West Palm Beach's newest musical venue and nightlife hot spot is Lafayette's, located in City Place. Based on the original Memphis location, which has hosted big name acts for decades, the West Palm iteration plans to channel that successful bluesy vibe. Housed in the former BB King's location, Lafayette's serves up a great happy hour, cajun eats and live music Thursday through Sunday. Competing with other live music offerings at nearby Copper Blues and Blue Martini, Lafayette's hopes to win over guests with a more quality type of act, sprinkling in name acts like JJ Grey with regionally touring bands (as opposed to random college groups booked off Craigslist that frequent the West Palm Beach circuit).
Recommended for Live Music because: Lafayette's brings in some of the best blues and jazz groups around.
Kristopher's expert tip: Drinks and music make this place; don't come expecting great eats
Located right by the Florida East Coast railroad tracks on Atlantic Avenue in Delray, Johnnie Brown's has been serving up an enjoyable experience for over a decade. With plenty of covered seating and open views of the Ave for people watching, Johnnie Brown's is the perfect spot to grab a meal and some drinks any time of year. The live music in the evening hours definitely contributes to the fun atmosphere- think Elvis impersonator and Rod Stewart tribute band. With live music seven nights a week and each passing train bringing half priced shots with it, it's clear to see the party never stops at Johnnie Brown's.
Recommended for Live Music because: Head out to Johnnie Brown's on Monday nights for the "Elvis Experience" or catch a Rod Stewart tribute every Tuesday.
Kristopher's expert tip: Check the train schedule and time your visit accordingly (half price shots when trail rolls through)
Vintage Tap, on Atlantic Avenue in Delray, encompasses all of the necessary traits needed to create a vibe that keeps people coming back for more. Decorated with pinup posters and a neon jukebox, the Vintage Tap has the feel of years past. With a full bar and stage, the venue is set for the local talent that pours through every night of the week. The intimate setting is great for conversations between friends or for getting up close with the band during the late night sets. For some fresh air, the patio out back has picnic tables where food from third-party restaurants can be enjoyed. This place needs to be added to your list of regular music spots.
Recommended for Live Music because: The Vintage Tap in Delray hosts much of the area's up-and-coming local talent
Kristopher's expert tip: Good spot to go to avoid pretentiousness
Boston's on the Beach has been serving New England style seafood and local catch to the Delray Beach locals and tourists for over 35 years now. Situated just steps from the beach, the atmosphere at Boston's is what keeps people returning for a second visit. With over 30 TV's to enjoy the big games and live music every night, the entertainment keeps bumping long after the sun has set and the beach hours are over. The menu consists of salads, sandwiches, and lots of seafood selections. There are ample signature drinks to enjoy while taking in the ocean views.
Recommended for Live Music because: Just a few steps off of the beach, Boston's live music is the perfect night cap after a day spent in the sun.
Kristopher's expert tip: The tiki side bar is worth checking out for "people watching" or to play some corn hole
Once a private gambling establishment in Palm Beach, Bradley's now sits at the base of Clematis Street near the intracoastal waterway. This local favorite is especially popular with business types and Palm Beach families, who come to enjoy the familiarity of the hometown crowd and partake of the great food. In the evenings, once the dinner rush has died down, the night really begins to take hold. DJs spin Top 40 and beach music, and bar-goers head to the floor and dance with abandon. Theme nights add to the revelry, and four bars guarantee that no one goes thirsty. If you're in the mood to drink, socialize, and boogie, stop over any night, and you'll see the camaraderie that develops.
Recommended for Live Music because: With views of the Intracoastal Waterway and live music, it's easy to see why ER Bradley's is a favorite among the locals.
Kristopher's expert tip: E.R. Bradley's now has spots for you to store your paddleboards when you come in off the intracoastal
The Square Grouper is a local institution located on the Jupiter inlet. It is a tiki hut bar with live music nightly. There are multiple points of service where you can get a great rum drink while listening to the musical stylings of local reggae, acoustic and beach "y" music. One of the cool parts of the Square Grouper is how you can walk out onto the docks at night and check out the famous Jupiter Lighthouse. The water is clear blue, and utilizing the local marina's boat lights allows you to see an abundance of fish right at your feet. The Square Grouper is a great place to bring a date, or just to chill out on a cool summer night.
Recommended for Live Music because: The Square Grouper Tiki Bar is sure to wipe away the stresses of work with its laid back atmosphere and live music on the weekends.
Kristopher's expert tip: Take a date on the docks late at night to gaze at stars and fish swimming in the clear blue Jupiter waters
Hip, dim, and fashionable, this CityPlace hotspot is always bustling and attracts a steady crowd of upscale professionals and tourists. Behind the bar, musicians perform on an elevated stage against a grid of blue-lit cubbie holes. On any given evening, you're likely to hear Top 40 tunes, Latin music, '70s disco, or classics by Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye. A small dance floor is available, and patrons actually do dance, in between sips of martinis (natch), tequilas, single-malt scotches, handcrafted bourbons, and wines by the bottle and glass. An outdoor bar serves to those who want to watch foot-traffic and be washed by balmy breezes. Appetizers and desserts are available to supplement the booze, and fashionable attire is expected.
Recommended for Live Music because: The modern ambiance of Blue Martini is amplified on live music nights and the large dance floor sets the stage for a great night out.
Kristopher's expert tip: This is where to go for a girls night out
For more than ten years now — even before Clematis Street got its new lease on life — Respectable has been a mainstay in the area. The combination dance club / live music venue is a haven for the alternative crowd and those looking for something a bit out of the ordinary. Most nights, DJs play a variety of electronic and industrial music for patrons to jam to on the dance floor. At other times, you'll find performances by local and national bands who have a unique sound and are more hardcore than typical music fans appreciate. Along with good drink specials, other attractions include ska, punk, and rock performers, plus whatever's uncategorizable and intriguing.
Recommended for Live Music because: The multiple stages at Respectable Street keep the music going well into the early morning hours.
Kristopher's expert tip: This is place is the closest thing Palm Beach has to a CBGBs type of establishment
Copper Blues is a new brewpub located on the second floor of City Place in Downtown West Palm Beach (next to Improv). The over 60 beers on tap (mix of local crafts, microbrews, IPAs and more) compliment the scrumptious bar bites, burgers, etc. They have a stage in the center of the place that draws some of the hottest local rock and blues acts. Acts are typically booked for Wed-Sat and posted on the joint's website and facebook page. Open since the middle of May, Copper Blues has been welcoming packed houses and drawing rave reviews from its new customer base.
Recommended for Live Music because: The local talent that takes to the stage at Copper Blues makes happy hour that much sweeter.
Kristopher's expert tip: Try some of the local brews on tap from Cigar City