Bird's Basement

Melbourne’s Best Live Music Venue!!! This venue delivers one of the best acoustic experiences in Melbourne — truly world-class. The sound quality is so clear and perfectly balanced that every instrument and every vocal feels alive in the room. Truly amazing architecture and sound engineers behind the scenes! I recently saw Dave Hole and Buena Vista Social Club perform here, and the venue elevated the entire experience. You don’t just hear the music — you feel every beat, hear every sound, yet nothing is overwhelming, except for the experience itself. Beyond the incredible sound, everything else is just as impressive. The food is delicious, beautifully presented, and SURPRISINGLY refined for a music venue. The staff is warm, attentive, and genuinely friendly. The décor is exactly how it's supposed to be. It has the mood and elegance of the prestigious jazz bars — intimate lighting, stylish finishes, inviting atmosphere. This venue isn’t just a place to watch a gig, it’s a full experience. Exceptional music, amazing ambience, and flawless service. Highly recommend!

I had the most wonderful time at the birds based restaurant. Its so cosy and inviting. And has a live band playing. I went there to support the @onjcancentre and see @tottiegoldsmith_ and singing her aunt Olivia Newton-John songs. And @juliawaltersthatsinger I had been at the walkforwellness a day or so before. Her and the lovely staff at the @birdsbasement were amazing 👏. And the food was a really good price and so good. Such good service. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants a good night out.

First time attending the venue. It’s conveniently located across from flagstaff station. The place has a great vibe. We saw a Neil Diamond tribute band. The singer was amazing and very interactive with the audience. The staff are extremely friendly. We never waited long for a drink or food. The food was great quality and there is a lot of variety. You definitely need to book as it is popular…. And I can see why. I would recommend the venue and will be back.

such a fun night seeing the jazz alchemists! They had the coolest cocktails I ordered the “Billie Holiday” and my friend ordered the “Etta James”, both really good! I loved the vodka penne as well! the ambiance was amazing, I went on a Wednesday night and it was the perfect mid week dinner and show :) definitely recommend

Such a great night at Bird’s Basement! The Harmonix Experience brought real energy 😍🥰😁 groovy jazz, funky beats, and soulful vibes that made everyone move. The band’s chemistry was amazing, and the whole place felt alive under the blue lights. Perfect spot for a cozy night with great music and a glass of cocktail!

This was my 2nd time here and it did not disappoint. We had a fantastic evening of food and entertainment. The venue is divine, the service on point and the food was exceptional. They have a great selection beverages including a number of mocktails.

First time. Cute venue👌 meals were tasty but too small though and quite expensive. Drinks very expensive too. I looked up the $65 bottle of wine i got to see its between $17-25 at the shops...Crazy mark up. I paid for A reserve yet I wasn't right at the front which I expected paying for top-tier tickets. Don't think I'll be back due to the cost and small meals.

An unforgettable night at Birds Basement! Jazz Alchemists were absolutely incredible , soulful, electric and so beautifully in sync. The atmosphere was intimate, the sound was flawless, and the whole experience felt like being transported into a different world of rhythm and emotion. Can’t wait to be back for another show!

The perfect live music venue and awesome cocktails. Will be back for more shows from the scope of entertainment line up. Loved the early start and selection of cocktails.

Went here last night to see Wendy Matthews who was wonderful. But the food!!! And the service!! Literally received a piece of chicken on a plate. $26. No garnish no nothing. AND to top it all off, the waitress came and cleared my plate away WHILE I STILL HAD FOOD IN MY MOUTH!! I was LITERALLY still eating!!!! Disgusting service. Disgusting prices. Attaching photo of said chicken. Won't be back to eat here that's for sure.

I'm all in for this quaint, music forward establishment. From Hasan to the front desk to the bartender I want to live and stay here. I enjoy Australia. But it's always better when the living spaces and the people are A+++++. Thank you for this awesome time. Excited to perform this week and update my review.

14-piece soul/funk band? Tick. Moody lighting and fun atmosphere? Tick. Amazing cocktail/wine/cheese list? Umm, nah. Damn it. After reading all about Bird's Basement and missing out on tickets to seeing Ravi Coltrane, Saturday night was the night we finally got to venture down the stairs and in to this new and sexy Jazz club, set to rival long-time institution Bennett's Lane. My partner and I are huge jazz/soul/funk fans and were absolutely bursting to see Grand Wazoo and nosh down on some drinks, but as soon as we walked in something wasn't quite right. Instead of feeling soulful and cosy it felt the exact opposite - soul-less. This I can deal with. OBVIOUSLY it takes time for a club like this to find it's feet, but what I am still disappointed with a whole day later is the lacklustre drinks list. We started off with espresso martinis, which did the trick, but I then went with a Honolulu cocktail and couldn't finish it. I honestly had to hold my nose to get a sip down. This really turned us off ordering any food and looking around, nothing really jumped out at us. We stuck with bottled beers after that, not trusting anything else. The music at Bird's Basement? Great. The sound system is excellent and no matter where you sit you will be in a great spot. We had 'A' tickets (there were only A and B tickets available to our show) and we were SO CLOSE that I could actually see sweat beads on the lead singer. I think this place will find it's feet in the coming months/years. Bird's Basement has some amazing acts coming up (Molly Ringwald, helloooooo) they just need to sort out their booze!

Fantastic venue. Joseph Tawadros on the oud last night- awesome. This guy has great talent and he is a part time comedian with his banter and stories-very good show. Food good, service good- do yourself a favour and check it out.

Your review helps others learn about great local businesses. good jazz, but grossly overpriced food and drinks Went for the first time last night, Friday 27 Oct, music ok, but the food, two pasta dishes at $30 ea (no side salad) and alcohol overpriced. The pasta serves were about entrée size, very disappointing, the beer and a bottle of wine also overpriced, price gouging! I enjoy a night out and love jazz and yes I expect to pay for food and drinks, but the prices and servings poor value. I would not recommend the venue. They even charge a $4 per head booking fee!! https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g255100-d10825185-r536517259-Bird_s_Basement-Melbourne_Victoria.html# Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees.

Go for the jazz. Skip the food and spotty service. We ordered a meal package with concert ticket and arrived 40 minutes early. Wine and starter arrived, but after an hour, no entrees. We settled on a free bottle of wine instead of our steak. The staff took good care of late arrivals. Those of us who were prompt, not so much. Music was great, so bypass the food and spotty service. Enjoy the music and eat elsewhere