The Best Bars With Live Music in Munich

Brainchild of Aussi-expat Jackson Lynch, Munich Sessions introduces crowds to both signed and unsigned artists at its easygoing evenings. The line-up is international and local, with performers from all over the world taking the stage — handy if your German’s not too hot, as they often speak English with the crowd. Depending on the month, you could end up seeing a mellow acoustic guitarist, or an upbeat funk band — check out the line-up here. It takes places twice a month at Lost Weekend — a vegan coffee shop by day, it comes alive at night with poetry slams, open mic comedy, and live music.

Formerly the staff cantine for Pfanni — a major Munich manufacturer of all manner of potato-related products, Nachtkantine is now a relaxed bar and restaurant at the heart of the creative quarter around Ostbahnhof. They host several dance-themed nights such as salsa and swing, and have live music to match. Even if you don’t want to get up on the dance floor yourself, watching others Charleston, Lindy hop, or tango the night away is great entertainment. As well as a decent cocktail menu, they serve pizza and pasta dishes to give you enough energy for all that dancing!

Probably Munich’s most famous live music spot, the Unterfahrt is the heart of the city’s jazz scene. Originally founded in a railway subway, its current home in a sprawling former beer cellar on Einsteinstraße is equally atmospheric. For over twenty years, this award-winning venue has hosted seven concerts a week and welcomes some of today’s most cutting-edge jazz musicians and ensembles. There’s a variety of styles, but the focus is more towards contemporary jazz. Concerts start at 9PM, and you can buy tickets on the door, but reserving in advance is a good idea if you want to get the best spots in the middle right by the stage.

This classy venue has a line-up to match. There’s a really diverse range of performers — one night you’ll find an American folk guitarist taking the stage, the next classical musicians tackling French horn concertos — it’s so rare to find classical music of this level at a walk-in venue, so if you haven’t managed to get those Gasteig concert tickets, head to Bar Gabanyi instead. Getting hungry while you watch? There’s a limited food menu mainly focusing on posh sandwiches and cheese plates, but the real star of the show is their extensive cocktail menu.

This Irish bar is a lively hub for sports events and music with both a bar and beer garden for the summer months — Kennedy’s describes itself as “Bavarian lifestyle meets Irish hospitality.” A Munich institution, they have entertainment every night from 10PM. It’s an eclectic mix of everything from blues guitar to traditional Irish music, and even U2 cover bands; there’s also a chance to grab the mic at their regular karaoke nights. Share one of the finger food baskets and sit back with a Guinness — on tap, of course.

Running out of cash but still looking for a good night out? Head to this youth hostel near the central station where you’ll find a live band every weekend. You can also get involved with their regular karaoke nights. Need some Dutch courage before you sing? No problem — happy hour runs from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day, and all beers are €2.50 and the entire cocktail menu is €3.50. On special occasions, they also throw themed parties and mini beer festivals. It’s the kind of place where you usually end up doing tequila and singing along to “Summer of ’69”!

Love cocktails as much as you do music? Head to Pusser’s, which claims to have introduced Munich to classic American cocktail bar culture when it opened in 1974. Downstairs you’ll find gifted pianists tickling the ivories every Thursday to Saturday from 9PM — you’ll need a reservation! The best part? These guys are so passionate about cocktails that they trademarked their own PUSSER’S PAINKILLER™. As tasty as it is strong, you might not remember the evening, but you’ll have a great time.