I'm going to date myself here... but anyone remember City Gardens in Trenton? That place was both weird and fabulous --- a great spot for new wave and punk bands in particular. My first time there, I was struck by 2 things: 1) it was the only club I'd been to that had an armed guard (ummm... I'm guessing because of da bad 'hood?); 2) they had a lively mosh pit. I saw a guy take a header right into a wall. Ouch! He must have been awfully drunk, because he simply shook he head, spit out his front teeth on the floor, looked up, gave me a big wink and a bloody, toothless grin... and continued stomping away! Certainly one of the more interesting crowds I've ever seen... more entertaining than the bands sometimes.
I also frequented the Stanhope House a number of times over the years... they attracted not only great local blues bands (Billy Hector(?) as I recall was really good), but some big nationally known acts too. Surprising really, since it was such a tiny hole in the wall. I'm not sure if they're still in operation...? Probably, the place was something of an institution.