Wally's Cafe   

People don't come to Wally's expecting much. This narrow, cramped neighborhood bar tucked into the South End can barely fit 50 people, the bartenders don't serve fancy drinks, and the word "trendy" hasn't been uttered here since its inception in 1947. But when the jazz bands really start to get cooking, it's no wonder Wally's draws a capacity crowd almost every night of the week. Ranging from bee-bop to Latin, funk to R&B, Wally's is the proving ground for jazz students from Berklee and the Conservatory, as well as talented local musicians. Get there early to ensure a good seat; otherwise, you're left standing in the flow of traffic from the front to the back of the bar (yes, it's that small). Don't worry about a dress code, either, because there isn't one. Wally's is so laid-back that you'd think you were at a friend's party, were it not for the hellish parking situation just outside the front door.