CityGuide - 8 essential listening rooms

For when the love of the song is priority one

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Photo credit: Joeff Davis

When it comes to the art of the song with a capital “S” Atlanta is blessed with a handful of venues and promoters who know the value of a room that’s comfortable for both the audience and the performers. Sometimes taking in music in an intimate setting is just what you need. So when smoke-filled rock ’n’ roll dives and bass-thumping club life aren’t in the cards, songwriters can be found showing off their talents with refined gusto at these eight listening rooms.

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 fro... | more...

This 260-seat theater hosts a variety of musical acts. Acoustic music and singer/songwriter material is the venue’s forte, but the format is open, and the emphasis is always on hosting an immersive, real-world musical experience. | more...

Located across from Decatur Square, Eddie’s hosts aspiring and accomplished singer-songwriters for live shows almost nightly and is famous for its biannual Open Mic Shootout. The venue features an intimate listening room, a covered patio, a varied menu, and a full bar. | more...

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...

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 bohemian living room serves as the city’s center of bluegrass and Americana. The venue hosts a variety of other musical performers as well, plus diverse events. Food and drink available. | more...

Floor to ceiling renovations! With live music from the likes of Zack Brown, Butch Walker, Blackberry Smoke, and John Mayer plus past performances from legends like David Bowie, one could make a strong argument that Smith’s is the best small-venue music room in Atlanta.  Open Mic, Comedy, Trivia and ... | more...

The Star Bar, as it’s known, hosts a regular lineup of rockabilly and hard-rockin’ acts, as well as the city’s best free stand-up on Mondays and, tucked away in an unassuming corner, a hidden shrine to the King of Kings, Elvis Presley, complete with an altar and throne. The Little Five Points instit... | more...