2. SAMBUCA JAZZ CAFE Once upon a time, a certain Rocks Offer stopped by Sambuca for lunch on a hot summer day. In his (or her) haste to grab a quick bite to eat before returning to the midday grind, he or she remained unaware that the restaurant held a great jewel -- until two years later, when, stopping by Sambuca on a not-so-snowy evening (Hey, Robert Frost!) this writer discovered the restaurant's wealth of live jazz seven nights a week. Better late than never!

Throughout the month of December alone, Sambuca will host the likes of Tianna Hall, Norma Zenteno, The McClanahans, Jones Band, Adam Estes, Yvonne Washington and more. Additionally, Sambuca's booths are designed as private little neck-nuzzling nooks, so while you're enjoying live jazz acts, you can indulge your romantic side. If you really want to sweep your lover off his or her feet, Sambuca also has a dance floor where you can cut a rug.

909 Texas, 713-224-5299, www.sambucarestaurant.com

1. CEZANNE JAZZ CLUB Best of Houston Winner, 2012: With its ivy-covered walls, Cezanne seems more suited to some leafy university town in the Northeast than to the sprawling, swampy Bayou City. But those willing to seek out its cozy quarters above the Black Labrador Pub near Richmond and Montrose will find a cozy spot for a date night, a superb listening room to appreciate the occult art of acoustic jazz -- somewhat underground these days, but very much alive -- or both.

For more than 20 years, Cezanne has hosted top regional names and occasional national ringers (Joshua Redman, Randy Brecker) for two sets a night with excellent acoustics and a minimum of electricity and conversation. It's also an important workshop for local jazz players such as Pamela York, Sebastian Whittaker, Woody Witt, manager Mike Wheeler and alumni of the nationally renowned HSPVA jazz program just blocks away. Open Friday and Saturday only; limited bites are available from the Black Lab menu.

4100 Montrose Blvd., 713-522-9621, www.cezannejazz.com