Best Live Music in Frankston North Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best live music scene in Frankston North is growing every year. Start at Kai’s, then check out Cleo. Undergoing renewal — Monterey Secondary College precinct is being redeveloped. Located 18-41km from the CBD, Frankston North is part of Melbourne’s Bayside region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Frankston North locals actually recommend.

1. Max’s — 136 River Lane, Frankston North VIC 3189

What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: remote workers

Max’s has been operating in Frankston North for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($14) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bridge Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($19) — the best version in Frankston North Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Kai House — 113 Cecil Road, Frankston North VIC 3189

What it is: (live music) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Kai House has been operating in Frankston North for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($25) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Thomas Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The daily soup ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Ivy’s — 242 Bridge Avenue, Frankston North VIC 3189

What it is: (live music) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Ivy’s has been operating in Frankston North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($13) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. The Bright Social — 354 River Lane, Frankston North VIC 3189

What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: solo diners

The Bright Social has been operating in Frankston North for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($14) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Gus’s — 229 Bridge Avenue, Frankston North VIC 3189

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: the whole crew

Gus’s has been operating in Frankston North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Frankston North farmers market when it runs.

6. Lucky Cellar — 50 Bridge Avenue, Frankston North VIC 3189

What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Lucky Cellar has been operating in Frankston North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($20) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on River Lane is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($19) — the best version in Frankston North Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

What Nobody Tells You About Frankston North

Undergoing renewal — Monterey Secondary College precinct is being redeveloped. The best live music options here reflect Frankston North’s character. Whether you’re based in Frankston North or visiting from nearby, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

7. Finn’s — 313 Hill Parade, Frankston North VIC 3189

What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Finn’s has been operating in Frankston North for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Frankston North roaster — ask which one.

8. The Little Depot — 208 Hill Parade, Frankston North VIC 3189

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: solo diners

The Little Depot has been operating in Frankston North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bridge Avenue is usually fine.

Start with: The fish special ($23) — the best version in Frankston North Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Frankston North roaster — ask which one.

9. Theo’s — 195 Bridge Avenue, Frankston North VIC 3189

What it is: (live music) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: budget eaters

Theo’s has been operating in Frankston North for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($14) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 60 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($15) — the best version in Frankston North Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. The New Press — 308 River Lane, Frankston North VIC 3189

What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The New Press has been operating in Frankston North for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bridge Avenue is usually fine.

Get the: The fish special ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Frankston North farmers market when it runs.

11. Remy Cellar — 181 River Lane, Frankston North VIC 3189

What it is: (live music) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: dates

Remy Cellar has been operating in Frankston North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bridge Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

12. The New Corner — 90 River Lane, Frankston North VIC 3189

What it is: (live music) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: dates

The New Corner has been operating in Frankston North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($12) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

• Frankston Best Live Music — same vibe, different suburb
• Frankston North Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Frankston North Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Frankston North Complete Guide — everything about Frankston North
• Compare Suburbs — see how Frankston North stacks up
• All Frankston North Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best live music options in Frankston North?

Sunny Lane is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Frankston North good for best live music?

Yes. Frankston North has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Frankston North known for?

Undergoing renewal — Monterey Secondary College precinct is being redeveloped.

How far is Frankston North from Melbourne CBD?

Frankston North is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Frankston North to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026