Zoe RocheDid you know that live music was only reserved for religious events in the past? It was composers like Mozart that brought live music to parlors and out of churches. Then came opera singers, then jazz performers, then rock and roll bands.
The quick rise in popularity of music quickly paved the way to its integration into common places. One of which are restaurants that offer live performances as an accompaniment to the dishes they serve. And, Auckland is just filled with them!
From hidden gems to well-known eateries, the city has venues where you can enjoy music. Ready to eat to the beat? Listen to our most recommended list of restaurants in Auckland with live music performances.
- Treat Yourself to Cocktails and Snacks at the Caretaker
- Enjoy Lots of Live Music and Performances at Cassette Nine
- Combine Music, Munchies, and Magnificent Views at Coops Corner Pub
- Immerse Yourself in Some Irish Charm at Danny Doolans
- Have an Elevated Evening at the De Fontein Belgian Beer Café
- Get Live Music Everyday of the Week at Father Ted's Original Irish Pub
- Have a Cozy Night of Unwinding with Friends at The Fiddler
- Request Your Favorite James from the Band at The Lula Inn
- Experience a Night at Auckland’s Oldest Building at The Occidental Belgian Beer Cafe
- Have Dinner with a Proper Show at the Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen
- Feel Like You’re Part of the Family by the Welcoming Energy at The Thirsty Dog
- Enjoy Dinner and a Variety of Music at The Zookeeper's Son
Treat Yourself to Cocktails and Snacks at the Caretaker
– Media Credit: britomartnz
Address: Downstairs, 40 Customs Street, Britomart Place, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours: Open everyday from 5 pm to 3 am
Caretaker is mostly known for its cocktails with beautifully executed classics as well as more inventive mixes. The drinks aren’t the only best sellers here, the lounge itself is reminiscent of the bygone era of classic New York cocktail lounges.
Most people like to grab dinner here to spend more time in the place. Thanks to the huge leather couches and wooden tables, the entire place has a cozy vibe to it. You can expect burgers, sandwiches, pretzels, and fries here.
While you drink and eat, live music plays on in the background, with most popular acts playing jazz music every Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.
| Pro Tip: Each drink at Caretaker reflects the level of personal investment the bartenders put into their work. There is no drinks menu here, so you can either request drinks you’ve had before or ask them to make you a completely new one.! |
Enjoy Lots of Live Music and Performances at Cassette Nine
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Address: 23 High Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 366 0196
Website
Hours:
- Open from Wednesday to Saturday from 8 pm to 4 am
- Open on Tuesday from 8 pm to 3 am
Cassette Nine has been a local favorite for more than a decade and a half. Mainly a pub, this place doubles as a lively venue for a variety of performances from DJs playing their sets through the night to more relaxed live music jamming sessions.
You will encounter bands performing indie music to more established acts which have steadily gained local fans. While you’re enjoying the tunes, you can chow down on some of their casual eats from crispy fried chicken and squid to fries and polenta.
Their lineup of sandwiches are pretty good too, especially the smoked salmon with cream cheese, tomato pesto, spinach, onions, and a lemon yogurt dressing.
| Pro Tip: Cassette 9 is also home to other types of performances like slam poetry readings, comedy skits, stand-up comedy shows, and even art exhibits. Make sure you follow their Facebook or Instagram page to stay in the loop. |
Combine Music, Munchies, and Magnificent Views at Coops Corner Pub
– Media Credit: edgbreakfast
Address: 204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 377 1200
Hours:
- Open from Sunday to Monday from 12 pm to 9:30 pm
- Open from Tuesday to Wednesday from 12 pm to 10 pm
- Open on Thursday from 12 pm to 11 pm
- Open from Friday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 3 am
Where does the Coops Corner Pub get its name? It gets it from its prime location at a corner edge on the city’s waterfront. Because of that, you get an unobstructed view of the water as you sip and chew your way into a fun night.
Aside from the great sights, the menu itself is well executed and is made up of classic pub grub like fish and chips, chicken Schnitzel, burgers, and hot wings. The snack menu is a major crowd pleaser with cheesy pizza breadsticks and the white bean dip.
The cherry on top of the experience is the constant rotation of live music here on Fridays and Saturdays from DJs and bands, with the occasional vocalist or balladeer.
| Pro Tip: The Coops Corner Pub offers Daily Deals everyday which are unique items you’ll only be able to try that day or at a very low discounted price. Some of the cult favorites are the tequila ice cream which comes with lemon and lime syrup. |
Immerse Yourself in Some Irish Charm at Danny Doolans
Address: 204 Quay Street, West, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 358 2554
Hours:
- Open from Sunday to Thursday from 12 pm to 2 am
- Open from Friday to Saturday from 12 pm to 4 am
If the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear music and food are Irish pubs, then you’re not alone. Danny Doolans gives you that Irish charm up front right as you walk up to the location with the classic green and four leaf clovers scattered all over.
Once you step inside, you’re greeted with music playing 24/7. From 3 pm every Saturday and Sunday different bands play their hearts out on stage. Just don’t be surprised to see big name stars here jamming it out, like hip hop star, Post Malone.
While you’re there, the Galway Steamed Mussels, Belfast bangers and mash, and Murphy’s stout stew are must-tries from the Doolan Classic menu.
| Pro Tip: Don’t leave Danny Doolans without sampling at least one of the 200 types of whiskeys they have. If that’s not your thing, you can also go for their beers, wins, or ciders. Especially popular ones are from Ireland and Scotland to go by the theme. |
Have an Elevated Evening at the De Fontein Belgian Beer Café
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Address: 79 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 578 3327
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Wednesday from 11:30 am to 10:30 pm
- Open on Thursday from 11:30 am to 9 pm
- Open on Friday from 11:30 am to 12 am
- Open on Saturday from 11 am to 12 am
- Open on Sunday from 11 am to 10:30 pm
You can experience the warmth of European-style hospitality at De Fontein Belgian Beer Café. This cozy bistro is known for serving Belgian delights like salmon gravadlax, salmon en papillote, and poisson a la meuniere.
Mussel dishes also have their own special spot on the menu that can either be steamed or grilled and feature locally sourced green-lipped mussels from within the country.
Beyond its culinary offerings, De Fontein embraces live music every Friday and Saturday from 7 pm onwards. They don’t have an official stage, but that doesn’t stop the performers from delivering great music from under the iconic staircase to the 2nd floor.
| Pro Tip: On cooler nights, we recommend that you request outside seats by the place’s entrance. From here you can still hear the live music from the inside, but you’re also treated to great views |
Get Live Music Everyday of the Week at Father Ted’s Original Irish Pub
– Media Credit: jackmalone
Address: 1 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 377 3142
Hours:
- Open from Sunday to Thursday from 11 am to 2 am
- Open from Friday to Saturday from 11 am to 3 am
Another authentic Irish bar in Auckland that has been a favorite among locals as well as visitors is Father Ted’s Original Irish Pub. As proof, in 2016, it was voted into one of the top 12 best Irish pubs outside of Ireland by Skyscanner.
Live music and entertainment contributes greatly to its popularity. Bands, musicians, and performers come here every night to play different genres like country and rock.
There are plenty of drink options from the rich tones of Guinness and Kilkenny to a diverse selection of beers from different parts of the country on tap. To pair with the booze and beats, order the Teds homemade cheeseburger or the beef nachos.
| Pro Tip: If you’re out with your friends, we highly suggest you get the $28 sharing platter that can feed around 3 to 4 people. You get a variety of great pub grub like spring rolls, samosas, chicken bites, prawn twisters, squid rings, hoki bites, and kumara wedges. |
Have a Cozy Night of Unwinding with Friends at The Fiddler
– Media Credit: gerryrdk
Address: 71 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 377 8135
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Wednesday from 2 pm to 2 am
- Open form Thursday to Saturday from 12 pm to 3 am
- Open on Sunday from 12 pm to 2 am
The Fiddler is a quaint pub that packs quite a big punch. This Irish bar stands as a cornerstone in Auckland’s pub scene. With warm, welcoming staff and a cozy interior, it gives off a very inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy good food and great music.
When you go there, prepare for an evening of quality beer, wine, vodka, and whiskey paired with great tasting comfort food like lamb chops, smoked chicken Caesar salad, beef chili, pasta dishes, and the most popular item, their roast of the day.
Every Friday and Saturday, the bar comes alive with the sounds of live music, creating a lively ambiance. Soul and RnB are 2 of the more common genres played here.
| Pro Tip: So you won’t miss out on live acts you’d like to see in action at the Fiddler, they’ve made it easier for you to keep track by updating the live calendar on their website. Just make sure you still give them a call to confirm because it still has some bugs. |
Request Your Favorite James from the Band at The Lula Inn
Address: 149 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 365 2690
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Tuesday from 12 pm to 9 pm
- Open on Wednesday from 12 pm to 10 pm
- Open on thursday from 12 pm to 11 pm
- Open on Friday from 12 pm to 2 am
- Open on Saturday from 10 am to 2 am
- Open on Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm
At The Lula Inn in downtown Auckland, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the venue comes alive with the sounds of live music, creating an atmosphere of celebration.
Thursdays bring a unique Jukebox Live concept, allowing you to request songs for the band to play live. Set against the backdrop of Auckland’s stunning waterfront, The Lula Inn offers not just music but great views as well as some South Pacific dishes.
We always start with the heritage beetroot tartare, followed by the pan fried market fish with green lip mussels, broccolini, and prosciutto butter sauce. For dessert, the strawberry tart with meringue shards and vanilla is the perfect end to a great meal.
| Pro Tip: We advise you to dress in your best clothes during your visit to The Lula Inn. Since the place is quite scenic and the restaurant itself is located in a historic building, you’ll want to take lots of photos. Plus, the greenhouse style interior also photographs well. |
Experience a Night at Auckland’s Oldest Building at The Occidental Belgian Beer Cafe
Address: 6/8 Vulcan Lane, Auckland City, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 300 6226
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Thursday from 10:30 am to 11 pm
- Open from Friday to Saturday from 9 am to 1 am
- Open on Sunday from 9 am to 11 pm
Nestled in Vulcan Lane, The Occidental Belgian Beer Cafe beckons with the promise of traditional Belgian fare, paired with a bit of history. This venue is the oldest standing building in the city. But don’t let that fool you. This place is keeping up with the times.
Every weekend, the location comes alive with the sound of live music. On Friday and Saturday, you can hear bands play from 9 pm to 12 am. On Sunday, the merriment happens from 2 pm to 5 pm. The bands have a dedicated space towards the back.
While you enjoy the music, try items from their sea and land menu. Seafood lovers will love the salt and pepper squid, while meat lovers should go for the Belgian sausages.
| Pro Tip: The Occidental Belgian Beer Cafe offers discounts depending on which day you go. On Tuesday, you get $20 steaks, while Wednesdays get you their famous chicken schnitzel for the same price. Thursdays have discounted drinks from 5 pm to 7 pm! |
Have Dinner with a Proper Show at the Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen
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Address: 7 Sale Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 307 8148
Hours:
- Open from Tuesday to Thursday from 12 pm to 9 pm
- Open from Friday to Saturday from 12 pm to 2 am
Out of all the entries on our list of restaurants that offer a side helping of live music, no one does it better than Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen. This place is our go to when we’re in need of a night more exciting that just a typical dinner. To start off, they have great food.
They execute classic dishes like pizzas, fries, and burgers well, but the crispy pork rib and green bean frittos are our favorites. They also have a menu dedicated to kids with cheeseburgers, fried chicken salad, mini donuts, and ice cream sundaes.
You can really see how much they prioritize music because of the huge full production stage they built for their performers including local newbies and international names.
| Pro Tip: If you’re as much of a Southern food lover as me, you have to go for their Bottomless Fried Chicken and Waffles. For 2 hours every 2pm to 4 pm, you can eat all that you can for just $55 per head. It’s a good meal to set you up for a night of drinks and fun. |
Feel Like You’re Part of the Family by the Welcoming Energy at The Thirsty Dog
– Media Credit: madoness
Address: 469 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 377 9190
Hours:
- Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 3 pm to 12 am
- Open on Sunday from 5 pm to 12 am
The Thirsty Dog is one of those ]establishments where you get quality food, drinks, and entertainment while still feeling at home. The owner and managers, Simon, built the eatery with exactly that goal in mind. The staff is super friendly and approachable.
The location is big and comfortable while you’re served everything from fried pickles and onion rings to flatbreads and salads. They’ve also got a range of sandwiches with the best ones being the TD Ripper beef dog, patty melt, and the TD smasher burger.
For the music, they invite bands to perform once a week with each day usually following a theme like Funk Fusion, Yurt Parties, and Rock and Roll Nights.
| Pro Tip: Most people don’t know that The Thirsty Dog has been hosting the country’s longest lasting poetry and open mic night for the last 4 decades. Aside from the live music, these weekly events are also a great way to feel part of the community. |
Enjoy Dinner and a Variety of Music at The Zookeeper’s Son
– Media Credit: hannahhelisebass
Address: 715 Mount Albert Road, Royal Oak, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 625 7550
Hours:
- Open from Sunday to Wednesday from 12 pm to 9 pm
- Open on Thursday from 12 pm to 10 pm
- Open from Friday to Saturday from 12 pm to 1 am
Every Friday and Saturday from 9 pm onwards, live bands serenade the visitors who come to The Zookeeper’s Son in Auckland. All sorts of bands, singers, and instrumentalists play here so you can expect performances across all genres.
As for the food, the pizzas are the most well loved items on the menu with classics like Margherita, pepperoni, and Hawaiian. Other good dishes are the coconut chicken curry, the lamb shank, the loaded beef burger, and the blackened spiced fish.
They also have great desserts like the vanilla creme brulee and chocolate brownies served with chocolate mousse, chocolate ice cream, and chocolate sauce.
| Pro Tip: The Zookeeper’s Son is a great place to consider when you’re looking for a venue for your next event. The Tree Tops is a private function room on site while the Mezzanine Level is also available if you prefer more open place spaces. |
