NASSAU

Eleanor Rigby’s
(516)-739-6622, Mineola
eleanorigbys.com
Eleanor Rigby’s is a combination bar/American bistro. This place is a baby boomer’s haven, with walls covered in Beatles paraphernalia. Live acoustic music on the weekends features favorites from The Yardbirds to The Doors to (of course) the Fab Four.

The Spoon
(631) 957-7666, Lindenhurst
myspace.com/spooncoffeehouse
One of the few truly all-ages, family-friendly places to listen to music on Long Island. They serve paninis and comfort food, coffee drinks and desserts, and wine and beer for the adults. The cafe is a big supporter of the music scene, featuring local acoustic acts on the weekends and a well-attended Wednesday open mic.

SUFFOLK

The Velvet Lounge
(631) 751-7575, East Setauket
velvetloungeny.com
This place is a great example of what Long Island has to offer that you can’t find in the city. A spacious, pretty bar with a yard that’s great in the spring and summer, and local bands and acoustic acts playing a mix of covers and originals. Great hang, great music.

The Red Rooster
(631) 734-8267, Cutchogue
Down home cooking and a great local wine selection, with a cute “country kitsch” decor. Live music on the weekends—you can often catch the alt-country group Larrin and the Locomotives there, playing covers and originals.