Best Rock Club

Blue Cats

There are few places more exciting on a Friday night than a sold-out show at Blue Cats. Anticipation runs high, and you’d be hard-pressed to throw a dead rat without hitting a friend, acquaintance, or ex-girlfriend square between the eyes. And with the recent unveiling of its posh upstairs lounge, there’s yet even more room to rock. On the brink of its third year, we salute the club’s commitment to our exponentially growing music scene, cultivating it with frequent nights devoted solely to local acts. The bartending staff is top notch, its patio allows for a fresh-air break, and the neighboring Tonic offers something for everyone in its late-night menu. By tweaking different elements to reach its fullest potential, Blue Cats also rises above the fold in its first win as Best Concert Venue.

Runners-up: Pilot Light, Barley’s