Northside Tavern   

If you like blues and don't want to put up with the yuppy contention of going to Blind Willie's in the Virginia-Highland area, the Northside Tavern can satisfy your appetite. This place is a dive, for sure, but what good blues spots aren't? All of the city's regular blues cats hang out at the Northside Tavern when they're not gigging, so it's not only a good place to hear blues, but a great spot to talk it as well. A small stage occupies one end of the room, with just enough space left for an audience. The cozy space invites crowd participation, and sometimes a member of the audience even ends up on stage with an instrument in his hands. The comfortable feel of this tavern comes naturally. The same bartender has been back there for years, serving up slices of watermelon from time to time. The tavern also has a pool table inside and a patio out back. Dress and crowd are supercasual. -- Matt Wright