Best of Boston

2011 Best Jazz Club, Upscale

Regattabar

Jazz in its live form requires a venue that does it justice. With a slew of world-class acts ranging from timbale guru Eguie Castrillo to prog-funk trio Garage à Trois, this 220-seat space packs in the tables but leaves room for dancing out back. Bands play on the floor rather than a stage, making banter with the audience a common occurrence.

1 Bennett St., Cambridge, 617-661-5000, regattabarjazz.com