If Dr Drakes were in a Lonely Planet guidebook, it would come under the "off the beaten track" section - if you're looking for something different then this is the place to come.
The bars and clubs of Aberdeen's Belmont Street may offer a range of live music but, for all that and more under one roof, Dr Drakes is a great little alternative that's just around the corner.
Dr Drakes offers live music seven nights a week - a lucky-bag of sounds with everything from indie, rock, punk and metal to funk, soul and hip- hop packed inside.
The bar opened in the city's Shiprow in April, but already it is living up to its claim of being Aberdeen's coolest alternative venue, thanks to the following it built up as Drakes in Castlegate.
Dr Drakes may be bigger and better than its former incarnation, but it's still in the running as one of the smallest music venues in Scotland.
But then size doesn't matter - it's what you do with it that counts.
Bands from home and abroad grace the stage almost every night, the best local talent performing alongside an alternative breed touring bands.
There is an "open mic night" on a Tuesday when anyone armed with an instrument can come along and play. When the live action is finished, Dr Drakes' late license lets you stick around for one of the rotating club nights.
As if all that wasn't enough there is something for the kids every weekend with alcohol- free under-18 gigs most Saturday afternoons.
The musical feast on offer has made Dr Drakes one of the hangout places of those in the local music scene and the bar is a favourite with many of the city's fledgling rock stars. But they are part of a mixed crowd here - one that can vary dramatically depending on the night's entertainment.
Generally, though, you'll find people of all shapes, sizes, ages and hair colours coming here to have a good time.
There's something about the bar that you can't quite put your finger on. It's got that something that makes a good bar great.
Admittedly, it's not going to be everyone's cup of tea - it is an alternative venue and if you are looking for a conventional night out then you had best avoid it.
But if you are looking for somewhere with its own style, a great atmosphere and good music then this is your place - definitely one worth straying off the track for.
Open: Sun-Thur, 7.30pm-2am Sun-Thur; Fri and Sat, 7.30pm-3am
Entry: Varies, usually £2 to £3.
Drinks: Spirit and mixer, £2.20; pint of lager, £2.20; bottled beer, £2.20
Promotions: Vodka and Red Bull, £1.50; bottle of Heineken, £1.50
Details
01224 596999
There is an "open mic night" on a Tuesday when anyone armed with an instrument can come along and play. When the live action is finished, Dr Drakes' late license lets you stick around for one of the rotating club nights.
As if all that wasn't enough there is something for the kids every weekend with alcohol- free under-18 gigs most Saturday afternoons.
The musical feast on offer has made Dr Drakes one of the hangout places of those in the local music scene and the bar is a favourite with many of the city's fledgling rock stars. But they are part of a mixed crowd here - one that can vary dramatically depending on the night's entertainment.
Generally, though, you'll find people of all shapes, sizes, ages and hair colours coming here to have a good time.
There's something about the bar that you can't quite put your finger on. It's got that something that makes a good bar great.
Admittedly, it's not going to be everyone's cup of tea - it is an alternative venue and if you are looking for a conventional night out then you had best avoid it.
But if you are looking for somewhere with its own style, a great atmosphere and good music then this is your place - definitely one worth straying off the track for.
Open: Sun-Thur, 7.30pm-2am Sun-Thur; Fri and Sat, 7.30pm-3am
