North Gate Jazz Co-Op

Certainly one of the most well-known of live music locations in Chiang Mai, North Gate Jazz is a small club on the moat (north side, but of course), crammed full of both Thai and foreign jazz musicians and many a jazz aficionado. Drive by the bar almost any night of the week and you'll catch a glimpse of the crowd pouring out into the street. Plus, Tuesday nights are dedicated to anyone who wants to jump in for a jam session.

Old favorite though it is, North Gate probably isn't the best spot to go if you want to chat with friends -- save it for a night you just want to sit back with a beer or cocktail and listen while music lovers go to town.