A sort of '70s rec room with live music.

by Contributor

The Scene
The Elbo Room isn't an everyone-who's-anyone scene--the lack of pretension is part of its charm--just a comfortable setting for live, mostly original music. A stuffed fish presides over the bar, mottled candle jars serve on wobbly tables and plush red curtains lining the ceiling create a little ambience. Those who brave into the shady corners are rewarded with seating on a soft old couch. The small, well-lit stage is fairly close to all seats, and there's plenty of space in front for dancing. Named for the sharp-cornered building it calls home, the club books many musical styles: ska, acid jazz, alternative, rock, rockabilly, funk and the occasional swing band.

The Draw
If you want to avoid a cover charge completely, stay in the mellow bar upstairs. Sip a cocktail among the red dome candles and lamps straight out of the Brady house while sinking into one of the long couches that snake along the walls. The crowd varies in size from a handful to a packed house, depending on the band, but most nights the action heats up after 10:30 pm and stays that way until closing time.