Blind Willie's

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galifeworks

Joined 2 years ago

Come Early...Bring Cash...DON'T WEAR HEALS... Well...First I will start out saying I didn't know what to expect because I have been to other Blues joints in Atl and was not impressed at all.

I walked in and it was dark and sort of smokey but I guess it's to be expected in a Blues spot right? The seating is not that great there was lots of people already there I arrived at about 8:45pm on a Friday night. There were some tables that were reserved but there was no indication of that on the table. When I finally found a seat it was ALLLLL the way in the back near the bathroom so when the folks started to pack in the less I could see the stage but I could hear the Blues. The music was descent as far as 'down home' Blues. I am not sure of it was worth a $15 cover charge though.

I have heard some real acoustic guitar 'down home' blues before which I would rate 10 out of 10 but this music was maybe a 7 out of 10. I know good music. The "Knight Hawks' were there playing & they were entertaining. You could tell that they have been in the game for a long time. All I can say is bring cash cause you were need it. There was a guy walking around to each table asking if you were staying for the show which started at 9:30pm collecting the $15 cover charge after you were already seated n comfy.

The menu is very limited 7 not many food choices. You got your hot dogs and pull pork sandwhich down salads and some other stuff in between. Menu prices between $5-$8 don't think I saw prices over that. I wasn't that hungry just wanted a smaller portion so I went with the sweet potato fries with a blue cheese dip...delicious but it took me a minute to get use to the contrast taste of the sweet versus the creamy. My mom had the fried cat fish n chips (not fries....homemade potato chips) which was also good around $8.00 but fair for the amount of food you get. I would rate the food a 9 out of 10.

The wines are not that great (cheap n bitter) and I didn't get any mixed drinks so I can't review those...so have fun with that...

The atmosphere was down home fun..wood floors...dim lights...tables in crowed area...small bar and tight area. So girls...DON'T wear heels..bring out your inner down home DIVA cause any other way you would outta place.

Doesn't Recommend

Ithaca96

Joined 4 years ago

Not much for your cover. Walked in around 10:30pm after paying $7 cover for featured singer. Listened to other acts for about 45mins until featured singer played 3 songs and then took another break. Left us with nothing to listen to after that and by that time I was ready to go. $7 cover was way too much for a Thursday night with a half empty bar.

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bayoux504

Joined 5 years ago

Smokin' Blues!. OMG had sooo much fun we didn't want to leave! Yes, the place fills up quickly and is stuffed to capacity, but the music is amazing. Not to mention the staff at the bar was excellent and lightning fast!!! I am from New Orleans and it felt like home. The staff there treat you like family! I just hate I didn't get a chance to taste the food, but the drinks were on point. This is my new spot!!!

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smokemifyagotum

Joined 6 years ago

It don't get no better than this.. What a good place to hear the Blues and have some fun. Great house band with national acts. We have been there several times and have never been disappointed. It does get a little crowded, and the dance floor is an 8' area in front of the stage or wherever you happen to be standing at the time. Get there around 9 o'clock to get a good seat. I don't think you will be disappointed.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

A diverse group of fans flocks here for Atlanta's best live blues.. The Scene
A dark corner space in the typically yuppie Virginia-Highland area, Blind Willie's is Atlanta's best bet for live blues. Seven nights a week, the club is full of a diverse group of blues fans eager to hear the sounds of revered local acts like Francine Reed, Lotsa Poppa and House Rocker Johnson. Dark mood lighting and posters of old bluesmen on the walls set the tone. A friendly waitstaff serves Cajun-tinged bar food to complement weak beer and hard liquor.

The Draw
The attraction is the blues, pure and simple. Expect to see mainstream dabblers and hard-core blues devotees rubbing elbows and singing along to "Ain't Misbehavin'" at the tables in front of the stage. Named after legendary Georgia bluesman Blind Willie McTell, this club pays tribute to its namesake by featuring the best live blues acts in town.

Doesn't Recommend

thedon74

Joined 6 years ago

Overrated. I used to enjoy this place, but not anymore. Aside from the same tired house band, the main problem is their crappy service. When the place is packed to the gills on a Friday night, there will only be one bartender and it takes 20 minutes to get a beer. I don't know if the Lisa Loebish bartender that was working this past Friday night was PMSing or not, but she had a terrible attitude and openly complained about the lack of tipping that two guys from Ireland were doing. Maybe she doesn't realize that Europeans aren't used to handing over a dollar every time somebody with a pissie attitude strains themselves to stick their hand into a bucket of ice and twist a bottle cap off.

If you want to go to a good blues bar, go to Northside Tavern.

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battlecity

Joined 6 years ago

Wonderful Place for All Ages. I frequent Blind Willies as often as possible. The music is always great, the staff actually works for their tips. Friendly staff and crowd. People of all ages can feel comfortable in this place. The Food, is pretty good spicy bar food. It is always quite crowded, for good reason, its a great place to go. The place can get pretty smoky, so take precautions if you are sensitive to that.

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poolemartina

Joined 9 years ago

Great Blues Club. Blind Willie's is a great blues club for any age. I am 23 and my husband is 38 and we had a great time listening to Sandra Hall and the Shadows. Everything in the club says true blues. Sandra Hall can make you think about your past and make you laugh at the same time the entire time she is on the stage you will be jumping, rocking, and clapping. The Shadows has an sax player that is wonderful. Make sure you go check it out and get there early for a good seat.

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bluesfan

Joined 11 years ago

Nothin' but the blues!. I LOVE this place, and have for 16 years -- an eternity in the bar business, and they just keep putting it on. Taj Mahal, Rufus Thomas -- where else can you see this stuff?! Staff kicks it and there's no attitude, just GREAT music!

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JeffW

Joined 11 years ago

Life is tough, and so are they!. These guys know what the blues are all about....life is so tough, sometimes it takes a little something special to get you through. There's nothing like a guy playing the guitar with his teeth to inspire greatness. Check it out!