar Ampere
16 Russell Place, CBD
Hidden down an unassuming alleyway, Bar Ampere is a quirky European inspired establishment that houses Australia’s largest absinthe collection. This eclectic space is a little world where art deco dreams are made, and their extensive list of local and international drinks are seriously impressive. The kitchen is open until 3am every night, making Bar Ampere the perfect place to stop by after a night of laughter, to unwind and relax with a glass of vino.
Take advantage of this great Comedy Festival special with their Express Menu deal. 2 shared plated with 2 glasses of wine or beer for $45.
Campari House
23/25 Hardware Lane, CBD
The once famous bistro is a Melbourne institution, hidden down Hardware Lane in the CBD. The ground floor dining space, which is open late every night of the week, has a great Italian style menu that will leave your heart and stomachs feeling full and the rooftop…if you haven’t been, go, now! This four story establishment has everything you could need for a night out after comedy, from food, drinks to entertainment and stunning city views.
Head over to Campari House and flash your Comedy Festival ticket to receive 20% off your restaurant bill.
The Crafty Squire
127 Russell St, CBD
Home of the famous James Squire Brewhouse, the only working microbrewery in Melbourne’s CBD is The Crafty Squire and it’s one of our favourites. This pub is one of Melbourne’s best, and has the vibes and menu of a classic Australian pub, with a city twist.
Flash your Comedy Festival ticket to receive 20% off your bill.
Dutchess
2/146 Flinders St, CBD
Bringing a bit of NYC to the streets of Melbourne, Dutchess is an ambient lounge bar with an extensive list of cocktails, wines and innovative dishes. Open until late Tuesday through to Saturday, Dutchess is the perfect place for pre-show drinks or a late night cocktail.
Comedy Festival Special: 2 course menu for $40 when you show your festival ticket.
Cocktail specials – all cocktails $11, Tues-Sat
Cocktails $11 between 11-1am.
LOL Comedy Festival Pop-up Lounge
212 Little Collins st, CBD
Exclusive to the Comedy Festival is the LOL Pop-up lounge, conveniently located on Little Collins Street which is the Comedy Festival hub. This little pop-up bar is perfect for those pre and post show drinks and nibblies with the lounge open every night – without fail – for the duration of the festival, from 3pm until late.
Present your festival ticket for a sweet deal of $6 beer/wine/bubbles and $10 Melbourne Gin Company specials.
Meatmaiden
195 Little Collins st, CBD
Meatmaiden, located in the basement of the George Building on Collins Street is a stylish, industrial style restaurant that puts amazing cuts of meat at the forefront of the menu. Take a break from the bustle of the city, and head down into this ambient eatery and enjoy some of the best barbeque Melbourne has to offer
Get a Complimentary Comedy Cocktail and an Amuse-bouche when you show your Comedy Festival Ticket.
Waterslide Bar
Shop MR3, Mid Level East End, Southgate Building
Enjoy some drinks alongside a breathtaking view of the Melbourne skyline at this beautiful cocktail bar. There are heaps of places to sit with options of booths, lounges and high tables, so grab your friends after a show and relax with a drink or two. Waterslide Bar is open until late Tuesday through to Sunday.
Show staff your ticket for $4 sparkling wines, $4 pots and $8 pints of beer.
The Comedy Festival runs every night until April 23rd, so make the most of the festival while you still can!
Click here for more sweet as deals
By Indah Da Silva
