Open mics are where the creative magic happens — a safe spot for musicians and other performance artists to test out new work. For our readers, that spot is The Lot, which came in first in Where to GO! for open mic.

There’s a lot going for The Lot. Musicians perform underneath the outdoor pavilion, which is heated in the winter — check one for the outdoors. There’s plenty of munchie options — check two for food carts. There’s perks for musicians, too, not least of which is Jason Graham, AKA Mosley Wotta, an elder statesman of the scene who brings his deep intellect and warm, encouraging personality to the hosting gig. For a cement pavilion, the sound is surprisingly good, and the aforementioned food carts combined with this open mic’s early start time (6 p.m.) usually guarantee an audience.

Contact: 745 NW Columbia St., Bend; thelotbend.com or 541-610-4969.

No. 2: Northside Bar & Grill

No. 3: Astro Lounge

Honorable mentions:

Tumalo’s The Bite and SEVEN Restaurant and Nightclub