With this in mind, we’ve gathered together a guide to what’s on offer during the festival, including special deals and discounts that are happening in celebration of Melbourne International Comedy Festival. These are our picks.
Bar Ampére
Hidden behind the bustling…bustle of Melbourne lies Bar Ampére – a totally unconventional eatery where you can dine pretty much whenever you damn well please. There are no rules here. A rib burger at 11am? You got it. Stuffed zucchini flowers at midnight? Damn right. Bar Ampére also boasts Melbourne’s largest selection of absinthe, an impressive cocktail list and a large selection of European wines. Bar Ampere is open from 11am to 3am Monday to Friday; 4pm to 3am Saturday and Sunday. 16 Russell Place, CBD.
Deal: Comedy Express meal of two share plates with two glasses of wine for $45.
Bella’s Backyard (at Trades Hall)
Bella’s Backyard is again popping up for Melbourne International Comedy Festival, making it the perfect place to kick off your evening during the festival. Within the historic and iconic Trades Hall, Bella’s Backyard (brought to you by Bella Union) stocks some great brews on tap, as well as a good selection of wine, first class spirits and other nonalcoholic drinks. They’re also hosting 32 festival shows, making Bella’s Backyard the perfect hive of festival activity. Bella’s Backyard is open from 5pm to late Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm to 11pm Sunday. Corner Lygon and Victoria Street, Carlton.
Deal: $1 off for Festival Pass holders.
Caboose Canteen
Just a hop, skip and a jump from the Regent and Athenaeum theatres is Caboose Canteen – the perfect pit stop during the festival. They serve honest, wholesome and simple foods with seasonal ingredients. Their signature dish is steak frites (so hot right now) with two options and two sauces, but also have the Canteen Burger, lamb cutlets and pasta with asparagus, peas, tomato and parmesan. Simple is good, and Caboose Canteen are top notch. Caboose Canteen is open from Monday to Friday 7am – 11pm (kitchen closes at 10pm), Saturday to Sunday 8am – 11pm (kitchen closes at 10pm). 4 City Square, CBD.
Deal: On a presentation of a valid Melbourne International Comedy Festival ticket (for the same day) a complimentary glass of house wine with a main dinner meal purchased (over the value of $20). One glass per person per meal per ticket per day.
Meatmaiden
Meatmaiden take their meat very seriously, and by seriously, we mean dry-aging meat for 40 days and smoking their Rangers Valley Wagyu brisket for up to 20 hours. If that’s not dedication to the cause, we don’t know what is. Meatmaiden also makes for an excellent underground drinkery, with their bourbon-soaked cocktail bar and commitment to excellent craft beers and ciders. Come for the meat, stay for the meat. Meatmaiden is open from midday to late, Tuesday to Saturday. The Basement, 165 Little Collins Street, CBD.
Deal: Show your Melbourne International Comedy Festival ticket to our their staff to receive a complimentary cocktail (valid one per day).
Polēpolē
Sharing is caring at Polēpolē (pronounced pol-eh pol-eh), Melbourne’s East African-inspired watering hole and restaurant. Their melt-in-your-mouth ribs – of which there are four different types to choose from – are what everyone’s talking about, plus they have an intriguing and stimulating selection of cocktails, African and local beers and ciders, and all-you-can-eat Tuesdays. Polēpolē is open from 4pm Monday to Saturday. Level 1, 267 Little Collins Street, CBD.
Deals: Pre-show dinner: enjoy an African beer, wine or cider along with plate of ribs and a side for $30. Post-show cocktail and dessert: indulge in a Mzungu Martini and Chocolate Mousse cake for $20.
Young and Jackson
Young and Jackson prides itself on being Australia’s most famous pub. Located directly opposite Flinders Street Station, it’s one of the first things visitors to Melbourne’s city centre see and as such, is a central feature during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Enjoy a pre-show meal or a post-show beer at Melbourne’s most iconic establishment. Young and Jackson is located on the corner of Swanston and Flinders St, CBD.
Deal: Young and Jackson are offering their pre-theatre menu in Chloe’s Restaurant to all Melbourne International Comedy Festival ticket holders before and after the show. This includes a main meal, glass of wine or pot of a range of beers and cider, a treat-sized dessert and tea or coffee, all for just $34.
