Nowadays, restaurants aren’t just about the quality of the food anymore. People are now looking for more than just a delicious meal, but also a memorable experience–this includes Instagrammable walls, artsy decor, and even cool music.
Now, if you’re one who loves to enjoy a meal with good background music, I’m sure it’s always a huge bonus when you eat out and there’s live music to boot. The hard thing for some music lovers is that it’s not so easy to find a good restaurant with guaranteed great live music.
So, we’ve rounded up some of our top picks for restaurants with live music. And these aren’t just standard live music with acoustic sets or a grand piano–although we love places with these as well–but we’ve gathered places with different genres of live music because life is better with a well-rounded soundtrack.
Try out these restaurants for different genres of live music:
7. My Brother’s Mustache
Genre: folk
My Brother’s Mustache takes pride in being the “home of local folk musicians,” especially with some of the greatest OPM names being regular performers in this bar.
Musicians to watch out for: Jess Bartolome, Mon Espia, Chikoy Pura, Albert de Pano, and Lolita Carbon are just a few of their regular performers. And on Saturdays, you might catch Noel Cabangon himself on that platform!
Food: Aside from the folk legends you can watch perform, The Brother’s Mustache also offers great Filipino pulutan that’s perfect with an ice cold beer.
My Brother’s Mustache is located at Sct. Tuazon, Quezon City (below Hive Hotel)
facebook.com/mybrothersmustache
0932 847 7048
Open Mondays-Saturdays, 4pm-2am
6. Pura Vida
Genre: reggae
This Costa Rican bar is also a reggae lounge that’s perfect for those days when you just want to sit back, relax, and listen to music that will whisk you away to a tropical paradise.
Located in the heart Poblacion, Makati, Pura Vida will instantly pull you in with its funky interior and cool music.
Musicians to watch out for: Every day features a different reggae “playlist”. Some days have amazing DJs playing funky reggae house music to dance to, other days have acoustic reggae sets for a relaxing vibe. There’s always something to watch out for every day.
Food: Pura Vida offers authentic Costa Rican cuisine and drinks. Their original cocktails should definitely be something you have to try.
Pura Vida is located at Don Pedro St., Poblacion, Makati City
facebook.com/PuraVidaMNL
instagram.com/puravidamnl
0921 950 9263
Open Mondays-Saturdays, 6pm-2am
5. Craft Rock & Grill
Genre: rock
While rock bars aren’t too unusual, Craft Rock & Grill is one of the premiere rock bars in the Metro. Located in the heart of BGC, it offers great ambiance, great food, and great performances.
Musicians to watch out for: You can spot up and coming bands and artists perform here–and even some of the biggest names in the music industry! Just this October, they will be the host of Orange and Lemons’ first reunion concert! It’s not a surprise that they’ve got big-timers performing here every now and then.
Food: The food is another thing that makes people come back. They have amazing food and beer. Be sure to try their burgers, wings, mozzarella sticks, and pair it off with a cold one!
Craft Rock & Grill is located at 26th St., Taguig
facebook.com/CraftRockGrill
Open daily, 6pm-3am
4. Handlebar Bar and Grill
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaOyuDFl1p1/?taken-at=268399813
Genre: rock
Being in the business for more than 10 years now, Handlebar Bar and Grill has been a favorite of bikers, sports fans, and rock lovers alike. It’s a sports bar and rock bar in one! If you’re looking for a classic pub where you can watch ongoing games, play some pool on the side, and listen to loud rock’n’roll, this place is definitely for you.
Musicians to watch out for: They have great in-house bands for four days of each week. Sometimes, they also hold their very own Battle of the Bands so better watch out for that.
Food: Handlebar Bar and Grill boasts of their must-try steaks–tender, thick, and absolutely tasty. But if you’re in the mood for light snacks, they have a wide range of American food for you to choose from.
Handlebar Bar and Grill is located at 31 Polaris St., Bel-Air Village, Makati City
facebook.com/Handlebarbarandgrill
www.handlebar.com.ph
Open 24hrs daily
3. Strumm’s
Genre: oldies
So, technically “oldies” isn’t a genre, but I just had to put Strumm’s on this list for fans of music from decades ago. The music of the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s are alive and well in this pub. You won’t be hearing any of that millennial EDM in this place. It’s all about the titos and titas who just want to boogie all night.
Musicians to watch out for: Every night, there’s a band who performs the greatest hits of old–and you’ll find yourself dancing with them in no time. Jazz violinist John Lesaca also frequents the bar for a performance.
Food: They’ve got a wide range of drinks but that’s not a surprise. What caught me off guard was their wide range of food items–from pasta to sandwiches, pizza, soup, and even Japanese specialties!
Strumm’s Makati is located at 110 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City
facebook.com/strummsmakati
instagram.com/strummsmakati
Open Mondays, 7pm-1pm; Tuesdays, 6pm-1pm; Wednesday-Saturdays, 7pm-2am
2. ABV
Genre: jazz
Mondays are jazz nights for this cocktail and absinthe bar. Yes, they’re all about the drinks but they’re all about the music, too. ABV (which actually means “Alcohol By Volume”) is a 1920’s themed bar that doesn’t shy away from the gorgeous music that this era birthed. Stepping into this bar is like stepping back in time–or in the world of Jay Gatsby.
Musicians to watch out for: They have various regular jazz performers every Monday–including Smooth Break, Project Yazz, saxophone player Kiko de Pano, and keyboardist Francis Etorma
Food: Of course, their drinks are a given must-try. But for food, be sure to try out their burgers since they are also the minds behind one of the biggest premium burger and hot dog chain in the country.
ABV is located at Basement flr., 22 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City
facebook.com/abvbar
instagram.com/abvph
www.abv.ph
Open daily from 6pm
1. Tago Jazz Cafe
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaRtV1VnDs7/?taken-by=tagojazz
Genre: jazz
Tago Jazz Cafe has always been a favorite spot of jazz fans. The place might be small and it may be hidden (hence, its name), but it houses some of the great live performances you could ever see up close. And I’m not talking about jazz just as your background music while you eat. People actually come here for the performances. World-class jazz performances in an intimate set-up? This bar is for you.
Musicians to watch out for: The Rey Infante Trio for a performance by one of the fastest jazz guitarists in Manila, The Pete Canzon Group for contemporary jazz, and guitar master Noli Aurillo are just a few of their regular performers. Sundays are for open jazz jams!
Food: They have a wide range of drinks to choose from–from beers to wines. They also have finger foods, pizza, and even rice meals–there’s something for every craving.
Tago Jazz Cafe is located at 14 Main Ave., Cubao, Quezon City
facebook.com/TagoJazzCafe
instagram.com/tagojazz
0917 138 5299
Open Wednesdays-Sundays, 9pm-3am
What did you think of this list? What’s your go-to restaurant for live music? Share it with us!
