Athens, Georgia is known for its nightlife. Downtown Athens provides quality entertainment for almost any sort of person regardless of their scene or stage in life. It’s very hard to choose the best three because the bars in Athens are so diverse in unique. Whether you want live music, fresh beer, sports, wine, or a club scene, Athens offers this to you almost any night of the week. However, there are three bars in Athens that have a fantastic reputation and have set themselves apart from the regular bars in Athens by being both bars and music venues. They are open every night, even when an event is not booked, so they all qualify as bars. But they are distinct from the rest of the bars in Athens in that they host some of the best music in town. They are the most reliable bars because their clients are residents rather than students who come and go. The service of the following is amazing and the atmosphere is relaxing. If you ever visit Athens, do not miss these places.
The 40 Watt Club285 W. Washington St.
The 40 Watt has been an integral part of Athens, Georgia for many years. It is one of the smaller bars in Athens, but provides some of the best music and always has drinks ready when you need them. They hire only the best bartenders who provide whatever it is you may thirst for. It is known for having people like R.E.M., Pylon, Indigo Girls, and many more bands that have originated in Athens. It is a very informal club, giving you a laid back feel with no pressure on what you may wear. It also is not one of the top college bars. This means that you are ensured a nice night on the evening without being bombarded by the drama that hormonal college students bring into a club. There are notably fewer brawls at the 40 Watt because of the clientele at this location. It is conservatively decorated, but well maintained. Don’t be fooled by its appearance. It may not have all of the glamour of the other bars in Athens, but it is definitely the place to go to experience the true heart of Athens in music and in drink. For more information on their upcoming shows see The 40 Watt.
Tasty World312 E. Broad St.
Tasty World came to Athens in the late 90’s. According to their site, “Tasty World is the only place in
Athens that strives to offer live entertainment every night of the week.” Tasty world strives to bring a variety of music to the area and even goes beyond by hosting other events. Its music is good and the bar is great, but the bands are going to be newer bands than at The 40 Watt. In fact, Tasty World is the place to experience the newest local music in town. Tasty World is a popular spot among many people involved in the local music scene. The last time I was there I noticed more Athens residents than college students. This lets you experience a true taste of Athens. They adjust seating as needed. They have a wide variety of drinks available from their bar. Since people are coming in to hear music while they drink, people do not seem to crowd the bar as much as in the other bars. I really liked this aspect of the bar because I did not have to wrestle anyone or compete for a spot to get a drink. Additionally, I was able to choose from international as well as local beers on the menu. This is a great place to go if you want to try something new and hear great music. Even when the bands are not amazing, as happens at all venues occasionally, you will be rewarded with great drinks and friendly people. For their upcoming shows see Tasty World. Caledonia Lounge256 W. Clayton St.
The final must visit bar in Athens is Caledonia Lounge. This is another bar that stands out from the hundreds of bars in Athens by being a music venue. It offers indoor and outdoor seating in case you the night is pretty or you simply need a break from the music. Once again, this bar is not fancy and has a cozy atmosphere. The bartenders are some of the friendliest in town and seem to care about their customers and their work. This week they are featuring both Radiolucent and Reptar, which should both bring in quite a crowd. This lounge has made quite a name for itself through the music and through its fantastic bartending staff. If you must have a drink, stop here. See Caledonia’s schedule.
Athens offers too many bars of too many varieties to choose just three for the best. There sports bars and popular college bars, there are bars that are upscale and bars that are holes in the wall. My recommendation is to avoid the popular college bars unless you are specifically looking to rub elbows with college students. The bars that cater to the college students are great if you are looking for a wild night. However, if you want a night you’ll actually remember that is free from drama and full of entertainment, stop by these three bars. For good beer, good people, amazing music, and a great time, go where the locals go. You will have the night of your life and won’t regret it.
References:
Caledonia: http://caledonialounge.com/
Flagpole- for the latest in Athens’s events, bars, and music: http://flagpole.com/Weekly
Tasty World: http://tastyworlduptown.com/home.cfm
The 40 Watt: http://www.40watt.com/index.php
