Just avoid the trendster traps mentioned above, and take a different path.

Wed. night at the Apache cafe has an amazing array of soul/funk/r&b artists. $6 cover $2 Mickey's.

Thurs. Night at The Masqerade is fun (80's dance party) with lots of cute girls. A little trendy, but big enough to get away from the little packs of rabid scenesters.

Any night at the Masquarade may hold metallic delights for some good heavy music.

Metalsome mondays @ the Ten High has a good house band with rock karaoke. Good times.

The Highlander has a decent bar menu, and decent bands.

Smith's Olde Bar has good pub fare, and awesome folksy/rootsy/depends on the night various artists.

Go to Fever at Django's on Sat. night for good underground hip-hop.

Go to MJQ/ The Drunken Unicorn or Lenny's to be underwhelmed by local bands. But it can be fun. Dive bars.

Go eat at The Local or The Vortex at L5p (Little 5 Points). Go to Slice for pizza. For vegans there's Soul Vegetarian. For BBQ its Fat Matt's Rib Shack.

For bikes, go to AVX and get a beer from Rich, the owner. Rent a bike and roll around town.

Get a Creative Loafing. It's all pretty much in there. It's like The Village Voice of the South.

Have fun, be safe. Downtown Decatur is worth a visit. Peace.