Bird’s Basement

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Bird’s Basement

Melbourne, VIC

The best jazz clubs in Melbourne
Bird's Basement is one of Melbourne's best jazz clubs.
Words By Jack O'Shea Ayres

Situated at 11 Singers Lane (just down La Trobe St from the corner of William Street), Bird’s Basement is an intimate music and dining venue, and a unique treat on the thriving local and international jazz scene.

Live Music: Melbourne’s jazz scene lives and thrives at Bird’s Basement. Local, national, and international acts alike perform for adoring fans brought in by some of the coolest cats in the business. 

Famous for: The Bird’s list of extravagant and elegant cocktails. The menu is filled with 11 expertly crafted cocktails paying homage to legendary musicians and their unforgettable tunes. The Basement’s team of skilled mixologists create a symphony of over 100 unique cocktails every night to ensure every guest can find their perfect melody in a glass. 

Infamous for: it’s music-inspired dessert menu. Seriously, what other jazz club has its own Chef Pâtissière? If you’ve got any kind of sweet tooth it’ll be hard to limit yourself to just one. 

In a remarkable coup for Australian jazz and music lovers, international jazz artist and entrepreneur, Albert Dadon, has established Bird’s Basement on the world stage – as an acclaimed venue that international and local musicians aspire to play in.

The original birthplace of cool – Birdland New York, the jazz corner of the world – has signed a sister club agreement with Melbourne’s Bird’s Basement.

Birdland New York has a rich and unrivalled history, hosting the world’s Jazz greats such as Chet Baker, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Miles Davies, George Benson, Herbie Hancock, Thelonious Monk and Charlie Parker. The club’s impressive discography includes jazz gems – from the immortal song, Lullaby of Birdland, to numerous Live at Birdland recordings.

Nestled in the heart of the city’s thriving cultural scene, Bird’s Basement is a testament to Melbourne’s enduring love affair with live music. With an inviting ambiance, world-class talent, and a menu that caters to both the soul and the palate, this venue has become a mecca for jazz enthusiasts and music connoisseurs alike.

Launched in 2016 by music entrepreneur and artistic director Albare Dadon, the venue was created as a counterpart to New York’s iconic Birdland. When you come to Bird’s Basement, you just know you’re going to be looked after with first-rate service and performances. Aside from all that jazz, Bird’s Basement has also delivered some of the most adored bebop, swing and blues shows the city has ever seen.

Head down the stairs and you’ll be embraced by the gentle glow of the neon lights, making you feel right at home. Upon entering the nest, you’re greeted by smooth licks of music and the scent of fresh drinks being mixed behind a classic-styled bar, where new faces and basement veterans  mingle. And don’t forget about dinner – luckily, the menu is chock-full of classics like steak, pasta and calamari, so you definitely won’t go hungry. 

With killer cocktails and the most outstanding acoustics this side of the state, Bird’s Basement is a must-visit for any Melbourne music fan. 

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