Restaurant
Section 8
27-29 Tattersalls Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find Section 8
27-29 Tattersalls Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Section 8
Tucked down a Chinatown alleyway, this shipping-container bar turns a converted car park into an open-air dancefloor. No cover charge, no polished pretension—just street art, string lights, and communal pallet seating. Laneway regulars head here when the sun dips to catch local DJs spinning live sets right in the middle of the crowd. The bar crew keeps the taps and cocktails moving fast as beats shift across genres, while heaters keep the outdoor gravel lot humming well past midnight.
- Repurposed Laneway Lot: Built inside a former open-air car park with shipping-container bars, graffiti murals, and wooden crates for seating.
- Free Live DJ Sets: Hosts rotating local talent spinning hip-hop, Afrobeat, and eclectic sets directly within the crowd with free admission.
- Inclusive Atmosphere: Known for an easygoing, diverse crowd and staff who welcome solo patrons and late-night revelers alike.
What's On at Section 8
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose Section 8
Why Melbourne locals and visitors choose Section 8 for laneway culture, diverse DJ sets, and relaxed outdoor gatherings.
Laneway Dancing and Live DJ Sets
Patrons dance to rotating local DJ sets and street music in an open-air alleyway surrounded by urban street art and fairy lights.
It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink, dance to great sets, and soak up the Melbourne laneway energy.
Ashlee Jayde Nightly Music and Rotating Talent
Daily rotating musical talent and street performances provide an electric nightlife energy that keeps crowds dancing throughout the week.
You can't go wrong any night of the week! It's always a vibe with amazing talent supplying the tunes.
What's Good! Inclusive and Welcoming Crowd
Section 8 fosters a judgment-free atmosphere with welcoming staff and patrons where guests of all backgrounds feel comfortable visiting solo or with friends.
Gays and straights, people of every colour and creed and a combo of DJs and live musicians.
Stephen Hunt Effortless Solo Socializing
Solo visitors and locals easily strike up conversations and meet creative people on the dance floor and around the central DJ booth.
I went there alone and had so much fun meeting other people they were really friendly especially the lady dancing by the DJ.
Diana Leano Repurposed Industrial Alleyway Design
Housed in a converted former car park, the venue features a shipping container bar, packing crates, and wooden pallet seating under covered open-air framing.
The bar itself is a shipping container and all the seats are packing crates. They have put a roof over the top, so you are away from the elements.
Laura Bishop Casual Semi-Open-Air Hangout
The semi-open-air alleyway accommodates casual smoking, equipped with scattered heaters in winter and misters in summer for year-round hanging out.
Cause it’s semi-open-air, it’s convenient to smoke!😏 It’s not very noisy but people can dance freely and have fun.
April
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you book a table, or is there usually a line to get in?
Section 8 does not take reservations and operates on a walk-in basis with free entry. Lines frequently form on busy weekend nights, so visitors recommend arriving early—typically before 9:00 PM—to avoid a long wait at the door and secure seating.
What kind of seating is available?
Seating is casual and communal, consisting mainly of repurposed wooden pallets and packing crates alongside booth-style seating around the edges. As the night progresses and crowds fill in to dance around the DJ area, seating becomes limited, making early arrival best if you want a dedicated spot.
What is the venue setup like for different weather?
Section 8 is a semi-open-air venue tucked into an alleyway with a covered roof. It features outdoor heaters for colder weather, as well as fans and misters during hot summer days. Smoking is permitted throughout the open-air space.
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