SOUTH STREET. Live jazz, cheap beer and a friendly scene result in a lot of customer loyalty for this cozy South Street lounge. Drag show on Thursday nights.

CENTER CITY. A regional favorite, Chris' Jazz Café has been included on Downbeat magazine's list of "100 Great Venues Around the World to Hear Jazz." Scheduled performers include both up-and-coming and established talent. In addition to great music, you can enjoy full-service dining as well. The lunch menu has a number of salad and sandwich options, and the dinner menu features American favorites such as crab cakes, pasta dishes, and steaks.

OLD CITY. Named after the legendary geographical feature in the Hindu Kush Mountains, this Old City music venue isn't for the faint of heart. Punk and indy acts with names like Oppenheimer, Nashville Pussy, Human Television and Iggy Pop take over the downstairs stage each week, cranking their amps to full volume and whipping into a frenzy the 20-somethings who pack the dark listening room. Upstairs, DJs spin everything from hip-hop to Britrock until well past the witching hour.

MUSEUM DISTRICT & FAIRMOUNT PARK. This edgy venue graces the Museum District with a host of bands. A large bar with a great view of the stage makes North Star an especially comfy and appealing spot to catch a show. When there's not a concert, fans flock to this friendly hangout to down beers at happy hour or shoot pool in the adjoining hall. Adding to the convenience factor are savory sandwiches and hip snacks like Drunk and Beaten Calamari, served with garlic aioli and lemon. ID required for admission to shows.

MOUNT AIRY. What's your taste in music ­ acoustic, electronica, hip-hop, jazz, Latin, R&B, or rock? At NXNW you can catch it all. Billed as one of Philly's top live music venues, this spacious Mt. Airy venue, which sports a tin ceiling, stained hardwood floors and exposed brick walls, serves up a veritable cornucopia of music each week that appeals to listeners from all walks of life. In addition to the great sounds, NXNW also delivers some rather tasty eats, including crab corn chowder, Maryland crab cake sandwiches and baby-back ribs.