Elbow Room

If you were in the Columbia music scene during the from the mid-80s to 2001, you remember the original Elbow Room (the legendary live music spot on Harden Street in 5 Points). Opened in 1984 as a private club, it eventually evolved in both size and scope under a series of forward-thinking owners (it was sold and bought several times). Of course, Hootie & the Blowfish were regulars there on their way to superstardom, along with countless other national touring acts. After 17 years, the storied venue and hangout finally called it quits, leaving its mark as one of the all-time-great 5 Point joints and "Columbia's Most Aware Bar."