If a mega-star is looking to trade in impersonal stadium and big room shows for something more intimate, you can probably bet they’ll head to The Showbox. Carly Rae Jepsen, Lauryn Hill, and D’Angelo all performed intimate concerts at the storied 77-year-old venue within the last year, and there’s likely a reason they chose that spot over the others in town. Very few venues allow you to connect with an audience the way The Showbox does. 1426 1st Ave., 888-926-7849

First runner-up: Paramount Theatre

Second runner-up: Tractor Tavern

Honorable mention: Neumos The Neptune Theater

Read about the rest of the Best of Seattle Reader Poll winners here. If you didn’t get a chance to vote this go-round, make sure your voice is heard next year. Email us at bestofseattle@seattleweekly.com and we will let you know when nominations open for BoS 2017.