Opened in 1991 and host to bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Mudhoney, the semi-recently renovated Crocodile is one of the best live music venues in Seattle to see those lesser-known, up and coming bands. A top venue for the city's frequent music festivals, the croc also has a stellar sound system (check the specs for yourself, they're on the website) and a Back Bar with a few booths and friendly bartenders serving up not-so-expensive drinks and delicious wood-fired pizza.