DOWNTOWN. Subterranean it may be, but C'est What is definitely not sub-par. Dedicated to all things local, the establishment promotes Toronto with exhibits from regional artists and shows from local musicians in their state-of-the-art performance room/recording studio. Before they made it big, the intimate space hosted Barenaked Ladies, Jeff Buckley and Jewel, among others. An amazing selection of beverages includes their own line of craft brewed beers and wines, an array of Ontario microbrewed beers and wines, plus a great list of whiskies. In keeping with Toronto's rep as a multi-cultural city, the menu features fantastic food from around the world. A true Toronto favorite.

DOWNTOWN. Since 1947, the Horseshoe has been entertaining Toronto's thirst for live music with a roster of musicians as varied as Arlo Guthrie, the Ramones, the Cramps, the Police, Johnny Lang, 10,000 Maniacs, Billy Bragg, and Soul Coughing. Well known for keeping up with the times, the performance schedule has morphed over the years, from county and rockabilly, to folk and reggae, to punk and metal. A renowned sound system and near-perfect acoustics makes the Shoe an industry fave, as well, so you never know who might be sitting next to you. If you like music, don't pass this one up!

DOWNTOWN. A longstanding Toronto institution, the Montreal Bistro reveres jazz in all its incarnations, booking everything from Dixieland and bebop to vocal standards and fusion. Past performers have included Marian McPartland, George Shearing, Diana Krall and Oscar Peterson, but that's just a smidgen of the history this place has. Jazz aficionados will feel the magic as soon as they walk in! Food-and-beverage-wise, the Bistro serves a selection of international favorites including steaks and pasta, along with cocktails, wine and beer. Dinner reservations encouraged.

DOWNTOWN. The Rivoli nurtures its reputation as a purveyor of eclectic entertainment by booking live music, comedy acts, DJs and poetry readings. You may recognize some of the acts who have performed here in the past, including the Kids in the Hall, Cowboy Junkies, Beck, the Indigo Girls, Iggy Pop and Janeane Garofalo, to name just a few. There are several spaces here: a restaurant, a bar, the back performance room, and a 5000 square foot pool hall upstairs, complete with 13 vintage pool tables. If you can swing it, go on Monday night for the ALTdotCOMedy Lounge ­ it's a winner.

THEATRE DISTRICT. This Canadian sibling of the famous Chicago comedy workshop is where many famous comedians (Dan Akroyd, Gilda Radner, Mike Meyers, John Candy, Catherine O'Hara and Martin Short) started or continued their careers. The dinner theatre presents revues, comedy sketches and late-night improv sets. Dinner and show packages are available, and Leoni's Italian Kitchen serves up heaping portions of southern Italian fare, from pastas to fish, steaks and pizzas.