Arlene Grocery
The name (and canopy) of this obscure rock venue come from the bodega that it replaced. Generally hosts impressive unknowns with a quietly edgy sound. There's always a warm reception from the laid-back crowd. Occasionally the club hosts heavy metal karaoke nights -- with a live band -- which are a real hoot. Nightly from 6 pm. Cover varies. 95 Stanton St. (between Ludlow and Orchard), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-358-1633. http://www.arlene-grocery.com.

B. B. King's
Situated just off Times Square, the club owned by the man synonymous with the blues is a relatively new offering in the New York live music scene. In addition to blues acts, the club features jazz, funk, reggae and soul artists, from the old and grizzled to the squeaky clean. Food is also served (home-cooking and barbecue, mostly), but it's merely average. Daily from 11 am. Cover US$15-$55. 237 W. 42nd St. (between 7th and 8th Avenues), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-997-4144. Fax 212-997-4545. http://www.bbkingblues.com.

CBGB
Raucous club where the music is loud and bands seldom play beyond their three-chord musical range. Good for alternative bands who are looking to make some headway in the music scene -- it happened here for the Talking Heads, the Ramones and Blondie. Go on the weekends for a surer bet for a good show. CB's 313 Gallery next door is worth checking out, too. Nightly from about 8 pm. Cover US$3-$12. 315 Bowery (between 1st and 2nd Streets), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-982-4052. http://www.cbgb.com.

Detour
A low-key venue that showcases great young jazz artists. It's becoming a prime spot for the brightest new talent. Nightly from about 9 pm. No cover, but acts pass a brass spittoon around for your donations. 349 E. 13th St. (between 1st and 2nd Avenues), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-533-6212.

Joe's Pub
This cabaret-ish nightspot is actually part of The Public Theater's performance complex. The programming spans a wide spectrum of cultural and performing styles -- jazz bands, Broadway vocalists, avant-garde poets and more. Seating is at tables, couches and the bar. General admission. On performance nights, seating begins one hour before show time. Menu available, and a two-drink (or food) minimum may apply at certain events. Nightly from 6 pm. 425 Lafayette Street, Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-539-8777.

Knitting Factory
Avant-garde jazz and rock offered on three floors, with two stages and a phenomenal sound system. Several acts each night, show times vary. Cover US$5-$15. 74 Leonard St. (between Broadway and Church), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-219-3055. Fax 212-219-3401. http://www.knittingfactory.com.

Mercury Lounge
Well-known local and national performers play at this very hip place. The music tends toward indie, alternative and rock. Nightly from about 8 pm. Cover US$8-$10. 217 E. Houston St., Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-260-4700. http://www.mercuryloungenyc.com.

Smoke
Popular neighborhood bar and one of the best low-key jazz joints north of Times Square. Formerly known as Augie's Pub, the place changed owners and adapted a more polished and lounge-ish feel, but remains an inviting place. A good place to go if you're uptown and want to avoid touristy parts of the city. Two bands every night. The music generally starts at 8 pm. 2751 Broadway (between 105th and 106th Streets), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-864-6662.

Sounds of Brazil (S.O.B.'s)
Enter another world entirely, with live reggae and other music from Brazil, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Restaurant, full bar and live music. Generally, doors open at 7 pm and dinner is served until 10 or 11 pm. Open nightly. Call ahead to see when bands go on, as show times can change. Cover US$10-$25. 204 Varick St. (at Houston Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-243-4940. Fax 212-645-1703.

The Bitter End
A Greenwich Village institution with offerings of live blues, folk and jazz. Full bar. Nightly, music starts around 8 pm. Cover US$5-$10. 147 Bleecker St. (between Thompson and LaGuardia), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-673-7030. http://www.bitterend.com.

The Blue Note
A longtime Greenwich Village favorite that hosts the top jazz performers from all over the world. Check out the Sunday jazz brunch 11:30 am-4 pm for US$19.50. All-Star Session every Monday features wonderful jams. Show times and cover vary widely depending on the performer; call for information. 131 W. 3rd St. (at 6th Avenue), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-475-8592. http://www.bluenotejazz.com/newyork.

The Bottom Line
This NYU-area club snags some of the best offbeat rock, pop and folk acts. Unfortunately, it's tough for patrons to nab the trifecta of a good show, good seat and good service in a single night. Still, the acts they draw make it worth trying. Shows are often at 7:30 and 10:30 pm most every weekend, plus selected weeknights. Cover US$15-$30. No credit cards. 15 W. 4th St. (at Mercer), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-228-6300.

Tonic
One of the city's boldest musical venues, Tonic showcases practitioners of the exploratory, the avant-garde and the genre-blending. Both local and national acts play there, and cutting-edge notables like John Zorn and Marc Ribot are frequent headliners. Shows nightly. 107 Norfolk St. (between Rivington and Delancey), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-358-7503. http://www.tonic107.com.

Village Vanguard
A jazz institution. Daily sets at 9:30 and 11:30 pm; additional set on Friday and Saturday at 1 am. Cover US$15-$20 plus US$10 drink minimum. 178 7th Ave. S. (at W. 11th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-255-4037. Fax 212-929-4589. http://www.villagevanguard.com.