Blind Willie's is an old school bar where the focus is on the music on stage versus the shenanigans that happen at other bars in the Highlands. You're almost guaranteed to see great music on any night. There are lots of tables spread out around the stage and a small bar in the back. One thing I love about this bar is the table service. No need to run back and forth to the bar while you're trying to listen to some excellent jazz, blues, or rock. Fair covers, great music, and good beer prices make this a winner in my book. Shout our to Too Slim who played on the night I was there and really rocked it! read more

Looking for a laid-back crowd with some live, local blues and strong drinks? Blind Willies it is! This joint is totally my kind of scene - small bar, little dance floor, good beer, live jams. Sadly, I came on a Monday night, and that meant it was nearly dead, and cabbies don't usually know where it is if they're picking you up in Buckhead - but if I LIVED in ATL, this is the kind of place I would regularly frequent. read more

My husband and I went on a Saturday night, and I must say the place was a real treat! Great blues, crowd and gumbo! Very casual and relaxing atmosphere with friendly staff. I would definitely go back again for jazz and blues!! read more

Blind Willie's - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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No matter if its a visiting act or the house band you cant go wrong in this little blues joint. There is a reason its one of the best in the country. Simple, straight forward, gritty and honest...just like the blues thats played here. House Rocker and the Shadows are amazing. Ive seen Buddy Guy, BB King and Kenny Wayne Shepherd multiple times and I can say I enjoy watching Luther Johnson nearly as much...maybe as much because its so up close and in your face. Keep making those guitars sing boys! read more

Well, the music is good. If you like jazz and blues give it a shot. For the love of God though, eat before you get there. We waited an nearly an hour before getting ours. The Cajun fish tasted like it was a month old. Ended up leaving so I could eat somewhere else. Also they allow smoking indoors. Music was good though so three stars. read more

Very interesting place that looks like a hole in the wall (it is) but can be a lot of fun to go in and watch some blues musicians. If your a virgin to the blues game like I was then I would recommend going here and seeing if you like it. I have only been to 2 shows but the musicians were very talented and the drinks are reasonably priced. Only stipulation is that you have to be ok with the dark beat down vibe that you would expect with a blues joint. Give it a shot! read more

We watched Sandra Hall and the Shadows a few nights ago and she was incredible! Cover was $12 but it was great music and an awesome atmosphere, so it was worth it to me. I ordered "dinner" here before the show and wasn't too impressed. It was a limited selection of basic Cajun food. The place fills up fast so don't come in after 11 on the weekends and expect a seat. Friendly people. Nice tunes. read more

With live music literally EVERY night of the week, you are sure to have fun in this semi-dive bar where the motto is "it ain't easy bein' sleazy." (and they even have proudly displaying t-shirts/merch for sale to prove it). Our group had so much fun one Wednesday night that we went back for more the next night! We had the opportunity to see two blues bands: Burnt Bacon one night, then went back to see Deacon Bluz and the Holy Smoke Band. Both bands were great sounding and got us up dancing -- there wasn't much room to move but we crowded the stage and grooved with the horn section (if you can imagine 20 Habitat for Humanity staffers letting loose and getting snuggly on the dance floor). The service leaves much to be desired (it took about 1/2 hour for our pregnant co-worker to get a glass of water), but the bathrooms are clean and the music starts playing around 9:30, which is earlier than most places and perfect for post-dinner plans. If you feel like bar hopping, Blind Willie's is located on Highland Ave, which has a ton of little bars within walking distance that looked like a lot of fun. So, it would be easy to bounce around. For those visiting Atlanta, this is definitely one of the better streets to venture out to. read more

Dropped in my last night in town had an early flight so couldn't stay for the music The waitresses made us feel like regulars and the wings and the hurricane made my night. So came, saw and brought home a t shirt! read more

Good music. Very cool place, but.. The crowd was a little to yuppy for my taste and pretty conservative. Drinks aren't real cheap but not way overpriced. I prefer the atmosphere at Northside. But that's just me. You won't be dissapointed here. read more

Comfortable, friendly blues bar with great music. Headed up to Blind Willie's during a short trip to Atlanta. Definitely lived up to its reputation for good blues and a welcoming vibe. Our server took great care of us and the specialty drinks were all fun and blues-y. We saw Fatback Deluxe perform and I was impressed by their strong performance. They had one mean blues harp player, that's for sure. The band totally fit the mood of the place: relaxed and friendly. I ordered a "fresca" which was refreshing on a warm night, and they have a whole range of beers, wines, and cocktails to choose from. Blind Willie's was easy to get to via MARTA and if I'm ever in town again I'll trust that's it's the place for good blues and drinks. read more

It ain't easy being sleazy :-)) This place is great . It is the poster child for divey. It's dark, old, smoky, and slightly dirty. Every seat in the house is decent. People get up and dance as they please whilst the performers jam out in the small stage. I didn't love the smokers but I just moved my butt away from them. Very little street parking, but there is a lot across the street. One of my favorite spots in Atlanta read more

Everything you would ever want in an authentic blues bar! Food was blah, but who really cares when you come for the blues. They did not disappoint, George Hughley is legit. Loved his vocals at 72, 82, 92 or however old he is! So entertaining. read more

There's a $12 cover charge but on the night we went, which happened to be my honey's birthday, the dude at the door let me in for free!! Great music, great drinks and an even cooler atmosphere!! I can't wait to go back!! read more

It's divey, gritty, somewhat frothy, and just plain unsophisticated. I'm not sure the crowd or singer(band?) was aware of how Blues originated and what the vibe was supposed to be like at close to midnight, albeit midweek - even though I read many people had a time on weekdays. Service from the door to the bar was less than impressionable, air was tight, & seating was scant yet clustered. We left within 5 minutes. I'd love to experience a Sandra Hall night, so I'd only ever return for her; but I'll be sure to remember to just roll out of bed so I can try & match the other patrons. read more

Went here for the first time a week ago for some impromptu blue dancing. I loved the vibe of the place and the Louisiana-Blues charm it has. The night I went sooo many people were getting up to dance from the music of the band. It seems that was a major component to why folks showed up; only trouble is that there was omitted space and therefore extremely crowded. Drinks were very good but pricer than what I expected for that type of venue. read more

Pros - Awesome spot for blues music. Divey. Rex flag on wall, Mardi Gras beads and Christmas lights from ceiling. Cons - packed on weekends, Cover charge, EXPENSIVE drinks Overall- Eat dinner prior to and pre-game. read more

I had a great night here on Monday night. I came in to celebrate my birthday! I totally enjoyed my time here, listening the blues, with my friends. Blind Willie's has a great live music. On Monday they had a very cool artist: Billy Sheffield. We will definitely come back soon. It has a great location in the Vinnings. Inside it is decorated Nola style decoration. It reminded me with an old NYC jazz clubs. read more

I thoroughly enjoyed my evening here. We arrived early and were seated prompted. Our waitress was friendly and attentive. The food was ok for what it is and the band rocked. Plenty of cheap parking options. read more

Came here for a taste of Atlanta music culture after reading the good reviews. Pros: The drinks were cold, filled to the brim and cheap. The best combo. The waitress was very sweet and attentive which was nice. Music was fun, and the musicians talented. Each night they have different bands playing, so you have a lot of variety. Cons: The main downside is that they allow smoking in the bar, which was surprising. Also the band they had playing, (though not a negative to the actual business), Scott Glazer's Mojo Dojo was very talented but the lead singer needs some lessons on audience interaction. He asked for requests, and then proceeded to ignore everyone's requests. At one point a girl came up to the stage and requested a song to one of the band members who wasn't playing in the set. The lead singer then proceeded to embarrass the girl after the song ended as if she interrupted the song somehow, (which she totally didn't), and then made an over the top reference that since there was no tip in the jar he wouldn't be "persuaded" and then proceeded to make note to the tip jar several several times. After shaming her, she did come up and tip the jar...so did another customer who made a request...did he play their songs? Nope. The girl and her group of friends left after this. We left after this interaction, it was too bad too. We were having a good time, but this rubbed us the wrong way. Would we be back? Absolutely, just when a different band is on. read more

Don't be misled by the average 4.5 star rating; that is for the music, not the food. We ordered the catfish bites, and the fish was not fresh - it smelled bad. But the music was great, and the venue is perfect; good sound and visibility of the band. It's clean, and the service was good. So it's the perfect place for music if you love blues and jazz, as long as you eat elsewhere. read more

Went there on Sunday night. It was... lively. There was a great 3-man band playing. They did a huge variety of music from blues to glam rock. It was great! Bartenders were nice, bathroom was clean. It looks like a great small venue for an intimate affair. read more

Live music, great crowd, and drinks at a good price. The performance was great. The night I went was when Sandra Hall was performing. I loved here performance and came back a week later to see her again. Only downside is the place is small but that is what is expected at a juke joint. read more

We went on a Wednesday night when Scott Glazer's Mojo Dojo was playing and they are AWESOME - if I could rate them solo it would be 5 stars. Blind Willie's w/o the band(s) although well ventilated is your tho oak Atl dive bar - extra salty food, cheap drinks, uncomfy seats, and bare minimum service staff. Overall I would return, but I'd eat elsewhere first and then come check out the live band(s). read more

I love Blind Willies; its the only spot in this area of the Highlands that has live music all the time, wether its the house band or a touring group. The music is always great and the scene inside is always jumping. The clientele is diverse with people of all ages and ethnicities hanging out, dancing, and feeling the music. Watch out on weekends because a lot of times if you don't get there early enough it will be standing room only. read more

Fantastic house band. Wait staff, ambience, and drink selection all great too. Jambalaya was decent.

I have been to Blind Willie's a few times over the years and I always have a great time. The music is fabulous and I always end up dancing my rear-end off. Love it and would give it five stars if the food was just a teensy bit better. I know, don't go there to eat, but dancing makes me hungry.... read more

Place is cool,Atmosphere, food, drinks all good. People very accommodating. Musicians are friendly. Plays stayed pack. Small venue not enough room to move around. Bathrooms are co-ed. read more

Best blues in town. Go early if you want a seat. Food is good bar food. Drinks are basic. Music is amazing. Crowd is a great mix of friendly folks. Highly recommend! read more

Huge fan- they have great local and visiting bands, a wonderful venue with a fabulous atmosphere, and decently priced drinks. Plus their sweet potato fries and wings are delicious (at least they have been after 3 gin/tonics). The cover price ranges from $5-10 depending on the band, but it is well worth it. I love the crowd as well, lots of two-stepping going on and there is always someone to dance with if you are in the mood. read more

I love this place. They always have great Blues entertainment from yesterday to now. The house band is fantastic. The crowds are more than willing to show their appreciation and the food is good too. read more

Awesome music! Extremely friendly staff! Great vibe! Food pretty decent too. Cajun wings were good!

Awesome blues bar. great music and surprisingly good waitress! food is par, but you aren't coming here for epicurean adventures...

Went here on a Friday night to listen to live music and have some drinks. Located on virginia highlands but it stands out amongst its neighboring bars. Live music starts at 9:30 and different musicians will take turn getting on the stage. We got there around 11 and paid $15 each to get in. The place was already packed when we got there! There wasn't anymore seating available but no problem because I like to stand and drink and jam out to the music. We went straight to the back for the bar and grabbed some drinks (which were cheap!) the musicians on the stage were amazing and the crowd was feeling it! People come here to have a good time! No judgement zone! Dance as you like, there is no wrong or right way to jam out to the blues. Come here for a different experience than your normal nightclub spots in atl. read more

If you enjoy blues... this is a must! The only place to be to hear some of the best blues in the south... maybe the country. I've been 7 or 8 times and I have never been disappointed with the level of talent. read more

First time going. Checked the reviews for blues music in Atlanta. The "Shadows" opened up the session. Ms "Sandra Hall" came up and the show was on. Oh Lord..... This lady can sing some serious blues. Totally great time... read more

Great jazz, good drinks, and awesome wings. Go here if you want a fun evening. Emily was our server and was a-m-a-z-I-n-g!!!

Great live music, interesting crowd and so-so drinks. Overall entertaining but not worth the $12 cover they charged that Saturday; just way too loud, and too tight a squeeze. Don't know about you, but I rather not have to pay to be uncomfortably up-close and personal with a total stranger. read more

I have been going to Blind Willies for years now and never had a bad time. The Shadows, which are the house band, are awesome and if you like "hole in the wall" establishments you will love Blind Willies. Eat some where else first though. Bar grub that is not so great is all you can get at Blind Willies for food. The music is always great and everyone always seems to have a good time. read more

My friends are pretty sick of me dragging them here all the time, but it's seriously my favorite spot. I love live jazz and blues and this place delivers big time. I remember when I was 19 (many moons ago) I always wanted to come here because I was falling in love with blues music and I couldnt go because it's 21 and up. Highly recommended! read more