Breaking down where you can break it down. 🤘
Everyone should have a favorite local music spot. There are too many great dive bars, coffee shops + restaurants in town that offer live music every night of the week – from acoustic to rap to jazz – to not find what you dig. (And the Cola music scene is now so much more than just weekend shows at big venues.)
If you’re looking for where to grab a beer + burger for $9 while listening to some jams, or where to dive into a slice of cheesecake while sultry saxophone tones serenade you, we’ve got you covered on some of the best local spots to find live music on the regular. 🤘
🎵Indah Coffee | 2238 Sumter St.
You might already know Indah as a coffee destination (Food & Wine mag just crowned them S.C.’s best coffee shop), and part of what makes them so great (besides the lattes) is open mic nights every Monday and Wednesday at 7 p.m. They also occasionally host local indie shows on the weekend. And their selection of Cottontown Brew Lab beers on tap is the largest in town.
🎵State Street Pub | 136 State St.
You probably know State Street Pub as a members-only bar, but their live Saturday shows are open to the public sans cover charge (although their $3 membership fee is totally worth it). After starting the live shows last October, the pub wanted to aim for a crowd of older indie-rock fans who don’t want to stay out late, but still want to go to shows – appeals to me at 20-years-old, TBH.
🎵Chayz Lounge at Nonnah’s | 923 Gervais St.
This 80-seat listening lounge located in Nonnah’s restaurant in the Vista offers full dining + bar service during their live jazz shows. Their lineup also offers some of the best local + national talent around. Fun Fact: Chayz Lounge first started as an Internet radio station that played jazz and R&B music 24/7, before turning into a live performance space.
🎵New Brookland Tavern | 122 State St.
Photo by @comicsfan2814_vsg
NBT is a music lover’s dream; not only do they offer live music just about every single night, but they also offer open mic nights with drink specials, stand up comedy + karaoke. (#ProTip: You can catch my favorite local band, The Dead Swells, playing here on May 25.)
🎵Foxfield Bar and Grille | 406 Howard St.
Foxfield is a loveable, divey locals-only joint. Check out their open mic night every Thursday. I once saw Flat Out Strangers under the string lights in the backyard space, and it felt like I’d discovered such a hidden gem.
🎵Jake’s on Devine | 2112 Devine St.
Photo by @bigthunderfish
Jake’s is a popular happy hour destination in Cola (for humans and puppers alike – thanks to Yappy Hour), but they also specialize in live music every Wednesday for Pint Night, where you can enjoy half-priced select pints + rad bands.
🎵Tombo Grille | 4517 Forest Dr.
With live music every Monday + Wednesday, Tombo Grille in Forest Acres is a great place to eat some good food + chill out with friends. Their Monday night special includes a burger, fries + a beer for only $9.
🎵Za’s | 2930 Devine St.
This locally-owned brick oven pizza joint is known for their outdoor patio, extensive wine list, banquet room and full bar, but they also have live acoustic music every Wednesday night, which also happens to be Wine Wednesday ($4/glass for select wines).
🎵Speakeasy | 711 Saluda Ave.
Photo by @pageup_pagedown
We love lounging on Speakeasy’s couches in their dark den on Thursday evenings while listening to soulful + jazzy tunes and sipping on a craft beer. See their lineup here.
🎵Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor | 710 Meeting St.
Registered as a historical landmark, Bill’s Music Shop was opened in 1985 by nationally-renowned bluegrass musician Bill Wells. Not only is this a music store that offers top quality instruments + lessons, but they also offer live music and dancing every Friday + Saturday night. There’s a $5 donation at the door, and doors open at 6 p.m. (but the “Jam Session” goes on at 9 p.m. and lasts until midnight).
🎵Delaney’s | 741 Saluda Ave.
Wednesday at Delaney’s in Five Points is pint night – and there’s pretty much always a crowd + a musician on stage. Because no Irish pub is complete without live music.
🎵Main Street Public House | 1556 Main St.
Along with Monday Night Trivia, daily happy hour + Sunday brunch, Main Street Public House is consistently hosting local bands + artists. Like, constantly. Check out their events page for a look at some of the upcoming bands for this month, like the Kenny George Band + Prettier Than Matt.
🎵Pearlz Upstairz Lounge | 936 Gervais St.
Located in the upstairs portion of Pearlz, the Upstairz Lounge has a full bar (with cool cocktails + craft beer). Open Thursday-Saturday at 7 p.m., they host tons of local jazz + blues acts, like Mark Rapp and the Soda City Brass Band (here’s a look at their lineup for this month).
🎵Gervais and Vine | 620 Gervais St.
Another of our favorite Vista spots, Gervais and Vine is a wine + tapas bar that hosts live music every Monday + Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. For a look at some of their performances, watch the videos on their Facebook page.
🎵 Art Bar | 1211 Park St.
You’re sure to find live music, trivia, a DJ or karaoke almost on any given night at Art Bar – open ‘til 2 a.m. all week long. Check out their weekly schedule here.
One of the hardest things about moving to Cola for college was having to leave my hometown music spots behind… but now I’m always dragging my friends to Jake’s + New Brookland Tavern to catch live shows. Going to local bars + restaurants is also a great way to get more involved in the local music scene, because seriously, Cola has some really rad musicians.
Did we miss any of your favorite live music joints? Let us know by replying to this email.
Want to see your event in our newsletter? Head over to the Events Page and let us help you spread the word.
