Joe's Pub   

You never know what you're going to get here -- bluegrass? free jazz? Balinese funk? But chances are it'll be worth hearing. Named after the late Joseph Papp, founder of the adjoining Public Theater, Joe's Pub serves as both an intimate showcase for major acts and a platform for up-and-comers. Occasionally this eclecticism can seem bizarre -- it's disorienting to see a Brazilian-folk crowd clear out while the spoken-word punk act sets up onstage -- but mostly it serves as a happy reminder of New York City's melting pot of sounds and styles. Another plus: Unlike many of the city's edgier venues, Joe's Pub is exceedingly comfortable, with its array of cafe tables and plush banquettes. (This point, however, is moot during crowded-to-the-gills, sold-out sets.)