DOWNTOWN. Lunch spot by day, smoky blues bar by night, the Berkeley has been a downtown Raleigh fixture for years. Laid-back and down to earth, the no-frills décor features wood booths and photos of the regulars. The bar is up front, but most folks end up in the back music room, which features a large stage and a good sound system. Music tends toward blues, with some rock, R&B, jazz, country, and assorted other genres thrown in for good measure. Regulars make up the majority of the crowd, but if you're there for the music, you'll fit right in.

DOWNTOWN. The Brewery is one of the best places in the state to hear bands. Both regional and national acts are booked, from virtually every genre. You're as likely to hear punk, metal, and rock, as you are country, reggae, and pop - past performers have included Korn, Blue Oyster Cult, the Switch, and Melissa Etheridge. Despite its location close to NCSU, the crowd tends to be a good cross-section of the Triangle population, so anyone can enjoy a fantastic, loud, smoky, rockin' show here. Tickets available online, and at Record Exchange: Mission Valley 919-831-2300, or 2303-106 Hillsborough St 919-831-9666.