Blind Willie's

When I first moved to Atlanta in 1988 I was here just about every night. It's an Atlanta institution and one of the best blues bars in the country. I'm going tomorrow night, 37 years later, to see my good friend Albert Castiglia...

Great for dancing and meeting fun interesting people, love every second of it! Ps. It does have $5 entrance fee on weekdays. Weekends (I assume) is $10.

Their kitchen is down so bring your own food. My Coke was delicious lolololol, I went on a Wednesday night. It was a slow night but the music was great and I had a good time. You have to find parking on the side street because they don't have parking of their own. So a lot of our time was spent trying to find parking and trying to find food, but once we got inside we screamed and hollered the rest of the night we had a great time

BEST BLUES BAR EVER! Go early!!! I had dinner down the block at Thai spot finished at about 9 and walked to the bar.. It was packed, so go early if you want seating. The atmosphere and music was such a vibe. I can't wait to go back!

This place is really cool. Small and packed but bar tender was good at dishing drinks fast

It's my first time experience. Enjoyed the band and the ambiance. The sweet potato fries and wings with homemade sauces were scrumptious, especially the Cajun sauce. Spike the bartender has a great personality and made great drinks. I would definitely recommend anyone to enjoy this establishment.

Some of the best live blues I've been able to witness. Great variety of acts from night to night.

This was my first time ever going to a real blues club and I loved everything about it, it most definitely won’t be my last time…

I would recommend Blind Willie's if they had a kitchen and at least 1 or 2 signature dishes. I'm sure that they will hire a cook soon. The band last night was fantastic, but I never saw anything stating the name of the band. I regret that I didn't get the band name before leaving. I would definitely come back to enjoy their music again. The ambiance was great! The drink service was good, but it could be better with a couple of servers.

Excellent. The musicians on Saturday night were very talented and fun. The lead vocalist had a great voice. The other guitarists were on point as well. The audience was packed and seemed to enjoy, as did we. The waitress was very busy and attentive. I was Impressed. I especially liked their interaction with the crowd and choice of musical selections.

I wish I could give it more stars. This is one of if not the best establishment in Atlanta. The drinks are reasonable, the service is efficient and the atmosphere is always what you want from a jazz club. The musicians that play here are incredibly talented. Masters of their craft. The kitchen has been closed down for a while (could still be) but the food was phenomenal as well. I hope they bring the food back soon. Places like this really are special and increasingly rare nowadays

We stumbled upon this Cajun/creole/blues club just looking for a drink, and it may have been our best experience in Atlanta! Reasonably priced drinks but the real draw was the live blues music! There's room to dance in front of the stage, and they had seriously impressive talent. 100% recommend checking it out. There is a $10-20 cover depending on who's playing (you can see the schedule on their website), but it was WELL worth it!

The music is great, drinks are ok. It's SUPER annoying to me that you have to go waste money at the ATM next door because they don't have a Venmo or allow you to pay cover at the bar on your card. That's my only big complaint.

The live Jazz and Blues music is great. Place gets packed so get there early to get a table. Good liquors and beer. People are friendly and respectful. Staff is courteous and friendly.

Loved this place!! I went here on a Saturday night and had a blast. It's $10 to get in, parking was easy, and the food was reasonable and was good. I got the Cajun wings and fries and they were good. The vibe was definitely fun and the music was live. It was very upbeat. I'd return. It's not a lot of seating but we managed to find a spot to sit in.

So me and my girlfriend been celebrating our 3 year anniversary for the past few days, and we wanted to do something different. We both felt like going somewhere to listen to some live music. So of course I consulted Yelp and came up with this spot! The band didn't start til 9pm so we got there about 745 ish found a great spot and start to take in the ambiance! Which by the way was super chill, it wasn't as diverse as I thought it would be, but the crowd was decent. We met our waitress Kina, she was super pleasant and attentive for the most part, until the crowd came, they pretty much bombarded her. But she didn't forget about us. We started to order drinks. I got my trusty old fashioned and a Sweetwater 420, she got a lemon drop and a mini bottle of Prosecco, which costed the same as a big bottle from your local liquor store, but what you expect ‍. I got the chicken wings, she got jambalaya. The band was awesome! The whole experience was super dope! And the fact that it's 6 mins from us was even better! We're definitely going back

The music was amazing!! My boyfriend and I were on vacation and just happened to stumble upon Blind Willie's and it was such a great stop. The band that played was phenomenal and the drinks were great. I wish the kitchen was open, but everything else was awesome!

Great vibes here. The blues show was awesome and drinks pretty good too. Will be returning.

This place is awesome! It is welcoming and festive. Everyone is friendly! The food was amazing! The live music!

I always enjoy coming to Blind Willies. The live jazz is always amazing and the food is great too! If you're looking for an awesome date spot or just a cool place to chill, I would totally recommend this spot!

Awesome Ir is a tradition to frequently visit this blues club because it is so hopping and freaking fun and great!! Dancing fun!!

Amazing music, great energy with people dancing, decent drinks at decent prices, and to be honest you don't come here for the food.

I really enjoyed this spot. I came here a few weeks ago on a Friday night when they had a live blues band. I was a bit skeptical at first glance as this place is the ultimate in dive bars, but hey...I had a rough week and needed a drink and escape from reality, so let's do this. The band was awesome! I can't remember the singer's name (maybe Sandra Hall or something like that) but she was the bomb.com. Her stage presence was infectious. Will definitely be back to see her again soon!! I ordered the red beans and rice and was THRILLED with my selection! I haven't tasted red beans and rice that good since being in N.O. They were so good in fact, I was inspired to make my own batch of them the next day...a true testament to how good they were. If you are looking for a chill local spot to grab a drink, some authentic Creole food without all the frills...this is the place. The crowd is a bit older than the other bars on the block, but that's how I roll

I had amazing times. I went on a Tuesday night they said it is Blues however the music seemed more country to me. Parking Yes they have parking in the back of the building and after 10 pm you can park or the street Service My waiter was excellent. He was on top of everything. Drinks I had the Gator rum drink it is similar to having a a Long Island but fruity and it was terrific. Food I had the Cajun wings and it was a little dry however my date had the barbecue wings and it was delicious. Bathroom They do have one bathroom however it stink.

This place is the real deal. Great atmosphere, food, drinks. The band playing tonight is on point, and nearly everyone is dancing.

Fun night on Easter Saturday. Some semi celebrity was there which might explain the $15 cover charge. My buddy was worried that they would run out of seating but the place never filled up to the max. The house band was really good. 4 veterans that sounded tight. Whatever that means. Lisa our waitress was friendly and efficient. We drank and chilled. Small and intimate place with food and drinks. Show starts at 9. Enjoy

One of my favorite music venues -- anywhere -- and the best spot in Atlanta to hear live blues. Blind Willie's may not look like much from the outside (or the inside, for that matter), but slip inside this amazing Virginia- Highlands club, and you'll find yourself transported to a New Orleans juke joint with a band so close they're practically sitting in your lap. There's a small bar with a handful of local taps and some bottled beer, a decent menu of tasty appetizers, and some friendly servers -- but the blues are the main attraction. So drop by, grab a cold beer and a table by the stage, and prepare yourself for some of the best music in the ATL.

Ok I am not much of a Blues/Jazz person, we enjoyed the music and the atmosphere. The audience is usually above ages 35-40 and very into the music. The place is filled with regulars, feels very authentic Southern. I simply liked it.

I was looking for places to go to for my girlfriend and I's weekly date night and I stumbled across this place. When we arrived and walked in, you are consumed by the ambience of the entire place. Dim lights, christmas lights hanging on the walls and from the roof and you instantly feel like home. A very intimate setting. We sat down and ordered some drinks. After drinks, I ordered the Larry's Red Beans & Rice and my girlfriend ordered the BBQ Pork Sandwich, and I must say, it was delicious! We listened to William Reed & the Juke Dukes playing live and their music was very enjoyable! I loved hearing their wide array of jazz, blues and gunk music and they even played original songs. I don't really know what I was expecting but I thoroughly enjoyed myself and my girlfriend did too! I was blown out the water by the "hole in the wall" gem of place that Blind Willie's is. Will definitely come back!

Love this place . Best jazz and Blues around ! James is an amazing musician and entertainer . Made me feel I was back in a Jazz/Blues club in New York. Place gets packed , people standing . Drinks were good. For entertainment this is the place in this area . Will be back when in Atlanta .

Pretty cool spot. Good staff. The band was ok. It's just a free and fun atmosphere I guess.

Very intimate and unique experience. Great spot to have a pint and enjoy some live entertainment.

This spot was so much fun. We saw the lady band "Blue Velvet" on Friday and it was so much fun. The decor is very much bourbon st and the drinks are cold, well priced, and fast. I'll be back for sure

The atmosphere here was great. Loved the band for the night we went. We ate dinner before the show I got the hot wings and the buffalo flavor was on point. This is a from Louisiana critique that kept us from NC icing five stars. My boyfriend got the jambalaya. It was good, but not jambalaya. More of an étouffée, definitely was not bad but don't get into expecting jambalaya.

Oh YES! THIS was some great live music. I was looking for love music in the area and my initial search on Yelp worked a few places. I tried them and was disappointed. I had given up and was going to head back to my hotel when my Uber driver suggested Blind Willie's. WHOA! I got they're late so I only caught the bands last set, but the atmosphere was great, the sound was awesome and the drinks were tasty AND reasonable priced. I WISH I had found Blind Willie's earlier and can promise that it will be my first stop the next time I'm in the area.

Out from California to visit my grand daughter and had to go to a Blues club. I picked a good one! Had great conversations with the bartender and door man about the Blues. Last nights singer Brandon Reeves was great on guitar and vocals Purchased two t-shirts and hope to get back for another night before heading home. Keep the Blues alive!

Man, I can't believe that I haven't written a review of this place yet. I've been here a bunch of times and have always had a good time here. Good rocking blues, good food, and stiff drinks. If you like the blues with a laid-back atmosphere this will definitely be your place. The last two times that I've been here Sandra Hall [Empress of the blues]. She always goes all out and has the place on their feet when she performs. Showed up on a Friday night and I was able to get in right away [cover at the door] and find a table before the show started. Be aware that this isn't a huge place so if you have a bunch of people with you or you have to have a table come about a 1/2 hour to an hour early. With all of the changes in Vi-Hi, this one remains a constant good time.

I almost gave this place 5 stars but the $15 cover really made it impossible for me. This place was fun but not "$15 per person with nothing in return" fun. I am told that the cover is not normally that high but you can check on their website at their calendar to see what the cover will be each night. They had live music the night we went and the place was packed (standing room only). The music was great, the people were happy, and the whole place had a great vibe. Even the waitress who had to constantly ask us to move so that she could get by (sorry!) constantly had a smile on her face and was super sweet. Would go back again and dance to the band for sure.

What a treat. I am so glad we decided to hit the east side of town that night. We loved it and will be back.

Was here on New Year's Eve and Sandra Hall and the band made it unforgettable. From slow dancing to electric blues, this was an amazing treat. Lucky we chose this place as our destination. I'm coming back for more! Only downside was that there's nothing vegetarian and the gumbo wasn't that good.

It's all about the music really, the staff is friendly and the service good. It's the smoke. I cannot stand it, so I can't go there again. Sucks

Would have given the place a 5 but the cigarette smoke is a bit much. Great experience. The blues and jazz is here is authentic. We lucked out as the night we arrived there was local talent from Atlanta. Sandra Hall and The Shadows were playing. Sandra hall is a charismatic lady and very flirtatious with the audience. One lucky (white) guy was motored boated and I'm sure this was the experience of his life. Sandra's voice is robust and full and filled the entire room. Her presence and pain/pleasure in her voiced speaks to her performance ability and life experience. Every night of the week is a great night to attend as there are many performances throughout the week. We will be back.

A must go-to place whenever I am in Atlanta. Been coming to Blind Willies for about 10 years. Genuine Blues with reasonable drink prices, a friendly staff and crowd. While I appreciate the food isn't the greatest ... for fries and small items it's fine. Wouldn't plan for a dinner though. Come here for the music, the drinks and the company. It's a great experience!

Blind Willie's is a must do Blues/Jazz spot in the Atlanta area. The Wednesday night jam sessions are unforgettable, and the dancers keep the energy moving all night. The bar is well kept and the drinks are incredibly reasonable! We had 6 drinks and sweet potato fries and only came out $33 lighter. Bring a dance partner and an appetite, and you'll be sure to enjoy this local hangout!

Amazing food and music. My husband and I had a blast listening to a local band while enjoying this beers and chicken tenders. Can't beat the price!

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.

Blind Willies is cool-small quaint place to listen to jazz. We took my step daughter there for a fun night out. Food was good but much needed appetizers and vegetarian options other than sweet potato fries. They were awesome by the way! Almost every item on menu has meat . Drinks were okay but they were out of my top two choices for some reason. Parking in the back is very limited so go early like we did. Got the last spot!!

The house band called The Shadows is fantastic! They have backed Francine Reed and many other vocalists as well. The guitarist is a virtuoso and the sax player who doubles on vocals and harmonica, really know how to lay down some blues. The food is good, the beer is cold and the prices are reasonable. Small venue is a great place to listen to some great music and enjoy your evening.

Nestled in the Virginia Highlands area, this is my favorite spot in Atlanta when I want to hear live music (and there are a lot of options!). It's on every list of best blues clubs in America. This place is all about the music. No TVs, no pool tables, just good music, good drinks, and good food if you're hungry. Come dressed up, come in shorts and flip flops if you want. Stay in your chair, or get up and dance. It's a wonderfully diverse no judgment zone.

A dive bar yes, old black man singing as I walked in and very drunk people on the dance floor trying to keep rhythm with the music...ha ha ha ...what an awesome experience. I will definitely go back. And the drinks were good as well.

Fun little dive in Virginia High Points. Great house band with a cool guest. Awesome server!

This place does NOT close at 12:30 a.m. on Fridays. It does have incredible live music, a friendly staff, great drinks and a retro, classy vibe. Don't let the $12 cover charge (or the incorrect yelp hours) discourage you; it's worth the trip. Step back in time, and enjoy a comforting bar with too much soul to control. Blind Willie's is the place to be.

Spend a whole evening there. we were one of the first ones for the night. I could write pages of all the great stuff they have. The server and bartender were awesome very polite beyond friendly and just great. The food was amazing, it was well above pub grub. The music was great. Had just an amazing experience and would plan another trip to Atlanta just to go here again

Great new experience!! We went last night to watch The Shadows play their set. Our waitress, Anne, was one of the top 10 waitresses I've ever had!! She answered every question in full, tended to our every need (party of 7), and nevertheless made sure we were having a great time. Not sure if it was just a rare occasion for there to only be one waitress there at night, but she handled it with grace! Menu is great and affordable, and all the drinks were spot on- kudos to the bartender too! We had a mix of wings and chicken fingers, all which were very good and came at a timely fashion. However, we did order our food before the band played (and a bigger crowd showed up,) so this might have worked in our favor. As mentioned in previous reviews, this place does allow inside smoking, and while as a respiratory therapist, it didn't make me thrilled at all, I had such a great time, I can't think of rating anything less than 5 stars.

A good spot to listen to the Blues. I've been a few times and there's something about this place that's timeless. There's typically a $5-10 cover at the door, but it's worth it. And oh btw- the guy in red (pictured) actually played the guitar at one point with his teeth!!

This place has been a favorite for years, but after not going in years I decided to visit last night with a friend. The waitress (young blonde) was NOT professional. We sat down and she never cleaned our table. I asked her to remove prior patron glasses, she did and never came back to remove their straws and mess. I cleaned it myself. We had to approach the bar and order for ourselves in which my date advised her, either we serve ourselves or you do it. Then she comes over. The wings were good if I ordered plain, but I didn't. I ordered cajun, but got plain. BUT THE MUSIC WAS STILL AWESOME.. It's the ONLY reason we didn't get up and leave..

This is a very nice and quaint spot... the seating is a little tight but overall I enjoyed myself... the live blues band was great. The food was good and the service was nice.

The blues was a blowing! We were actually in the area to hit the Irish Bar next door, but when we heard the blues band playing at Blind WIllie's we changed your destination. Love the feel of this place and the band was on point. The fact that it was the middle of the week, there was still a pretty good crowd on hand. Drinks were good and the staff was excellent. Keep up the good work Willie's crew!