Debauchery — Restaurant in Melbourne

I almost didn't come here because of several reviews describing poor treatment of patrons. I decided to try anyways because some bands were playing that I really wanted to see and a local friend said they liked this place. I'm glad I did, had the total opposite experience to what the negative reviews described.

Security personnel were very kind/friendly, respectful, and non-invasive. Bartenders were also super helpful, attentive, and offered quick service despite many customers. Many good draft and packaged beer options. Mixed drinks were made well and according to my special requests, all for reasonable prices. Very fun and intimate venue to see live music. Crowd was lovely and respectful of each other.

One staff told me that live shows there are good, but the crowd changes as it gets later on weekends. I left around 11 after the bands finished and could see what they meant, but still nothing but good energy from staff and other patrons while I was there. I got there at 6pm and even as it got later, everyone was chill. I feel the need to write such a detailed review to hopefully ease suspicions of others like me who may consider skipping a visit here to avoid the horrors described in other reviews. I look forward to coming back for other live shows in the future even though it's a bit far from home.

Additional notes as general FYI and to address concerns from other reviews: the place doesn't permit knives or guns. Keep them in the car. They do check IDs, so bring it. They ask to look in bags but aren't intrusive about it. If you follow the posted security rules you should be good there. I had no concerns about drinks being drugged. I watched the staff pour/make my drinks and I kept a close eye if I needed to set my drink down anywhere for a moment as I would in any bar. As with all bars, just be mindful and hold on to your stuff. Don't leave things unattended. Just a general rule to avoid issues, again I had 0 worries about this place in particular. kept my tab open the whole time I was there. No overcharges. Check your receipt when you close out to flag any issues before you go. Again, just general advisory; the staff here were great and wouldn't suspect any foulplay. -Just be kind/respectful to staff and other patrons and you should receive the same treatment in return. Anywhere and everywhere you go.

Bottom line: Despite other reviews that made the place sound shady, I had a great time here. It was very warm and welcoming with plenty of space to spread out and take a breather. Will...

It's alright. Went on a Sunday night with some friends from out of state. First time trying out the bars in downtown Melbourne for me too. We did get ID checked at the door, which was fine. Then bags checked, then metal detected. It was a little much for me, but safety first I guess? The security guard was pretty nice about it, so I wasn't upset by any means. He also was running around helping clean messes and being attentive to members in a good way.

I had two drinks and they tasted completely different than each other. If you want good drinks, this is not the place. This is the place you go for insanely loud club mix music, but not the good kind either. We were there for about an hour and the music never got better. Saw some decent reviews about the live music, so was pretty surprised. Would've preferred the jukebox over that.

The first bartender I had was super nice, remade my friends drink after she knocked hers with her elbow. The shorter guy with the beard. The other bartender, girl with blonde hair, was a bit rude when I went to cash out. She asked for the name and I yelled to her my last name, but she looked annoyed at me for not being loud enough and put her hand by her ear to indicate she couldn't hear. So I screamed my last name again and got the hell out of there. Like...sorry we can't even hear enough to yell to each other over this garbage music? Why you look annoyed with me??

Overall, expected more, went for the music, and it was no bueno. Drinks didn't make up for it, and neither did the service really. Eh, wouldn't...

We were playing pool, minding our own business, and our designated driver accidentally popped a ball over the table. We all had a little giggle at the mistake but a short ponytailed man picked up our ball and brought it over to us saying “don’t ###king do that again” I sincerely replied that I was sorry and it was just an accident but he decided that wasn’t enough and repeated what he previously said and continued to pot our remaining balls, while stating he was the boss. If that man was the actual manager or owner i am appalled by his actions and words. I was very sincere if I had interrupted his evening, but if he is the manager he should understand that occasionally a ball will pop over the table unintentionally. I simply do not understand the treatment. If that man was not an employee and simply an a##hole stepping outside of his business, it would be hard to believe the bartender didn’t notice. We were nothing but respectful and having a good night between friends. This experience was one of the worst I’ve ever had I would not recommend it to anyone, the so called “owner/boss” is awful!

UPDATE: walked past the place and the so called “boss” was a bouncer lol. Place needs to screen their security better to ensure they aren’t total jerks. Sorry to the bartenders who seemed like perfectly...