"After nearly 45 years, Char’s Has the Blues, the iconic blues joint in the Melrose District, closed its doors during the pandemic, reopening in 2022 under new ownership as Chars Live. The space and cocktail menu have been modernized, and the musical lineup — traditionally limited to funk, soul, and R&B — has been expanded to include jazz, ska, reggae, DJ sets, and more. Food trucks from the Phoenix Street Food Coalition also provide a rotating selection of eats." - Nikki Buchanan