Atlanta

Clermont Lounge 789 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, 404-874 4783, clermontlounge.net. Underground and overwhelming, this strip club-cum-dive bar might scare some at first, but after a one-night initiation, it's likely to be their best night out in Atlanta. Clermont Lounge is the city's oldest continuously operating
strip club (opened in 1965) and has been praised by the long-haired likes of Kid Rock and Marilyn Manson. Set in the basement of the Clermont Hotel, the legendary bar's dingy environs are brightened daily, from 1 p.m. until 3 a.m., with dancing ladies (some seemingly as old as the bar itself). PBRs can be had for $2.50, and the bar offers karaoke on Tuesdays. Part-owner Kathy Martin—herself a former bartender, manager, and dancer—is proud of the clientele. " It's all walks of life, like a Fellini movie," she says.

Northside Tavern 1058 Howell Mill Rd., 404-874-8745, northsidetavern.com. Northside Tavern is a story of blues-and-booze evolution. Originally a grocery store, over the years it's gradually succumbed to its destiny—that of a gin-soaked blues den. Bikers, warehouse workers, students, and music mavens flock to this grungy Atlanta institution bearing a simple stone facade with the promise of "Live Blues." Wednesdays feature Northside legend Mudcat Dudeck, and the famed Monday night Blues Jam has seen the likes of Taj Mahal and Tinsley Ellis take to the stage. A faded-felt pool table adds to the bar's divey personality, and low to no cover means you can save your cash for the cheap drinks and the tip jar.

Star Community Bar 437 Moreland Ave. NE, 404-681-9018, starbaratlanta.com. Maybe it's the wood-paneled walls, the photo booth, or the Olympia beer served in cans. Perhaps it's the live punk, alt-country, or straight-up honky tonk music. Or it could be the potent shots served in paper medicine cups—a daily dosage for the Dixieland dipsomaniac. But most likely what makes the Star Community Bar stand out is the Grace Vault, a shrine to Elvis complete with kneeler, candles, and a King visage worthy of veneration. Whatever the reason, Star Bar is a good-time bar with a friendly staff and all the necessities for a memorable night. In addition to the raucous environment upstairs, the Little Vinyl Lounge downstairs sports all-red ambience and old-school country music.

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