Best Places To Hear Blues in Atlanta

If you’ve never been to Northside Tavern, consider this your nudge. It’s one of Atlanta’s most eclectic, come-as-you-are institutions — the kind of dive bar where bikers in leather and business travelers in suits end up dancing shoulder-to-shoulder. Blues pours out of this place every single night, and weekends get so packed that the whole front of the room transforms into a sweaty fun dance pit. 

Inside, you’ll find pool tables, games, and a bar that stays elbow-to-elbow busy (due to the very reasonable priced drinks). Outside, the patio fills up on warm nights with people chatting between sets.  If your soul needs shaking loose, start here.

Quick Details

• Cover: Free Sun–Thurs; $10 (cash only) Fri & Sat nights
• Vibe: True dive bar; super eclectic crowd; high energy and unfiltered fun
• Parking: Very small free lot; nearby street parking; paid garage at Westside Provisions
• Age: 21+

For a more polished blues experience, TWO Urban Licks offers something truly unique: A local blues artist typically plays Thursday through Saturday — sometimes solo, sometimes with a duo or trio, and you'll even catch the full band. The sound is always soulful, smooth, and bluesy.

The space is upscale with a gorgeous bar area right where the music happens. You’re here to sip cocktails, enjoy a great meal, and soak in the vibe — not to two-step. The outdoor patio faces the BeltLine, so it’s also prime people-watching, though you won’t hear the music from outside.

Quick Details

• Cover: None
• Vibe: Upscale restaurant/bar with live blues; no dance floor
• Parking: $3 valet only for customers; limited free street parking
• Age: All ages

Blind Willie’s is where you go for that deep-rooted, traditional blues feeling. They host blues Wednesday through Sunday, and the variety is fantastic — everything from Chicago blues to modern blues-rock to soulful roots bands.

The room has a cozy, lived-in feel: tables up front, a small dance area that fills up fast, and bar seating toward the back. You’ll see people dressed for date night alongside others in casual jeans — it’s a friendly mix that matches the music.

Quick Details

• Cover: Usually $5–$15 (cash or card)
• Vibe: Casual, intimate, slightly old-school blues club with frequent dancers
• Parking: No dedicated lot; mix of free street parking + nearby paid lots
• Age: 21+

If you love your live blues with a side of collard greens, Fat Matt’s is your spot. This little Midtown staple brings in live music Tuesday through Sunday, and the bands are almost always blues-forward with the occasional rock crossover.

It’s very much a laid-back restaurant atmosphere — picnic-style tables, plates piled with BBQ, and music that fills the whole room. It’s one of the easiest drop-in blues nights in the city.

Quick Details

• Cover: None
• Vibe: Super casual, family-friendly restaurant with nightly blues
• Parking: Free on-site parking lot (huge bonus for Midtown)
• Age: All ages