Sometimes there’s nothing better than finding local venues that feature live music when you’re traveling, and Niagara Falls is no exception. The local casinos always have a great music calendar featuring well-known singers and bands, but nothing really compares to a local band playing to a local crowd and all the fun that results.
While Niagara is by no means a large city, it definitely offers its fair share of small, live-music venues for its size. Whether you’re into country, rock, hip-hop, or something else, Niagara has you covered.
On your next visit to Niagara Falls pop into one of these restaurants or bars and boogie the night away, Niagara style.
Sandstone Grillhouse
Not only does Sandstone Grillhouse serve up some of the best steaks in Niagara, but they often feature live music as well, particularly on the weekends. The bands vary from time to time but mostly offer classic rock and contemporary hits played by a fun and talented cover band.
Open daily from 4 p.m. and with the last seating at 9 p.m. this is a fine-dining restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for couples and families.
Kelsey’s
Located near Clifton Hill in the heart of Niagara’s action is Kelsey’s restaurant, a no-frills kind of place serving up classic American bar style food with a funky twist, like the Doritos-crusted chicken fingers. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Kelsey’s offers a full bar and live music every night during the high season. If you’re visiting during other times of the year give them a call to see what they have on the lineup.
While things can get a bit loud when the band is in full swing, Kelsey’s is still a great place to bring your kids, especially if they’re old enough to enjoy the vibe of the fun crowd of locals who keep Kelsey’s hopping until the wee hours.
Yanks Old Niagara Bar and Grill
Another favorite of locals and tourists who are live-music fans is Yanks Old Niagara Bar and Grill. Open daily from noon until 2 a.m., this friendly and unassuming local hangout features live bands. However, there is no real set schedule, so it’s best to check with them to see if a band will play on the night you’d like to visit.
Another perk of Yank’s is its reputation for one of Canada’s most famous dishes, poutine. Reviews flood in from all over the internet raving about their version of the classic dish, so even if you don’t catch a live band, definitely stop in for what’s often called the best poutine in town.
Doc Magilligan’s Irish Pub
Arguably the best Niagara location for live music is Doc Magilligan’s Irish Pub. Doc’s features a rotating calendar of local bands that perform every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights and you can check their calendar here.
Doc’s also receives rave reviews for their food which, as expected, offers some of the most traditional Irish food you’ll find outside of Dublin. Everything from fish and chips to shepherd’s pie to burgers and other sandwiches are on the menu. If you visit one spot for great food and great music, Doc Magilligan’s is definitely the one that will make your day, or night.
Spending a night out drinking, dining, and dancing is one of the best parts of any vacation. Be sure to visit one or more of these locales on your next visit to Niagara.