Opened in 1913 as the Thompson Theater, the Bluebird is grimy, old-fashioned and awesome. One of its highlights is the cramped green room downstairs, which is pretty much directly below the stage.

Walking up the few stairs to the Bluebird Cocktail Room’s porch on a recent Friday night, I smirked at my group of friends. “You’re going to like this place,” I said, my confidence high ...