Guide to Melbourne's live music scene

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best backstreet pubs in Melbourne. Great to hear some tunes and sample some interesting local brews.

Description:

In early 2011, the iconic Rainbow Hotel got new management and locals were alarmed that Fitzroy's home of music would change forever….they shouldn't have worried. The sounds of guitar and the occasional brass horn can still be heard most nights of the week, and with subtle renovations including extending the beer garden and giving more space to the bands in the main bar, locals and a whole new breed of music lover are happy. Plans are also underway to create a beer focused bar upstairs which will cap off the place nicely since they brag to have over 100 beers available. The roast lunch on Sundays is a real highlight and an ideal accompaniment for those that want to listen to some tunes around 4pm.

Description:

From the unobtrusive exterior it's hard to know that this local watering hole often showcases a great array of bands in the large room upstairs. Leaning towards an alternative/heavy rock sounds, this is certainly the place if that what rocks your boat. Popular with nearby university students (RMIT is only meters away) the "Curtin" is also known for their extremely cheap pub food such as Bangers and Mash and Chicken Parma, that brings in the masses for lunch and dinner. Thus making a good place to hang out for the whole day.

Description:

Known as the most authentic Irish pub in town (and Melbourne has a few faux ones), the real highlight of the year is St Patrick's Day, when thousands come to party in the park opposite it. There is even a tent built especially for those that have had 100 pints of Guinness at the pub. Built in 1884, and a regular haunt with university students, the "Dan" plays host to a myriad of events during the week, such as open mic nights, Melbourne's longest pub poetry session, trivia competitions and the infamous $1 tacos on Thursdays. Note they are vegetarian tacos for those that crave meat. Sunday's are ideal for chilling with free acoustic music in the afternoon, but overall the Dan is an unpretentious place with something always going on to entertain.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best live music venues in the country! Raw and ready!

Description:

Such is the love this place creates for Melburnians, when it closed briefly in 2010 due to governmental tax issues, thousands demonstrated through the streets. The reason as to why is because the Tote is one of the best live music pubs in the country, and has been the springboard for many well-known acts. From Tuesdays to Sundays, the bands tend to play loud here with a leaning towards heavy rock, though other styles play as well. A free bbq often takes place in the large beer garden, and on weekends the taco van opens its shutters to sell to the inebriated punters. The Tote is a must for any music lover, and rest assured the stamp you receive on your hand after paying entrance is sure to last for at least a week.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best beer gardens in the city, but you wouldn't know it from the outside.

Description:

Walking past this iconic backstreet pub you would never believe that it offers what is often regarded as one of the best beer gardens in the city. Head in the door, past the toilet hallway, and you'll discover tables galore in what resembles a huge urban backyard. Every weeknight and weekend the chatter of happy punters will fill the air, while the ample food menu (we recommend the tower burger) can soak up the pints. There is free acoustic live music on Wednesdays and Sundays evenings to get the mood going and the old-school front bar is a good place to join the locals in watching the football or cricket.

Description:

In a suburb where pubs are constantly renovated to please the upmarket crowd, the Great Britain (commonly referred to as the "GB") has maintained its slightly bohemian style. You'd be forgiven on entering that it is just one big lounge room, with its open fire place, and warm, though sometimes sticky carpet. On weekends, the downstairs area turns into a pumping club, but Sunday afternoons are better for the more chilled with free live bands. A great beer garden adds another option and Tuesdays are especially busy as the place fills up with trivia lovers where prizes range from jugs of beer to neon signs of Jesus. Be sure to try their house beer PISS, or their light beer, comically named PISS WEAK. There is a small food menu where choices are delivered from across the road.

Description:

A paradise for beer drinkers who like to taste some of the best local and international craft beer the world has to offer, Beer Delux has arguably the best beer list in the Melbourne. Reaching twenty pages, the real problem will be choosing which one to have. The venue itself has an assortment of spaces. There is the hamburger bar, on Federation Square itself, that's serves up tasty fare (especially on Thursdays when they have beer/burger specials), the beer garden area which is great for those balmy summer nights and the elegant inner sanctum that is comfortable without being snooty.