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.
TipU3 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.
TipTuesday-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.
TipNo 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.
TipLive music starts around 22:00 most nights; karaoke takes the remaining slots. Terrace is open in warm weather.
Ory Bar ★ 4.7
€€€€
Altstadt LehelSun-Thu 17:00-01:00, Fri-Sat 17:00-02:00
Ory Bar opened in 2018 on the ground floor of the Mandarin Oriental on Neuturmstrasse, with a long marble counter, deep spirits selection and a summer.
TipThe hotel rooftop opens through the warm months; the indoor bar runs year round. Book ahead for the Friday and Saturday late slots.
M'Uniqo Rooftop Bar ★ 4.4
€€€€
SchwabingDaily 17:00 to late, seasonal variation
M'Uniqo sits on the 13th floor of the Hyatt Schwabinger Tor at the north end of Leopoldstrasse, with a 360-degree wraparound deck, Alpine sightlines on clear.
TipSunset is the seat to chase; arrive by 19:00 in summer. Check the Hyatt page for current opening days before travel.