FunEmpire Australia Blog

10 Best Live Music Bar Melbourne Has To Offer [2024]

Hi! Welcome to FunEmpire 👋

We take pride in finding the best local experiences, activities and services. We only recommend what we love, and hope you love them too. Learn about our story.

Live Music Bar Melbourne

Best Live Music Bar Melbourne
Best Live Music Bar Melbourne

Nowadays, most places have background music playing. When you go to a restaurant, you might not notice the background music. When you go to a bar or restaurant with live music, your experience is much different. There is a psychology to live music in restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops. There are several advantages of listening to live music. This is why you should be aware of the greatest live music bar Melbourne has to offer.

1. Howler

Key ServicesBar Food | Live Music | Open Late | Menu Of Small Bites
Websitehttps://www.h-w-l-r.com/
Address7-11 Dawson St, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia
Phone+61 3 9077 5572
E-mailenquiries@h-w-l-r.com
Operating Hours5PM – 11PM Tuesdays – Fridays | 12PM – 1AM Saturdays | 2PM – 10PM Sundays

Howler sprung from the ashes of an abandoned warehouse in Brunswick. A daring and attractive addition to Melbourne’s already vibrant arts and social scene. An globally recognized venue with a number of distinct spaces, including a beautiful semi-industrial garden area, a wide open main bar, a more intimate gallery bar, and a fully equipped theatre. They can cater for your next special gathering or event in their vast garden area, the small gallery bar, the fully equipped theatre, or even the entire facility. This is why they are one of the top live music bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Live music every night
  • Diverse range of genres
  • Variety of event spaces

Customer Testimonial:

“Amazing place to see your favourite artists. Cheap beers and excellent cocktails. Great place to share with friends”

Katherine Inostroza

2. Dr. Morse Bar & Eatery

Key ServicesBar Food | DJ | Good for Groups | Outdoor Area | Licensed
Websitehttps://drmorse.com.au/
Address274 Johnston St, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia
Phone+61 3 9416 1005
E-mailfunctions@drmorse.com.au
Operating Hours7PM – 10PM Tuesdays – Fridays | 8AM – 1AM Saturdays | 8AM – 11PM Sundays

The front bar is located at the entrance of the venue and has expansive views of Johnston Street. Low and comfortable seating, as well as a polished concrete bar and bar stools. This location is ideal for casual extended lunches and dining occasions. Their courtyard garden is a verdant urban jungle that serves as a casual and sociable environment. They provide DJs, parties, and live music from Thursday through Sunday. Jimmys Room, located in the center of the venue, accommodates semi-formal dining experiences as well as casual standing and sitting beverages events. Two huge fireplace tables overlooking the beer garden give enough gathering space. This is why they are one of the top live music bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Different areas for different occasions
  • Live music and DJs on the weekends
  • Beautiful garden setting

Customer Testimonial:

“Love coming here for brunch or cocktails and dinner. Great coffee and batch brew. Excellent venue with great staff and the occassional DJ sesion out the back.”

Shalayne Little

3. Republica

Key ServicesLive Music | Seaside Dining | Modern Australian Menu | Weekend Breakfast
Websitehttps://republica.net.au/
Address1A-1D, 10-18 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
Phone+61 3 8598 9055
E-mailinfo@republica.net.au
Operating Hours12PM – 10PM Mondays – Fridays | 12PM – 12AM Saturdays – Sundays

Republica is one of Melbourne’s few beach bars, opening directly into St Kilda Beach and lined with palm palms and astroturf. Skip the lunch and come later in the afternoon or evening for sunset drinks, cocktail lounging, and the occasional flirty gaze. Republica, perhaps one of the top bars in St Kilda, is suitable for any occasion. Their oceanfront business lunches, St Kilda lunches, St Kilda evenings, date nights, first dates, or meeting up with friends and family are all ideal. Their wine bar has an excellent collection of both Australian and international wines. This is why they are one of the top live music bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Beachfront location
  • Open until 1am
  • Wine bar

Customer Testimonial:

“Me and my husband love this place and we always come back! outdoor seats are the best! the DJ on the 2nd floor was amazing too.”

Pinky Harpre

4. The General Assembly

Key ServicesCasual Dining | Scenic View | Latest Food Trends | Local Artists | Street Art Installations
Websitehttps://www.thegeneralassembly.com.au/
Address29 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006, Australia
Phone+61 3 9682 6007
E-mailinfo@thegeneralassembly.com.au
Operating Hours12PM – 8PM Mondays – Thursdays | 12PM – 10PM Fridays – Saturdays | 12PM – 6PM Sundays

Explore Melbourne’s historic laneways from the comfort of their South Wharf riverfront tavern. If Melbourne’s weather lives up to its name, don’t worry since The General Assembly caters to all four seasons in a single day. Explore the delectable menu, which features Melbourne’s hottest cuisine trends, while sampling a wide choice of drinks and listening to local acoustic performers. Don’t leave without checking out the street art installations outside the venue, which feature local artists such as Blender Studios, Loui Jover, and Brenda Meynell. The General Assembly recognizes the traditional stewards of the land they stand on. This is why they are one of the top live music bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Features Melbourne’s hottest cuisine trends
  • Local acoustic performers
  • Street art installations outside the venue

Customer Testimonial:

“Really nice place to dine for dinner! Friendly staff, live music and delicious food. Would recommend the Mac and Cheese Croquettes and, the sour watermelon cocktail for those with a sweet tooth.”

Kailey Mcmillan

5. Slate Restaurant & Bar

Key ServicesBusiness Meals | Outdoor Eating | Bar Bites | Covered Rooftop Terrace
Websitehttps://www.slaterestaurantbar.com/
Address9 Goldsbrough La, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone+61 3 9670 4311
E-mailinfo@slaterestaurantbar.com
Operating Hours12PM – 9PM Tuesdays – Thursdays | 12PM – 12AM Fridays

Slate, located in Melbourne’s CBD, pays tribute to European hospitality by emphasizing its food, service, and atmosphere. The concepts of Slate Restaurant Bar’s goal are to create a high-quality place for city workers to get away from it all. With two dining rooms and three patios, you are sure to find the ideal ambience whether you are dining with coworkers or enjoying a few drinks with friends. Their enclosed and heated rooftop patio will provide the ultimate alfresco eating or drinking experience all year. Slate’s proprietors have 30 years of expertise in the hotel sector. This is why they are one of the top live music bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • 30 years of expertise in the hotel sector
  • Two dining rooms and three patios
  • Enclosed and heated rooftop patio

Customer Testimonial:

“If you ever get a chance, grab lunch on the rooftop. Melbourne is quickly becoming my favorite city outside of where I live but Slate is one of those places that is relaxed and yet still great food and service. Highly recommend the beer battered barramundi with cucumber salad and fries.”

Tovia Va’aelua

6. Bar 61

Key ServicesArtwork By The Renowned Robert Young | Neighborhood Gem | Specialty Cocktails | Local Craft Beers | Australian And Imported Wines
Websitehttps://linktr.ee/bar61
Address61 High Street Northcote, VIC, Australia 3070
Phone+61 424 494 126
E-mailhi@bar61.com.au
Operating Hours4PM – 1AM Thursdays – Saturdays

Bar 61 is a split-level venue in the heart of Northcote’s innovative and energetic High Street, moulded by Andrew Cannalonga, founder and host, into the vibrant and well appreciated social environment it is today. With artwork by famous Yorta/Wiradjuri aboriginal artist Robert Young and interiors by Studio ORA, you may spend time together in style and comfort, or kick your feet up to our late-night sounds. Local craft beers, Australian and overseas wines, and bar cuisine are served. Bar 61, with its never-ending happy atmosphere, is where your night begins or concludes. This is why they are one of the top live music bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Artwork by famous Yorta/Wiradjuri aboriginal artist Robert Young
  • Interiors by Studio ORA
  • Local craft beers, Australian and overseas wines

Customer Testimonial:

“We came across this place wondering the streets of Northcote. Great fine diving experience with a relaxed atmosphere. Fantastic food, especially the chicken and beetroot burger. Great creativity and attention to detail.”

Ernst Schwab

7. Northcote Social Club

Key ServicesVibrant Bar Scene | Outdoor Eating | Popular Live Music Venue | Pub Food | Australian Cuisine
Websitehttps://northcotesocialclub.com/
Address 301 High St, Northcote VIC 3070, Australia
Phone+61 3 9427 1158
E-mailbar@northcotesocialclub.com
Operating Hours12PM – 12AM Mondays – Fridays | 12PM – 2AM Saturdays – Sundays

For many years, the iconic Northcote Social Club has been a popular live music venue, but it has also become a popular place to dine and enjoy a relaxed drink amongst the bustling High St. Whether you’re catching up with friends in the front bar, enjoying a meal from their modern pub inspired menu on their fully heated deck, or hosting a special event or function in the Old Bottle Shop or newly renovated Treehouse. Northcote Social Club is a welcoming and safe environment that is ideal for anyone searching for a one-of-a-kind event with a casual and welcoming ambiance. This is why they are one of the top live music bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Modern pub inspired menu
  • Heated deck
  • Newly renovated Treehouse

Customer Testimonial:

“Amazing pub and live music venue. Great for rock / metal gigs.”

Behzad

8. The Noble Experiment

Key Services1920s-style Bar | Cocktails | International Meals | DJs Spinning House Music Every Friday | Event Spaces
Websitehttps://thenobleexperiment.com.au/
Address284 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia
Phone+61 3 9416 0058
E-mailhello@thenobleexperiment.com.au
Operating Hours6PM – 12AM Wednesdays – Thursdays | 6PM – 3AM Fridays | 3PM – 3AM Saturdays

They are now a one-of-a-kind dog-friendly experience in Collingwood, with new lounge seating throughout the facility, live acoustic music on Saturday afternoons, and a great selection of their own individually crafted drinks. They feature a mezzanine level that can easily accommodate up to 70 individuals and may be closed off to the public. With its own private bathrooms, you can be confident that this area will be reserved exclusively for your party. A break out area with an old Nintendo console is also available on the mezzanine. This is why they are one of the top live music bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Dog-friendly
  • Live acoustic music on Saturday afternoons
  • Private bathrooms and mezzanine level

Customer Testimonial:

“Ellie and Tommy are fantastic bartenders, who look after you with care and consideration. This is my new favourite bar xx”

Jeff Simpson

9. Platform 28

Key ServicesModern Australian Cuisine | Bar Food | Impressive Lounge And Outdoor Arenas | Impressive Selection Of Beers, Wine And Cocktails
Websitehttps://www.platform28.com.au/
Address82 Village St, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
Phone+61 3 9670 9933
E-mailinfo@platform28.com.au
Operating Hours12PM – 10PM Sundays – Thursdays | 12PM – 1AM Fridays – Saturdays

Platform 28 is a quaint restaurant bar in the heart of Docklands that serves Modern Australian cuisine. This venue, which was formerly a railway goods shed, maintains faithful to the site’s heritage and delivers a rustic historical charm that is sure to win the hearts of the locals. This iconic Docklands location, housed beneath the landmark Goods Shed North, provides a fantastic blend of modern and old. This is one of the greatest new one-of-a-kind gathering venues, with delicious cuisine, a calm ambiance, and an excellent assortment of beers, wine, and cocktails. This is why they are one of the top live music bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Modern Australian cuisine
  • Rustic historical charm
  • Delicious cuisine and calm ambiance

Customer Testimonial:

“steak sandwich is to die for aswell as thier burger they offer, both absolutely delicious! also there salt and pepper calamari is amazing. definitely will be going back when I the city. 5/5”

Vish

10. Two Hands Rooftop Bar

Key ServicesBeers On Tap | Cocktails | Ciders | Shisha & Food | Free Rooftop Function Booking
Websitehttps //www.siongdoor.sg/
Address311A Victoria St, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia
Phone+61 481 871 000
E-mailinfo@twohandsbar.com.au
Operating Hours5PM – 1AM Daily

Two Hands Rooftop Bar is much more than a bar. It is where you will be raised from the beginning to the conclusion. Two Hands hosts a night full of events, including an exciting food menu, incredible music, a beautiful rooftop view, open mic evenings, karaoke sessions, a pool table, outstanding mixed cocktails, and a diverse food and beverage menu. Garlic Bread, Beef / Vegetarian Nachos, Crispy Fried Onion Rings, Cheese Sticks, Buffalo / Japanese Chicken Drumettes, Seafood Balls, and more finger foods are available. Every day, Two Hands Bar offers a customized Happy Hour menu. This is why they are one of the top live music bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Open mic evenings
  • Karaoke sessions
  • Pool table
  • Outstanding mixed cocktails
  • Diverse food and beverage menu

Customer Testimonial:

“Amazing food, amazing drinks only topped by the outstanding service. Open as late as needed and incredible atmosphere rating 10 out of 5. Highly recommend.”

Jamus

Live Music Bar Melbourne

Overall, live music may provide the ideal fun and enjoyment mood for a large party. Even listening to live music in pubs and restaurants is a great way to spend an evening without traveling on vacation. Whatever the design, live music at a hotel lounge, restaurant, or bar serves to improve the environment and create a romantic or energetic vibe. We hope this information assists you in locating the best Live Music Bar Melbourne has to offer.

If you’re looking for more recommendations, you can check out our other posts below:

Rachel Tan - FunEmpire

Article by

I'm currently the editor at FunEmpire Media Australia. I've over 8 years of experience in the media industry discovering the best local businesses, places and things to do in Australia. From lifestyle, entertainment, food, travel, education and more, I strive to curate the very best Australia has to offer.