Best Live Music in Oakleigh East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Oakleigh East has genuine best live music options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Ruby’s and Finn’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 12-18km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle South region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Quiet residential suburb in Monash. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Oakleigh East 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. Max’s — 300 Bridge Avenue, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (live music) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: remote workers

Max’s has been operating in Oakleigh East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($19) 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 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Finn’s — 222 William Place, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (live music) Worth the detour Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Finn’s has been operating in Oakleigh East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($21) 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 61 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 crispy chicken ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Long Quarter — 357 William Place, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (live music) The one that surprised us Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: groups

Long Quarter has been operating in Oakleigh East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 space seats about 44 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. The Tall Works — 312 Hill Crescent, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (live music) A local institution Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Tall Works has been operating in Oakleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 49 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on William Place is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Marco Bench — 88 Railway Grove, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: remote workers

Marco Bench has been operating in Oakleigh East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($12) — the best version in Oakleigh East Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.

The Reality of Oakleigh East

Quiet residential suburb in Monash. Close to Chadstone Shopping Centre. The best live music options here reflect Oakleigh East’s character. For Oakleigh East 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.

6. Rosa Cellar — 246 Railway Grove, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (live music) Worth the detour Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Rosa Cellar has been operating in Oakleigh East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Bright Cellar — 375 Queen Place, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (live music) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: remote workers

Bright Cellar has been operating in Oakleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($25) 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 56 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Place is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. The Blue Cellar — 12 Hill Crescent, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (live music) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Blue Cellar has been operating in Oakleigh East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($22) 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 42 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. Press — 300 William Place, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (live music) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Press has been operating in Oakleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($26) 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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bridge Avenue is usually fine.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on William Street after 6pm.

10. Sunny Depot — 48 Bridge Avenue, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (live music) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Sunny Depot has been operating in Oakleigh East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($26) 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The fish special ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

11. Gus — 353 Queen Place, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (live music) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Gus has been operating in Oakleigh East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best live music options in Oakleigh East?

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

Is Oakleigh East good for best live music?

Yes. Oakleigh East has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Oakleigh East known for?

Quiet residential suburb in Monash.

How far is Oakleigh East from Melbourne CBD?

Oakleigh East is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Oakleigh East 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