Troubadour

This storied club has a rich musical history: Randy Newman got his start here, and Elton John made his US debut on its stage in 1970. It hasn't lapsed into irrelevance in the time since, often showcasing bands on the rise: Interpol, Joss Stone and Franz Ferdinand all played early US shows here. The sound is great and the views are decent from almost anywhere in the room—just stay out from under the balcony.