Every time I see a jukebox (not digital or touch screen) in a bar or restaurant, I feel compelled to walk on over, size up the music selection and play a song or two, even if I know it’ll be almost a decade before I hear my songs come on the loud speakers.

Furthermore, when I’m sizing up the music selection, I judge a jukebox based on the availability of two of my favorite jukebox songs: “At Last” by Etta James and “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye (go figure).

So, this month, I thought it would be an amusing adventure to seek out some of the more “traditional” jukeboxes left in the city and take note of the kind of music they play. If you’re like me and want to play DJ and sit back in a bar with a cold drink while listening to some of your favorite tunes, then cruise by one of the following jukebox digs I found in the city.

Even though there is a sign out front of a girl hushing “The Best Kept Secret in Town,” The Alibi is definitely not a secret among Hillcrest-goers needing a reprieve from the normal hustle and bustle on University Avenue.

The jukebox in this joint is a mix of classic rock, oldies, punk, and indie rock bands. Some of the mentionable artists include The Who, Patsy Cline, Operation Ivy and No Knife. Sadly, the jukebox didn’t have any songs by Etta James or Marvin Gaye. However, song prices are fairly reasonable, with six songs for $1.

While you’re here, take a seat at one of the tables by the open-air windows and do some people-watching. You can also partake in a game of pool on one of the two pool tables, or play the arcade game “Off Road Challenge.”

Keep in mind The Alibi is cash only, so leave the plastic at home. The Alibi is located at 1403 University Ave. and is open daily from 8 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Anyone who’s driven down University has definitely seen the cute diner on the corner of Sixth and University, also known as City Deli. What some people may not know is City Deli prides itself on making fresh food from scratch and has been serving Hillcrest patrons since 1984.

To my surprise and delight, the jukebox at City Deli is organized by music era and genre, such as Motown, rock & roll, disco, doo wop and R&B. There are too many individual artists to name, but my highlight was finding “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye among the plethora of songs. Like any classic diner, mini jukeboxes are stationed at each booth, but only contain a portion of the songs found on the main jukebox. You can play one song for a quarter, five for $1, or 30 for $5.

After you put some songs on the jukebox, try one of their delectable desserts, or indulge in a pickle or two (if you didn’t know, each table has a container of complimentary pickles). If you’re more interested in a liquid diet, City Deli also has a full bar.

City Delicatessen is located at 535 University Ave. and open Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. – 2 a.m.

When you walk in, you’ll notice Lancers puts on no pretense: small venue, large bar, mood lighting consisting of Christmas lights, and drinks for less than $5. Let the drinking begin.

Lancers jukebox sticks to mainly oldies and punk music, featuring artists like The Ramones, The Clash and several punk compilations. However, it does manage to sneak in my Marvin Gaye hit. Songs are three for $1, seven for $2, and 10 for $5.

If you need more entertainment, check out the pool tables, pinball machine and (dive bar necessity) the arcade game “Golden Tee.”

Lancers Cocktail Lounge is located at 4671 Park Blvd. and open daily from 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Established in 1989, The Ould Sod looks like a quaint little backyard bar from the outside, with three hanging potted plants and two benches in front, but as soon as you walk in, you’ll see it’s a respectable Irish pub, teeming with Irish memorabilia and an alcohol tolerance to match.

The jukebox here is a definite mish mash of musical taste, and noticeably had several selections by The Chieftains, John Denver, The Pogues, U2, and of course, Irish drinking songs. I also couldn’t help notice some current hits (such as Amy Winehouse) and the “NOW” compilations thrown into the mix. Songs are two for $1, seven for $2, and 18 for $5. On Mondays from 8 p.m. until closing, the jukebox is free (well, the bartender will give you $2 to play some songs) and your third drink is only a penny.

The Ould Sod is located on 3373 Adams Ave. and open Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. – 2 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Last, but not least, the hip and popular Turf Supper Club, a.k.a Turf Club, where you grill your own steaks and drink to your heart’s content, is a home away from home. The venue’s red accent lighting, small communal grill, cozy seating room, and eclectic crowd creates an environment of easy conversation and exuberance. It’s almost like watching a group of close friends at a barbecue, roaming from table to table, sharing stories, all the while trying not to burn what’s cookin’.

Turf Club’s jukebox is definitely influenced by music of the 50s, 60s, and a little bit of rock and roll. Artists such as Roy Orbison, James Brown, and Frank Sinatra rule the sound waves here. Although there wasn’t any Marvin Gaye in the house, I did manage to find a little Etta James, sans my favorite song. If you’re into local bands, you can find music by Lady Dottie & The Diamonds as well as Black Heart Processsion. The jukebox plays three songs for $1, seven for $2, and 18 for $5.

What’s more, Turf Club boasts a $6.75 steak dinner (including bread and salad), which complements the tall, stiff drinks from the bar.

Turf Supper Club is located at 1116 25th St. and is open Monday and Tuesday from 5 p.m. until midnight, Wednesday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 1p.m. until midnight.

To wrap it up, I’ll leave you with a quote from great American songwriter Willie Nelson:

“Ninety-nine percent of the world’s lovers are not with their first choice. That’s what makes the jukebox play.”