There is a sign above the stage and above the bar that says "Absolutely no covers". That alone gets this place 5 stars - giving a thriving scene to musicians that create their own work. The ceiling and walls are lined with drum heads and broken cymbals of bands who have rolled through - look hard and you'll see some names that would sell out Stage AE these days. Smoking is a downside, but it's hard to complain about it in a place like this. If you like rock, come on out. The drinks are cheap, too.
Also, I love the electronic sign above the bar that scrolls through "fuck *your favorite place here*". Some of the names on the list shut down years ago - that just makes it even better.