Juke house is a term used to describe a small, often run-down establishment featuring live music, usually blues or jazz, and a dance floor. There are several synonyms for juke house, each with its own particular connotations. One of the most common is "juke joint," which typically refers to a place where black people gather to drink, dance, and socialize. Other synonyms include "honky tonk," which generally connotes a more rural or rough-and-tumble atmosphere, and "roadhouse," which implies a semi-legitimate establishment on the outskirts of town. Regardless of the term used, juke houses have played an important role in the history of African American music and culture, and continue to be celebrated by music fans and scholars alike.