Nearly five years after a devastating fire, The Union Bar & Grill has re-established itself as one of Athens’ premier music venues.

Kaylen Spears, who’s known as Marcellus Doe, is an Athens DJ who performs frequently at The Union during its series of monthly events. He attributes the bar’s high status within the local music scene to its layout and renowned sound system.

Walking inside the Smiling Skull Saloon is an experience in itself. Unlike other local venues in Athens, the Skull’s charm lies within the hearts of blue-collar Athenians.

The Skull’s atmosphere is reminiscent of a 1960s spaghetti western film, a time when actors John Wayne and Clint Eastwood were at the helm of the movie industry. With its biker-themed design, predictably-placed skull figures and series of decorative license plates, the bar draws in a unique crowd.

Jazz Nights at Tony’s Tavern has offered some of the most memorable evenings of local music over the past few years – for jazz aficionados, at least.

Tony’s is located between The J Bar and Souvlakis Mediterranean Garden, with its bright red “Tony’s” neon letters distinguishing itself between the two venues.

The open mic scene is a relatively niche-filled lane for Athens locals. They have found a home, though, at Donkey Coffee & Espresso on West Washington Street. The coffee shop serves as one of the city’s staples for artists, poets and musicians looking for a platform to channel their self-expression.

The popular coffee shop is typically known for its midday rushes, calm lounging and piercing scent of freshly-brewed coffee bean. Since starting its “Open Mic Night at Donkey” events some years ago, the shop’s also been at the forefront of Athens’ open mic scene.

Tuesday nights on Court Street are typically reserved for non-sticky hardwood floors, unoccupied bathroom stalls and empty seats. Outside “Taco Tuesdays” at Broneys Alumni Bar & Grill, it’s a fairly slow night for most Athens bars.

So, for Red Brick Tavern owner Daniel DeLuca, opting to try something new wouldn’t pose much of a risk.

In place of the empty Tuesday nights at “The Brick,” DeLuca decided to have local bands perform live for the first time in nearly four years on Tuesday.