Blind Willie's Blues Club

An Atlanta blues landmark
Word to the wise: After the blues wear off, head to the Irish pub next door, or down the block to Hand & Hand and Neighbors, two bars with big outdoor patios, to air out.

Noteworthy for: Blind Willie's has seen a history of renowned blues players on its small stage.
Blind Willie's is everything you could want of a blues institution: it's smoky, a little crusty, and has plenty of booze and great live blues six nights a week. On weeknights the crowd is smaller and quieter; the weekends bring a livelier, mixed crowd who will push the tables back to dance a little. The music gears up around 9.30pm; the bar also serves not-so-bad Cajun food for you to get into while you wait.