708 E. Broad St.
612-1900
thenationalva.com

Second Place: The Camel

Third Place: Innsbrook

The National seems pretty dang hip for a geriatric downtowner that started off in vaudeville in 1923. Renovated and reopened in 2008, the former Rex Theatre and the Towne since has become the area venue of choice for pop, rock, hip-hop and soul (gospel too — were you aware that the 1,500-capacity club also is host to church services on Sunday mornings? Now that is a full-service venue). But it wouldn't mean a thing if the National didn't bring the entertainment goods. And recent shows featuring such wide-ranging acts as Megadeth (metal), Jonny Lang (blues), St. Vincent (indie rock) and Yo Gotti (hip-hop) reveal a stage that prides itself on serving varied tastes. Second in poll results, but not in our hearts, is the Camel, which also caters to a wide variety of fans in its programming. Taking third is the outdoor Snagajob Pavillion at Innsbrook, the home of Innsbrook After Hours.