Jacques Arlisia Golden Lebejia and Taima Cara applaud a show at this club known for hosting local rock bands and drag shows. MORE INFORMATION Photo gallery The city: a crash course Boston.com's "Back on Campus" guide

Looking for a night on the town, but don't know where to go? This sampling of popular area clubs will get you started. Many of them are 21+, but have 18+ nights. Lineups change frequently, so call ahead. Unless noted, the clubs don't serve food.

North Station area
The Harp, Irish Embassy, Hibernia, Jimmy Mac's

Faneuil Hall area
Black Rose, Coogan's Bluff, Jose McIntyre's, Purple Shamrock, The Rack, Sissy K's

Theater District
The Big Easy, Jacques, The Roxy, The Sweet Water Cafe, Club Venu, Yesterdays Bar & Grille

South End
Bob the Chef's, Wally's Cafe

Kenmore/Fenway
Avalon, Axis, Bill's Bar, Copperfields, Lava Bar, Linwood Grill, M-80, Tua Nua, Who's On First

Jamaica Plain
Brendan Behan Pub, Midway Cafe, Milky Way Lounge

Allston/Brighton
The Kells, Harpers Ferry, Kinvara, Scullers, White Horse Tavern, Wonder Bar

Central Square
Cantab Lounge, Green Street Grill at Charlie's Tap, Man Ray, Middle East Restaurant, Phoenix Landing, Plough and Stars, T.T. the Bear's Place

Harvard/Porter squares
House of Blues, The Hong Kong, Lizard Lounge, Club Passim, Regattabar, Toad

Inman/Kendall squares
The B-Side Lounge, Kendall Cafe, Ryles

Davis Square
The Burren, Johnny D's, Joshua Tree

Scott Alarik, Carol Beggy, Bob Blumenthal, Beth Carney, Amy Finch, Ed Medina, Steve Morse, and Christopher Muther contributed to this compilation.