Blues Alley

One of the world's great jazz clubs, playing host nightly to mostly national and international acts. The atmosphere is wonderful, in a brick building off Wisconsin in an actual "Blues Alley." The venue is tiny and packed full; patrons are respectful and do not talk during performances (if you want conversation, go elsewhere). The range of music, however, has become a little wider than jazz purists would like—check the website calendar to make sure you'll hear music to your taste. Seating is not assigned, so get in the line early, which starts to form one half hour before shows.

• nightlife

Address

1073 Wisconsin Ave NW

Getting there

in the alley

Hours

1.5-2 hour sets at 8PM & 10PM daily

Price

Cover: $20-40, drink minimum: $10

Phone

+12023374141

Website

bluesalley.com (opens in a new tab)