Are you worried that you won’t be able to find a suitable venue to have a nice meal and a few quality cocktails seven or eight drinks in after a long night of comedy? Bar Ampere is the place for you. A restaurant that boasts unconventional dining hours, the establishment serves up authentic European inspired dishes seven days a week. What’s more, they’ve got Australia’s largest selection of absinthe with a comprehensive cocktail and European wine list. If you’re a beer fan, try their house made ginger beer – it’s quickly becoming one of the many signatures of this hidden gem. Bar Ampera is open from 11am-3am from Monday to Friday, and 4pm-3am on Saturdays and Sundays.
Deal: Comedy Express meal of two share plates with two glasses of beer or wine for $45.
If you’re a Melbournian, you’re probably very aware of the super successful Grill’d franchise. With stores scattered across the city, it’s a lot easier to choose the healthy alternative when you’re plagued with those all too common burger cravings. Their products are made from fresh, high quality ingredients, so if a comedian makes a crack about obesity rates in Australia you won’t have to feel bad about yourself. If you’re geared up to eat the official burger of the Melbourne Comedy Festival, check out their official website for specific locations and trading hours.
Deal: $15 burger and a Coopers Pale Ale or glass of wine.
Burma Lane offers its customers an Aussie take on the best of Burmese cuisine with a modern twist. Executive Chef John McLeay draws inspiration from Burma’s diverse flavours and unique styles of cooking to create amazing dishes. If you’re a vegetarian, you won’t be forced to pick the one meatless option on the menu – they’ve got an array of tasty vegetarian dishes that are certain to impress. Burma Lane is open from 12pm to 3pm, and then 5pm ‘till late from Monday to Friday, and 5pm ‘till late on Saturdays and Sundays.
Deal: Express Lunch and Pre-Comedy Banquets are available from $29.50. Receive a complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink when you present a festival ticket for the same day.
If you’re looking to have a quality meal in a restaurant with a fun and relaxed atmosphere, Red Spice Road and Red Spice QV are the perfect destinations for you. Led by the acclaimed chef John McLeay, the menu draws on freshness and flavour to create modern South-East Asian food with a Melbournian edge. Red Spice Road is open from 12pm to 3pm, and then 5pm ‘till late from Monday to Friday, and 6pm ‘till late on Saturdays and Sundays.
Trunk is a venue of all trades. It’s a much loved restaurant, diner and bar that boasts the CBD’s biggest beer garden Trunk’s versatility allows customers to choose between Mediterranean in the restaurant, or for something a little more relaxed, pancakes, eggs, burgers and shakes in the diner. Trunk is open from 7am ‘till late every day.
Deal: Try the chef designed ‘Feed Me Menu’ for groups, beginning at $50 a head for mains and sides.
Situated on Hardware Lane, Campari House truly does cater to every need. From an eclectic dinner in the restaurant to a sneaky drink under the stars on the rooftop bar, this place can surely satisfy your expectations. Check out one of Melbourne’s best kept laneway secrets –before the secret gets out. The dining room is open from 12pm to late from Monday to Friday, and 9am ‘till late on Saturday and Sunday. The Lounge Room is open on Thursday and Friday from 5pm ‘till late, and Saturday from 7pm ‘till late. The Rooftop Bar is open from 12pm-11pm on Monday to Wednesday, 12pm-1am on Thursday to Saturday and 2pm ‘till 11pm on Sunday.
Deal: Guests who show their Melbourne Comedy Festival tickets will receive 20% off their final bill when dining in the restaurant, and a complimentary house beer or wine valid in their lounge room before or after the show.
From tapas and sushi to a selection of the world’s finest drinks, the Long Room promises customers a true Melbournian experience. The Long Room is open from Tuesday to Thursday from 4pm ‘till midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 4pm ‘till 3am. The kitchen closes at 10pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 11pm from Thursday to Saturday.
Deal: On presentation of a Comedy Festival ticket valid for the same day, patrons can select four tapas items from the Comedy Festival menu and receive two glasses of house white, red or sparkling, domestic tap beer or soft drink for $40.
If you’re a meat enthusiast, Meatmaiden delivers only the best cuts from the grill and smoker. Situated in the CBD, customers that descend the metal stairs to this underground restaurant and bar will be met with a mammoth wall of premium meat, some of which has been dried to perfection for 40 days. If you’re looking to wash your meal down with a refreshing beverage, they also offer some killer cocktails, craft beer and wine. Meatmaiden is open from 12pm to 3pm, and then from 5pm ‘till late on Monday through to Saturday.
Deal: Meatmaiden will be serving Comedy Festival punters with a free cocktail before or after the show. Provide your Comedy Festival ticket for that day to the staff, and the drink is on the house.
Groups, suits, sports-fanatics, travellers and punters. People from all walks of life can share a jug at this friendly bar. Conveniently located in Federation Square, Transport is the perfect place for lunch, dinner, after work drinks or weekends out. The Transport Public Bar is open every day from 11am ‘till late.
Deal: Festival ticket holders will receive 20% off their bill when food is ordered.
Take in the view of Melbourne’s YarraRiver (preferably at night when it looks a little less toxic) at the World Restaurant & Bar. The venue boasts an eclectic mix of food, wine, music and culture. Its internationally inspired menu reflects on Melbourne’s multicultural community. It’s open from 7.30am ‘till late on Monday through to Friday, and 8.30am ‘till late on Saturday and Sunday.
Deal: Prove your Comedy Festival ticket and receive 20% off your bill. Albeit, the maximum discount available is $45.
Housed within Melbourne’s oldest pub, Captain Melville is a window into the unique and colourful history of the city. Explore the New Orleans style front bar, or search beyond the bookcases to find Melville’s secret area, The Loch & Key. Serving a fine selection of Australian craft beers and wine, combined with high quality pub food. Open every day ‘till late.
Deal: All day Happy Hour for Comedy Festival ticket holders (all day guys, let that one sink in).
