Best Place to Hear Local Music

In the central East Atlanta spot formerly occupied by retro soul bar the Village, you’ll find 529 — a tiny, smoky space that oozes cool. Despite being the size of a Manhattan apartment, there’s a closed-circuit TV above the bar on which you can watch the band playing on the stage behind you. The front patio’s about as big as the performance space, with the added bonus of a pass-through to the bar and plenty of fresh air.

In 2018 the beloved East Atlanta indie music venue and neighborhood bar underwent a facelift that more than tripled the size of its hallowed music room. That meant bigger crowds, an amped-up sound system, a second bar, and, oh yes, more bathrooms (sorely needed). The change perfectly positioned 529 as one of the city’s premiere small concert venues. Local and touring bands alike flock to play there pretty much every night of the week. As such, music and merriment seep through walls and onto the village streets, inviting regulars and passersby to stop in, grab a drink, and join the rowdy crowd.

Winner of many Best Of awards from Creative Loafing including Best Musicians Hangout, Best Place to hear Local Music and Best Place to Hear Music for Free