In terms of live venues, LENNY'S can be considered Atlanta's CBGB because of the bar's support of up-and-coming bands, including experimental improv, punk, freestyle MCs and indie-pop DJs. Of course, Lenny's can also give some the heebee geebees, because it's a dive in all the classic senses with rough-looking clientele and stiff, cheap drinks. Populated with irregular regulars, nights here are as long as the tales are tall if you pull up an ear to the bar. Show up if you prefer blue-collar, no-shittin'-ya to poppin'-collars bullshit. less...

In terms of live venues, LENNY'S can be considered Atlanta's CBGB because of the bar's support of up-and-coming bands, including experimental improv, punk, freestyle MCs and indie-pop DJs. Of course, Lenny's can also give some the heebee geebees, because it's a dive in all the classic senses with rough-looking clientele and stiff, cheap drinks. Populated with irregular regulars, nights here are as long as the tales are tall if you pull up an ear to the bar. Show up if you prefer blue-collar, no-shittin'-ya to poppin'-collars bullshit. less...

Untouched by modern trends and unscathed by the encircling overnight condominiums, THE CLERMONT LOUNGE is a last bastion of pre-yuppie Atlanta. Opened in 1965, this joint is aged to "perfection," just like much of the cast and clientele. From the duct tape holding the bar together to the middle-age-and-up ladies who shake what they've got for dollar bills every night, this ain't no shabby chic. Fellas whose lives took a dive and never righted share the bar with doe-eyed hipsters slummin' it, sharing a PBR and a laugh while watching strippers assault the newbies. You know how aged whiskey takes on a smoky characteristic? Well, the Clermont is a stiff shot from the bottom of that barrel. Probably best to throw back two. "789 Ponce de Leon Ave. 404-874-4783. www.clermontlounge.net" less...

One of metro Atlanta's last true roadhouses, SOUTHERN COMFORT RESTAURANT & LOUNGE keeps it simple: domestic beer, Jack Daniel's, live country music and a dress code heavy on flannel, denim and belt buckles the size of a pouch of Red Man. Located just off Moreland Avenue a mile or so south of I-285 in extreme southwest DeKalb, this expansive bar and music hall gets most of its clientele from the multitude of long-haul truck depots in the area, so it's suitably rough around the edges. You can shoot pool in the back room, wait your turn for a video slot machine, window-shop at the truckers' boutique or admire the dozens of signed photos of country-music legends on the wall of fame. If you're really full of piss and vinegar, however, feel free to take advantage of one of the many opportunities to pick a fight in Southern Comfort's huge gravel no-man's land of a parking lot. "Southern Comfort Restaurant & Lounge, 1383 Cedar Grove Road. 404-361-5675." less...

There might be white Zinfandel behind the bar at LENNY'S, but you won't find anyone drinking it. Instead, opt for a draft or one of the cheapest mixed drinks in the city. On Thursdays, mosey on up to the pool tables for a free game. The jukebox is as likely to be crankin' out AC/DC as Hank Williams, so there is bound to be something for everyone. This is a bar, pure and simple. "307 Memorial Drive. 404-577-7721." less...

You'll find it hard to believe you're only two blocks from Agave when you see the muscle shirts, moussed hair and fat leather belts. The CRAZY HORSE offers mostly bottled beers - with a focus on domestics - and strong mixed drinks for $3.75. On a recent night, the DJ was cranking out too much metal, the crowd hollered for Tim McGraw, and folks hit the small dancefloor (complete with swirling lights). No two-step, just booty-shaking fun. "687 Memorial Drive. 404-523-5495." less...

1058 Howell Mill Road 404-874-8745 http://www.northsidetavern.com It's smoky, hot and crowded, just like a good dive bar should be. Packing the place for blues acts such as Mudcat and King Johnson, the crowd can choose to sit at the long table facing the performers or dance in the small space in front of the stage. Past the pool tables, the back deck is a nice retreat from the smoke and noise. It's almost always crowded, but the bartenders are on their toes, ready to wet your whistle with a cold beer. less...

2272 Lawrenceville Highway 404-633-4111 http://www.jakesroadhouse.net This award may be a bit galling for a dedicated big-city sophisticate like Jake, whose broad New York accent cuts through the drawling hubbub of his clientele like a crow squawking down a gaggle of starlings. Nonetheless, the customary Lynyrd Skynyrd/muddy pickup/longneck PBR crowds that he inherited upon moving into this longtime blue-collar bar location now coexist with the bluesers who drop in to catch the live acts that Jake - a one-time Blind Willie's barkeep - has been booking for the past several months. The result is a sometimes jarring mix of pool-shooting, Skoal Bandit-chewing working stiffs rubbing tattooed shoulders with pale-faced, shade-sporting alley cats. But everybody seems happy enough just gettin' along. less...

It's got the grunge and beer slush on the floor, just as any good dive bar should. With a couple of pool tables (with the requisite stains from spilled beer or a leaky roof) and a small stage where the hottest local blues bands rock, Northside ranks at the top of the bottom. You can sit at the few tables available (if the place isn't packed) while you sip beer — the selection can satisfy almost anyone (even beer snobs). less...

Free pool on Monday and Tuesday and cold, cheap beer. What more could you ask for? If you need another reason, steak dinners are available Sundays. The crowd ranges from young hip-hoppers to khaki-wearing college students to old regulars. The servers are friendly, and the music is loud. If you get there before the band takes the stage, you can pick out tunes on the jukebox — from Creedence Clearwater Revival to the Violent Femmes — to hear while you're chalking your cue. less...