It's Jazz Fest time again, and whether you have a Club Pass in your paws or you just wander the East End to catch various free acts and dig the crowds, you're guaranteed to get caught up in the music and the vibe. No matter if you're from out of town or a Rochester native, you can make the most of the local jazz scene now, or any time of year by stopping in at these local establishments.

Bodhi's Café & Lounge (274 N. Goodman, 473-2030, bodhiscafe.com)

This Village Gate restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch, dinner, and drinks. Bodhi's displays local art and has live music Thursday through Sunday, often jazz, acoustic, or folk. It usually takes place inside the restaurant, but during the summer some of the acts will be outside in the courtyard. The house piano lends to the atmosphere and comes in handy for those inspired by the urge to plink out a tune.

Clarissa's (293 Clarissa St, 232-3430, clarissasjazz.com)

Clarissa's (formerly known as the Clarissa Room) is probably the most historic club on the Rochester jazz scene. There's music going on just about every night of the week. It's a classy, laid-back place to sip drinks or just hang. Check it out for blues, jazz, acoustic, soul, r&b, and for the karaoke and open mic nights.

The Clarion Hotel (120 E Main St., 546-6400, clarionhotel.com)

The Exodus to Jazz crew started hosting shows here when Venu proved too small of a, uh, venue, to hold the crowds. You can stop here for the music (check out the schedule at exodustojazz.com), or plan to stay, and book a room.

Flat Iron Café (561 State St, 454-4830, flatironcafe.net)

For a couple years now, this has been the spot to hang to catch local jazz greats, whether you're sipping a coffee, a glass of wine, or listening to the now-famous late-night jam that takes place as Saturday night turns into Sunday morning.

The Grill at Strathallan (550 East Ave, 461-5010, strathallan.com)

No matter how many times you come to the Strath, it makes you feel a little like a stranger in your own city. The Grill is a hotel bar, so there's usually an interesting mix of locals and visitors. Any time of year, step in to the semi-swanky Grill at Strathallan to find live jazz Thursdays through Saturdays, a Friday happy hour, and dinner every night. There's also an outdoor patio, and the drinks the bartenders serve up are nothing short of delicious. Too good, maybe.

Woodcliff Hotel & Spa (199 Woodcliff Dr, Fairport, 381-4000, woodcliffelodge.com)

Another hotel featuring a jazz-centered restaurant and lounge, Woodcliff's Horizons has a wrap-around bar from which you can enjoy live music on weekends. If you work up an appetite, there's a light lounge menu as well as a full dinner menu available from the restaurant.

And if these don't do it, here are a few others:

Bistro 135 (135 W Commercial St, E. Rochester, 662-5555, bistro135.net) Lounge and restaurant open five nights a week, and has live jazz and specials each of those nights.

Java's (16 Gibbs St, 232-4820, javascafe.com) Coffee shop and lounge, located in the center of all the Jazz Fest happenings in the East End.

Little Theatre Café (240 East Ave, 258-0400, thelittle.org) Intimate setting with live music and art shows in the movie theater's café.

Tapas 177 (177 St. Paul Street, 262-2090, tapas177.com) Restaurant and bar, Latin vibe with live music on Saturdays.