Jazzclub Unterfahrt ★ 4.7
€€haidhausenShow-dependent, typically Tue-Sun doors 20:00 sets 20:30
Jazzclub Unterfahrt has run since 1978 in the cellar of the former Unionsbrauerei brewery on Einsteinstrasse, with around 180 seats and a daily-changing.
Tip: Doors usually open 60 minutes before the show; book ahead for named tours. U4 or U5 to Max-Weber-Platz.
Milla Club ★ 4.4
€€glockenbachviertelShow-dependent, doors typically 19:00-20:00
Milla Club opened in 2012 in a basement on Holzstrasse, founded by musicians Gerd Baumann, Till Hofmann and Peter Brugger; the room books indie, dream pop.
Tip: Concerts typically start at 19:00 or 20:00 with late dance floors after; buzz acts sell out, book ahead.
Strom ★ 4.3
€€sendlingShow-dependent, doors typically 19:00 or 20:00
Strom opened in 2012 on Lindwurmstrasse near Goetheplatz with a small standing-room floor that puts the audience a metre from the stage, programming indie.
Tip: U3 or U6 to Goetheplatz brings you to the door. The room is small (around 300 standing), so buy ahead for buzz acts.
Substanz Club ★ 4.1
€sendlingTue-Sat 18:30 to late
Substanz Club has run on Ruppertstrasse in Ludwigsvorstadt since 1990 as Munich's indie and punk grandfather, mixing live concerts with poetry slams.
Tip: Tuesday-Saturday doors at 18:30 until last call. The English Comedy Club and pub quiz nights are weeknight regulars; cash is easier than card.
Kilians Irish Pub ★ 4.0
€altstadt-lehelMon-Thu 11:00-01:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-02:00, Sun 12:00-01:00
Kilians Irish Pub sits in the shadow of the Frauenkirche on Frauenplatz with live music five nights a week, a six-metre bar and a mix of solo Irish folk acts.
Tip: No cover for the live music. Solo acts Mon and Wed, bigger bands Thu through Sat; arrive by 21:00 on weekends for a seat.
Kennedy's ★ 3.8
€€altstadt-lehelDaily 10:00-03:00
Kennedy's at Sendlinger Tor runs a 6-metre Victorian bar and a wide terrace, with live music or karaoke every evening, broadcasts of international sport.
Tip: Live music starts around 22:00 most nights; karaoke takes the remaining slots. Terrace is open in warm weather.