Green Mill   

The Mighty Blue Kings, Patricia Barber and other well-known jazz artists got their start at this club opened shortly after Prohibition ended. The Green Mill, infamous for famous patrons such as Al Capone, Charlie Chaplin and Gloria Swanson, is also one of the oldest jazz clubs in the world. The venue stays pretty true to its roots, offering hardcore jazz fans the best in straight-ahead, traditional and jump-blues jazz styles. Bands perform on a tiny stage in the rear, and if you arrive early, you can grab one of the seats right in front or one of the velvety booths lining the walls. There's a two-drink minimum if you're sitting in the hot seats, but for true jazz fans, it's worth the bucks. Latecomers must watch the show from the bar, which gets packed on weekends when the crowds pour in (especially late night after shows at the Riviera and Aragon let out). The world's first Sunday Night Poetry Slam is usually exciting and intellectually stimulating, and still going strong since it started in 1986. Amateurs are often welcome to participate if they arrive in time to register. Call ahead for info. -- Audarshia Townsend