House of Blues   

For a city known for its Browns, a new color has made a long-term mark in Cleveland at the House of Blues. Founded by actor and blues lover Dan Aykroyd, the club first opened in Cambridge, Mass., in 1992. Since then, many have come for the Mississippi Delta-style fare or its famous Sunday gospel brunch. But what has made this chain so popular is its capacity to feed the ears as well as the stomach. The Cleveland location, which anchors Downtown's East Fourth Street Project, has enough room for 1,100 concertgoers, and you can bet there isn't a bad spot in the house to see and hear the acts and enjoy the innovative happy hour. That includes a balcony that nearly hangs over the performers. Aside from the main concert hall, a smaller room allows for private parties, leisurely lounging and the occasional dance night. Expect a diverse cast of artists to take the stage. Within weeks of opening, Marilyn Manson, a reunited Raspberries, influential East Coast rapper Nas and ex-New Kid on the Block Jordan Knight all dotted the concert calendar. How's that for some bang for your buck?