12 Melbourne bars with live music for every vibe
Melbourne's live music scene thrives in its bars, from intimate jazz clubs to neighbourhood venues hosting everything from rock to indie. Whether you're after a sophisticated evening or a casual gig with a drink, these twelve spots across the city's inner suburbs and CBD offer regular live performances and a genuine local following.
- 1Bars Melbourne CBD
1. Paris Cat Jazz Club
If you want classic jazz in an intimate setting, this is the standout in the CBD. Consistently one of the highest-scoring venues on this list, it's built on a reputation for serious musicianship.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.7(1,196)· Google$$$$67Spot ScoreWorth a Look 
2Bars Melbourne CBD2. Beneath Driver Lane
A hidden gem tucked away in the laneways. This venue scores as high as Paris Cat and offers an underground atmosphere for discovering live acts.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.6(1,348)· Google$$$$66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Bars Brunswick3. Howler
Brunswick's top live music bar, Howler pulls in a solid crowd and sits at the same spot-score as Beneath Driver Lane. Worth the trip north for a night out.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.5(2,024)· Google$$$$66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Bars Brunswick4. The Brunswick Green
Another Brunswick fixture with a local following. It's a solid neighbourhood option if you're in the area and want to catch live music without heading into the CBD.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.5(735)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Bars Fitzroy5. The Old Bar
Fitzroy's established live music venue with strong credentials. It's been a fixture in the neighbourhood's music scene and consistently draws crowds.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.5(851)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Bars Fitzroy6. The Evelyn Hotel
A classic Melbourne live music pub in Fitzroy's thriving cultural heart. Good if you want to combine live music with the suburb's broader bar and restaurant scene.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.4(752)· Google$$$$62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Bars Fitzroy7. Bad Decisions Bar
Fitzroy's third option on this list, it sits alongside other established venues in the suburb. If you're bar-hopping locally, it's worth including in a Fitzroy crawl.
Open late (after 10pm)View venue4.7(256)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Bars Carlton8. The Motley Bauhaus
Carlton's live music bar offers a different neighbourhood vibe. It's a solid spot if you're exploring that part of the inner north.
Open late (after 10pm)Open MondaysView venue4.7(218)· Google$$$$62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Restaurants St Kilda9. Iddy Biddy Bar
A dual-purpose bar and restaurant in St Kilda, so you can grab food alongside live music. Good option if you want to extend your night in the beachside suburb.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.3(842)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Bars Docklands10. Melbourne Public
Docklands' option for live music, useful if you're in that area or want a venue slightly further east with waterfront proximity nearby.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.3(1,041)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Bars Melbourne CBD11. The Toff
Another CBD venue rounding out options in the city centre. If you're planning a night downtown, it provides an alternative to Paris Cat and Beneath Driver Lane.
Open late (after 10pm)Open MondaysView venue4.3(773)· Google$$$$60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Bars St Kilda12. Loud Mouth
St Kilda's second venue on this list. If you're making an evening of it in the suburb, there are solid back-to-back options here.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.3(545)· Google$$$$60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris Cat Jazz Club | 67/100 | 4.7(1,196) | $$ | Melbourne CBD | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Beneath Driver Lane | 66/100 | 4.6(1,348) | $$ | Melbourne CBD | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Howler | 66/100 | 4.5(2,024) | $$ | Brunswick | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Brunswick Green | 63/100 | 4.5(735) | $ | Brunswick | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Old Bar | 63/100 | 4.5(851) | $ | Fitzroy | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Evelyn Hotel | 62/100 | 4.4(752) | $ | Fitzroy | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Bad Decisions Bar | 62/100 | 4.7(256) | — | Fitzroy | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Motley Bauhaus | 62/100 | 4.7(218) | $$ | Carlton | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Iddy Biddy Bar | 61/100 | 4.3(842) | $$ | St Kilda | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Melbourne Public | 61/100 | 4.3(1,041) | $$ | Docklands | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Toff | 60/100 | 4.3(773) | $$ | Melbourne CBD | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Loud Mouth | 60/100 | 4.3(545) | $$ | St Kilda | Open late (after 10pm) |
Frequently asked questions
Which Melbourne bar with live music is best for jazz?+
Paris Cat Jazz Club in the Melbourne CBD is the strongest option for jazz specifically, based on its spot score and established reputation in the city's jazz community.
Are there live music bars in Melbourne's northern suburbs?+
Yes. Brunswick has two venues (Howler and The Brunswick Green), while Fitzroy has three (The Old Bar, The Evelyn Hotel, and Bad Decisions Bar). Carlton's The Motley Bauhaus is also in the inner north.
Can I find live music bars in St Kilda or Docklands?+
Yes. St Kilda has two venues listed (Iddy Biddy Bar, which also serves food, and Loud Mouth), and Docklands has Melbourne Public.
What does the spot score mean?+
The spot score reflects how these venues perform on our directory. The venues listed here range from 67 to 60, indicating they're all established and recognized options for live music in Melbourne.
Do any of these venues serve food?+
Iddy Biddy Bar in St Kilda is tagged as both a restaurant and bar, so food is available there. For others, you'd need to contact the venue directly to confirm food offerings.
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