Brian Nagele
Atlanta’s music scene is a dynamic tapestry of genres, and the city’s best live music venues are the stages where the magic happens. From intimate jazz clubs to sprawling amphitheaters, Atlanta offers a diverse range of spaces that cater to music lovers of all tastes. These venues have witnessed electrifying performances by local talents and international stars alike, making the city a hub for musical creativity. Atlanta’s music scene has something to offer everyone, regardless of your musical preferences, which might include rock, jazz, hip-hop, or indie. Join us as we explore the best music venues in the city, where amazing musical experiences await, the atmosphere is electric, and the melodies come to life.
Northside Tavern
1058 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
404-874-8745
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This list wouldn’t be complete without a blues tavern. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of blues in Atlanta. The Northside Tavern is open Monday through Sunday and features a live performance every night. Even though Northside Tavern might come in an unassuming package, don’t underestimate this restaurant. It’s an award-winning tavern that prioritizes bringing the best blues of the South to its customers. Insight Magazine even named it one of the Best Blues Clubs from 2006 to 2019. You can find Northside on the Northwest side of Atlanta. Nestled between Atlantic Station and Bankhead, this is the best restaurant if you’re looking for a low-key evening soundtracked by the best of Atlanta Blues.
Park Tavern
500 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
404-249-0001
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There’s something for everyone at Park Tavern. This restaurant features live events that you can bring your grandparents to and events where you and your friends can let loose. Dog-friendly and conveniently located in Piedmont Park, Park Tavern is an event-filled hub. You can come for the live music and stay for the food; Park Tavern has an extensive and delicious menu. My favorite was the crowd-pleasing Impossible Street Tacos, which features the Impossible meat with fire-roasted salsa in soft flour taco shells. Park Tavern is a trendy place to go with a big group of friends. Sit outside on the patio and enjoy the weather and a live band, or head inside for a late-night 80s-themed dance party; there’s no shortage of options at Park Tavern!
Smith’s Olde Bar
1578 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
404-875-1522
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Smith’s Olde Bar is one of the more venue-like places of the restaurants on this list. The food menu is small, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a fantastic place to get a bite to eat and listen to an amazing live show. Smith’s has been an Atlanta staple since the mid-1990s. With a broad performer list that includes David Bowie, Janelle Monae, John Mayer, and Bjork, Smith’s is the brainchild of founder Dan Nolan, who loved good music and delicious drinks. Smith’s is at the edge of Piedmont Park, on Piedmont Ave. Visit their website to grab tickets for the next upcoming show, and then grab a bar snack or a heftier meal before the music starts.
Blind Willie’s
828 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306
404-873-2583
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Blind Willie’s is the perfect stop on a long night of bar-hopping. You can find the venue in the densely crowded bar district of Atlanta’s Virginia Highland neighborhood. Blind Willie’s is an authentic watering hole with southern comfort food to complement down-home blues music. Open Wednesday through Sunday and featuring live music every day they’re open, Blind Willie’s is a blues haven. They prioritize bringing older and classic blues musicians to a younger, contemporary audience to keep the tradition alive. For decades, Blind Willie’s has won awards for their music performances and general atmosphere. If you’re new to Atlanta, don’t miss this place!
TWO urban licks
820 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
404-522-4622
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If you’re looking for a live music restaurant in Atlanta whose food stands out, TWO urban licks is for you. TWO urban licks has the master-chef quality food that you’ve been hankering for. I recommend their Tuna Tare Tare. Even though I don’t always reach for fish, on a whim I decided to take a chance and was blown away. TWO urban licks has a great menu that serves hearty, full meals, or delectable sharable plates for big groups. You can find TWO urban licks close to Venkman’s (make it a double stop night!) in the Old Fourth Ward, just off the John Lewis Freedom Parkway. Swing through with a big group and dance and eat the night away!
Buteco
1039 Grant St SE Suite C-10, Atlanta, GA 30315
404-963-2929
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Buteco is one of the best live music restaurants in Atlanta. The restaurant is a sweet Brazilian-inspired coffee house and bar that features live performances. I tried the Caipirinha, which is the national cocktail of Brazil. Mixed with Cahaça (a cane sugar alcohol), lime, sugar, and passion fruit, I enjoyed a fantastically tropical night while kicking back to a live local band. Check out Buteco’s socials to find out about upcoming events and performances. Note that only their Grant Park location features live events.
529 Bar
529 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
404-228-6769
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529 Bar is an incredible place to see local, emerging music in Atlanta. Grab a strong cocktail and find a seat before the show starts. You won’t want to miss 529’s lineups! 529 shows range from a small cover to free, which also makes it one of the more accessible and cost-effective venues on this list. They also have some “Pay What You Can” shows where the audience can contribute whatever they want or can afford to at the moment. 529 Bar sits squarely between East Atlanta and North Ormewood Park. You can find them just off Glenwood Avenue.
Ray’s In the City
240 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30303
404-524-9224
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Ray’s in the City is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for an upscale night with classy live music. Ray’s features fresh seafood flown into Atlanta daily. But it’s also a great place to get a steak. Pair your meal with a delicious wine; the servers at Ray’s are all well-equipped to help you make your selection. While I visited Ray’s, an incredible solo singer was crooning at the restaurant. It shaped into a romantic and classy evening. I tried the Horseradish Crusted Black Grouper dish and was raving about it for weeks. The Ray’s Family Restaurant group has multiple locations around Atlanta. But it’s Ray’s in the City that features the live music (other locations include Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek). Close to Peachtree Center in the heart of downtown Atlanta, you can enjoy a refined, musical date night at Ray’s in the City.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 6 credible sites and blogs, including Discoveratlanta.com and Thrillist.com.
We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible.
Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 6 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.
https://discoveratlanta.com/things-to-do/nightlife/live-music/
https://www.thrillist.com/travel/atlanta/best-live-music-venues-atlanta
https://www.hellolanding.com/blog/the-18-best-music-venues-in-atlanta/
https://foursquare.com/top-places/atlanta/best-places-music-venues
https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/814669/best-live-music-venues-and-concert-halls-in-atlanta
https://atlanta.eater.com/maps/atlanta-bars-restaurants-live-music