When it comes to dining out, there's something irresistible about a venue that knows how to hit all the right notes - literally. These live music haunts are not only serving up serious food and drink credentials but also delivering soundtracks that turn your night into an experience. Whether you're after a laid-back Sunday session or a pulsing Saturday night dance floor, here’s where you can wine, dine and groove to your heart’s content.
Pacific Hotel Restaurant - Yamba, NSW
Etched into the escarpment with an unbeatable view of the Pacific Ocean, the Pacific Hotel Restaurant on Pilot Street is the kind of place that sticks with you long after the last drink is poured. This grand old dame oozes a laid-back sophistication, blending heritage charm with the natural beauty of Yamba’s coast. Inside, 180-degree ocean views unfurl in cinematic glory as you ease into a seat, cold beer or glass of wine in hand, ready to feast on a globally-inspired menu that leans into both land and sea.
Kick things off with Szechuan chilli crispy fried squid paired with wom bok slaw and creamy aioli, or tuck into Japanese fried chicken adorned with shallots and drizzled with Kewpie mayo. For mains, the creamy local prawns swimming in garlic and white wine sauce over jasmine rice are a local favourite, while the double beef burger stacked with cheese, oak lettuce and pickles offers a classic with real bite.
Book a table now and lock in a night of sea breezes, stunning plates and live tunes.
29th Apartment - St Kilda, Vic
Step into a wild reimagining of a New York artist’s loft at 29th Apartment on Fitzroy Street where edgy creativity and house party vibes converge in a space dripping with character. Inspired by the life of the fictional Katishe - a salacious, struggling artist - this St Kilda venue feels like you’ve wandered into an afterparty where the drinks are endless and the beats, courtesy of a rotating DJ lineup, never miss. Every inch is packed with whimsical touches, from eclectic art to hidden nooks perfect for conspiratorial chats.
Feast your way through a menu as rebellious as the décor. Gourmet pies, inspired by New York’s five boroughs, are the highlight - think the decadent Manhattan lasagne pie or a Bronx mac ‘n’ cheese masterpiece. Sip on a smoky Mezcal Penicillin cocktail as the disco beats wash over you and the night takes a heady, hedonistic turn.
Save yourself a spot on the dancefloor and book your night of NYC nostalgia now.
Black Hill Hotel - Ballarat, Vic
Rooted deep in Ballarat's history since 1864, Black Hill Hotel on Peel Street North is a shining beacon of what a true neighbourhood pub should be. Family-owned and fiercely local, this bistro has modernised the classic country pub experience without losing its soul. Exposed brick walls, worn timber and a buzzing crowd set the tone for nights filled with hearty food, cold beers and the unmistakable twang of a guitar on a Friday night.
The kitchen knows its way around comfort food, turning out plates that warm from the inside out. Dive into a mountain of salt and pepper calamari, fresh salad and tangy aioli, or swirl your fork through fettuccine tossed with prawns, sambal and a rich Napoli sauce. Steak lovers will swoon over the perfectly grilled Scotch fillet finished with a luscious Diane sauce. Cap it all off with sticky date pudding dripping in butterscotch.
Pencil in your Friday and book yourself a front-row seat for great food and even greater music.
El Ranchero - Burleigh Heads, Qld
Hacienda cool and Gold Coast good times collide at El Ranchero on Central Drive. This breezy Burleigh Heads cocktail garden is drenched in rustic charm, awash with fairy lights and anchored by a mischievous shrine to Saint Dolly Parton herself. Adjacent to the famed Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, El Ranchero is the ultimate pit stop for live music lovers looking to sip, savour and sway under the stars.
El Ranchero’s food truck offering is as unpretentious as it is irresistible. Order up the Speedy Gonzalez - a cheesy, jalapeño-spiked Texas toast dream - or The Boris, a bratwurst loaded with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and pickles. Loaded fries and nachos dripping with slow-cooked Bolognese and melty cheese demand a jug of Margarita or Sangria to wash it all down. This is beachside revelry done right.
Snag a spot now before the dancefloor fills up.
Dissent Café and Bar - Canberra CBD, ACT
In the heart of the capital, Dissent Café and Bar on City Walk is bringing a much-needed dose of grit and groove to Canberra’s live music scene. Small enough to keep things cosy but lively enough to guarantee a great night, Dissent leans into a relaxed, Indie vibe. It’s a place where cocktail-fuelled conversations flow into impromptu singalongs and the atmosphere buzzes with the sound of clinking glasses and live guitar riffs.
The food menu may be casual but it’s full of surprises - mini pizzas, loaded snacks and toasties reimagined into flavour bombs. Try the Reuben toastie stuffed with pastrami and pickled cabbage, or go rogue with a pad Thai toastie layered with tamarind chicken and crunchy peanuts. Vegetarian? The soy mince Bolognese toastie is a knockout. Pair it all with an Espresso Martini or classic Margarita and let the music do the rest.
Reserve your table now and get ready for a night where every note and bite hits just right.
There’s something magical about a night where the food is as memorable as the music and these venues prove you don’t have to choose between a killer meal and a great gig. Whether you’re after sun-drenched cocktails by the beach, moody jazz in the city, or a hearty pub feed with a side of rock ‘n’ roll, these live music hotspots are ready to serve it up. All that’s left to do? Pick your vibe, book your spot and get ready for a night where the rhythm never stops.
