Listening bars inspired by Japanese jazz kissaten are opening across Australia. Here are six of the best.

From retro road trip revivals to heritage stays, nostalgia is powering a new way to travel. Listening bars, also known as jazz kissaten, are part of this movement. Emerging from Japan’s Shōwa era (mid-1920s to late 1980s), these groovy hangouts are fitted out with quality sound systems and vinyl records. Today, the best listening bars in Australia pair killer soundtracks with tasty bites and unique ambiences, transporting patrons to faraway places. 

Loom Lounge, Sydney 

Whichever way you spin it, Loom Lounge has raised the bar in Crows Nest, North Sydney. From tracks that throw back to the ’60s to bass-heavy hip-hop, the music is selected based on the mood the DJs want to create. The concept, from Li’l Darlin in collaboration with the Sultry Group, is about creating an immersive space where music is much more than just a bit of blah background noise. Sip on cocktails and graze on late-night snacks such as arancini balls, chicken tacos and Peking duck pancakes.  

Sonny, Hobart 

You can sit at home and stay plugged into Soundcloud. Or you can slink into Sonny, the Hobart/Nipaluna bolthole where the conversation hums along with the bassline. While Sonny doesn’t bill itself as a listening bar, it has a stack of vinyl that you can give a spin. Beyond being wired for sound, chef Sam Bray has a passion for provenance, serving just-shucked Tassie oysters with low-intervention wine.  

Bahama Gold, Melbourne 

Fill your cup as well as your fridge at Bahama Gold. The music at the Lygon Street listening bar is as meticulously curated as the drinks list. While the sound is strictly vinyl, the bar is also a hi-fi temple featuring $60,000 worth of equipment imported from the USA. The 12-seater venue sits underneath a 500-bottle wine cellar, so you can choose a bottle and pay corkage, or select wines by the glass. Order snacks and small plates prepared next door at Old Palm Liquor. 

Ode to Sirens, Fremantle 

Listening bars are opening with increasing frequency in Freo. And Ode to Sirens is one for serious musos. The DJs at this immersive bar in Perth/Boorloo’s port city provide playlists that add even more personality to the 1970s-styled space. While the jazz kissa concept is strong, the Hellenic-inspired food and funky wines are also integral to the experience. Expect those analogue sounds to amp up with cocktails named after songs.  

Honeydripper, Adelaide   

Today’s listening bars are places where high-quality sound systems, good food and wine intersect. The vibes are amplified at Honeydripper in the heart of Adelaide/Tarntanya, thanks to the seductive sounds produced by a rotating line-up of local DJs. While the music played in the luxe, intimate space is the focus, drinks also move the needle when it comes to elevating the mood, as each cocktail is paired with a song.  

Disuko, Melbourne 

Translated from the Japanese word for ‘disco’, Disuko is an homage to 1980s Tokyo disco culture. Enjoy izakaya dining in cosy nooks while listening to vinyl tunes. With hanging glow balls, late-night snacks and specialty sakes, it’s one of the best listening bars in Australia for night owls.