VIRGINIA HIGHLAND. This club is named for Georgia's own "Blind" Willie McTell, a legendary songwriter born in Thomson who is credited with inking tunes such as "Statesboro Blues" and "Broke Down Engine Blues." A neon alligator in the window beckons you to catch the best blues acts around. Longtime regulars Sandra Hall and the Shadows and House Rocker Johnson perform here weekly, and other well-known local and national acts are prone to plug in their amps as well. Among the historic blues performers to have performed here are Taj Mahal, Rufus Thomas and Charles Brown. The place is filled Monday through Saturday, so arrive early. Reservations are not accepted.

DECATUR. Brick Store Pub enjoys a prime location in a 19th-century general store overlooking Decatur's Old Courthouse Square. From exposed red-brick walls and dark wood paneling to the cozy bar area and friendly service, a traditional pub atmosphere abounds. An international ensemble of ales and stouts, including Trappist Ale and Boddingtons, headlines the beer list, and the pub's 20-plus malt scotches keep you warm no matter what season it is. Brick Store's kitchen also serves up some tasty fare such as Jaws (ale-battered cod on challah twist with lemon mayo) and hand-dipped fish & chips served with remoulade sauce.

VIRGINIA HIGHLAND. Atlanta hipsters converge on this Virginia Highlands nightspot each week and for good reason. Upstairs, you'll find a great pub-style watering hole that's always packed with stylish 20- and 30-somethings. In the cellar, 10 High hosts some of Atlanta's top up-and-coming bands ­ acts specializing in everything from good old fashioned rock-n-roll to hard and heavy punk. Great pub grub is served upstairs, and the place offers an enviable selection of domestic and international brews.

MIDTOWN. Sleek furnishings of chrome, glass and wood ably temper the poured concrete shell of this hip lounge. Its centerpiece, a white onyx bar, takes on the colors of changing light, and patrons cozy up to it for Halo's fabulous cocktails. During the week, the scene takes on a low-key vibe, and relaxing with friends is a standard pastime. On weekends, though, the pace picks up, DJs spin the latest tunes, and folks revel in the heightened activity. Drinks are top quality, food is served from 5pm till 10pm, and just so you know, the entrance to the lounge is located on Sixth Street, not Peachtree.

DOWNTOWN. The CNN Center location of Jocks & Jills is ideal for those who want to bypass a live game at Phillips Arena or the Georgia Dome in favor of cold beer and good old-fashioned pub grub. The immense bar boasts 90 televisions, making it almost impossible for patrons not to be within eyeshot of one game or another. Quintessential sports souvenirs and collectibles litter the walls, and the heated patio is a great place to kick back with friends. Groups seeking more privacy can reserve the Georgia Room, which seats up to 80 people, or the Sky Box, which overlooks the main dining room.