About 56 Bricks
56 Bricks is a hip-hop and R&B party bar on Chapel Street in Windsor, Melbourne’s artsy inner suburb. It’s become known for its energetic vibe, friendly staff and local street‐culture feel (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ) (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ). The bar spans two levels: a ground floor with bar and dance floor, and a large upstairs “Rec Room” for bands or private gatherings. Unique features include an enclosed footpath-trading area out front (seats for ~10 people) with bifold windows that open the space to the street (www.barsalesmelbourne.com.au ), original brick walls and fresh artworks by Melbourne artists on display (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ) (www.opentable.com.au ). The owners focus on a no-fuss, community style: they forgo fancy cocktails in favor of great DJ-driven nights and bargain drink deals (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ). With a licence to serve until 1 am and a crowd of mostly young locals, 56 Bricks has become a “vibrant bar” on Chapel Street, often praised for its atmosphere and long happy‐hour specials (www.tripadvisor.com.my ) (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ).
Events and Programming
56 Bricks hosts live music and DJ-driven events nearly every week. The focus is on hip-hop, R&B and Old-School jams: local DJs spin fresh beats on weekends and even midweek specials. For example, one reviewer says there’s “old school hiphop tunes” on a Thursday with a great happy hour (www.trustindex.io ). Regular programming includes:
**DJ Dance Nights:** Friday–Sunday nights feature Melbourne’s top DJs spinning hip-hop, R&B, reggae and throwback tracks (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ) (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ). The dance floor stays lively late into the night (up to closing).
**Happy Hour:** Every afternoon into evening has bargain pricing – notably *Pint O’Clock* specials ($4 at 4pm, $5 at 5pm, and so on up to $9 at 9pm), plus house spirits and wines at around $6 and ciders for $9 (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ). Happy hour typically runs 4–9 pm daily, including weekends.
**Food Pop-ups & Listening Parties:** The venue often collaborates with neighbouring businesses. Patrons enjoy street food pop-ups (like pizzas from the next-door Topelz pizzeria) and low-key “listening party” events featuring new releases or guest DJs (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ) (www.opentable.com.au ).
**Private Gigs:** The upstairs Rec Room is used for live band shows, birthday parties or small concerts. It can accommodate up to ~60 people (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ) and has its own fully-stocked bar. (The ground floor holds roughly 90–100 guests under licence (www.barsalesmelbourne.com.au ) (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ).)
In short, the calendar is anchored by weekly party nights with local talent. Ticketing is usually casual — most nights are free entry (walk-ins are welcome any night, and especially after 9 pm (www.opentable.com.au )) unless a special event is promoted in advance. The venue does accept private bookings: the entire bar (upstairs + downstairs) can be chartered for groups (~100+ people) (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ), and even free semi-private table/booth reservations are offered for smaller parties (up to ~20 people) (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ).
Admission & Private Bookings
Admission to 56 Bricks is generally free and on a first-come basis. There is no standard ticketing or cover charge on regular club nights — you can simply walk in and buy drinks at the bar. (An exception might be a special concert or ticketed event; those will be advertised via partners if they occur.) After 9 pm on weekends, the bar operates on “walk-in only” terms, so no reservation is required to join in (www.opentable.com.au ). The recommended strategy for popular shows is to arrive early or share details with friends ahead of time so you can secure space.
For large groups or private functions, advance booking is possible. The entire venue can be hired for special occasions (the function booking capacity is around 100–110 people (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au )). This includes full bar service and optional DJ or BYO music setup. There is also a *Rec Room* upstairs (bar + dance floor) available for private hire, and even small semi-private booths for parties of up to 20, which fill up quickly (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ). Pricing for functions varies by day and time, and drink packages are available. To book, you’d typically contact the venue via phone or a booking form (details are usually promoted on their social media or partner sites), but no third-party ticketing outlets are needed for everyday entry.
Seating and Layout
The layout of 56 Bricks combines indoor and outdoor spaces. At street level, the front of the bar has an enclosed footpath trading area (on the Chapel Street sidewalk) with fixed bench seating for about 10 guests (www.barsalesmelbourne.com.au ). Bifold windows mean this outdoor section opens flush into the indoor bar area, so the DJ and crowd can spill outside on fine nights. Inside on the ground floor, the main bar counter runs along one side (addressed to the left as you enter) with a resident DJ booth tucked beside it (www.barsalesmelbourne.com.au ). There are sofas and high tables scattered around for early-evening seating, which clear away to create a central dance floor as the music ramps up. In back you’ll find three unisex restrooms (one of them wheelchair-accessible) and a commercial kitchen (www.barsalesmelbourne.com.au ).
**Dance Floor (Main Level):** The centre of the venue turns into an open dance floor by night. Sightlines are good for most spots — closer to the DJ means louder sound, farther back has more table seating for chats.
**Outdoor Patio:** The front footpath seating (with outdoor heaters) offers a primo perch for people-watching on Chapel Street (www.trustindex.io ) (www.barsalesmelbourne.com.au ). This area is covered and heated, so it’s usable even in cool weather.
**Booth/Group Seating:** For small groups, the bar offers semi-private booths upstairs and on the ground floor. These can be reserved, though on busy nights they fill quickly (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ).
**Upstairs Rec Room:** One floor up is a large, flexible space with its own bar (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ). It includes lounge seating around the edges and a big open floor for dancing. This upstairs area is often used for private events or overflow crowds — the same happy hour pricing applies upstairs as downstairs (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ). There’s a separate restroom up there as well.
Getting There and Parking
56 Bricks sits at 56 Chapel Street, Windsor (postcode 3181), right at the southern end of the Chapel Street entertainment strip. The easiest way to reach it is by public transport: **Windsor station** (Sandringham train line) is literally across the street (www.barsalesmelbourne.com.au ), about a 30-second walk (www.trustindex.io ). Tram #78 (connecting the city with St Kilda/Elwood via Chapel St) also stops nearby at the Windsor or Chapel St stops. Several bus routes (e.g. the 216/219 along High St) stop within a few blocks. From the Melbourne CBD it’s roughly a 10-minute drive, and there’s ample Uber/taxi drop-off space right on Chapel Street out front.
Parking in Windsor is a mix of street and paid options. Street parking along Chapel Street is limited (mostly 1-hour paid metered spots) (www.parkopedia.com.au ), and restrictions are strictly enforced by the council. However, there are larger off-street lots a short walk away. Notably, the **Windsor Car Park** at 38 Chapel Street has ~160 spaces (council-run multistorey) (www.parkopedia.com.au ). Smaller surface lots and multi-level car parks can be found on Peel or Byron Street just behind the bar. If you drive, look for the council parking map: one hour free parking is offered throughout the Chapel Street precinct (www.parkopedia.com.au ), and then $4.60 for two hours in the big lots like at 38 Chapel (www.parkopedia.com.au ). Even with these options, many visitors prefer the train or tram for late-night trips.
Inside the Venue
Once inside 56 Bricks, expect a casual, clubby atmosphere. The décor is urban-chic: exposed brick walls lit by coloured sliders, artworks by local artists, and warm LED lighting over the bar. A DJ booth is set up near the main counter, so music (mostly hip-hop/R&B) is central. The sound system is setup for dance music rather than conversation, so it can get loud late at night. That said, the layout keeps chatting areas; seating around the periphery is good for a meal or drink with mates, while the centre clears for dancing.
The bar menu focuses on drinks and bar snacks. Traditional cocktails are not a main feature (staff emphasize quick pours and beers), but they serve beers, ciders and house spirits. During happy hour you’ll find spectacular deals: e.g. $6 house beers/spirits, and progressive “pint o’clock” pricing (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ). Currents specials include quirky “popcorn shooter” (vodka with popcorn essence) and spicy chili-bomb shots, which regulars rave about (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ). For food, the attached kitchen turns out shareable plates (Nepalese-style momos are a signature snack (www.tripadvisor.com.my )). In practice, many guests order pizza or wings from nearby takeaways (BYO pizza from Topelz next door is explicitly recommended (www.opentable.com.au )) and enjoy them at the bar’s tables.
Typical inside amenities: a small coat rack or hooks by the entrance (no official coat check), restrooms on each floor (with one accessible toilet on the ground floor) (www.barsalesmelbourne.com.au ), and friendly bartenders picking up drink orders from all levels. If it’s quiet early in the arvo or a weekday, you can relax with a wine or spiced rum in a booth. After dark and on weekends, it becomes a pumping dance venue: expect lots of dancing between booths and crowds around the DJ. The staff are known to be helpful and welcoming – reviews note “a very positive, fun atmosphere” and fast service (www.trustindex.io ) (www.trustindex.io ). Finally, note that mobile phone reception is usually fine (bring a charger just in case). Photography for personal use is generally fine; if planning any pro filming or large camera gear, it’s best to check with staff first.
Nearby Amenities
When you visit 56 Bricks, you’re in the midst of a bustling part of Windsor with plenty of pre- and post-show options:
**Eats:** Aside from the bar’s snacks, Chapel Street has a host of cafes and restaurants. Directly next door is *Topelz* (a late-night Italian pizza joint) – patrons often grab pizza to take into 56 Bricks (www.opentable.com.au ). Within two blocks you’ll find noodle houses, sushi bars, burger joints and pubs. If you arrive early for a gig, you could hit a wine bar or small plates restaurant a block down Chapel.
**Bars & Clubs:** On the same street are several neighboring nightlife spots. The historic Windsor Castle Hotel (with its drive-thru bottle shop) and the Railway Hotel are within 5 minutes’ walk for craft beers or cocktails. There are also hookah lounges and late-night cafes along Chapel if you want a quieter spot before or after the show.
**Bottle Shops & Groceries:** For a quick stock-up, there’s a drive-through bottle shop at the Windsor Castle Hotel and an IGA Grocer (with liquor section) just up Chapel Street. So if friends arrive and need a last-minute drink or snack, it’s easy to pop out and return.
**Hotels:** For out-of-towners, several hotels are nearby. The upscale Windsor Townhouse is at the corner of Chapel & Peel St (a 2-minute walk). A little further north is the Rendezvous hotel. There are also boutique B&B’s in the area. If you plan to drink heavily, these are convenient places to stay.
**Transit Hubs:** As noted above, Windsor Station (Sandringham line) is a block away, making it trivial to ride trains after midnight when the bar closes. Tram route 78 runs along Chapel, stopping at stop 32 (outside Windsor Station) and stop 33 near High Street. Both operate until around midnight daily (and into the morning on weekends with Night Network services).
In summary, arriving early is key if you want to try nearby spots — Chapel Street has a “vibe” all around 56 Bricks during evenings. Grab dinner at a local cafe, settle in at a brewhouse, or enjoy a quiet drink on the patio next door before diving into the beats at 56 Bricks. After closing time (1 am), remember that trains and night trams will get you back to the city or suburbs, and rideshares can pick up at the street outside.
What Makes This Venue Special
56 Bricks stands out on Chapel Street for several reasons. Architecturally it’s a humble brick storefront with a modern twist: the green neon sign, big glass façade and lively sidewalk seating give it an urban edge in an area known for vintage pubs. Inside, the friendly neighbourhood vibe is palpable — no velvet ropes or snobbery, just locals in sneakers and crewnecks blowing off steam. In fact, locals say the bartenders are some of the friendliest around, often chatting and taking music requests between shifts (www.trustindex.io ).
Culturally, 56 Bricks has carved a niche as *“Melbourne street culture made into a bar”*. It prominently features local art on its walls, giving young Melbourne artists a gallery space inside a bar (www.opentable.com.au ). It also encourages collaboration with small businesses and artists (from pop-up street food nights to poster design), which is relatively unique among Chapel St venues. Many patrons mention that 56 Bricks feels less like a polished nightclub and more like a neighborhood party spot – a place where friends will throw a birthday here and DJs spin on the lounge sound system immediately after.
Another special feature is the bar’s approach to pricing. Instead of aiming for high-end cocktails, 56 Bricks intentionally keeps drinks affordable. For example, its happy hour running 4–9pm (every day) features $6 beers, house wines and spirits, plus ridiculously cheap pints that climb from $4 to $9 (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ). Patrons consistently point out this as a highlight: “fast service, very lively” and “affordable drinks]” appear in reviews ([www.trustindex.io ) (www.trustindex.io ). The inventive shot menu (with selections like spicy “chili bombs” and popcorn-flavoured vodka shots) adds to the fun, giving the bar a playful character.
Finally, the timing and atmosphere are special. 56 Bricks is one of the few places on Chapel St that stays open till 1 am (license limit) (www.barsalesmelbourne.com.au ), catering to late-night partiers. It’s also an inclusive crowd: reviewers note wheelchair access and accessible design, making it welcoming (there’s even a ground-floor disabled toilet) (www.barsalesmelbourne.com.au ) (www.trustindex.io ). This mix of inclusivity, local art focus and steady rhythms underpins why both artists and audiences love 56 Bricks. It manages to feel simultaneously like a divey local bar and a mini concert venue – a busy dancefloor one moment, a relaxed outdoor pub scene the next. That dual nature (street-into-club) is really what sets 56 Bricks apart on Chapel Street.
Visitor Tips and Information
To make the most of your 56 Bricks visit, keep these tips in mind:
Bring ID (18+ venue): 56 Bricks is fully licensed, so you must be 18 or older to enter. Vigilant ID checks happen at the door, especially on weekends. Treat this like any Melbourne nightclub – carry a passport or driver's licence.Best arrival time: If you want to grab a seat or avoid the initial rush, come right at opening (around 4–5 pm on weekdays or Fridays). Late-night peak is usually 9 pm–midnight Fri/Sat. On those nights, we recommend arriving by 9 pm if you want a spot near the DJ or a booth. (Walk-ins after 9 pm are welcome (www.opentable.com.au ), but space fills fast.)Happy hour: Plan to enjoy the extended happy hour — it runs roughly 4–9 pm daily. Ordering early means getting the $4–$6 drink deals (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ). Don’t worry if upstairs; the same $4-$9 pricing applies there too (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ).No formal dress code: The vibe is casual. Jeans, sneakers and T-shirts are just fine. You won't need heels or suit jackets (in fact most patrons are in streetwear). Just remember it’s a dance club at night, so dress comfortable. In cooler weather, the outdoor patio has heaters, but bring a light sweater if you plan to sit outside for a while.Accessibility: The bar is wheelchair-friendly on the ground floor. Staff can assist as needed (one review notes "Wheel chair assisted" and accessible bathroom (www.trustindex.io )). Let the bartender know if you need help getting around.Parking caution: If driving, be mindful that most Chapel St parking is short-term. You get 1 hour free on-street (www.parkopedia.com.au ), but longer visits require using the council lot at 38 Chapel (paid by evening) (www.parkopedia.com.au ). Many locals actually use public transit to avoid parking hassles.What to bring: Apart from ID and cash/card, bring a camera for social media pics (no flashes during shows) and maybe a portable charger. Older crowd demographics vary by night (weekends attract late-20s/30s; midweek can be younger). It’s a tight space, so leave large bags at home.Common mistakes: Don’t show up too early on a Monday or Tuesday – 56 Bricks is usually closed on Mon-Tue (it opens Wed real late afternoon) (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ). Also, don’t assume fancy dining – although there’s a kitchen, the focus is on drinks and finger foods. (If you need dinner, eat before or order takeaway from a neighbouring restaurant.)
Overall, 56 Bricks rewards come when you settle in and go with the flow. Chat with the bartenders (they’re known to be engaging (www.trustindex.io )), try the cheap drink deals during happy hour, and make use of that heated sidewalk seating for a breather. With ID in hand and friends along, you’re ready for a fun night. If you do come just for dancing, the $4–$5 pint deals early in the night (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ) mean you can sip slowly while you boogie. Finally, always check their social media or local event listings on the day of your visit – if there’s a special DJ or function happening, times or entry conditions might differ slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is 56 Bricks located and how do I get there?
56 Bricks is at 56 Chapel Street, Windsor (3181). It's right opposite Windsor train station (Sandringham Line) (www.barsalesmelbourne.com.au ), about a 30-second walk from the platform (www.trustindex.io ). Tram #78 also stops nearby, and several buses run along Chapel Street. Rideshare or taxi drop-off can be done on Chapel Street directly outside the venue.
What are the opening hours of 56 Bricks?
Typically, 56 Bricks is open from late afternoon (around 4 pm) through late night. Current hours are approximately Wed–Thu 4 pm–late, Fri–Sat 4 pm–1 am, and Sundays 4 pm–11 pm (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ). (The bar is usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays unless there's a special summer event.) On peak nights (Fri/Sat) it can get very busy after 9 pm.
Is parking available near 56 Bricks?
Parking is limited on Chapel Street itself (mostly short-term metered spots). There are 1-hour free street parking zones in the area (www.parkopedia.com.au ), but after that you’ll need pay parking. A convenient option is the Windsor Car Park at 38 Chapel Street (just a few doors down), which has ~150 spaces for a fixed rate (www.parkopedia.com.au ). Additional council and private car parks are on nearby side streets.
How many people can 56 Bricks hold, and what is the layout?
The venue’s licensed capacity is about 93 people (www.barsalesmelbourne.com.au ), though it often accommodates up to ~100–110 patrons across both levels when busy (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ). The ground floor has the main bar (to the left on entry) and a dance floor in the centre. There’s also a small outdoor seating area out front with benches for ~10 people (www.barsalesmelbourne.com.au ). Upstairs is a large “Rec Room” with its own bar and dance space. Both levels have seating along the sides, and there are booth areas for small groups (up to 20) that can be reserved (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ).
What kind of music and events happen at 56 Bricks?
56 Bricks specializes in hip-hop and R&B music. You’ll hear an evolving mix of fresh tracks and old-school hits from local DJs on weekend nights (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ). On certain nights (e.g. Thursdays) they might highlight classic hip-hop along with their happy hour specials (www.trustindex.io ). They also host occasional special events like food pop-ups or theme nights. Live music is not the main focus, but the upstairs room is available for any booked live act or birthday party.
Are there drink specials or happy hours at 56 Bricks?
Yes. 56 Bricks is famous for its long happy hour every day. From roughly 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, house beers, wines and spirits are only $6, and ciders about $9. The “Pint O’Clock” promo means at 4 pm pints are $4, 5 pm $5, etc., up to $9 at 9 pm (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ). These deals apply on both floors of the venue. The bar also rotates drink specials and fun shots (like chili shots and popcorn-vodka shots) to keep things interesting (www.hiddencitysecrets.com.au ).
Can I bring my own food or drinks into 56 Bricks?
Yes for food (no for other alcohol). 56 Bricks explicitly allows BYO food – a popular choice is bringing pizza or snacks from nearby eateries. One review even recommends getting takeaway pizza from the next-door Topelz pizzeria and eating it inside (www.opentable.com.au ). However, bringing your own alcohol is not allowed (the bar has a full liquor licence). Water bottles and small snacks are fine, but any alcohol must be purchased at the bar.
Do I need a ticket or reservation to enter 56 Bricks?
For regular nights, no ticket or reservation is needed. 56 Bricks operates on a casual walk-in basis, and entry is generally free (www.opentable.com.au ). On very busy weekend nights or special events, they may cap entry (at ~93 people) but they don’t sell public tickets – people are admitted in order until full. If you want to guarantee space for a large group, it’s best to contact the bar for a private hire booking in advance, rather than wait list at the door.
Is 56 Bricks wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The ground floor (bar and patio) is wheelchair-accessible, and the bar staff will assist as needed (www.trustindex.io ). The venue has one disabled-access toilet on the ground floor (www.barsalesmelbourne.com.au ). (The upstairs Rec Room has a step up, though events can be run on the ground floor if required.)
What are the age restrictions and dress code at 56 Bricks?
56 Bricks is a licenced late-night bar, so entry is restricted to those 18 and over (ID may be checked at the door) (www.barsalesmelbourne.com.au ). There is no formal dress code; most patrons wear casual evening attire (jeans, sneakers, T-shirts). It’s a dance club atmosphere, so feel free to dress comfortably for moving around. Avoid sportswear or flashy costumes – smart-casual is typical.
Are cameras or photography allowed at 56 Bricks?
Personal photos and smartphone snaps are fine, but be considerate of others (no flash photography on the dance floor). For professional photography or filming (e.g. large camera setups), you should ask permission from management first. The venue’s staff have generally been welcoming in encouraging guests to share photos of the fun atmosphere, as long as it’s not during sensitive moments.
