40 Watt Club

Awesome staff and unique venue. Nice they comp had water available as it was hot. Great sound! Awesome to see Jack White for my 1st show here.

Nice place. Saw plini and strawberry girls live here and it sounded fantastic. I was a front of house sound engineer for live bands for over 30 years, so when I say I was impressed by the sound, its not just a flippant comment. Nice bar with wide selection of beverages. Will definitely return

Loved the experience. Such a small feeling venue, anywhere you are in the room it is great!

The gold standard for community building by a local music venue. They have a phenomenal reputation among musicians and concert goers. It’s one of the glues of the Athens scene all the decades after the “golden age”. I hope the community and the 40 Watt workers can continue to sustain the instrumental position that it fills in Athens, the Southeast, and the planet. Thanks 40 Watt!💜🙌

We went to see Them Dirty Roses on a Saturday night. When we arrived, we were asked to empty our pockets, our bags were checked, and we were all scanned with a wand before entering. Most people would be annoyed by that, but I appreciated the extreme safety precautions, given the current state of gun violence. The venue smelled like urine outside the front door, but thankfully the smell stopped there. Inside was spacious, the bar staff were superb, the manager was a blast, and the music was phenomenal. There are some pretty interesting signatures on the walls throughout various parts of the building. (Kurt Cobain being one of them) Check those out for sure. We were actually VIP with the band, so we spent a good bit of time backstage, where the mood and vibe were chill. Everyone was pleasant. Definitely a place to visit, especially if you are into music history.

Most gracious and attentive staff in the South. Barrie hasnt changed a bit in 35 years, we missed Velena, but Henry and Pascal and the bartenders were perfectly accommodating. Thank you 40 Watt!

First time at the 40 Watt Club. I really like small venues. The sound system was great. The bartender was super friendly.

We love the historic 40 Watt Club. They always have great talent and shows. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Looking forward to our next event there.

I saw the Menzingers here and was impressed with the sound and overall vibe. reasonable prices. Good place for a show.

My kid rocked that place out. Had a blast. Enjoyed the bar, decent whiskeys :) nice area too.

Great venue! Ive seen a couple of bands here and the staff are great, always feel safe, drinks are reasonably priced and the bands sound fab. Gotta be one of the best venues in the US if not the world 😝

Iconic music club that I have always wanted to visit. It did not disappoint. Saw my favorite band [Cracker] in one of the famous music joints in the land. Doesnt get much better than that. Well actually it does. Athens is a fantastic college town with fantastically friendly people. 3 days in music. If your favorite act is playing here you might be able to do better than the 40 Watt Club but I doubt it. FANFRIGGINTASTIC

Love the 40 Watt! Its the classic Athens venue where some of the best have graced the stage. Youve got to catch a show at the 40 Watt because, well, its the 40 Watt!

Great venue! We saw a comedy show there last week and had a blast. Definitely get there early for seating (we grabbed a couch in the back and had a good view, even with the one couple standing directly in front of us) but what blew me away was the staff!!! The bartenders were some of the nicest people I’ve ever encountered. If you have a chance to see a show here, do it!

One of the best venues in the country!

The 40 Watt Club outdid themselves with the REM Murmur anniversery. The band was fantastic, and seeing REM on stage for the first time since 1997 was amazing. I love the venue, vibe, and overall freindliness of the club. One of the last places that puts fans and music as the first priority. This is not a place that is out to make as much money as they can, they make it a place made for people to enjoy music and entertainment. A first class staff and manager. Kudos, please dont change one thing!

If you havent checked out the 40Watt do yourself a favor and go experience what the late 80s and early 90s were like in the music world. I feel like I stepped back in time when I walked into the club. It has its own vibe!

Great venue! Super polite and helpful staff. Good drink selection. Very good sound!

Iconic venue located in downtown Athens, Georgia. The 40 Watt Club has hosted so many famous and soon-to-be-famous bands that is it a must-visit club if you are in Athens. My Generation has seen the B-52’s, REM, Widespread Panic, Drive-By Truckers, and a host of others come up through the 40 Watt…check it out.

I always enjoy hearing my favorite bands play at the historic 40 Watt Club. Its THE classic rock and roll club. Mid-sized, great stage, good beer, and awesome rock and roll vibe!

Great staff and more seating in the back than Ive seen at a lot of venues. Drinks are also pretty cheap! Saw BTBAM live- the sound and lighting were fantastic!To be fair, I havent been to many concerts, but I had a lot of fun here and think you will too.

Im not a concert fanatic who goes to many concerts, so take my opinion with a grain of salt if youre used to these kinds of venues!Staff was friendly, chill and easy to have some quips with. Had us line up outside, were informative and got us thru the doors once they opened super quickly. I didnt have any drinks that night so I cant speak for the quality of the bartending and/or drinks themselves, although I greatly appreciated the free jug of ice water they kept filled for everyone to take from. Best of all, a member near the stage doing guard/sound stuff (not sure) was kind enough to pass off a print I had drawn of Michelle from Japanese Breakfast for me; Some artists will come out and do their merch tables or chat with the audience after (Art School Jocks and Snail Mail did), but it was getting late and I wasnt sure if she would so I up and asked and the staff was super cool about it!!Venue is quaint and comfy, I was lucky enough to be one of the first in and thus got right up to the stage, though depending on where you are and how tall you are, I imagine youre gonna have a rough time seeing unless youre at the back behind the crowd. There werent many places to sit (in defense of this I didnt check much beyond the main room) aside from a few old couches and stools dotting the edges of the room, but thats probably normal for even smaller venues honestly.Pretty much my only reason for 4 stars, a couple more places to sit would be nice. Otherwise it was a fun, small venue with good vibes and good staff and I wouldnt hesitate a second to come here for another concert.

Great place to see a show. This is a must do if you are in Athens. Legendary venue.

I would describe 40 Watt as a historical landmark, but its still current and modern with the talent they bring in. My wife and I went to the Pop punk Xmas concert hosted by Thats Rad, which featured 2 other bands. Nix the Scientist and Way Past Cool. We were not disappointed. Had a great time!

This iconic music venue where R.E.M. performed their first shows before becoming an international rock band. The world famous music venue attracts alternative, indie, folk, and many other out of the main stream talent from across the globe.

Reasonably priced drinks. Awesome vibe. Great location. Legendary venue. Take a look backstage. Even Kurt Cobain signed the walls back there. All of the big name bands have and continue to play here. One of the Athens staples.

I before February the 13th I had never stepped foot inside the 40 watt, February 9th was my first time in Athens ever. I cant review the town unfortunately but I think the 40 watt is the perfect example of Athens I loved it I loved everything about it. It is now my happy place, Ill never miss another homecoming. Whenever I get up the nerve to move away from muscle shoals Athens will be where I relocate to.

Great atmosphere and concert

One of my favorite venues in GA. If you see a band you like is going here, buy the ticket, even if you have to make a long drive to make it. A real and intimate experience with any band. Its always comfortable and staff is always super cool. Just in the last year or so Ive seen super badass stuff there like Melvins, TSOL, Henry Rollins to name a few. There is a parking deck a small walk away as well, very convenient.

Theres a reason why this place is legendary. On top of being one of the best and longest lived venues in Athens, it also has an amazing sound system and a great staff. Lone live the 40 Watt!

Classic venue for those of us who enjoy alternative music. I appreciate the fact that they provide ear plugs to concert goers!

Saw Atlus here an had a blast. Loved the vibe of the place!

I have loved The 40 Watt for over 30 years. It is LEGENDARY!You can feel the Rock and Roll History as soon as you walk through the door! You must go here if you are a musician or artist- its a very special place and one of the music clubs on the planet!@danielsvintagegoods

The 40 Watt lives up to its reputation as a perfect, intimate setting to see a great performer like Conor Oberst put on a stellar show. Ill be back for Hippocampus soon and looking forward to it.

Great vibes.Good location. I have always loved that they book local and national acts. I have been going to the 40 Watt while in college, and even after I moved out of town.

An Athens institution. Such a great place to enjoy your favorite local bands.

Went to 40 Watt Club last night and had a ridiculous experience to say the least...My business partner and I were doing media coverage for an artist and entered the venue at 9 PM. Three of the employees let us in with no issues. We briefly walked outside around 10:30 PM. We tried to come back in around 11 PM and were told we wouldnt be let back in. The night manager said he didnt like us and talked disrespectfully to us. He continued to bait us by saying condescending remarks like you can shut up, if you want to get in.. He stated he asked the artist about us but I dont believe it. He walked inside for no more than 10 seconds then returned to say, we can pay $20 each, even though my business partner had a stamp and wristband. When we called the artist a few minutes after this altercation, the artist had no clue we were having trouble getting in the venue.

Cool place to see a show. I was kinda surprised how small it was.

You can call me old because I am but i felt like I went back to my youth walking through those doors again! Last time I was there was 2005 to see my friends band, Left Front Tire, perform their farewell concert and the place has not changed. I was there to see Faye Webster and UpChuck this time with my 19 year old son! We had a blast!! We went for Faye but came home UpChuck fans as well. They both put on an Excellent show!Since I was with the band in 2005 and got to be backstage with them, I was honored enough to see the, wall of AWESOME. Where bands like Nirvana have written words of ....Lol, wisdom. Its was great! There is a replica of the wall out by the bar now so everyone can enjoy the crazy drawings and goofy phrases left by years of talent that has filled the venue with their amazing sounds!! WOW!!Did I mention the staff!! AMAZING!! Friendly, helpful and quick to bring your favorite libation.Loved it way back when, and remembered that love again! ❤️❤️❤️

Awesome venue. The music was loud, and mixed very well. Places to sit to enjoy a drink before the show. All around a very good venue

The ambient was amazing. The performance was amazing. Really enjoyed the vibe and the place.

The club was clean, the set up flows well. Good places to chill. We went for the Kilo Ali show, but Kilo never came out. We also paid $20 for tickets, but no one ever asked to see tickets or pay a cover. It was a Bachelorette party and we were VERY disappointed. The drinks were good. The entertainment that WAS there was wonderful.

Excellent venue. Very friendly staff. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Great raw venue with so much history. Feel honored to see bands here. Awesome staff.

We had an awesome time for the All them Witches show! The Swell Fellas put an awesome opening show. Our bartender for the night was excellent! Ladies at the front entrance were great. Guys at the merch table were great. Other staff members helping thing run smoothly and keeping things in order were great and entertaining as well! Over all, the best experience at a show that I have had in a long time! Great jobe everyone!

One of my fav spots in Athens! Great bartenders!!!

Great, intimate venue. Saw Interpol there on a Sold Out night. Amazing!

This is a great small and intimate venue for a concert where you can be up close and personal with the band. It is standing room only and it gets very packed. You often have someone almost pushed up against you. My husband and I saw Lord Huron perform here and the sound was amazing. Fight your way towards the bar and its pretty quick to get a drink but good luck weaving your way back to your original spot. All in all a great experience if youre prepared to stand for hours on a concrete floor. No surprises!

Morning manager was very nice. Night manager was very rude and tried to make the line to where people who got there hours later than others would go in first. No security at all even though smaller venues Ive been to have at least some security. Said they would let in people with positive covid tests in because its not their responsibility to prevent it. Even the headliner said hes never coming back to this venue.

Me and my eighteen-year-old son went and seen drive-by truckers..... We had a ball.... Really cool crowd really cool man really cool small concert hall with two bars

Ive only been to the 40 Watt Club once, and it was way back in 2011. I saw a band I had just discovered earlier in the year, and this venue did not disappoint. With it being a smaller venue, it made for a more personal experience. The audio/sound quality was great, and drinks were a decent price. Its been awhile since Ive been there, but would love to, and cant wait, to go back.

Great show! The venue was very clean, and easy to find. Checked vaccination cards and enforced masks during the show (obviously unless you had a drink). Had a great time.

This is a classic music venue with a great staff. Excellent location to enjoy live performances

Great venue! Great show! Super reasonably priced drinks haha

Awesome show August 8th. Knew the band playing and tried to stay but was kicked out by an awesome staff. Wouldn’t take no for an answer and I appreciate that.

This music venue has great sound, intimate show atmosphere, friendly energetic staff, and this is a historic venue for rock music. Many well known bands have graced the stage, and theres always an enthusiastic and eclectic crowd. Have fun.

Great place to see concerts. Hope you like to stand, no seats except the booth that seats 6. This venue is in a college town...so...dirty and sticky at the end of the night. Awesome beer prices for both domestic and craft draft beer.

Great concert venue. I really enjoyed seeing Smallpools here. While the space is actually somewhat large, it feels like a much smaller and more intimate concert environment. Staff is great. I will definitely be seeing more shows here.

Cool venue that lets you get close and personal with bands. The bar is decently priced being a venue and in downtown Athens. Although it didnt have the best acoustics and sounds for the types of bands that I saw (nu metal/progressive metal), I will definitely be back.

Great, GREAT music venue! Lot of history but the acoustics are fantastic and the AC works great too lol. 12/10 would recommend seeing a show here

Not as good as people say. As a resident of Athens for over 15 years, the reasons to go to the 40watt have mostly to do with the bands playing there, not the venue itself. Barely decorated, dirty, no free parking available closeby, angry washed up failed musicians as staff. They set up seats for low-key shows which is nice. The backstage area is very interesting, highly recommend going to this venue if you are close to a performer. You will have a great time, regardless.

Legendary music venue. Always booking top notch bands to play there. Staff is courteous and they run a tight ship. Nice selection of beers and cocktails. Bathrooms are kept stocked and clean.

Great venue for all sorts of events ranging from concerts to dance performances

The best venue for rock shows

Such a great venue for a great band. Saw interpol and they were incredible.

I was there for one of my wonderful friend ( he was just like a brother to me) Danny Hutchens Memorial. Ive known him and my other brother Eric Carter for 30 years. They together are the band Bloodkin. It was a very nice night. Danny will be forever missed.🎸❤️

Staff can be a bit tough to deal with at times and setup is cool but relatively basic. Still, a great place to hear some solid music. They host some cool non-concert events as well.

Legendary venue! I finally had the chance to check it out recently and was not disappointed. I felt very safe and welcomed, the bands were awesome, and the bartenders were lovely!

Fantastic venue! Raq the 40 Watt is always an amazing show!

Its a decent location but not where REM actually started as it has moved around quite a bit. Some shows have obnoxious crowds which ruin the show, and staff doesnt intervene (though, its understandable as they dont get hazard pay). Aggravating people usually are a)oblivious sorority girls or b) very drunk white men likely leaning on white supremacy showing up here just to be jackasses during punk shows. A lot of private shows and occasional rubbish shows. Not worth visiting if youre from out of town without checking on what band(s) are playing first.

Great place to enjoy music and people.

The most storied club in Athens GA! A truly professional dive bar and music venue. Catch a show while in town and order a PBR!

Came from Austin, TX just to see Scarypoolparty who was amazing and the other artists were awesome too, maybe a little unorganized at the front door but it all worked out, had a great time!

Took a VERY long time to get through security to get into the venue and then didnt feel safe in the crowd with out of control audience members and no security to stop fighting. I guess that it would be an OK place for less popular acts but cant handle a sold out crowd.

This venue is horrible. we queued in line all day, to get front row for the show later that night, and then 10 minutes until doors they said to split the lines and people would go in, in alphabetical order, and when i asked if they would let us in, in the order we got to venue in they basically laughed in my face. the staff knew we were all in line to get front row and decided last minute to tell us they werent going to respect our first come first serve system. unprofessional and rude staff. 0/10 would recommend.

For the first 3 years of my college career, 40 Watt Club was the go-to, only, and best music venue. Bands of all sizes will come and play in this small space. Its full of history and heart. Catch a show here when you can, its an Athens treasure!

Great venue, good bar, but the mixing wasnt great

Saw Jody Grind, in the Original back, in the day. Love this Athens Georgia staple!

Amazing venue!! really cool space, nice sound and cool people. they do charge a fee for some concerts if youre under 21 so make sure to bring cash

Drove in from Atlanta and found convenient parking next door. Efficient door entry, especially with a prepaid ticket. Remove all metal from your pockets and get wanded. Cold water and cups is provided. Sound is good from everywhere but if its a loud band and you want to get close, use ear plugs.

One of my absolute favorite venues and always my top choice for a rock show in Athens

Venue is amazing! It always hits

Awesome venue with a cool vibe and a good selection of drinks.

This nightclub a known nationwide for its performing artists. Many high profile performers make their way through here before they hit it big. Nice little atmosphere on the west side of downtown Athens.

First show at the legendary 40 Watt Club. Awesome staff! Bartenders were great!! No wonder this place gets so many good reviews from concert goers and artists!

What an amazing venue. A real classic. DBT did it right tonight

Service is alright. Standing room can get crowded and frustrating with the low stage view

I was there last year to see Filthy Friends. The staff were great. Everything ran smoothly. The bathrooms were spotless! Going back to see Love Tractor.

Great performances and great crowd loved moshing with them. Will be coming back

Love this place. Love the vibe. They have a long bar so it was easy to get a drink. Multiple restrooms. Lots of places to sit if you didnt want to stand. I liked the lighting too.

This was a great venue to see a show. The only thing that i would have to say is the wanding from security was terrible. He was only wanding from the waist up. It is sad that we live in a time like this but i know when i go to shows i want to feel safe. But like i said overall a great place to see a show.

As always,the 40 Watt is the best place to go for any event, especially for live music. Thats why theyre an institution and wont ever leave! If youve never been to the 40 WATT you have to go. Its always an experience!

Best venue in Athens, hands down.

Very cool venue! No matter where I stood, I felt like I could clearly see the stage!

An Athens institution. An amazing music, comedy, and events space that has hosted the best acts in the country.

Cool venue, great sound

Great venue! Very spacious, and a awesome bar staff! Will definitely be coming back for more shows in the future.

One of the best places to see live music, nationwide. Up close and personal!

Always a good venue to see your favorite band!

No frills music venue where all the best artists play.

Special Day with family as we celebrate the birth of our tenth grand .The oldest six and a Beer with our first who graduates UGA in May topped of a great day .Good food cold beer and family life does not get better .

Just an incredible venue. Professional, friendly staff create exactly what is needed for a good time.

Always worth the price of admission, and a great sound System.

Venue was amazing when it was open before pandemic but now they are are helping the community with the free food fridge on the side parking space very nice to know they still want to make the community happy with any type of help or action.

Rocking party place for parents weekend.

Still a great place to see a live show after all these years.

Great club. Awesome staff. Loud sound.

Mitski was really incredible, as was her opening act Jay Som! I really enjoyed the intimate setting, atmosphere, and experience as a whole!

Great atmosphere. The staff was very friendly and personable, despite how busy it was.

Fun place with fun programs. We went to the wizard ball event and enjoyed a lot. Drinks prices are okay. And they had live music.

Drive By Truckers were great and so were the staff.

So much history, even though the location has changed over the years. Great atmosphere, and they draw really talented musicians and comedians.

40 Watt hosted the event I went to. They seemed adequately staffed and clean. We felt safe and had a lot of fun. I would go again.

Great venue with lots of energy. Mix of long time residents and college kids. Drinks are cheap and staff seems great.

My favorite venue in Atlanta. If you see performers at arenas, buy a DVD. If you want a show, go to a place like the 40 Watt.

One of the best venues in the whole country

All in all a great place. Spacious and tap water was free during the show I was at (could be different at other ones) Generally friendly staff and a good experience

Saw Tyler childers here 3/30/18 sound was awesome great show some goober hurled a beer at Tyler that ended the show few mins early what a shame just too let you know Tyler if you read this i would like too apologize for the goober all your fans are not like that

Nice venue but being cash only in 2018 sucks lol also if you’re under 21 you have to pay like $2 extra to get in

Great venue to see live bands!

Love this venue! It is a rock staple.

Great times over the years and so much history. The 40 Watt is an all time great music club!

Amazing venue. Great staff + amazing sound = awesome shows

Silent disco was more fun than I imagined. Drinks were good, crowd was too.

Great sound, quick and friendly bartenders. Great club!

Beautiful venue with great atmosphere and friendly staff.

Funky vibe. We had a great time!

One of the greatest concert venues in the country. Amazing staff, amazing sound.

Legendary place to see a show. Great acoustics in a small atmosphere. Intimate show space

Went here for the first time on the night of a Boneshakers Reunion.... Boy did the memories of me coming to 40 Watt to watch bands during my teen years come rushing back!

Great place to see life music. Reasonably priced

Lil hot but thats expected for sure, had a wonderful time, great venue.

Could do with cheaper drink prices (what venue wouldnt?) But other than that, its a wonderful, scuzzy staple of the Athens scene

Really cool place to see a show. Accessible water cooler and fast bartenders also.

Not been in a while, but it is a great venue for concerts

Awsome venue. Staff are really nice and acoustics are pretty decent.

We love 40 Watt Club! Great live music always

Spectacular Venue. Great shows. Plenty of open space for standing room only event.

Good small venue where you can see some awesome bands

As David Byrne would say- Same as it ever was!...and it was great! Everything I remembered.

OMG. A perfect venue for a live concert.

Awesome venue, from a playing and spectating point. Sounds great in there!

Its the 40 Watt, how do you even rate it??? Iconic bar, a part of music history. The heart of Athens!

Nice place, had a great time at concert, laid back and not rowdy

The best of Americas music world passes through here.

Nice small venue in the heart of Athens. Plenty of late night food options near by.

Your favorite band has probably played here. Blink-182 without Skiba is amazing!

Historically Awesome Place. Ill never forget seeing Wrecks and Parks playing there

Great venue with a terrific atmosphere. Drinks are affordable too

Good live music. Reasonable price for drinks. An Athens institution.

Great small club that snags awesome high profile indie acts from time to time that dont break the bank.

Great venue, great sound, affordable drinks. Great and friendly service.

This was my LAST visit. Tired of the rude staff and poor management.

Good music venue. Drinks are a bit expensive, no food. Clean bathrooms.

A not so hidden gem. Cozy venue with great sound and great people!

A mecca. A real functioning piece of nostalgia. Soundsystem is great and perfect for all types of music.

Good drinks and bartenders. I was there for a burlesque show and the sound system was good

Small venue. Great acts. Awesome atmosphere.

40 watt is hot as heck literally bout to have a heat stroke tiny venue girl no A/c!!!!

Nice and dark great place to look good on a blind date

Great venue and bar!

Took advantage of teenaged boys extra fees at door even though tickets were paid in advance sending them out to find $4 in the street risky

I went here for a show during AthFest, great venue!

Great sound! Saw Gregory Alan Isakov here, cool place!

Drive by Truckers always put on a great show

The music scene is part of what makes Athens great, and the 40 Watt is at the heart of it . . .

Great place to have a drink and catch a live show.

Fantastic place for love music. Great sound system!

The legendary rock club. Great shows, fantastic atmosphere, and unbelievable history.

Great no frills venue with a high stage and good sound

Theres live music and beer.

Wonderful staff, wonderful events!

The staff is ridiculous and the place is a mess. Only visit here if someone you know is performing.

Our favorite venue in Athens!

Best.

What can I say? The center of the underground rock universe since it opened its doors.

The 40 watt club is reputedly a fertile breeding ground for musicians.

Great place to see a show!

These Dirty Roses....damn good show

Nice little music venue with very little seating.

ALWAYS AMAZING!! the staff , the service and the venue are top not h!

Not to big but a good place to see bands play

Great experiences. Always a fantastic time at an Athens staple

Great venue. Small but personable.

Easy to get in, nice venue, decent parking options!

Too loud but my girlfriend and I had a good time there bringing in the NEWYEARS!

Went there for a comics meetup. Its an old bar with very dark bathrooms

Extremely friendly staff - better than 95% of similar places.

Saw rainbow kitten surprise here, place was awesome show was dope

We had a wristband for AthFest, but could not get into 40 Watt.

Metal! Hell yeah!! Only place I know where the mosh pit can still erupt.

Been open in Athens for a long time, and still had a wide variety of events.

Saw a comedy show there. It was great!

I had a great experience here. Gotta come back

Top 3 music venue for me

Great place, good atmosphere, friendly staff

Love this place you want fun go here everday is somthing new.

Its world famous for a reason. A must for fans of live music and music history.

We did a show up there last night