This Historic Atlanta Bar Is The Best Small Music Venue In Georgia

Many music lovers are reminiscing on live music as pandemic days continue.

Concerts have fallen to the wayside as social distancing and other public health guidelines have made it difficult for fans to gather for shows.

And every state has its own unique and historic venues that make the experience even better.

Yelp and Vivid Seats recently collaborated to highlight the best small music venues nationwide, posting an interactive map to see what each state has to offer.

“It’s important to recognize how much is on the line for these independent music venues,” Stephen Spiewak of Vivid Seats said in a Yelp blog post. “If the music they produced in their neighborhoods was loud, the silence they’ll leave behind if forced to close will be deafening.”

Vivid Seats donated more than $1 million between April and November to MusiCares, a nonprofit aiming to help the music industry during the pandemic, Yelp noted.

So, what’s the top small music venue in Georgia?

Smith’s Olde Bar.

Specifically, Smith’s Olde Bar is the best place to catch a show, Kong’s Kitchen is the best place to eat, and High Note is the best place for after-concert vibes, Yelp and Vivid Seats determined.

Smith’s Olde Bar comes with tons of local history. The building that houses the bar is also the site of Atlanta’s oldest strip mall. It’s played host to tons of beloved artists, including David Bowie, Train, Zac Brown Band, Toby Keith and Janelle Monae, to name a few, WSB-TV noted.

“Currently owned by Mr. Dan R. Nolen and Mr. Charlie Hendon, Smith's Olde Bar opened its doors in 1994 and has continued to be one of Atlanta's most historic spots, having hosted some of the most prominent names in music today…” the bar explains of its history.

The venue hosts open mic nights on Mondays, and some live music events.

Smith’s Olde Bar is at 1578 Piedmont Ave NE in Atlanta.

Photo: Getty Images