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Houston's: Its musical programming could be the most reliable in the city, since it tends toward long residencies by some of the finest local piano crooners playing such fare as pop standards from the '30s and '40s every night except Friday and Saturday. 1800 Montgomery (at Embarcadero), 392-9280.
Hush Hush: Somewhat trendy and typically packed on weekends, this bar is dark yet inviting, owing to the quality weekly and monthly DJ parties it hosts (and its selection of 21 different vodkas). 496 14th St. (at Guerrero), 241-9944.
Il Pirata: With its black leather booths and no-frills atmosphere, this delightfully dingy watering hole offers a roster of DJs spinning Latin and salsa music, plus affordable drinks aplenty. 2007 16th St. (at Utah), 626-2626.
The Independent: The legendary live-music box on Divis has received a much-needed update, including covering the concrete floor (painful knees!) with a wood dance floor and carpeting, installing a powerful sound system, and instituting an open booking policy: Expect rock, folk, hip hop, and the occasional DJ night. 628 Divisadero (at Hayes), 771-1421.
Ireland's 32: In addition to a fine beer selection, darts, pool, European sports on TV, and pub grub, this Inner Richmond home-away-from-home for many Irish expats offers live music seven nights a week, covering everything from punk to traditional Irish music to an open mike night. 3920 Geary (at Third Ave.), 386-6173.
Jazz at Pearl's: Despite new owners (or perhaps because of them), Jazz at Pearl's still ranks as the top spot for live jazz in the city. Monday through Saturday, touring players swing by to scorch this landmark joint. 256 Columbus (at Broadway), 291-8255.
Jelly's: "Club Judah" -- an ongoing Friday night dance party dedicated to reggae, dub, and new-school tropical house -- is this SOMA destination's most happening party. During the week things are less crowded and more laid-back as DJs spin hip hop, house, and urban classics. 295 China Basin (at Mission Rock), 495-3099.
Jester's Lounge: Just off the lobby of the Argent Hotel, this cozy oasis of martinis and modern jazz is a destination for travelers and after-work locals alike. On Friday nights the club hosts guitar guru Carl Lockett (a former bandmate of Chuck Mangione); on Thursdays and Saturdays, it's the ivory-tickling of Brent Weinbach. Argent Hotel, 50 Third St. (at Market), 974-8800.
Jillian's: This after-work hangout -- part of a national chain of club/restaurants with a billiards theme -- becomes a dance spot on the weekends. 101 Fourth St. (at Mission), 369-6100.
John’s Grill: This landmark restaurant claims to be “home of the Maltese Falcon” and features local jazz guitarists nightly. Be sure to check the schedule for Carl Locke (usually on Thursday nights), who treats listeners to familiar swinging standards with leisurely savoir-faire. Like Sam Spade says, it’s “the stuff that dreams are made of.” 63 Ellis (at Powell), 986-0069.
Johnny Foley's Irish House/Cellar: Music lovers cherish the intimate cellar underneath Johnny Foley's Irish Pub, where songsmiths like Ron Sexsmith, Josh Rouse, and Lisa Loeb have all performed. A venue so intimate that musicians must use the audience bathroom. 243 O'Farrell (at Cyril Magnin), 954-0777.
Kate O'Brien's: This downtown watering hole -- which feels like a friendly neighborhood Irish pub, with its shiny copper bar -- is home to various DJs Thursday through Saturday. 579 Howard (at Second St.), 882-7240.
Kells Irish Restaurant & Bar: Have an old-fashioned Irish sing-along to live music (on weekends) at this classy, comfortable pub lined in brick and presenting gorgeous views of the bay. 530 Jackson (at Columbus), 955-1916.
Kelly's Mission Rock: This sprawling China Basin indoor/outdoor club sits right on the water and is host to some hot one-off events, which draw both local and international DJ talent playing everything from hip hop to house. 817 China Basin (off Third St.), 626-5355.
Kimo's: An atmosphere like a fisherman's garage (TV, surfboard, nets), it's the opposite of ritzy yet very fun. Upstairs on most nights you'll find some of the city's loudest punk, rock, and noise bands. 1351 Polk (at Pine), 885-4535.
La Scene: Premium cocktails, candlelit coziness, and piano jazz (Thursday through Saturday) make this upscale restaurant/bar on the ground floor of the Warwick Regis Hotel a popular stop for theatergoers, hotel guests, and Union Square loungers. Don’t expect too much by way of flashy entertainment: The piano players specialize in wallpaper music. 490 Geary (at Mason), 928-7900.
La Terraza: Though the club might be a little rough around the edges, the music at this Outer Mission hole-in-the-wall restaurant is top-notch. Latin club DJs and Norteña bands provide danceable selections all week long for the mostly local crowd. The beers are affordable, the vibe is usually friendly (don't cross the 7-foot-tall bouncer, though), and the covers are cheap. 3472 Mission (at Cortland), 285-1236.
Last Day Saloon: Early birds enjoy pool, foosball, and pinball at the street-level bar, but live-music lovers head upstairs for nightly shows -- mostly jam bands, but hip hop, jazz, and funk acts stop by regularly. 406 Clement (at Sixth Ave.), 387-6343.
Laszlo: Foreign Cinema's little cousin features DJs in a posh setting. Although it stands out like a sore raised pinkie in its coarse Mission Street surroundings, it's a nice change of pace in an area laced with dive bars. Lively locals spin dance music and party jams (though there's no dance floor), and an air of class makes it worthwhile as more than a convenient post-meal move. 2526 Mission (at 21st St.), 401-0810.
Le Colonial: Recalling Vietnam during the time of French colonization, the upscale Le Colonial restaurant features a gorgeous, palm tree-lined interior. It's slowly but steadily attracting special events such as Brown Hornet's monthly house music night "JetSet" (first Saturday of the month). 20 Cosmo (off Post), 931-3600.
Les Joulins Jazz Bistro: Steak 'n' jazz are the highlights at this Union Square bistro, with nightly live performances by strong local talent exploring the spectrum of the genre, from straight-ahead sounds to bebop. 44 Ellis (at Powell), 397-4436.
