Since opening in September 1994, The Handlebar: A Listening Room has become the premier concert venue in The Upstate — some would say in the entire Southeast — for entertainers and music lovers alike, people seeking excellent artistry, musical diversity, renowned acoustics and intimacy.

The Handlebar, at 304 East Stone Avenue — three blocks off Main Street near Downtown Greenville between Main Street and Interstate 385 — has presented more than 2,000 concerts featuring a vast array of musicians, from the legendary to the unknown. Many performers have been Grammy Award winners, others have been popular local and regional favorites. The Handlebar specializes in presenting a wide variety of musical genres — from rock ‘n’ roll to blues; from Cajun to reggae; from folk to bluegrass; from jazz to world beat; from alternative to hip hop; from metal to pop. Many musicians featured at The Handlebar had never performed in Greenville before.

The Handlebar is first and foremost about music, but the story doesn't stop there. When the The Handlebar re-opened on Stone Avenue in May 2001 — after moving from its original, beloved venue at the historic Mills Centre — the venue added a separate, expanded bar and restaurant along with a larger concert hall and more polished atmosphere.

The fun menu of pub favorites has drawn rave reviews. Customers can enjoy a burger or salad with one of more than 30 brands of bottled and draft beer. House wines and countless varieties of liquor also are available in a relaxed, informal atmosphere — and served by a friendly and knowledgeable staff — most of whom are musicians or, at least, music fans. Many restaurant and pub patrons are concert-goers; but The Handlebar food and drink menu, lunch, Happy Hour and ambiance attract fans who rarely step foot in the concert hall.

The Handlebar features a non-smoking listening room; smoking is allowed in the bar and restaurant area. While a ticket is always required to attend a concert, there is almost never a charge to enjoy the bar and restaurant. An outdoor patio is open during nice weather. Patrons who dine at The Handlebar before a show should come early, as food is not offered in the concert hall. However, drinks can be carried to and from the concert hall, and a bar is usually open in the Listening Room. The Handlebar also offers Catering for private functions, parties and charitable events; features free Monday Night Jazz in the bar area; and a Tuesday night Swing Dance in the concert hall.