CityGuide - 5 offbeat spots for music on a school night

The workweek is long and unforgiving. You need a little nightlife action if you’re going to maintain sanity before Saturday rolls around. If music is your thing, but you can’t stomach another mother-loving DJ dropping the bass, and you want to avoid the weekend warrior scene, go where the locals go. These five offbeat spots are your best bets for checking out some of the best local and touring musicians the city has to offer.

Elliott Street Deli & Pub Business

This tiny bar in a lovingly renovated old building in Downtown's Castleberry Hill boasts an authentic neighborhood vibe. Downstairs hosts a variety of low-key jazz, open mic jams, and experimental music nights for the sonically adventurous. | more...

Eyedrum Art and Music Gallery (permanently closed) Business

UPDATE: The location is Permanently Closed; the Eyedrum organization is still active. - Since its inception in 1998, Eyedrum has been a diverse venue for creative arts and music programming. For years it was ground zero for Atlanta's underground and avant-garde art and music scenes. | more...

Grocery on Home Business

This tiny, nontraditional music venue located in, yes, a former neighborhood grocery store curates and hosts intimate performances of independent singer-songwriters. Attendance is limited and RSVPs are required. | more...

The Mammal Gallery (permanently closed) Business

Former Downtown music venue, art space, and burgeoning community center became one of the most exciting additions to South Broad Street. On the nights when the Mammal Gallery hosted a show, the street sprang to life, animated with music and modest crowds of people admiring the colorful murals from u... | more...

The Music Room Business

This cave-like underground bar is located below Pizzeria Vesuvius. A wide flight of stairs ushers you into a moderate-size venue that features live music and DJs. | more...