Blues music has had a long and storied history in St. Louis, from WC Handy’s “St. Louis Blues” to Chuck Berry’s legendary performances at Blueberry Hill. The modern nexus of blues music in the Gateway City lies downtown on South Broadway, where three standout venues keep the music rolling all week long.

One of the best characteristics of South Broadway is that you can easily visit all of its hotspots in one night-and you can do it without a car. It only takes about five minutes to walk from the closest MetroLink station to the mainstays of this lively neighborhood. Located within a block of one another, BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups, the Broadway Oyster Bar and Beale on Broadway all have great live music seven nights a week and all are guaranteed to please.

For a relaxed night, head to BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups for a great meal and a genuine Blues sound. Even the building that houses BB’s has a unique history-since its construction in the mid-1800s, it has been used for more than 10 different purposes.

Over the last 30 years, BB’s has used the space to grow its reputation as a local blues stronghold. These days, BB’s is the principal guardian of St. Louis blues culture. For St. Louisians, BB’s is to blues what the Bistro on Grand is to jazz-a center of cultural activity. The location hosts some of the best blues acts to come through the city (an example is the Holmes Brothers) as well as solid local bands. BB’s seems to have the most authentic blues-listening atmosphere in town and has a big stage directed right toward the audience. The menu also has some great choices, from sweet potato fries and an authentic Southern pecan pie to a famous daily soup selection.

If you’re looking for a newer take on a blues club, head over to Broadway Oyster Bar. This upbeat venue presents a great mix of both outdoor and indoor atmospheres. The raised outdoor stage hosts modern blues, Cajun and funk bands; recent performers have included national acts Soulive and Tab Benoit. An outdoor bar keeps drinks flowing throughout the night, and there is plenty of room to sit, eat and even dance.

The marine-themed menu includes some familiar favorites and some you might not be as quick to devour: jambalaya, Cajun voodoo wings and seafood gumbo appear alongside fried alligator, clam strips and buckets of crawfish. Of course, there is also a wide selection of oysters, including fried oysters, oyster shooters and oyster sandwiches.

Beale on Broadway reaches out to the French and Cajun elements of St. Louis culture and has an outdoor fenced-in stage that makes you feel like you’re in a Louisiana backyard. The establishment features a good mix of local and national acts, including Johnny Winter and Junior Brown. The kitchen offers up some tasty options like Cajun shrimp and fried catfish, which can be accompanied by side dishes like beer-battered onion rings or red beans and rice. If the weather is good, sit outside on the patio and enjoy some good music under the night sky.

No matter what kind of venue you prefer, South Broadway is the place to go for an evening of entertainment. Most nights there will be music at all three of the street’s establishments, and you can easily scout the block to find the exact style you’re looking for.

So when you’re in the mood for a night of good music and dancing, look no further than South Broadway, a testament to St. Louis’ unique local culture.

Getting there: Take the MetroLink from Skinker to the Busch Stadium stop and walk 1/3 mile southeast to the 700 block of South Broadway.

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