318 E. Congress St.
There aren't many 97-year-old dames who rock like downtown's Rialto Theatre. And truth be told, as she closes in on the century mark, this grand dame is looking pretty damn good. The list of acts that have passed through these doors since it reopened for rock 'n' roll some two decades back is way too long to catalogue, but if you love music, comedy or movies, you've probably seen one of your favorite shows here. The Rialto remains the centerpiece of downtown music—and now they have a chance to do even more with warehouse space 191 Toole, which hosted acts such as Chicano Batman and M Ward in recent months. Plus, the R Bar serves up that monstrous Rialtor when you're in the mood for a twist on the Moscow Mule. And don't forget: The Rialto Theatre Foundation is a nonprofit, so why not write a little check to support them? Membership has its privileges, including drink specials and early ticket purchases.
Runners up:
2. Club Congress
3. Monterey Court
