Venue Detail
The 86
About this venue
Welcome to the "cabaret corner" of Smith Street! The 86 is giving high-camp, boutique glamour with an unapologetic glittery edge. It is a long-standing Fitzroy institution that recently celebrated its 14th year of serving face and cocktails. The vibe is vibrant, intimate, and theatrical, featuring an aesthetic of exposed brick, plush velvet booths, and moody red lighting. It’s a "safe and celebratory" sanctuary where every weekend the stage transforms into a high-fidelity playground for Melbourne's best drag, burlesque, and comedy stars. Whether you're catching an award-winning late-night show or sipping a "spiked punch" under a disco ball, the energy is consistently warm and electric.
Practical details
Address: 126 Oxford Street, Collingwood Victoria 3066, Australia
Hours: Friday: 7:00 PM – 3:00 AM (Featuring Frock Up Friday), Saturday: 7:00 PM – 3:00 AM (Featuring The Late Night Show)
Canonical: https://www.queeratlas.app/melbourne/venues/the-86--490
Venue intelligence
Know before you go
Typical queue
The 86 is generally a walk-in bar rather than a velvet-rope queue. The trade-off for arriving late is a fuller room and slower service, especially on event nights.
Best night
The 86 works best as a late-evening launch pad or post-club stop. Friday and Saturday give its compact room the most energy; go earlier if you want to take in the place itself.
Locals vs visitors
Expect trans and non-binary guests at The 86. The mix changes with the hour and programme, so an early visit can feel very different from the late-night room.
Dress code in practice
Polished casual suits The 86: intentional enough for cocktails, still relaxed enough for a long night at the bar.
Staff inclusion
Service is the caution point at The 86: there are reports of rude, abrupt or inconsistent treatment, especially at the door or during busy periods.
Community rating
3.0 / 5
1 community review