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Restaurant

Bad Decisions Bar

46 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Recommended by 54 people

Updated

Find Bad Decisions Bar

46 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

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+61 3 8528 4234
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 6:00 PM – 5:00 AM Saturday: 6:00 PM – 5:00 AM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Bad Decisions Bar

A neon red glow on Johnston Street marks this split-level dive—part craft cocktail den, part live music hideout. Downstairs stays dark, pouring stiff drinks against a backdrop of alternative DJ sets. Upstairs runs on raw volume. Touring acts praise the band room, where acoustic wall panels cut room echo and keep punk and hip-hop sets tight. Locals know the drill: carry in your own takeaway fried chicken, grab a cold beer, and let the night roll toward the 5 AM weekend close.

  • Upstairs Band Room: A dedicated stage space fitted with sound-dampening wall panels so live bands and hip-hop acts come through clear without muddy echo.
  • 5 AM Weekend Hours: Weekend trade runs until 5:00 AM, keeping craft cocktails and beers flowing long after surrounding Fitzroy venues shut their doors.
  • BYO Food Friendly: A relaxed door policy that lets gig-goers bring their own outside takeout straight into the venue during shows.
RestaurantCocktailBar

What's On at Bad Decisions Bar

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Key Advantages of Bad Decisions Bar

From sound-treated band gigs and 5 AM weekend lock-ins to seamless private events, book your spot or upstairs function now.

  • Tuned Acoustics in a Dedicated Band Room

    Upstairs acoustic wall dampening isolates live music from downstairs noise, delivering clear, punchy sound without harsh room echo.

    The sound dampening panels on the walls really work a treat, so the band was what you heard, not the echo.

    Anthony Perks

  • Close-Up Gig Atmosphere

    The dedicated upper level cultivates an electrifying, close-up performance setting where artists and crowds share an exclusive connection.

    the upstairs area gave it that cool, intimate feel, like we were all part of something exclusive.

    Ibrahim Elmobayed

  • Trading Through Until 5 AM

    Doors remain open until 5:00 AM on weekends, offering Fitzroy night-crawlers an unpretentious haven long after other local spots finish service.

    friendly staff, fun decor and open til 5am on weekends, love this place ❤️

    Grace Gilham

  • Serious Cocktails for Late-Night Thirsts

    A massive spirit inventory and skilled bartenders provide high-caliber, tailored cocktails well past midnight instead of standard pub draughts.

    The cocktail list is strong, and the bartenders know their stuff – definitely more of a cocktail spot than a pub.

    Review King

  • Relaxed Outside Food Friendly Policy

    Patrons are free to carry in outside takeout—like hot fried chicken—to savor alongside cold beers and cocktails during live gigs.

    They also allow you to eat in the venue, so if you like to bring fried chicken to the hip hop show and enjoy a few beers, this is the place for it.

    MN Cappo

  • Turnkey AV and Private Event Support

    Dedicated function coordinators and staff provide complete AV handling, audio playlists, and speech mics for private celebrations and launches.

    On the night Nathan took care of everything from our music playlist to microphones for our speeches.

    Clover Financial

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there food available, or can you bring your own?

There is no in-house food service at the bar, but patrons are welcome to bring their own outside food to enjoy alongside drinks during shows.

How late is the venue open on weekends?

The bar is open late Thursday through Saturday, running until 1:00 AM on Thursday and until 5:00 AM on Friday and Saturday nights (closed Sunday through Wednesday).

Where does live music take place inside the bar?

The venue features a two-level setup, with a relaxed bar and DJ area downstairs and a dedicated, intimate band room upstairs for live gigs and ticketed music events.

Can you hire the upstairs space for private functions?

Yes, the upstairs space can be booked for private events, functions, and parties, with reservations accepted and support for music and presentations.

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