About East St.
East St. Café & Bar is a quirky plant-based restaurant and live music venue in the heart of Nelson (8 Church Street, 7010 (www.tripadvisor.co.nz )). Since opening in 2010, owners Tejas and Vikki Arn have promoted vegan dining alongside music, “making veggies sexy” and showcasing local artists (www.nelsontasman.nz ) (neatplaces.co.nz ). The interior is colourful and retro – think 1950s Formica tables, hanging houseplants, vinyl record art and a wood-burning stove in winter (neatplaces.co.nz ) – creating a cosy, laid-back atmosphere. Throughout its history East St. has been a community hub for Nelson’s creative and alternative scene. It regularly hosts live bands, DJs and special theme nights, earning a cult reputation as one of the city’s friendliest, most inclusive venues (neatplaces.co.nz ) (www.undertheradar.co.nz ).
Events and Programming
East St. runs events almost every week, ranging from reggae and folk shows to punk, metal, hip-hop and electronic dance nights. Weekly open-mic and DJ sets are common, and festival organizers often book the café for special gigs. In recent years the venue has hosted everything from local band nights to sold-out headline shows. Notable events include Nelson launch parties for drum-&-bass supergroup State Of Mind (sold out at 150 capacity in August 2025 (www.nelsontasman.nz )) and all-night New Year’s Eve dance parties with international DJs (www.nelsontasman.nz ) (www.nelsontasman.nz ). Ticket prices vary: typical local gigs are inexpensive (around $10–$15 at the door (www.undertheradar.co.nz )), while larger events (dance or concert headliners) are usually $30–$45 in advance (www.nelsontasman.nz ) (www.undertheradar.co.nz ). Check East St.’s social media or event listings for up-to-date schedules. The bar often turns into a club after 9pm–10pm, with evenings running late – shows commonly go past midnight (for special events even to 3am).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for East St. shows are typically sold in advance through official channels. Big events (40th Anniversary-style parties or multi-act DJ nights) often appear on ticketing sites or the promoter’s page weeks ahead, while smaller gigs might sell tickets at the door. Popular shows can sell out quickly, so it’s wise to buy tickets as soon as they’re announced. Entry fees can range from about $10 up to $45, as seen in a recent drum-&-bass event (www.nelsontasman.nz ). There is no dedicated box office at the venue; instead, event flyers or online posters will indicate the authorized ticket outlets. Generally, a percentage of tickets are sold online (often at a slight surcharge) and a few are held for door sales (usually a few dollars more at the door). If you miss pre-sales, arriving early on gig night is recommended, but note there’s never a guarantee of entry if the room is already full.
Buy early: Good seats or spots go fast for popular nights. Watch East St’s official channels or venue postings for on-sale details.
Price tiers: Local bands and fundraiser gigs are usually cheap (often <$15), while major acts or international DJs charge $30–$50 (www.nelsontasman.nz ).
Check age rating: Many night-time events are R18, so bring valid ID. Doors generally open 30–60 minutes before showtime.
Box-office: There’s no permanent ticket office, so tickets are bought online or tableside (if available) – not at an external box office.
Seating and Layout
The venue is a ground-floor cafe/bistro with a small stage area at one end. Seating is mostly casual table seating on the main floor, plus a few benches and chairs that can be moved. For music events it’s generally standing-room (general admission) in front of the stage, with dining tables off to the sides. There are no fixed “best” seats – for concerts or gigs, standing near the stage gives the strongest sound (but can be crowded). If you prefer to sit, any table along the side walls still allows a view of the stage, though speakers may be loud. The bar counter along one wall is a good spot to lean for a mix of music and drinks. East St. does not offer separate VIP or reserved seating; all spots are first-come, first-served. When busy, expect a friendly, laid-back crowd. Note that the sound system can be loud during shows, so bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to volume.
Venue size: East St. functions as a small-to-mid-sized club. Capacity is roughly 120–150 people (e.g. a recent event’s ticket cap was 150 (www.nelsontasman.nz )).General admission: No assigned seats. Arrive early to grab a table or front-row spot. Standing room is common at live gigs.Viewing spots: Front-of-stage is best for music, while side tables offer a relaxed view. Avoid standing directly next to speakers if you want clearer vocals.Worst seats: Space is tight when full, so back corners can get crowded. It's a small venue, so there are no blocked-view sections.Acoustics: The interior is wooden and open-plank, which can create a lively but sometimes echoey sound for amplified shows. Staff will adjust volumes if requested during dining hours.
Getting There and Parking
East St. is centrally located in Nelson’s CBD, just one block off Trafalgar Street. The exact address is 8 Church Street, Nelson 7010 (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). It’s easy to reach on foot if you’re staying or parking in the city center. For drivers, there is no venue parking lot, but many options nearby:
On-street parking: Pay-by-plate meters run along Church, Collingwood and surrounding streets. Council allows 1 hour free in all metered zones, then ~$2/hour from 8am–5pm (Monday–Friday) and 9am–1pm Saturday (www.nelson.govt.nz ). At night (post 5pm) street parking is free. Always check the sign for time limits.Public car parks: Buxton Square Car Park (entrance on College, near Halifax/Collingwood; ~329 spaces) and Montgomery Square Car Park (Bridge/Hardy St; ~329 spaces) are the closest all-day options (www.nelson.govt.nz ) (www.nelson.govt.nz ). Both have pay stations. Buxton Square is a 2-minute walk. Wakatu and Tahunanui Int’l Airport Park also accept Nelson Apps.Collingwood St: For longer parking, many non-metered spots on Collingwood Street and Nile Street West (outer CBD) are free all day. Just a 5–10 minute walk back to Church Street. (www.nelson.govt.nz )Taxi/Uber: Nelson has taxis and Uber; a ride from downtown or the airport to East St. (7 km away) takes ~15 minutes by taxi (www.nelsonairport.co.nz ). Taxi ranks are on Trafalgar St, others can be flagged down via app or at hotels.Bus: Nelson’s eBus network serves the city centre. The nearest bus stop is a 3-minute walk – Route 1, 2, 3 and 4 all stop near Trafalgar Square/Station, just up Collingwood St. Route 4 goes to the airport (buses every 30min 7am–7pm (www.nelsonairport.co.nz )). After-hours, the Late Late Bus service runs Friday/Saturday nights from Trafalgar St hourly 10pm–3am (ebus.nz ), and can drop you near Church Street.
Inside the Venue
Upon entry, you’ll find a warm, eclectic bar-cafe vibe. There’s a host stand at the door for seating (if requested) and a bar serving drinks. Malcolm’s Bar is self-serve or staffed depending on crowd. Security staff or venue staff typically check ID for R18 events (and may do a quick bag-check). Once inside, enjoy the quirky decor – vintage furnishings, posters, local art and green plants everywhere (neatplaces.co.nz ). Free Wi-Fi is usually available (ask the bar for the password) and credit cards are accepted for tabs (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ).
The café menu runs late (often until last calls), so you can order wood-fired pizzas, burgers, salads and bar snacks well into the evening. The kitchen prides itself on creative vegan and vegetarian fare – many items are gluten-free or made from scratch (neatplaces.co.nz ) – and the bar stocks local craft beers, ciders and New Zealand wines (neatplaces.co.nz ). There’s a small drink menu of classic cocktails (often with house-made syrups) and non-alcoholic drinks. Yes , it’s dog-friendly in the daylight hours (the TripAdvisor listing notes “Dog Friendly” (www.tripadvisor.co.nz )), but of course pets are only out front or on the curb at night. (Service animals are welcome anytime.)
Special features inside include a wall of vinyl records and band merch, plus a cozy fire in winter. The ceiling is covered in hanging plant pots – legend has it you can even buy one to take home (neatplaces.co.nz ). Restrooms are available inside; one is wheelchair-accessible. There is no formal cloakroom or locker area, so plan to keep valuables with you (you can ask staff to hold small items behind the bar if needed). The staff and regulars create a very friendly atmosphere – people often chat with strangers and invite newcomers to join tables.
Nearby Amenities
East St sits in Nelson’s compact city centre, so you’re surrounded by shops, cafes and nightlife. For pre-show dining or late-night drinks just steps away, try one of the many neighbouring spots: the Free House pub (famous for craft beers and hearty grub), Red Rabbit Thai café, Johnny’s Takeaways, and Society Street’s chef-owned eateries are all within a 1–2 block radius. Church Street’s own “Food Truck Corner” runs lunch-time vendors on weekdays. Right nearby is the Gilbert Habit Exchange (second-hand shop), and on Trafalgar Square there’s a large Nelson Farmers Market.
For a nightcap after an East St event, head one block north to Bridge Street, which has dozens of bars and clubs. Popular choices include Hopgoods’ Pizza Works, Urban Soul or Hop & Hemp for casual dining, or Bombay Palace for late snacks (all are open late). If you need coffee or a sweet treat, indie cafés like Coffee Culture (on Halifax St) and Franklin Ceramic + Coffee are just a short walk away.
Staying overnight? Nearby accommodation options include The Rutherford Hotel (at Rutherford/Church St, 2-min walk), Hotel Nelson or Tuscany Villas (on Collingwood St, 5-min walk), and the boutique Tides Hotel (about 800m on Trafalgar Square) (www.kayak.com.my ). A block away is the Nelson i-SITE and travel center, where you can catch shuttles or hire bikes to explore further.
Rides home: After midnight the city’s designated taxi ranks (Trafalgar St near Church) or Uber are your easiest bet. The Late Late Bus (Fri/Sat) will drop you off a block away for only a few dollars (ebus.nz ). Otherwise, expect meters to turn off after 5pm, making street parking free and easy late-night.
What Makes This Venue Special
East St. is cherished for its one-of-a-kind character. It is Nelson’s only 100% vegan café-bar, a real pioneer of plant-based cuisine in the region (neatplaces.co.nz ) (www.nelsontasman.nz ). Beyond the food, what really sets it apart is the vibe: it’s both a cozy coffeehouse by day and a cutting-edge underground music venue by night. Its outlaw culture is reflected in everything from punk fundraisers to wizard-themed open decks. As one local promoter put it, East St “opened the door back up to extreme/alternative music in Nelson” (www.undertheradar.co.nz ). By supporting local craft beers, honoring Kiwi music talent, and mixing in global beats, East St feels like a loving community project.
Architecturally, the interior design (‘funky and fun’, as one review notes (neatplaces.co.nz )) makes visitors feel at home. The owners have filled the space with so much personality – hundreds of potted plants, vintage posters and quirky knick-knacks – that each visit reveals something new. Many long-time patrons consider the café a cultural institution: it’s repeatedly named a “must-visit” in Nelson guides, and has won local awards for its food and service. In short, both audiences and artists love East St. because it’s authentic, inclusive and always a bit unexpected.
Historically, the venue has outlasted many short-lived bars in Nelson. It first opened its doors in 2010 and even after a brief closure/revamp in 2015 (when it “refurbished and re-opened” at its current site (www.happycow.net )), it remains one of the veteran hangouts in town. Its longevity and high TripAdvisor ranking (Top 10% of restaurants in Nelson) testify to its local significance (www.nelsontasman.nz ) (neatplaces.co.nz ). Iconic moments here include punk rock fundraisers, drum-&-bass all-nighters and the yearly packed NYE dance parties. East St’s blend of activism, artistry and tasty eats makes it a true Nelson original.
Visitor Tips and Information
Planning a trip? Here are some quick pointers. East St. is officially wheelchair-accessible (no steps at the main entrance and an accessible restroom (www.tripadvisor.co.nz )), but it’s a small venue so give yourself extra time to get settled. For R18 shows you must present photo ID (passport, driver’s licence, etc.) to get in. The dress code is casual – jeans, T-shirts and a warm jacket (in winter there’s a wood fire, but it can get chilly after hours). The café is dog-friendly during daytime service, but animals aren’t allowed inside at night (except service dogs).
Food is served late, but if a big show is on, it’s safest to have dinner beforehand. Coffee and desserts are available in the afternoon. Tip: if you have a large backpack or coat, you can leave them behind the bar or hang up by the door; East St does not provide checked storage. Bringing your own snacks or alcohol is not permitted. Bag searches at the door are rare but possible for security at big gigs.
Arrive early for popular events – doors may open an hour before the show. If you do, grab a spot near a speaker or crowd to soak up the music; otherwise any table works for a relaxed night. In summer, don’t miss the pleasant outdoor courtyard (there’s a small beer-garden patio around the back bar). For rainy nights, the indoor bar area has plenty of seating. Free Wi-Fi means you can look up last-minute directions or share selfies during downtime.
A few do’s and don’ts: do bring cash ($2 parking, tips, any merch), though cards are fine for food/drink (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). Do wear earplugs if you’re noise-sensitive, as speakers crank up at concerts. Don’t try to sneak cannabis or outside drinks inside – Nelson law enforces NZ alcohol rules and East St staff will politely ask you to discard them. Don’t shout for stage time (this isn’t an open mic night unless it’s advertised). Finally, treat staff and locals well – this is a friendly spot, so customer respect goes a long way.
What is the capacity of East St Cafe & Bar?
East St Cafe & Bar is relatively small. For music and club nights, it holds roughly 120–150 people (e.g. a recent drum-–bass show was capped at ~150 tickets (www.nelsontasman.nz )). It feels cramped at full capacity, but that creates a lively, intimate atmosphere.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
For popular concerts and big DJ nights, advance tickets are strongly recommended. East St events often sell out or have limited door sales. Smaller local band nights sometimes have limited presales but you can also pay at the door (if it isn’t marked sold out). Always check the event poster or East St’s social media for ticket links and on-sale dates to avoid missing out.
Where is East St Cafe located?
East St is situated at 8 Church Street, Nelson 7010 (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). It’s just east of the city centre, a short walk from Trafalgar Square and Nelson Cathedral. The entrance is at ground level on Church Street, between Collingwood and Bridge Streets.
How do I get there by public transport?
Nelson’s bus network serves the city center. The closest stops are on Bridge Street at the Trafalgar Square end (routes 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). From those stops it’s a 2–3 minute walk up to Church Street. After hours (Fri/Sat late), the Late Late Bus leaves from Trafalgar St for Richmond – you can ride it back to the city and get off at a stop close to Church Street（ (ebus.nz )). Taxis and rideshares are also readily available downtown.
Is East St wheelchair accessible?
Yes, East St Cafe & Bar is wheelchair accessible. There are no steps at the main entrance, and one of the restrooms is designed for wheelchair access. Wheelchairs can roll freely through the main seating and stage area (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). Staff are usually happy to accommodate special access needs – feel free to call ahead if you need any additional assistance.
Is there parking near the venue?
There’s no private lot for East St, but plenty of public parking is nearby. Street parking meters are on Church, Collingwood and Rutherford Streets (free for the first hour, then ~$2/hr on weekdays (www.nelson.govt.nz )). The large Buxton Square car park on Collingwood Street (corner of College) is just a 2-minute walk away and has many spaces (paid, 3-hour limit) (www.nelson.govt.nz ). After hours (evening/weekend) meter enforcement ends, so street parking becomes free. Always double-check local signage for any restrictions on nights of your visit.
What are the venue's admission and bag policies?
East St typically does not charge a cover fee unless a ticketed event is happening (check the event listing). Weeknight cafe hours are free to enter. For paid gigs, you must show a ticket or pay entry at the door before 10–11pm. Bag searches may be conducted on busy nights. Guests are not allowed to bring in outside alcohol or large amounts of outside food (small snacks are usually OK, but it’s best to enjoy the in-house menu). Drugs and glass bottles are prohibited, per New Zealand law.
What items are allowed inside?
Inside East St, you can carry standard personal items (phones, cameras for photos if staff allow, small bags). Service animals are permitted. Smoking is not allowed inside (there may be outside smoking areas). You can purchase all drinks and food on-site. There are no lockers, so keep track of belongings. Note that any personal drinks or food you bring may be asked to be discarded. During events, recorders or professional cameras might be disallowed.
Is there a dress code?
East St has a relaxed atmosphere and no formal dress code. Most people wear casual clothing – think jeans, T-shirts, boots or sneakers. For DJs and bands, some guests choose bolder or alternative attire, but it’s not required. On colder nights, bring a warm jacket since the door often stays open. Costumes or themed outfits are welcome on special event nights (the staff themselves sometimes dress up), but official contests or costume rules are only on advertised theme nights.
Does East St have a coat check?
East St does not have a formal coat-check service. However, the entrance area has some hooks and a nook where guests often hang jackets or place small bags. If you have a larger coat or backpack, feel free to ask the staff to hold it behind the bar or near the door. During busy events, space is limited, so pack light or wear layers. Just don’t leave valuables unattended.
Is there Wi-Fi available?
Yes, East St offers free Wi-Fi to customers. The network name and password are posted on the walls or can be provided by staff when you order. This makes it easy to check set times, share photos, or catch a ride home using apps. Anecdotally, reviews list “Free Wifi” as a feature (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ), and the relaxed café setting encourages visitors to stay connected during their visit. (Note: Show nights may stress the network, so don’t rely on it for streaming.)
Are children allowed?
Children are welcome during daytime hours when East St operates as a family-friendly cafe (the TripAdvisor listing even notes “Child friendly” (neatplaces.co.nz )). However, for evening concerts and parties the venue generally enforces an adult-only policy (18+). Always check the specific event details: some performances (especially rock, punk or DJ nights) are strictly R18, meaning no minors allowed even accompanied. Other nights (e.g. acoustic sets or early-evening shows) might be more lenient, but plan on it being an adult crowd after dark.
What’s the best way to get from Nelson Airport?
The airport is 7 km south of town, about a 15-minute drive (www.nelsonairport.co.nz ). You can take an eBus (Route 4) from the terminal to central Nelson (buses depart every 30 minutes, 7am–7pm (www.nelsonairport.co.nz )), then walk 10 minutes or catch a taxi to Church Street. Taxis and ride-shares pick up right outside the terminal (look for Nelson Taxis queue). For groups or heavy gear, booking a shuttle van might be easiest. If arriving late at night, a taxi from the airport is straightforward but check availability or pre-book, as services taper off after 11pm.
