Athens has a bar scene out of proportion to its size, driven by the University of Georgia and a long tradition of indie music. The density of venues on and around West Washington Street and Clayton Street downtown means you can walk from place to place without needing a car.
Creature Comforts Brewing produces some of the best craft beer in the South — their Tropicalia IPA is a Georgia institution. The taproom on Broad Street is a good starting point. The 40 Watt Club on West Washington Street is the famous music venue, but it functions as a bar on quiet nights too. Trappeze Pub on Broad Street has one of the better beer selections in town if you want to sit and drink without a show.