Best Cafe’s in Melbourne with Live Music

If you’ve done any kind of research on Melbourne at all you’ll know it’s all about the cafe culture and live music. The city made up of the world’s most trendy lane ways is also home to the  best coffee, art and a buzzing live music scene. While on our travels around Melbourne and the surrounding suburbs we’ve come across some amazing cafe’s that seem to do all they can to impress their punters with creative menu’s, unique blends of the finest coffee from around the world, stunning and thought provoking artwork and best of all, live music performed by local and international bands, DJ’s and top record selectors. Check out the below list of what we consider to be the Best Cafe’s in Melbourne with Live Music.

The Elwood Lounge

Being invited to an open mic night is bound to be contentious amongst those who despise karaoke- but the Elwood Lounge is different. To an almost intimidating extent, Wednesday evenings are inundated with talent. Once you’ve been unwillingly dragged to the event, you will be astounded by both the calibre of performers, and variety of talent. Did you know that James Morrison’s fame derived from an open mic bar? The possibilities are endless! Of course you will have to be patient enough to sift through numerous inevitable guitar lullabies, and probably a painstaking “Wonderwall”, yet the musical gold you find in between is so very worthwhile, and leaves you thinking all week about going back again to witness a completely different mosaic of talents. You can even brave a performance yourself, though good luck juggling a loop-pedal, guitar, drum-kit, chicken kiev and cider all at once- better leave this one to the pro’s!

Location: 49-51 Glen Huntly Road, Elwood, Victoria
Website: www.elwoodlounge.com.au

Pure Pop Records

Who knew record shops that played live music actually existed? Isn’t it something that only happens in movies? Apparently not: if you’re after a casual drink and have an open-mind, this is a great little spot to pop by, with impromptu performances from both local and international performers. A small venue accommodating only an intimate audience of 49 people, you gotta be special to be here. Find out who’s playing online before rocking up, because the artists formulate an eclectic mix at Pure Pop. They are working on this cute little project right now to get sound-proofed due to noise complaints (proof that raisins really go off when live music goes on!), so the project is called “Buy-a-Brick” and involves helping renovate Pure Pop. In the mean-time, they’ve moved their performances to inside as opposed to outside shindigs. Who says that’s a bad thing now that Melbourne’s chilly, anyway?

Location: 221 Barkly Street, St Kilda, Victoria
Website: www.purepop.com.au

La Lapa

You would never think to wander around the market for the sake of live music, would you? South Melbourne market, however, provides a little bit of what you fancy, without having to hunt avidly. It is a real shame that fruit sellers are allowed to scream about bargain bananas and dollar onions at the top of their voices, because the markets current busker, Julian Steel, is enviably talented. He plays at the weekends in the much coveted slot of SO:ME’s coffee space, and at only 16 years old, he is a ball of unexpected multiple talents, rocking the keyboard, drums, guitar and- oh my, you name it! Whether wandering around and browsing clothes, or sitting down and indulging in La Lapa’s creamy cuppas, this spot is unmissable for a chilled musical vibe. Here’s a quick warning now though: you will be left singing “50 ways to leave your lover” as you parade through your grocery shopping!

Location: Stall Number 130, 322-326 Coventry Street, South Melbourne
Website: www.southmelbournemarket.com.au

The Old Bar

Nestled north of the city in the artsy suburb of Fitzroy, The Old Bar stands true in representing its area. Recommended by any Melbournite as the place for live music, The Old Bar really is the best of both worlds. From chilled free performances by local artists, to sell-out gigs from unexpectedly large names, this relic of a venue is very visit-worthy. The residencies at The Old Bar are what really make it great; with Wednesdays and Sundays designated to celebrating ongoing local talent, there is no need to venture out of Melbourne to embrace talented live performers- (disclaimer: don’t literally embrace them, that might get you in trouble). The Old Bar opens from 2pm onwards, and with a capacity of 150, the music is more of a big deal, with performances starting in the evening. This doesn’t mean that every night is a wild one though- The Old Bar really does nurture the chilled vibe, as well as punctuating it with the definite more hyped approach to big visiting names. No they don’t have a coffee-machine; yes they do sometimes have cheeky barbeques (hold tight for summer, kids!)

Location: 74-76 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
Website: www.theoldbar.com.au

The Streets of Melbourne

They say save the best ’til last. Whoever “they” are, they are probably wrong, but who cares? Live music is awesome when free, because it means that entry fee that you just saved can go on supersizing your macchiato – or maybe choosing soy milk instead of dairy. Soy milk is always more expensive. My point is, Melbourne is a city of the arts, and its busking scene is evidence of this. From Shen’s daily performance outside the National Gallery of Victoria, to the ever-changing street-performances outside Bourke Mall, you’re never out of touch with Melbourne’s fresh-faced creative scene. Just outside Southern Cross train station is a licensed busking spot that never fails to impress, and because these people are doing this for the love and not for the money, they don’t adhere to repetitive pop convention. Maybe skip that soy milk after all – and throw the busker a tip for the musical effort.

Location: National Gallery of Victoria 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Website: www.ngv.vic.gov.au

Location: Bourke Mall, Bourke Street, Melbourne,
Website: www.bourkestreet.com.au
Things to do in Melbourne