A slice of the Big Easy comes to the Melbourne CBD thanks to Voodoo Bar & Grill.
Voodoo Bar & Grill has opened its doors on Franklin Street, delivering the soulful sounds of New Orleans to Melbourne’s CBD. The venue brings together jazz, blues, burlesque, and Creole-inspired décor, offering a dynamic experience for music lovers and diners alike.
Voodoo Bar & Grill
- Location: 167 Franklin St, Melbourne 3000 (entry via the laneway beside The Village).
- Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 4pm until late.
- Bookings: Reservations are encouraged for dinner and show sittings here. Walk-ins are welcome for drinks and snacks.
- Contact: Email [email protected] for enquiries.
- Follow: Stay updated on Instagram and TikTok.
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This old school NYC-style eatery has just become Melbourne’s newest live jazz venue
Jazz, blues, and live burlesque
At Voodoo Bar & Grill, live music takes centre stage. Nightly performances of jazz and blues provide the perfect soundtrack for an evening of Southern-inspired dining. The experience is elevated during dinner sittings at 6:30pm and 8:45pm, which feature live burlesque shows curated by Brooke Bird.
Benjamin Clark, the founder of Voodoo Bar & Grill, drew from his time in America’s South to create a venue steeped in authenticity. “The culture, history, music, food, and drinks of the South have always fascinated me,” Clark said. “Voodoo Bar & Grill is me tipping my cap to the South, with our NOLA-esque vibes, food, drinks. The team and I are excited to share our Southern-inspired version of the Big Easy with Melbourne.”
A Southern-inspired menu
The menu at Voodoo Bar & Grill complements its live music focus with a selection of classic Southern dishes:
- Starters: Jalapeño poppers with paprika mayo, buttered corn ribs, popcorn shrimp with citrus and aioli, Voodoo wings (BBQ or hot sauce) with blue cheese sauce, and tempura cauliflower with paprika mayo.
- Mains: Glazed pork ribs (half or full rack), slow-smoked brisket, Cajun-rubbed chicken, blackened cauliflower, New York striploin with garlic butter, and a double smash burger. All are served with cornbread and house slaw.
- Seafood: Shrimp étouffée (a Cajun-style rice stew) and lobster tails in confit garlic butter.
- Sides: Fries, onion rings, apple and cabbage slaw, and mac and cheese.
- Desserts: Vanilla cheesecake with berry compote and chocolate brownie with whipped cream.
To wash it all down, the bar offers a variety of Southern-inspired cocktails such as sazeracs, hurricanes, boulevardiers, and Voodoo Teapots for sharing. Beer, wine, spirits, and daily specials round out the drinks menu.
With its vibrant mix of live music, Southern cuisine, and Creole charm, Voodoo Bar & Grill promises to bring a little piece of New Orleans to Melbourne.
