Bar
Northside Tavern
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Northside Tavern is a legendary dive bar in Atlanta's Home Park area, just off Howell Mill Road. Since opening in the 1970s, it has remained a no-frills hub for live blues music seven nights a week. The interior is dark and worn-in, with a long wooden bar, pool tables, and a small stage where local and touring blues musicians perform. The walls are covered with memorabilia and stickers, and the crowd is a mix of regulars, students, and music lovers. What makes Northside Tavern distinctive is its unpretentiousness, there's no cover charge for most shows, drinks are affordable, and the vibe is genuinely gritty. You'll hear everything from Delta blues to Chicago-style electric blues, often played by seasoned musicians who've been at it for decades. The bar is cash-only, and the jukebox is legendary. It's a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Atlanta's blues scene in its rawest form.
Don't miss
- Catch live blues music every night, no cover charge
- Play a game of pool in the back room
- Check out the eclectic decor and memorabilia on the walls
- Try a cheap beer or a classic shot of whiskey
- Experience authentic Atlanta dive bar culture
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Northside Tavern
You don't need a tour to visit, entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Northside Tavern with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inThe Burning & the Bound: Grievous Ghost Tour of Atlanta4.1★ · 202 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$26 per personSee dates →
Most booked90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Trolley Tour in Atlanta4.8★ · 2,301 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$36 per personSee dates →
Top ratedGuided Bike Tour in Atlanta with Snacks5★ · 424 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$75 per personSee dates →Know before you go
- Cash only, there is an ATM inside but it's best to bring cash.
- Live music starts around 9 PM; check their schedule for specific acts.
- Drinks are cheap, expect well drinks and domestic beers.
- Parking is limited; consider rideshare or public transit.
A bit of history
Northside Tavern opened in the 1970s and has been a staple of Atlanta's blues scene ever since. It has hosted countless local and national blues artists, maintaining its dive bar character despite the city's rapid development.
Common questions
Is there a cover charge?
Most nights are free; occasional special events may have a small cover.
What kind of music is played?
Live blues music, ranging from Delta to electric blues, seven nights a week.
Is the bar 21+?
Yes, it's a bar, so you must be 21 or older to enter.
Do they serve food?
No food is served, but there are snacks available and nearby restaurants.
What's the dress code?
None, come as you are. It's a dive bar.
Can I bring my own instrument?
Occasionally there are open jam sessions; check with the staff.
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