El Mocambo

El Mocambo review

For decades, the Elmo was the city's most internationally famous live music club. The Rolling Stones played an infamous gig here in the '70s (Margaret Trudeau in tow), and the likes of Elvis Costello, Talking Heads and U2 have also graced the stage. It fell on hard times and briefly closed, but a major renovation brought it back, albeit with lesser stature. Most of the action takes place on the more spacious ground level, which sports a Moroccan vibe, expanded stage, improved sound, and room for 250 clubgoers. An eclectic booking policy ranges from rock to hip hop to roots (Billy Bragg, Alejandro Escovedo and Jet have all appeared here). It's good to have music back under the neon palms.