Pause Bar
ProHighlights
- Cocktail bar on Carlisle Street taking parties of 20 to 120
- Red Lounge for up to 80 and a Front Bar area for up to 40
- No booking fee – a $100 deposit comes back to you on the night
About Pause Bar
Pause Bar is a cocktail bar on Carlisle Street in Balaclava, with Balaclava Station and the Carlisle Street trams close by and a large car park next door. It has hosted parties since 2001, from cocktail evenings to milestone birthdays and work Christmas functions. The bar is split into a few areas that can be booked on their own or together. The Front Bar holds up to 40 people, the Red Lounge takes up to 80, and the whole venue fits 120. There is also a generous outdoor area and a designated smoking spot. Inside you will find a long cocktail bar, a good amount of seating and enough floor to dance on, and the room carries sound well. The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and the team is happy to work with your stylist or florist on the decorations. For food, the function menu is built around platters, with meat, vegetarian and gluten-free choices. The everyday bar menu adds snacks such as fries, calamari and falafel, and house pizza can be ordered to the bar. The drinks list runs from classic and house cocktails to rotating tap beers, bottled beers and a mix of Australian and imported wines. Special wine or cocktail requests for your event can be arranged. There is no booking fee for groups. A $100 deposit holds the date and is refunded on the night, and weekend dates and public holidays are worth securing early. Send an enquiry to book.
Inclusions & amenities
Venue type
Budget
Food & drinks
Features
Facilities
Pricing
No minimum spend or function package prices are published. Food and drinks are paid as ordered, and a surcharge applies on Sundays and public holidays.
Food
Beverages
Special wine or cocktail requests for your function can be arranged with the team.
Availability
Frequently asked questions
How many guests can Pause Bar take for a party?
Group bookings start at 20 guests. The Front Bar suits up to 40, the Red Lounge up to 80, and the whole bar holds 120.
Is there a fee to book a function?
No booking fee is charged. A $100 deposit secures the date, and it is fully refunded on the night of your event.
What food is available for functions?
Function platters are offered with meat, vegetarian and gluten-free options. The bar menu also has snacks like fries, calamari and falafel.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Pause Bar has wheelchair access. There is also seating throughout, an outdoor area and a smoking area.
Can I bring in a stylist or florist?
Yes. The team will work with your event stylist or florist, and special wine or cocktail requests can be arranged for the night.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
Daniel Korchagin
2 weeks ago
A place you should not miss on Carlisle Street. Very cosy and inviting with great characters. The owner is a legend. Weekly live music events.
Sasha Goldsmith
3 weeks ago
Had such a great night.. us kids who partied in the nineties, know how to do it. Had one of our besties 50th last night at Pause Bar and it did not disappoint. Great atmosphere, staff were having fun and looked after us…
Kristian Beddow
3 weeks ago
Great local live music venue in Balaclava. Excellent atmosphere, solid sound, and a welcoming vibe, perfect for catching bands or a night out. Highly recommend.
Conor
6 months ago
The service is friendly and welcoming, the staff remember your face and make you feel at home straight away. They run a good happy hour, have regular drink specials, and the cocktails are fun and make you want to try mor…
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