Located within driving distance of Austin, the Live Music Capital of the World, Dallas’ established music scene is often overlooked not only by touring bands but also by its own residents. However, nestled within some of the most unique neighborhoods across the metroplex are burgeoning concert venues that are sure to offer the best live music experience for musicians and fans alike.

Club Dada – Perhaps the most unique concert venue in Dallas, Club Dada is named after Dadaism, the avant-garde art movement born out of Europe in the 20th century. Not only is it distinctly decorated in the Dada style, the venue also offers an intimate concert experience at both their inside and outside stages. Just one step past the doorway will make you feel like you have stepped into a time portal back to the early 1900s in Switzerland. And if it gets to be a little too much, step out onto the patio for a breather and enjoy the sounds of Deep Ellum’s nightlife.

Trees – Located right across the street from Club Dada and Three Links, Trees first made news when a fight between security and Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain broke out. More than 20 years later, Trees has left its rocky history in the dust by making a name for itself through its cutting-edge sound system and hosting internationally recognized bands. Fans can either observe performances from the second floor sitting areas or enjoy the music with the rest of the crowd in front of the stage.

The Bomb Factory – What began as a Ford manufacturing center in the early 20th century became a factory for bomb and ammunition production during World War II, hence the name, before finally being transformed into the place it is today. This Deep Ellum concert and events venue recently underwent an intense redesign that has earned it the title “Live Music Venue of Dallas, Texas.” With a mezzanine, Very Important Person (VIP) rooms and spacious standing room that can hold more than 4,300 people, the Bomb Factory is hard proof that sometimes change can be good.

The Prophet Bar – Just like many other concert venues, The Prophet Bar is known to showcase both local and internationally known talents. However, what sets this bar-turned-concert-hall apart from the others is the rustic mystique that comes with not only the indoor decorations but also the main stage. The Door, a venue within a venue, is located adjacent to The Prophet Bar’s main room and hosts some of the venue’s biggest shows. Grab a slice at Serious Pizza or feast on some donuts at Glazed Donut Works for the ideal Deep Ellum experience.

Granada Theater – Originating as a movie house in 1947, Granada Theater has since become one of Dallas’s most famous concert halls. The whole theater is a reflection of the Art Deco era from America’s Golden Age, with the exterior resembling the industrial archetypes most buildings boasted in the 1950s and the inside decorated with intricate grand scale murals. An eight-time winner of The Dallas Observer’s Best Live Music Venue award, music fanatics would not want to pass up on a concert at Granada.

House of Blues – There is a reason House of Blues is so popular among fans of every genre of music. Dedicated to the education and celebration of the history of Southern Culture and African-American artistic contributions to music and art, there are currently 12 House of Blues locations across the country that cater to music fans looking for the ultimate concert experience. Besides hosting renowned acts, such as Albert Hammond, Jr., Arctic Monkeys and Pierce the Veil, intricate decorations pay homage to the African-American roots of modern day music that are sure to leave audiences in awe.

Three Links – Easily the smallest venue on the list, Three Links offers something others do not have the ability to: real intimacy between fans and performers. Concert go-ers may arrive two or three hours after doors open and will still be able to score a view near the stage. Additionally, standing room is abundant as there is space on three sides of the stage for fans to observe from. The set up is simple, with a low stage in the back and a few seats for music lovers with tired feet, so that people can have a direct view of the performing band. Be sure to greet the headlining band at the merchandise table on your way inside as their openers warm up the crowd for a night filled with live music.

Gas Monkey Live! – Gas Monkey may be a little further of a drive than the others, but it is certainly worth it. With a lofty interior and a sound system that projects music into every imaginable crevice of the theatre, fans are usually scattered around the venue, either relaxing in the booths or watching from a distance, making it possible for the die-hards to easily make their way to the front of the stage. Just remember to exercise proper concert etiquette and not step on others’ toes.