Rock School Barbey ★ 4.2
€€saint-croixConcert nights door 19:00, sets from 20:30
Rock School Barbey in Bordeaux's Saint-Croix is the 700-capacity standing-room venue on Cours Barbey that has booked touring rock, indie and electronic acts.
Tip: Tickets typically €18 to €35 on the venue site; the upper balcony is the easier sightline for tall bands.
Le Comptoir du Jazz ★ 4.3
€€saint-croixMon-Sat 19:00-02:00, music from 21:30
Le Comptoir du Jazz in Bordeaux's Saint-Croix is the long-running live-music bar on Quai de Paludate, with nightly jazz sets from 21:30, a working dinner.
Tip: No cover most weeknights; the front stools fill by 21:00 for the first set so arrive early.
Le Caillou Jazz ★ 4.2
€€chartronsWed-Sat 19:00-23:30, sets from 20:30
Le Caillou Jazz in Bordeaux's Bastide is the bistro and jazz club at the Botanical Garden, with concerts Wednesday to Saturday, a working dinner menu.
Tip: Music is free with a drink or meal purchase; sit on the terrace in summer for the garden setting.
Krakatoa ★ 4.2
€€bordeaux-metropoleConcert nights door 19:30, sets from 20:30
Krakatoa in Merignac, just west of Bordeaux, is the 1,000-capacity indie and alt-rock venue with a serious touring programme of European and American acts.
Tip: Tram A from central Bordeaux to Pin Galant takes 25 minutes; last tram back is around 00:30.
Le Cesar Piano Bar ★ 4.0
€€€saint-pierreTue-Sat 19:00-02:00
Le Cesar Piano Bar in Bordeaux's Golden Triangle is the Allees de Tourny piano bar with nightly piano jazz and chanson programmes, a serious cocktail list.
Tip: No cover most weeknights; cocktails from €14, the front banquette gets the best view of the piano.
Mama Shelter Rooftop ★ 4.1
€€€saint-pierreApr-Oct daily 17:00-01:00
Mama Shelter Rooftop in Bordeaux's Saint-Pierre is the seventh-floor terrace of the Philippe Starck-designed hotel, with one of the only working rooftop.
Tip: Opens April to October; no reservations on the deck, only at the indoor bar.