Winner: The Paradise Rock Club
If the racket in T's is not up to your standards, head next door to one of the longest-running rock clubs in Boston, with a list of past performers that includes Tom Waits, Echo & the Bunnymen, and Stiff Little Fingers. U2 played its first ever show in the States here. The front room features up-and-coming acts and serves a terrific thin-crust pizza.
967-969 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston
617-562-8800
Runner up: The Middle East, 472 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-864-3278
Third place: Avalon, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston, 617-262-2424
Pizza | French Fries | Sushi | Burrito | Burger | Ice cream | Coffee | Place to Dine on Parents' Dime | Late Night Eats | Place to Go on a First Date | Open Mic Club | Karaoke | Live Music Club | Dance Club | Place to Watch a Game | Place to Buy Dorm Gear | Place to Buy Sneakers | Place to Buy Vintage Clothes | Hair Salon | Place for a First Kiss | Spot for Wi-fi Access | Day Trip by Public Transport | Bike Ride and Jogging Route | Place to Study | Place to People-Watch