Are you a night owl? If the first thing you ask when traveling to a new place is “How’s the nightlife?” you’ll want to check out these spots in Alpharetta, Georgia. You can do more than just dance and drink; you can grab a bite to eat and listen to live music all night long.
37 Main
Just a short drive to nearby Buford brings you to 37 Main, one of the area’s best music venues. Calling itself “a rock café,” it offers a full menu including burgers, tacos, salads, and various entrees. Pair your meal with a selection from the extensive wine and beer list, or order a cocktail. Entertainment highlights include the regular Dueling Pianos show, acoustic concerts that include a special dinner menu, and an eclectic schedule of acts that include covers and tribute bands. It’s located at 37 E. Main St. and is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
The Velvet Note
If you’re a jazz fan, you’re going to love The Velvet Note at 4075 Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta. It bills itself as “An Acoustic Living Room” and has been carefully designed to provide the best possible listening experience for live music in an intimate setting. It’s been ranked as one of the 100 best jazz clubs in the world. Their conscientious design even extends to the dinnerware — they use wooden plates so that diners can focus on the music, not the clatter of forks and dishes. While you listen, you can enjoy a variety of gourmet entrees such as lamb chops, lobster ravioli, or braised short ribs. Pair it with fine wine, a craft beer, or a specialty cocktail. Tickets are required and may be purchased on their website.
After a late night of live music and good times, the last thing you want to do is drive a long distance to find a comfortable bed. Instead, book a hotel room right here in Alpharetta — there are many options with reasonable rates.
Matilda’s Cottage
Matilda’s is an outdoor music venue “under the pines” in Alpharetta at 377 S. Main St. It features a variety of regional acts with a focus on folk, rock, country, and blues. Concerts usually run between 8:30 and 10:30 p.m., and are family-friendly. Bring your own folding chair and a cooler full of your favorite drinks and find a spot! Alongside the music venue is “The Market at Matilda’s,” a boutique selling antiques, jewelry, and clothing as well as pieces made by local studio artists. The market is open Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and during concerts. Visit Matilda’s website for an up-to-date listing for this year’s concert season. You can also buy tickets online, including season ticket packages for all shows May through July.
These are just a few of the live music venues in and around Alpharetta. Thanks to its proximity to Atlanta, Alpharetta attracts some great musical acts, but you can enjoy them in a more intimate, casual setting. Whether you’re into the country-folk scene or your tastes run more toward refined jazz and blues, you’ll find that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.