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Section 8

3.9 (57 reviews)
ModerateBars
Closed 12:00 am - 1:00 AM, 10:00 AM - 11:59 pm

Section 8 Photos

SECTION 8 ATMOSPHERE

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Recommended Reviews - Section 8

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Hugh M.

Great! After many years of visiting here I have yet to be disappointed. We got over the potential threatening Fiasco that one day it may be forced to close forever. This bar was hip even before "Hipsters" were invented. So yes, now it is extremely popular, and nearly always packed to absolute capacity. It's a great concept delivered well. Bar staff are ever changing, and while it is common to have a bit of a wait when ordering drinks, they are quite good at Fielding requests and on occasion some quick dialogue. I have had many a good time here; including one time when I swapped cigarettes for sausages, during a sausage sizzle. They have many other great going's too. Saturday afternoon art classes, and something to do with foot long hot dogs at some point on a Friday- from memory at least. No doubt they have other and more adventurous events. It's the outdoor shipping container bar that I can rightly imagine- EVERY ONE in Melbourne has been to. It's excessively and screamingly popular. Yes, long lines (at times) and a challenge to find a seat, the drinks are at standard prices; Melbourne is incredulously expensive mind you. A no fuss easy going bar that has more than one thing going for it, (aka live DJ's with actual turntables and a full setup.) There are many. Good drinks too.

Chilli dog and cheese toast
Mitch E.

Section 8 is a buzzy little establishment, emblematic of our generations struggle with poverty and the working class. Not really though. Not actually at all. It's just a cool little laneway bar full of wooden crates. They offer a couple of chill bar snacks - chilli dogs and burgers, and a selection of local beers. Most importantly though, they have tallies, which is a massive plus in my book. I've not tried the food but I've heard some great things about it. They play some chill tunes and it's always real busy, so be prepared to maybe stand up all night. It's also cash only so make sure you swing by an ATM on your way there.

Gabriel P.

Rumour has it that this place was set up as a temporary bar while a small plot of land lay bare in the centre of Melbourne ready for development into a high rise building. If this is true then we probably have the Global Financial Crisis to thank for its prolonged existence. And there is a lot to be thankful for. Section 8 is not only an iconic bar in the Melbourne CBD but a great hang out. Section 8 is a concept bar set out in a small concrete 'car-park' with the bar and toilet facilities made out of shipping containers. The price of drinks are reasonable and the music played by professional DJ's is usually pretty good. In fact it is not uncommon for international DJ's (such as Toki Monster, Andy C and the guys from Pendulum) to drop by to do an impromptu 'unannounced' set. This however, is not the best thing about Section 8. The thing that I particularly like is the relaxed atmosphere that almost reflects a house party.

Miriam S.

A funky bar that was setup on a parking lot. They plonked a couple of shipping containers in one corner, laid down some crates in another and voilà. They now have one of the hottest bars in Melbourne. The people who work here are super cool and nice. But I think what makes this place so attractive is that it feels like you're having an impromptu party in a street (well, laneway) in the middle of the city and for some reason that's completely fine, and legal. However, in summer it feels like you're sweating away in some exotic Asian location (well, it is just off Chinatown after all).

The bar
Maria T.

These guys know how to put on a laneway party! Came here during Melbourne Music week and the vibe was just electric! The DJ's spun some amazing mixes that got us moving, trap/breakbeats/hip hop - whatever the genre, it was tight, and there were live MC's rapping the night away. People were getting really into the music which was great to see. There was also a fire performance on the roof which was umm..intriguing! The bouncer checking ID's needs more people skills but otherwise, crowd control was ok. Whether they are are hosting an event, bloc party or keeping calm, this outdoor shipping container bar is simply a unique venue that I like to introduce out-of-towners to (only when there's good weather of course lol) as it's chill, there's tons of graffiti art to admire, no dress code, no entry fee and great beats!

Matthew R.

The best way to describe Section 8 is as a grungy container bar down a side street. Pallets for seats etc. Great DJ putting in some serious hard work with the genuine 7" vinyl. Decent beers and cocktail list. Cash only bar.

Arabella G.

Section 8 is the cool bar version of Girls Aloud's artfully dilapidated 'Sound of the Underground' music video, all loveworn exposed brick walls, dangerous looking wire fences and urban ghetto feel. But without the crop tops. Section 8's clientele is way too classy for those. It's also a pretty awesome bar with a laid back NYC vibe, reasonably priced drinks, world renowned DJs and a can't-quite-put-your-finger on it specialness that is incredibly hard to emulate. Section 8 was one of the first Melbourne bars I visited and it wouldn't be an overstatement to say it's spoiled me in a way. I now expect every Melbourne watering hole to be similarly effortlessly cool, similarly relaxed and similarly unpretentious. They ain't. Also known as 'The Container Bar' owing to its less than glamorous beginnings, section bar is a wee Melbourne gem and I can barely contain - sorry - myself from giving it a very well deserved five star rating.

Mark J.

Not to denigrate the current version of the bar, but I actually miss how Section 8 used to be. Back when you weren't sure it wasn't an illegal squat, or a temporary stopgap, or what. Back when it really was just a shipping container in a vacant lot. It's probably nicer now, if not as much to my tastes. They've added in some seats, some gasheaters, some murals on the walls of the buildings which border the lot. They've got a sign, too, which I don't remember from the early days. Honestly though, I think it's still the chainlink fence on the border of the lot which makes it work, which gives it the almost-too-hip vibe which justifies the obscure beer choices.

Adina P.

Do you remember that movie where the aliens were corralled behind a chain link fence left to practically starve-- section 8 embodies that plus a dystopian zombie future all in one. You sit amongst crates and beer kegs, with makeshift tables and down a secured alley in the CBD. I went during the day, so I'm sure I didn't get the full ambience, but in any event it was memorable and fun. The drinks, like all alcohol in Australia, were surprisingly expensive. The horn of plenty was delicious, with no alcohol flavor, so I hope there was enough booze in that large 1/2 gallon mason jar to warrant the $28 price tag. Come here and share it with a friend.

James C.

A somewhat random pop-up bar using a shipping container and a pile of old palettes. Tucked in a back street, this place seems to be on some walking tours, as whilst I was there 2 groups passed by looking at both the bar and the huge mural on the adjacent building. Different beer choices, though not as cheap as the surroundings might lead you to think it might be. A fun way to pass an hour on a warm summer afternoon. Decent wifi too!!

Kicking back and enjoying the good tunes.

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14 years ago

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10 years ago

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11 years ago

Very hip and super cool but manages to avoid being pretentious. Good beer selection and especially good for summer nights.

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13 years ago

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10 years ago

A bit hit'n miss... fun venue when the sun's out and staff are always pretty cool.

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11 years ago

We must have came on bad night. Bartender was rude and short with us even though it wasn't busy. That was my first impression of the place.

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13 years ago

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Review Highlights - Section 8

The 'Container Bar', as it was first known

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Caretaker's Cottage

Caretaker's Cottage

4.0(5 reviews)
0.3 kmMelbourne

- super friendly staff - free wifi…read more- delicious drinks - lively scene - came generously recommended by the city's top bartenders

Absolutely disappointing experience and appalling customer service. The vibe looked good and we…read moredecided to take a chance. We entered at 11pm and decided to get a bottle of sparkling. No one informed us about any policy. We paid for the bottle with 5% service charge which I do not think they deserved. We had a sudden work call at 11.30pm and grabbed the bottle to go, only for the staff to chase us to the front of the bar to inform us that they do not have a takeaway license. For christ sake, we already had bought the bottle!! Though it's alright, we respect policy. They highlighted that they needed to keep the bottle in the establishment. We asked if we could come back and finish it. They said they would keep our bottle. We rushed back to our hotel (Marriott- 200m away for the call). When we returned at 11.58pm, they had already thrown our bottle away. Unbelievable! They were quick to receive our money but equally quick to throw our experience out the window. No doubt, we returned almost at closing times but throwing our wine before closing time - if you wanna go by the book, that is still not your closing time. When we raised our grievances to the staff, she said she told us about closing time at 12 midnight. However, we emphasised that she should have let us know about the takeaway policy and license. Had we known, we would not have ordered a bottle. She looked at us blankly and simply replied "feedback received, but we do not allow anyone in after 12, so you have to leave". Quite honestly, ChatGPT / Claude / Grok could have conveyed more empathy. I am not a VIP customer nor am I a high spender. That being said, I value places with a human connection and empathy, and would regularly visit such places with joy and happiness multiple times. This place is not one of them. For this reason, I will never visit again. If you think likewise, and value authenticity and a true Aussie welcome, you would not visit this place. I hate to give negative reviews but please spend your money elsewhere.

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Caretaker's Cottage
Caretaker's Cottage
Caretaker's Cottage - Found you!

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Found you!

State of Grace

State of Grace

5.0(7 reviews)
1.2 kmMelbourne

State of Grace was one of the highlights of our Melbourne trip -- an incredible dining experience…read morefrom start to finish. The atmosphere is vibrant, stylish, and full of character. From the moment you walk in, there's a buzz that makes the place feel alive without being overwhelming. It strikes a great balance between upscale and relaxed, making it perfect for a date night or a fun evening out. The warm lighting and eclectic design add to the charm and make you want to linger. Service was friendly, attentive, and well-paced throughout the night. The staff were knowledgeable about the menu, checked in on us at the right moments, and made the whole experience feel effortless and welcoming. Every dish we ordered was excellent -- not a single miss. We started with the Cauliflower & Mozzarella Croquettes, which were crispy on the outside and perfectly creamy inside. The Grilled King Prawns were flavorful and cooked just right, while the Kingfish Ceviche was fresh, bright, and beautifully balanced. The Stracciatella & Heirloom Tomatoes was simple yet outstanding, letting the quality of the ingredients shine. For mains, the Duck Breast was cooked perfectly and full of rich flavor, and the Lamb Backstrap was tender and well-seasoned. The Pecorino & Ricotta Ravioli was comforting and delicate, while the Seafood Linguine stood out with generous portions of seafood and a beautifully balanced sauce. The Honey Glaze Carrots were the perfect side -- sweet, savory, and executed flawlessly. Overall, State of Grace delivers on every level -- ambience, service, and food. An exceptional spot that lives up to the hype, and one we'd absolutely return to on our next visit to Melbourne.

State of Grace has a positive vibe. Even before your first drink you will think oh what a cool…read moreplace. It's the decor from extravagant chandeliers to deer heads with pearl necklaces; it's beautifully eclectic. I had an old fashion and it had the right mix of orange and bitters. I also ordered the burger which was decent and the fries were hot and crispy. The night I visited there was a live singer playing tunes. Service was quick and friendly. Even the ordering is eclectic as you order electronically (QR) pasted to a library book. This place is worth a visit.

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State of Grace
State of Grace
State of Grace

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Section 8 - bars - Updated May 2026

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