Reed: Chilling with the underground scene at World Grotto

Electronic dance-music performer Elliot Lipp, from Brooklyn, New York, cues the beats and sounds for a recent party at World Grotto.

Electronic dance-music performer Elliot Lipp, from Brooklyn, New York, cues the beats and sounds for a recent party at World Grotto.

Electronic-music artists Elliot Lipp and Michna create sounds and atmosphere at World Grotto.

The audience goes underground for a night of dance music at World Grotto.

Electronic musicians Michna, center, and Elliot Lipp, right, jam with an unidentified saxophonist, left, at World Grotto.

Whenever I ask someone visiting from out of town what their favorite bars in Knoxville are, I usually get a jumble of exclamations describing this crazy underground place that looks like a cave.

The World Grotto is consistently one of the first places I want to take friends from out of town, not just for the charm of being in a cavern, but for the great music the place schedules. It is possibly the most unique bar and concert venue I've ever been to.

The Market Square establishment usually features something to do any day of the week. There is a full bar upstairs with quite a bit of seating if you aren't quite ready to make your descent. As with most bars on the square, there is a smoking patio out front with plenty of furniture to keep you comfortable.

Once you make your way downstairs, the real fun begins. Complete with stalagmites, the World Grotto offers an authentic cave-dweller setting for those looking to get down underground. Colorful, soft lighting gives the Grotto a somewhat mystical feel, especially when the stage lights are in full effect.

You never know what kind of side attractions you might run into at the Grotto either. One of my most memorable occasions was seeing a magician performing a variety of street tricks that kept me mesmerized throughout the night. Most times you will find someone doing glow stick poi or spinning a light-up hula-hoop around their waist.

If you like meeting the bands that play, it isn't rare to run into whoever is playing that night roaming through the crowd.

If you are there to get your drink on, the Grotto has a pretty wide selection of draft and bottled beer.

They have some pretty good specials during the week, including a free nacho bar, $1 margaritas, $2 domestics and $3 imports. The Grotto is fully stocked with wine and liquor as well.

Look for the Grotto to have some killer specials during Sundown in the City. Last year they offered $1 drafts for the hour after Sundown, a deal that is hard to beat anywhere.

Recently, Night Owl Productions has taken over the task of bringing different groups to the Grotto, and so far they are doing an amazing job.

In the last few weeks, big names like DJ Dara (of Planet of the Drums fame), Ott, Elliot Lipp and Tim Reynolds have played at the Grotto to eager crowds. In the coming weeks they are bringing the likes of Future Rock, Boombox and Telepath.

© 2009 Knoxville.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.