318 Café
The digs: The laid-back 318 gives downtown Excelsior a shot of cool, offering up organic fare alongside coffee and teas, plus extensive microbrew and wine lists.
The tunes: Top-shelf singer/songwriter fare (think local bluegrass goddess Mother Banjo). This month, don’t miss Billy McLaughlin (4/3), an acoustic guitar phenom who taught himself to play left-handed after a rare neurological condition crippled his dominant right hand.
The fine print: Live music, Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. 318 Water St., Excelsior; 952.401.7902 

Acadia Café
The digs: Formerly an Eat Street staple, Acadia fits in just fine in its new West Bank hood, with a full espresso bar and extensive food menu in addition to a wide ranging beer menu (28 on tap, 40-plus bottles).
The tunes: All over the place in style, from acoustic offerings to experimental electronic beats depending on the night. This month, don’t miss Minneapolis singer/songwriter Sneaky Pete Bauer’s blues, roots and Americana showcase (4/4).
The fine print: Live music, Wednesday through Sunday most weeks at 9 p.m. 329 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.874.8702

Ginkgo Coffeehouse
The digs: This Snelling Avenue mainstay has kept St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood bathed in folk-music goodness since 1993, with a family friendly atmosphere, abundant fair trade coffee and an espresso bar.
The tunes: Traditional folkies and modern singer/songwriters mingle in Ginkgo’s cozy confines, with open mics every Wednesday night and touring acts on the weekends. Check out Banjo master Phil Nusbaum and singer/songwriter Clare Lockman, 4/18.
The fine print: Live music, Wednesdays and weekends. 721 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul; 651.645.2647

Barbette
The digs: A charming French bistro with locavore appeal thanks to its emphasis on fresh ingredients grown in Minnesota.
The tunes: Some of the finest talent the Twin Cities has to offer (Kid Dakota, Romantica, Faux Jean, among others) sets a great late-night soundtrack every Monday. James Buckley trio rocks Barbette this month (4/6) with their Happy Apple-esque jazz sound.
The fine print: Live music, Mondays at 10 p.m. 1600 W. Lake St., Mpls.; 612.827.5710

Dunn Brothers on Grand Avenue
The digs: The original Dunn Brothers brews a damn fine cup of Joe in charmingly dog-eared digs.
The tunes: All over the map, from swing to indie to Irish folk songs. Past local performers include finger pickin’ bluesman Lonesome Dan Kase and singer/songwriter-who-got-away (to L.A.), Joanna James.
The fine print: Live music seven days a week, start times vary. 1569 Grand Ave., St. Paul; 651.698.0618+