Understandably, most people know Malibu for its location. Set along the shimmering Pacific and Highway One, it’s easily one of the prettiest slices of coastline in the country. An iconic beach town to its core, Malibu boasts more than 20 distinct beaches and some of the best waves for surfing in all of California. But, the town is more than just its natural setting. There are also several fantastic eateries, wineries, and bars to explore here, as long as you know where to look.

And as the food-and-drink scene continues to flourish and evolve, so too does live music in Malibu. Here’s where to jam out to music while sampling local cuisine and sipping glass after glass of delicious Malibu-grown wine.

A man playing the trumpet and woman sipping wine

The Sunset

The iconic Sunset Restaurant may be best-known for its legendary (you guessed it) sunsets, sublime oceanfront setting, and tasty seafood, but it’s also an excellent place to see local bands. Let’s be honest: Lobster tacos and margaritas just taste better when paired with live tunes.

Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio

Malibu’s oldest winery makes for the picture-perfect spot to spend an afternoon. The stunning natural beauty of the sea and the mountains is on full display at Rosenthal, which sits on the east side of the PCH, backdropped by the Santa Monica Mountains. Their 28-acre vineyard is located just a few miles away—at 1,450 feet above sea level, it’s the perfect microclimate for growing quality grapes—and they serve two labels, alongside a full food menu from Thai Cholada. Not only that, but there’s live music on the weekends, so you can listen while you sip your glass of red and savor the sea breeze.

A singer performing live music in Malibu

The Old Place

The Old Place oozes historic, quintessential-California charm. In the late 1800s, this roadside saloon/restaurant was a rural general store and post office. Tom Runyon bought the property in the 1970s, turning it into a restaurant whose sole menu items were steak and clams. Soon, the Old Place was attracting Western film stars like Steve McQueen and musicians like Bob Dylan. Today, it’s a great place to stop in for a steak sandwich and homemade cinnamon roll. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear folk musicians playing among the trees.

Smothers Theater

Located on the scenic Pepperdine University campus, Smothers Theater is the premier spot in town to catch concerts. Watch performances from musicians that run the gamut, from Grammy-winning singer/songwriters to world-renowned instrumentalists. The theater also hosts dance performances, exhibitions, student productions, and more.

Food and live music in Malibu

The Malibu Cafe

With sprawling views of the Santa Monica Mountains, lawn games, and a bevy of local food and wines to feast on, the Malibu Cafe is a playground for adults and kiddos alike. Check it out on a Saturday or Sunday to see live local bands play all day long.

Taverna Tony

One of the most beloved eateries in town, Taverna Tony serves delectable Greek specialties like moussaka, pastichio, spanakopita, and more. Given how authentic the food and atmosphere are (right down to fresh-baked pita and bougainvillea tumbling over whitewashed walls), you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Santorini. On weekends, the restaurant has live bouzouki music and belly dancers.

Malibu Beach Inn

Stay at the Malibu Beach Inn

Make the Malibu Beach Inn your jumping-off point for exploring live music in Malibu. Our boutique hotel offers the utmost in oceanside tranquility and luxury, with proximity to the best restaurants, bars, and other must-visit attractions in the area.