U STREET. The 9:30 Club is always packed, so get there early if you want a good standing spot (there are no chairs). On stage, you'll see both big name national acts and local bands. Past performers include REM, Fiona Apple, My Bloody Valentine, Moby, Bob Mould, and Garbage. Four bars make it easy to get refills. Call or check their website for the calendar. METRO: U Street/Cardoza

The 9:30 Club is always packed, so get there early if you want a good standing spot (there are no chairs). On stage, you'll see both big name national acts and local bands. Past performers include REM, Fiona Apple, My Bloody Valentine, Moby, Bob Mould, and Garbage. Four bars make it easy to get refills. Call or check their website for the calendar. METRO: U Street/Cardoza

FALLS CHURCH. Excellent Thai cuisine and nightly jazz and/or blues performances draw patrons day and night to this delightful restaurant. Aiming to please a variety of audiences, the menu offers everything from spicy curry dishes and the ever popular pad Thai noodles to burgers and fries. While guests chill out with a beer or cocktail in the bar's sleek interior, talented musicians from far and near grace the stage. NB Smoking is permitted in the bar but not in the dining room.

ALEXANDRIA. Birchmere is an interesting mix between a bar and a concert hall. You will always find great live music, including names like Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Nancy Griffith. There are pool halls, their own famous brewery, and a full-service bar. You are likely to hear folk, blues and bluegrass performances while you are here. METRO: Braddock Road

U STREET. The Black Cat is a rocking, post-funk bar co-owned by the Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl. The stage is always alive with alternative music, and the bar prices are decent. The bar menu includes mostly vegetarian dishes. The separate bar next door has no cover charge, some great drinks, a few pool tables, and a jukebox. METRO: U Street/Cardoza