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Before the slang term "groove" was appropriated by bubblegum pop stars in the eighties, the word connoted the funkiest, sexiest strain of rhythm and blues. It's that latter meaning that's invoked at this small, gritty bar. At the end of a narrow space jazzed up with colorful murals of blues musicians, singers take to the stage and belt out popular soul and R&B tunes seven nights a week. Talent draws talent: George Clinton, Tommy Davidson, Chaka Khan, Ricky Martin, and Pink have all come by to listen or to perform. And with no cover most nights (not to mention a better-than-average menu of cognacs, scotches and fortified wines), The Groove has earned a loyal following from folks in the neighborhood even as it attracts tourists on the look out for music with a slow burn beat that will put you in the mood whether you wanted to go there or not. — Maria Lin

House special martinis