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INTIMATE LIVE MUSIC VENUES in Gwinnett County are few and far between. But the Blue Moose Tavern, which opened last August in a small strip mall just north of Stone Mountain, has a PA system as well as moderately priced food and drinks and other weekly events.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: If you want to hear rock 'n' roll bands in a setting that puts them right in your face, the Blue Moose is the place. Local and touring acts such as Rock City Dropouts, Microwave Dave and a Beatles tribute band called Semolina Pilchard have recently performed, and weekends are already booked for the next couple of months. "We know that there are people in the area that are having to commute to places like Midtown to see [certain types] of acts," says owner Mike Warren. "We're trying to pull some of that entertainment out here, because we know there's a market that would appreciate that. [We want people to] realize they don't need to go all the way downtown to hear good live music."

Vasna Wilson/AJC (ENLARGE)
Blue Moose racks up points for billiards (Ken Churchwell takes a shot below) as well as food and live music.
Vasna Wilson/AJC (ENLARGE)
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GAMES PEOPLE PLAY: In addition to live bands, the Blue Moose also has 16 TVs for those who would rather watch football or racing (especially on Sundays). There are also Texas Hold 'Em competitions on Mondays, team trivia and pool tournaments on Tuesdays, and pool and dart league nights on Wednesdays. Thursdays are Dave-FM open mike nights with house band Nobody backing any band or singer who wants to go on stage.

FILL 'ER UP: The menu features standard bar fare such as chicken wings, burgers, quesadillas, sandwiches and fish and chips, with average prices $6-$7. Weekday lunch specials include a salad, entree and soft drink for $5.50, and there is a free happy hour buffet between 5 and 7 p.m. Domestic bottled and draft beer is less than $3 and mixed drinks are typically $4.50-$8.

UPCOMING SHOWS: Dave-FM open mike night with house band Nobody tonight, Naked Truth on Friday, Jager Bombs on Saturday.

• HOURS: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays; noon-midnight Sundays.

— Jonathan Williams