Live music and great food go hand in hand, and whether you're after a buzzing sports bar, a laid-back seaside retreat or a rustic country pub, there's a venue that hits the right note. We've curated the best spots to enjoy top-tier tunes alongside mouth-watering dishes - because a night out should be a feast for both your ears and your taste buds.
The Local Flynn’s Beach – Port Macquarie, NSW
Good food, great times and an awesome atmosphere await at The Local Flynn’s Beach. Perched on Ocean Street in Port Macquarie, this vibrant venue is the go-to for catching live music, watching sports or enjoying a feed with friends. As the town’s only sports bar, it boasts an onsite bistro, high-definition screens for game nights and an entertainment lineup that keeps the good times rolling. Whether you're in for a few drinks or a family meal, expect an upbeat setting that delivers on both energy and flavour.
Kick off your night with crispy Peking duck spring rolls and nuoc cham dipping sauce, or Southern fried chicken wings with smoky chipotle mayo. If you're after something hearty, the chicken schnitzel loaded with smashed avocado, bacon, rocket and pineapple coleslaw hits the spot. Pizza lovers can dig into slices topped with spicy prawns, chorizo, red capsicum, black olives and Spanish onion - perfect fuel for a night of live music, trivia or comedy at The Local.
Samford Valley Hotel – Samford, Qld
A rustic retreat in Brisbane’s countryside, Samford Valley Hotel offers a warm and welcoming escape for live music lovers. Located on Main Street in Samford Village, this historic pub blends old-school charm with modern hospitality. With an expansive indoor-outdoor restaurant, a leafy beer garden and a lively lounge bar, there’s always something happening - whether it’s a local band, a lively karaoke session or a relaxed Sunday acoustic set.
The menu highlights locally sourced ingredients, kicking off with crispy BBQ pork spring rolls served with black sesame chilli plum sauce or Panko-crumbed calamari with tartar and lemon. For the main event, the twice-cooked duck is a standout, served on watercress with citrus, lychee and peach salad, confit potato and plum dressing. Prefer a slice of something indulgent? The reef and beef pizza, topped with garlic prawns, capsicum, rocket and mozzarella, is a winning choice before belting out a tune at the hotel’s legendary karaoke nights.
Captain Baxter – St Kilda, Vic
For beachfront vibes and breezy beats, Captain Baxter in St Kilda is a must-visit. Located in the iconic Sea Baths Complex, this sleek and sun-drenched venue channels the spirit of a 1920s beach bungalow, complete with a retractable roof that invites the ocean breeze. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail at sunset or lounging to live tunes on a Sunday session, this Melbourne hotspot brings a touch of luxury to your live music experience.
The menu is as stylish as the setting, starting with a duck sausage bao with hoisin and cucumber or a bluefin tuna tartlet with Nashi pear and goats’ curd. Larger plates like master stock braised pork belly with fried potatoes and wombok slaw are a perfect accompaniment to a round of drinks, while the Wagyu Scotch fillet with wasabi butter and beef jus is a carnivore’s dream. Wrap up your evening with decadent mango cheesecake before dancing the night away to Captain Baxter’s curated lineup of live acts.
The Railyard Saloon – Tecoma, Vic
Tucked away in the Dandenong Ranges, The Railyard Saloon is Tecoma’s ultimate local hangout for caffeine, conversation and cracking live music. By day, it’s a laid-back coffee shop serving expertly brewed beans and snacks; by night, it transforms into a buzzing bar with a rotating roster of live acts. The venue itself is a slice of history, originally a general store stocked with artisan wares, now repurposed into a space where music lovers gather to enjoy good company and even better tunes.
The focus here is on simplicity - expect great coffee, drinks on ice and a welcoming atmosphere. While there’s no in-house kitchen, patrons are encouraged to explore the local food scene with menus from nearby eateries available behind the bar. Whether you’re in for a lazy afternoon espresso or a night of live music and craft beers, The Railyard Saloon is the place to be for a no-fuss, all-fun vibe.
Whether you’re into rock, acoustic sessions or late-night karaoke, these venues offer the perfect mix of music, food and atmosphere. From beachside bungalows to mountain saloons, there’s a spot for every kind of music lover - so grab your mates, order a round and let the good times roll.
