The Howlin' Wolf They got Foo Fighters to play there. That's pretty good. Local and national stuff. Great supporter of local rock.
Tipitina's The place. A historic display of local and national acts. Great site with webcasts. Good drink specials.
The Circle Bar The female bartenders are sweeties. Great small place to see rock that isn't loud, and even better if it is. It's a surreal sight when a band is rocking out in a guys face and he's still sitting down.