1532 Larpenteur Ave E, St. Paul. (651) 645-6800

Normally, coffee shops are only good for seeing intimate acoustic performances, but the Fireball Espresso Café has a big enough floor space and a large enough stage to handle larger acts. A cool place to see up-and-coming local bands such as The Nina, The Pinta & the Santa Maria, hip-hop acts like Traditional Methods, plus out-of-towners like K Record’s Mirah from Olympia, Wash. When the music isn’t playing, lounge on the couch and play Nintendo 64, shoot pool, or just order your favorite caffeinated beverage and enjoy.

– Keri Carlson