Sambuca
Part intimate jazz club and part restaurant, Sambuca is a good choice if you want a sophisticated evening out. The music outranks the food; the headliners here—including local piano guru Mose Davis—are consistently top-notch. Because the venue basically works like a dinner theater, though, you'll need to eat to get a seat anywhere other than the bar (there's a $19 minimum per person). This isn't necessarily a bad thing; just stick to the more simply prepared dishes on the prix fixe dinner menu, and you'll be fine (the steaks, grilled salmon, and Australian lamb chops are reliable bets).
Tip: Seating inside the smaller, side dining room (once the club's smoking area) isn't so great for hearing the music. Then again, it's better for hearing your date.
Cover charge: $15–$35, Thursday-Saturdays only
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