The Midway Cafe is the best possible version of a divey live music bar in Jamaica Plain.

The Model is a legacy dive bar in Allston.

The Burren is an Irish Pub in Davis Square with lots of live music and a refreshing paucity of shamrocks on the walls.

The Ghost Walks is a cool bar in the Theater District with a small menu and a champagne vending machine.

The Phoenix Landing is a soccer bar in Central Square that turns into a dance club with a DJ every night.

La Fabrica is a lively Latin restaurant in Central Square with live music and a big menu of small plates and ceviche.

Cesaria is a casual Cape Verdean restaurant in Dorchester that often has live music.

DBar in Dorchester is a pub/club serving a broad range of food in a fun space with a nice back patio.

Thunder Road is a small bar and live music venue in Union Square.