Red Cat Jazz Café is an amazing jazz bar located in an old, red-brick building, just off Old Market Square. The Café presents great local jazz and blues bands, and occasionally, comedy acts. The menu features Creole and Cajun cuisines.

Located in the historic Rice Hotel, Sambuca is a restaurant that features live music in many styles, including pop, soft rock, acoustic rock, classic rock, sultry singers, crooners, jazz, R&B, and Latin. The menu features appetizers, such as pizza and fried calamari, and main dishes, such as grilled beef tenderloin and sea bass.

Located on Pease street in Downtown, the Engine Room is a live music venue specializing in alternative rock, hard rock, and metal. The atmosphere is absolutely fantastic--one room has a silver brick wall and another has a wall projector showing psychedelic images. The club has a fully stocked bar including spirits, wine, juices, sodas, bottled water & beer, but does not serve food.

Sammy's at 2016 Main is a bar and music venue featuring the 1970s and '80s pop, soul, and R&B. The owner of the nightclub is an amazing performer too. The club has a great dance floor, several bars, VIP rooms, and video screens in every room showing the performers.

The original Continental Club opened in Austin, Texas, in 1957. The Houston branch opened in July 2000, and is an authentic recreation of the original, from the neon sign outside to the red velvet stage. The musical offerings are diverse, but the focus is American roots, rockabilly, and country, featuring local bands. The club also has a good bar and a pleasant patio where you can take in some fresh air.

Numbers calls itself "Houston's oldest and most infamous venue for live local, international and breaking alternative acts." The list of acts performed here comprises a who's who of punk, new wave, and alternative rock bands. When not presenting live bands, Numbers feature DJs and projection video. The club is also equipped with pool tables, pinball machines, and video games.

Located in the historic Montrose area, Anderson Fair Retail Restaurant opened way back in the 1960s as a coffee house featuring poetry readings. Over time, Anderson Fair became a famous venue for live folk music. The restaurant serves beer and wine and snacks, such as nachos, quesadillas, and stuffed potatoes.

Located above the Black Labrador Pub, Cezanne is a unique venue for acoustic jazz, and one of the most elegant nightspots in the city. The music is provided by local, regional and national artists. The club has an intimate atmosphere and the seating is close to the stage. Cezanne also features a full bar.