The list of Hollywood venues as important to rock history as the legendary Troubadour is short. Very short.

If it just had its California folk cache from the '70s—introducing Elton John to the US, ejecting John Lennon and Harry Nilsson after they berated the Smothers Brothers, and linking Carly Simon with James Taylor—it would be impressive enough. But other clubs, including the Whisky and the Roxy, have similar legacies. What sets the Troubadour apart is how essential it still is now. A steady string of top-notch booking agents have assured that the Troub still brings in prime up-and-coming talent which recently has included sold-out indie-rock shows from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Franz Ferdinand and The Thrills. Monday nights are mostly free and mostly local (though checking the calendar is a good idea); now-huge bands like Incubus and Hoobastank got their start at these residencies, playing the main room before getting their first taste of stardom in the VIP loft overlooking the stage. —Jeff Miller