Went on a Friday night with my partner (female). Fridays are billed as "Burlesque". Unless you pay $45 per head on top of admission cost, you only get to grab a wooden plank bench seat for the whole night, but these are very few in number, so you stand the whole night. If you pay the extra $45 you get a seat at a small table, which you have to share with others - minimum of 5 per table. This table charge also gives you a main course meal. The food is very basic and quite pricey. Alcohol is very expensive - small cocktails start at $22, cheap house wine $8. Admission includes "canapés", which consists of a platter of mini spring rolls and another of party pies being walked around - if you are lucky you may get ONE. The show is cheap and nasty - each act features a different attractive girl who acts out a part in a fairy tale - red riding hood, snow white, etc. In the end of each act the girl is dresed only in a g-string and engages in simulated sex with the big bad wolf or prince charming, etc. A large section of the audience were openly gay couples such that this could be said to be a gay haunt. After the final show a dj does his thing, and with some laser and other lighting, dancing for a while is fun. Wouldn't recommend to friends and won't return. Quite an "experience".

Approximate cost: $100ph!!! With entry, seat, food and very little to drink

We came here with a slightly large group for a friends birthday the other night and boy was it a great night! Live band was amazing and had the crowd dancing in no time. Cocktails are really interesting and relatively cheap too, lots of interesting combinations to choose from. Great venue, did notice they do a lot of different shows too, like burlesque so we're all looking into coming back for another awesome night out.

I went to Red Bennies becuase I found a voucher on one of those sites. It was about $15 for entry for 2 ppl and a drink each so really cheap. The drinks menu was awesome with some fab cocktails and friendly bar staff that would make anything you wanted. One guy even made me a special drink! I told him what I wanted in one just for fun and he gave some suggestions as to what might compliment the flavours aswell and it tasted so good! The show was average unfortunetly. The host "Saffira", was a great MC but pretty much the other performers all looked middle aged and awkward. I felt like I was watching a woman trying to spice up her sex life by doing a little strip teese for her husband but she wasn't quite sure of herself. Bit awkward to watch. Also, Burlesaue performers are meant to be curvy, beautiful women with real figures. The only woman like that was Saffira. The rest of the performers were pretty but it didn't live up to the typical picture of burlesque which was what I wanted to see. I would go again but would want to take a large group as thats the only time you can book a table apparently because I wore heels and had to stand up for the 3 odd hours I was there. And make sure there are better performers.All in all it was okay and I would go back but make a few changes.

Approximate cost: $20

Words can't describe how much I'm in love with this place!! The cocktail and finger food menu is absolutely YUMMY!! The entertainment is the best for Burlesque/Cabaret in Melbourne. The crowd there are all very passionate about Rockabilly and vintage style dressing which adds to the wonderful intimate atmosphere. It gets VERY busy here so be sure to book - you can get some great Cudo type deals for a Friday night and it is perfect for groups or couples.
As a performer myself I hope to be strutting my stuff on the Red Bennies stage very VERY soon!

Gorgeous bar in South Yarra that caters to the more classier alternative patron with ages generally over 28+, they have themed nights and shows - we saw a show called Gorlesque 3 which was a burlesque horror themed show & it was fantastic, we loved the show, the crowd and the venue, the staff were lovely & even upgraded our tickets by giving us a table to sit at to watch the show, drinks are very expensive but i guess it keeps in theme with the whole vibe of the place- classy alternative & we didnt seen any teenage gigglers while we were there, just lots of gorgeous guys and gals in their rockabilly psychobilly and vintage dress complete with lots of awesome tattoos and outfits...... have been to the Burlesque bar in Fitzroy but loved this place more - larger space Food is available - check website for special nights

Horrendous! Expensive cover door charge to see a jazz and or burlesque show. Show advertised to start at 7. Most of the time, starts 2 hours late. Show very short, about 10 mins before a very long interval before another 10 to 15 min performance. Food menu consists of $8 small pizzas and $8 for four canapés. Cocktails start from $15. Service is poor, food and show quality is poor. Very over priced and very disappointing.