Downtown Macon’s bar scene is concentrated primarily along Cherry Street and the surrounding blocks, a district shaped by the city’s deep musical heritage. Grant’s Lounge, known as the birthplace of Southern rock, anchored the area’s nightlife reputation decades ago, and the corridor continues to draw both locals and visitors with a mix of live music venues, craft cocktail bars, and themed establishments. Macon’s bar culture is closely tied to its music identity, with many venues doubling as performance spaces.
Macon-Bibb County’s alcohol regulations play a direct role in how bars operate. Under the county’s current ordinance, bars must stop serving alcohol and close by 2:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday alcohol service for on-premises consumption runs from 11:00 a.m. to midnight for establishments that hold a Sunday Sales Permit; those without one can serve beer and wine only starting at 12:30 p.m. The county also requires security camera systems for all bars and nightclubs, and venues that provide live amplified entertainment with standing-room crowds must comply with additional security staffing rules.
The customer base for Macon bars spans Mercer University students, young professionals in the downtown revitalization zone, military-connected residents from the Robins AFB corridor, and tourists exploring the city’s Allman Brothers and Southern music heritage trail. The bar scene has expanded in recent years with the addition of rooftop bars, retro arcades, and tiki-themed lounges that have broadened the city’s nightlife appeal beyond the traditional live music venue model.
Top-Rated Bars in Macon, Georgia
Grant’s Lounge
Adres: 576 Poplar St, Macon, GA 31201
Web: historicgrants.com
Grant’s Lounge holds a singular place in American music history as the venue widely credited as the birthplace of Southern rock. The walls are covered with photos of legendary musicians who performed there, including the Allman Brothers Band. Today, Grant’s operates as a live music bar with a full kitchen serving Southern food, including their well-known pork chop sandwich. The venue hosts regular live performances and remains a mandatory stop for music history enthusiasts visiting Macon.
Reboot Retrocade & Bar
Adres: 566 Cherry St, Macon, GA 31201
Web: rebootmacon.com
Reboot Retrocade & Bar combines a full bar with a collection of classic arcade cabinets and pinball machines on Cherry Street in downtown Macon. The bar serves custom-themed cocktails alongside a standard beer and spirits selection. Open seven days a week with afternoon hours on weekends and evening hours on weekdays, Reboot draws a mixed crowd of college students, downtown residents, and nostalgia-driven visitors. The concept fills a niche in Macon’s nightlife that goes beyond the typical live music bar.
Cashman’s Pub
Adres: 370 Cherry St, Macon, GA 31201
Web: cashmansmacon.com
Cashman’s Pub is a neighborhood-style pub on Cherry Street in the heart of Macon’s downtown nightlife district. The pub offers a traditional bar atmosphere with a food menu, catering options, and a regular events calendar. Cashman’s positions itself as a laid-back alternative to the louder live music venues on the same strip, appealing to patrons looking for a more conversational pub setting. The location puts it within walking distance of The Rookery, Reboot, and other Cherry Street establishments.
Bars in Macon: Common Questions
What time do bars close in Macon, GA?
Under Macon-Bibb County’s current alcohol ordinance, bars must stop serving alcohol and close their doors by 2:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, bars with a Sunday Sales Permit can serve from 11:00 a.m. until midnight. Bars without the Sunday permit are limited to beer and wine only starting at 12:30 p.m. These hours were standardized after a 2023 ordinance vote that eliminated a previous gap between alcohol cutoff and closing time.
Is there a cover charge at most bars in Macon, GA?
Most Macon bars do not charge a cover on regular nights. Live music venues like Grant’s Lounge and The Hummingbird Stage and Taproom may charge admission for ticketed performances, typically ranging from $5 to $20 depending on the act. Reboot Retrocade & Bar generally operates without a cover, with arcade games available to play for free or at low cost alongside drink purchases. Contact specific venues for event-night pricing.
What are the best bars for live music in Macon, GA?
Macon’s live music bar scene centers on a handful of downtown venues. Grant’s Lounge on Poplar Street hosts regular performances rooted in the venue’s Southern rock legacy. The Hummingbird Stage and Taproom books regional and touring acts across multiple genres. JBA on Cherry Street operates as one of downtown’s largest bar venues with a stage and event rental space. Bearfoot Tavern on Second Street features live bands in its outdoor Beer Garden on select nights.
Are there rooftop bars in Macon, GA?
Hightales Rooftop Bar, located on the sixth floor of Hotel Forty Five in downtown Macon, offers panoramic views of the downtown skyline along with a curated cocktail and small plates menu. It is currently Macon’s primary rooftop bar option and hosts recurring events like Medical Mondays and Thirsty Thursdays for college students. The outdoor setting makes it a seasonal favorite, though it operates year-round with climate considerations for Macon’s hot summers and mild winters.
What security requirements do Macon, GA bars have to follow?
Macon-Bibb County requires all bars and nightclubs to install security camera systems that capture the face and clothing of anyone entering through public entrances, anyone standing within 50 feet of an entrance, and anyone making a purchase at a fixed point of sale. Venues that provide amplified entertainment with standing-room crowds and derive less than half their revenue from food or hotel rooms must also comply with armed security staffing rules, which require obtaining a private security business license through the Georgia Department of Private Detectives and Security Agencies.