Black Box is a multi-use arts and music venue on Hill Street that has been part of Cathedral Quarter's cultural fabric for years. It's not polished, the aesthetic is functional, the capacity is small, and the programme ranges from experimental theatre to club nights to acoustic sets. That range is the point. This is where the city's alternative and independent creative culture shows up.
The listings are the reason to check in advance of visiting. Some nights are ticketed, some are free or very cheap. The sound is decent for the size of the room and the proximity to the stage means there's no bad spot in the house.
For anyone who wants a Belfast night out that hasn't been designed for visitors, Black Box is the answer. It's the part of the city that hasn't been smoothed over, and it's better for it.