Best Live Music in Montrose Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Montrose has genuine best live music options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Good Union and Ash’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 33km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Dandenong Ranges suburb with genuine village character. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Montrose resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Hazel’s — 314 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (live music) A solid local spot Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Hazel’s has been operating in Montrose for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($9) 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 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Collins Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Red Cellar — 326 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (live music) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: groups

Red Cellar has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($8) 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 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Cleo — 359 Johnston Avenue, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (live music) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Cleo has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The daily soup ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Willow Street after 6pm.

4. Corner — 168 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Corner has been operating in Montrose for over a decade 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 room holds 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Why Montrose Is Worth Knowing

Dandenong Ranges suburb with genuine village character. Montrose Main Street has independent shops. Gateway to Silvan Reservoir. The best live music options here reflect Montrose’s character. For Montrose locals and anyone in the area, 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.

5. The Honest Yard — 356 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Honest Yard has been operating in Montrose for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($24) 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 43 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Victoria Road is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

6. Golden Quarter — 3 Willow Place, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: families

Golden Quarter has been operating in Montrose for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($17) 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 room holds 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Zara House — 272 Johnston Avenue, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (live music) Worth the detour Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: families

Zara House has been operating in Montrose for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($15) 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 42 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Victoria Road is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($16) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: They source produce from Montrose farmers market when it runs.

8. Theo — 149 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (live music) Worth the detour Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Theo has been operating in Montrose for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($18) 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 space seats about 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Collins Terrace is usually fine.

Start with: The daily soup ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Montrose roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best live music options in Montrose?

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

Is Montrose good for best live music?

Yes. Montrose has 8+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Montrose known for?

Dandenong Ranges suburb with genuine village character.

How far is Montrose from Melbourne CBD?

Montrose is 33km, no direct train, 38min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Montrose is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026