Washington, D.C.: The Bar Under The Stage

The 9:30 Club is no secret, especially amongst D.C. locals. It hosts everyone from rock and roll legends like Bob Dylan to up-and-coming indie bands. Most nights there you'll catch groups of quality musicians that are right on the brink of becoming mainstream.

The Hold Steady gets the crowd amped up 

It's been recognized as one of the best venues in the country, because even though it accommodates a generous crowd of 1,200, it feels intimate. It's standing room only with a bar in the back so attendees often filter back and forth throughout the show leaving space to wiggle right up to the front. You can get close enough to the band that it's common for the musicians to engage individual members of the audience in flirtation.

If you feel confident that the wink you got wasn't a figment of your imagination you can always head down to the best kept secret of the club after the show; the underground bar. This is where the performers often grab a drink after their set. Most members of the audience don't know it's there, so it's got a low key vibe with locals, friends of the band and employees of the club just hangin out.