422 Water St. website

The House of Rock’s massive stage is probably the biggest nightclub stage in town, hosting a variety of local, regional, and occasionally national acts. Specializing in rock and metal (but frequently breaking their own mold with more diverse offerings), this venue is not afraid to turn it up and rock out. At the same time, they can scale it back a bit for their frequent singer/songwriter nights as well. Conveniently located on Water Street and currently getting an exterior facelift, the 21+ venue is cut in half by a huge, well-stocked bar, with the stage and sound system on one side, and billiards and darts on the other. The House of Rock also throws a number of traditional celebrations of local music throughout the year, including the long-running Decadent Cabaret and the Band Appreciation/Exploitation Night.