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. 
The Joint | 1710 Main St.
The Joint is crafted after traditional Jazz Halls that were popular in the 1940's. Their specialty is fine cuisine, live entertainment and craft cocktails. Visit them on Facebook.
The Aristocrat | 1001 Washington St.
The Aristocrat is a gastropub inspired by our southern heritage, love for fine wine, craft cocktails, and engaging dishes. Visit them on Facebook.
Koger Center for the Arts | 1051 Greene St.
As the gateway to the vista, the capital city's vibrant hub of dining and entertainment, the Koger Center for the Arts stands out as Columbia's premier center for the performing arts.As a cultural destination for audiences seeking diverse experiences in a lively and dynamic setting, the Koger Center features several local arts groups including the Columbia City Ballet, The South Carolina Philharmonic, and the Columbia Classical Ballet. With the University of South Carolina, the Koger Center hosts performances by both the USC Dance Department and the School of Music, including the USC Symphony Orchestra. The Koger Center is proud to also be the home of Broadway In Columbia, bringing the best of world-class productions to Columbia!The Koger Center has 2,256 seats on three levels. The Orchestra, Grand Tier, and Balcony all feature continental seating. Visit them on Facebook.
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 | 607 Meeting St.
Chayz Lounge is an intimate live jazz venue Located on Meeting Street in the heart of the River District in West Columbia. Our venue offers an elegant, yet inviting atmosphere to experience the finest smooth jazz and rhythm & blues acts in a way that is best described as an intimate concert. Visit them on Facebook
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).
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).
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 used to host tons of local jazz + blues acts, like Mark Rapp and the Soda City Brass Band, but only host DJs now.
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!