5 live music in Bordeaux our editors have drunk at, sorted by score. All Bordeaux nightlife.

Rock School Barbey ★ 4.2

saint-croix · 18 Cours Barbey, 33800 Bordeaux

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-croix · 59 Quai de Paludate, 33800 Bordeaux

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

chartrons · Jardin Botanique, Esplanade Linne, 33100 Bordeaux

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-metropole · 3 Avenue Victor Hugo, 33700 Merignac

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-pierre · 16 Allees de Tourny, 33000 Bordeaux

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.