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The Social (formerly known as Sapphire) serves up an eclectic mix of live music. Sounds range from alternative rock to funk, jazz, and dance, with local DJs also gracing the club’s legendary stage. For years, the club’s policy of booking top national touring acts meant it was the shining light of Orlando’s live music scene. Competition from much larger clubs is stiffer now, but this tiny spot, with its stylishly raw decor, remains O-Town’s favorite spot to enjoy live music.

Wall-to-wall original folk art gives this giant venue a funky look. But like all things in the Disney empire, the decor hides a modern, smooth-running machine. HOB books amazing acts in every genre, from hip-hop to death-metal. Unlike many clubs, shows start and end on time, and the sound system is crystal clear. The one flaw is an incredible lack of seating with stage views, so be prepared to be on your feet all night.

The ying to HOB’s yang, Hard Rock has a more comfortable room, with balcony seating and good stage views. The grand ballroom decor is more apropos for acts that want to perform in an elegant setting, so it’s not surprising that top R&B artists such as Maxwell and Erykah Badu play here. The Hard Rock schedule is more erratic, with fewer top name bookings.

This tiny dive has earned a reputation among local musicians for being one of the best-loved music clubs in town, with a line-up of punk, ska, and alternative rock bands. The back room stage is small and the ceiling low, but the PA is loud and the beer list huge. The front room has a pool table, and there’s a patio out front in case fresh air is required.

The lounge music craze that swept the nation a few years ago has almost vanished, leaving only serious practitioners. This elegant hotel bar is a swell place to sip cocktails and dig the duet in evening dress who sing near the $250,000 Bösendorfer Grand piano. Maybe it’s the heavy drapes, the dark wood, or the well-tuned ennui of some patrons, but you feel wealthy just being here.

Before it evolved into a chain of mega-clubs, the original HOB concept was closer to this casual roadhouse place, which offers bayou-inspired eats, cold beer, and live blues bands on a low stage. Though they get little promotion, the bands booked here are excellent. And even if dinner prices are inflated (à la everything at Disney), the cover charge is zero. (see HOB Blues Bar).

The downside to Gilas is that they book mostly cover bands. The upside is a young, good-looking crowd getting smashed on tequila and dirty dancing with near strangers. The band usually sets up on the patio, but it’s more fun and sweaty when it rains and the band crams itself into an inside corner. Sure, the southwestern theme decor gets old fast, but if you need to relive the days of dorm parties, this is the place to go.

Located in Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island, this club features music from the 1950s to the 1990s. The three-story rock ‘n roll mecca also has performances by live bands as well as DJs, and can squeeze in more than 400 people.

This swinging nightclub is located within the Rosen Plaza Hotel on International Drive. Dance the night away to live bands and top DJs who play popular hits from the 1970s, the 1980s and the 1990s. Valet parking is also available.

The Soundstage Club is located in Downtown Disney, rubbing shoulders with other clubs at Pleasure Island. Come here to dance to rhythm and blues, reggae, soul and hip-hop tracks. It’s owned by BET Holdings, Black Entertainment Television, so you can expect that the crowd will be young, trendy, and pretty cool.