Different to most bars in Melbourne’s CBD; Rue Bebelons is not hidden away down a dark alley but this laid back bar can be easy to miss.

Location:

267 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne CBD

Difficulty Finding:

- Not that hard, walk down Little Lonsdale from Swanston and you can’t miss it on your left. Easy to miss for most people as it looks like a shop front unless you’re in front of it.


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Summary:

- Type: Bar
- Food: Snacks
- Music: Whatever the barmen decide to put on
- Cover: None

Review:

Rue Bebelons is the kind of bar that doesn’t try and get you come in using a flashy interior, an exclusive feel or fancy drinks, it says hey feel like a drink? Come on in and relax, we’ve got some chilled music playing and our drinks are reasonably priced. Or maybe it just says hey what’s up? And waits for you to work out what its all about. The place is unassuming and from Swanston street just looks like a regular glass fronted shop front. If you’re wondering where the name comes from then a rough translation from French is a mix of baby (Bebe) lons (Lonsdale) street (rue), which makes the name quite obvious were it got its name from (hint: its on Little Lonsdale St).

Walk past it during the day and it looks like a café with people sitting drinking coffee but once the sun goes down the lights go down and the guys behind the bar select some tunes from the large collection of vinyl behind them. The music is always chilled and relaxed without being too loud to interfere with your conversations. Drinks here are reasonably priced especially considering its location in the CBD and without any beers on tap and a small range of cocktails it keeps with the theme of the bar; simple, relaxed and easy. Seating is mainly made up chairs and stools (which could get uncomfortable after awhile) but there are a few couches towards the back if you really want to chill and zone out to the music.

Rue Bebelons could be described as having a very student feel, and that is understandable considering the drink prices and simple layout, but its not fair to make it sound like only students would fit in there. After work drinks are common and it attracts crowds of all ages. This bar doesn’t judge you on how well you are dressed or how beautiful you are, it just welcomes you with open arms.

Final Thoughts:

Every visit to Rue Bebelons has been amongst a group of friends, and each time has been a memorable experience as its a great place to bring people who just want to sit down, have a chat and relax.

Pro’s:
+ Cheap
+ Relaxed
+ Unassuming
Con’s:
- Small
- Smaller range of drinks

Score:

Atmosphere: 7
Service: 7
Menu: 6
Cost: 8
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Overall:7


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