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The Righteous Room
The Righteous Room on Ponce De Leon Avenue
The Righteous Room

Atlanta’s 18 Essential Bars

From dives to neighborhood pubs, these are the essential bars to know around Atlanta

by Beth McKibben
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The Righteous Room on Ponce De Leon Avenue
| The Righteous Room
by Beth McKibben

Unlike the cocktail heatmap and the corresponding essential cocktail map, which are both all about the latest and greatest drinks spots, this map breaks down the comfortable dives, neighborhood pubs, quiet hangouts, and the bar stalwarts which have become essential watering holes around Atlanta. Each bar mentioned here brings something unique to this city’s drinking culture. Bottoms up.

Did we miss a favorite spot? Show it some love in the comments or reach out via the tipline.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Johnny's Hideaway

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Dubbed “Atlanta’s ONLY Nightclub For Big Kids,” Johnny’s Hideaway is a Buckhead bar institution filled with everyone from Millennials to their Boomer parents — all of whom may or may not be on the prowl. It’s always party time at Johnny’s, even after nearly 40 years on the Atlanta nightlife scene.

3771 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342
(404) 233-8026
(404) 233-8026
Johnny’s Hideaway

MSR My Sisters Room

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My Sister’s Room (or MSR) moved from East Atlanta Village (where Banshee now resides) to Midtown a few years ago. MSR attracts studs, femmes, butch lesbians, and the people who love them. There’s always a party going on, with MSR regularly hosting special guest performers and DJs. Stop by on a Sunday afternoon for a classic tea dance or one of the many comedy and cabaret shows offered throughout the week.

66 12th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
(678) 705-4585
(678) 705-4585
My Sister’s Room

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Northside Tavern

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This iconic haunt in Westside on Howell Mill Road is so much more than a bar serving cheap drinks. It’s a blues dive bar serving up shots of Wild Turkey, cans of PBR, and live music into the wee hours. It’s not unusual to witness people stumbling out of Northside Tavern as area restaurants open for breakfast in the morning. Keep an eye out here for celebrity sightings, too.

1058 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 874-8745
(404) 874-8745
Northside Tavern on Howell Mill Road Facebook

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Blake's On The Park

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The flagship bar of Atlanta’s gay scene, Blake’s on the Park has been quenching Atlanta’s thirst since 1988. It’s rare to find Blake’s not packed, especially on weekend nights when the “pop-up” drag show turns the dance floor into an impromptu stage. Bring the dollar bills, and be sure to tip the performers well.

227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 892-5786
(404) 892-5786
Blake’s on the Park

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The Highlander

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The Highlander, located in the Midtown Promenade on Monroe Drive, has been open for over 25 years and claims to be “a fixture of Atlanta’s late-night party scene.” Head here for classic bar food like their tater tots, cheap beer, generously poured shots, and no pretense. Sorry, this bar is strictly 21 and up.

931 Monroe Dr NE ste c-101, Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 872-0060
(404) 872-0060
The Highlander Matthew Wong

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Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar

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Atkins Park in Virginia-Highland is Atlanta’s oldest continuously licensed tavern at 96-years-old. While open from lunch until late night, Atkins Park takes on a decidedly Cheers-type atmosphere in the evenings when it fills with a mix of regulars, residents, and 20-somethings for beers, shots, and interesting conversations.

794 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 876-7249
(404) 876-7249
Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar

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Brick Store Pub

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This downtown Decatur beer pub staple just turned 21 in June and shows no signs of slowing down. Brick Store offers a lengthy, rotating list of local, Belgian, and hard-to-find beers on its menu and on its more than two dozens taps. Not to mention, the kitchen serves a killer bar burger, chicken pot pie, and fish and chips, among its many pub food dishes.

125 E Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 687-0990
(404) 687-0990
Brick Store Pub Yelp/Tina J.

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The Bookhouse Pub

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The Twin Peaks-inspired bar is a regular stop for Atlanta’s hospitality industry employees, and locals looking to whet their whistles with a beer and a shot, tiki-philes and taco fanatics on Tuesdays, and cocktail-seekers craving a little cheeky innovation in their glass.

736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 254-1176
(404) 254-1176
Book House/Official

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The Local

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This real deal dive bar on Ponce de Leon Avenue serves up tall boy PBRs, pitchers of beer, wings, and fries on its menu. Come here for bare bones booths, a bar filled with regulars, darts, karaoke on Mondays, and weekly trivia. Sorry, The Local is strictly 21 and up. No exceptions.

758 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 873-5002
(404) 873-5002
Facebook

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Clermont Lounge

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The infamous Clermont Lounge is still located in the basement of the Hotel Clermont, directly underneath French restaurant, Tiny Lou’s. This iconic strip bar on Ponce is a frequent stop for both tourists and locals. And, it has been for over 50 years. The dubious vice den is where to head for PBR and a peep show filled with aging strippers; including everyone’s favorite, Blondie. Watch the Atlanta living legend crush a few beer cans between her breasts. Two rules to abide by at the Clermont: no touching the entertainers and absolutely no photos allowed.

789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 874-4783
(404) 874-4783
Signage at the Clermont Lounge. Clermont Lounge/Facebook

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The Righteous Room

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Just down the street from the Clermont Lounge, the Righteous Room is a popular post-shift bar for many of Atlanta’s bartenders, so it must be doing something right. Come here for beers, shots, Mega Chips nachos, and a Fatty Grilled Cheese served on Texas toast.

1051 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 874-0939
(404) 874-0939
The outdoor seating at the Righteous Room in Poncey-Highland Atlanta with two hanging flower baskets and neon sign lit up yelp/dave n.

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Manuel's Tavern

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Patrons won’t find trendy decor or fancy cocktails with clever names here. Instead, expect a cross-section of neighborhood folk, political junkies, and local bigwigs swigging beer and talking about everything from sports to politics. The historic Poncey-Highland bar underwent an extensive renovation, but it still has the same charm and pretty solid food, too.

602 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 525-3447
(404) 525-3447
Inside Manuel’s Tavern. Jonathan Phillips/Eater

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The Porter Beer Bar

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With more than 400 beers on the menu, the Little Five Points bar is a favorite for Atlanta’s beer enthusiasts. But, don’t sleep on the whiskey selection — it’s impressive, too. Chef Nick Rutherford’s daily specials are perfect for soaking up a pint or five.

1156 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 223-0393
(404) 223-0393
Exterior shot of The Porter The Porter/Official

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Euclid Avenue Yacht Club

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After 30 years, EAYC is still a favorite among locals and residents of Candler Park, Inman Park, and Little Five Points gathering for drinks and chow after work, as well as the curious checking out the Little Five Points scene. Order a cheap canned beer or the dive bar classic Jack and Coke while slurping the bar’s Brunswick stew and munching on tater tots. The people-watching here can’t be beat.

1136 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 688-2582
(404) 688-2582
Euclid Avenue Yacht Club google maps

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The Albert

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This neighborhood bar in Inman Park serves up traditional pub fare with a southern twist, including wings, fried pickles, several burgers, and a fried pork chop sandwich. There’s plenty of beer and whiskey to wash it all down while watching soccer on the telly.

918 Austin Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 872-4990
(404) 872-4990
Facebook

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Sister Louisa's Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium

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Operated by local artist Grant Henry — aka Sister Louisa — this bar at the corner of Boulevard and Edgewood Avenue may be one of the weirdest bars in town. There’s plenty of kitsch and religious memorabilia (that may or may not be blasphemous, depending on one’s point of view). If downing beers and shots isn’t enough to entertain, Church hosts ping pong tournaments and karaoke on Wednesday nights accompanied by an organ upstairs. Swing by on Sunday nights for DJ Vicki Powell’s “Sunday Services” to find queer folks of all stripes dancing under the setting sun in what can only be described as a modern-day tea dance.

466 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 522-8276
(404) 522-8276
Sister Louisa’s Church Athens

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Joystick Gamebar

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Joystick Gamebar on Edgewood Avenue is a triple threat: a dive-y bar serving solid cocktails, a restaurant incubator hosting up-and-coming chefs in its kitchen, and an old school arcade ripped straight from the 1980s. The bar often hosts cosplay parties and gaming tournaments, too. Come here on a weekday evening for low-key beers and a few rounds of Dolly Parton pinpall, Mortal Kombat, or Space Invaders with friends.

427 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 525-3002
(404) 525-3002
Joystick Gamebar

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Mary's

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Mary’s oozes East Atlanta Village dive bar realness with its 1980s-style, pink glitter bar, intimate dance floor, and tattooed bartenders. And, people love it that way. Mary’s clientele has become decidedly more mixed-orientation in the past few years. However, one look at the posters lining the walls advertising past and future events (Queer Bait, Heat Stroke, Halloweenie, Bitch, Please!) will remind people this bar is not straight. Stop by on Tuesday nights and (most) Saturday evenings for karaoke. During the week, visitors can enjoy drag and cabaret performances, as well as great DJs.

1287 Glenwood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
(404) 624-4411
(404) 624-4411
Mary’s karaoke

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Johnny's Hideaway

3771 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342

Dubbed “Atlanta’s ONLY Nightclub For Big Kids,” Johnny’s Hideaway is a Buckhead bar institution filled with everyone from Millennials to their Boomer parents — all of whom may or may not be on the prowl. It’s always party time at Johnny’s, even after nearly 40 years on the Atlanta nightlife scene.

3771 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342
(404) 233-8026
(404) 233-8026
Johnny’s Hideaway

MSR My Sisters Room

66 12th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

My Sister’s Room (or MSR) moved from East Atlanta Village (where Banshee now resides) to Midtown a few years ago. MSR attracts studs, femmes, butch lesbians, and the people who love them. There’s always a party going on, with MSR regularly hosting special guest performers and DJs. Stop by on a Sunday afternoon for a classic tea dance or one of the many comedy and cabaret shows offered throughout the week.

66 12th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
(678) 705-4585
(678) 705-4585
My Sister’s Room

Northside Tavern

1058 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

This iconic haunt in Westside on Howell Mill Road is so much more than a bar serving cheap drinks. It’s a blues dive bar serving up shots of Wild Turkey, cans of PBR, and live music into the wee hours. It’s not unusual to witness people stumbling out of Northside Tavern as area restaurants open for breakfast in the morning. Keep an eye out here for celebrity sightings, too.

1058 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 874-8745
(404) 874-8745
Northside Tavern on Howell Mill Road Facebook

Blake's On The Park

227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

The flagship bar of Atlanta’s gay scene, Blake’s on the Park has been quenching Atlanta’s thirst since 1988. It’s rare to find Blake’s not packed, especially on weekend nights when the “pop-up” drag show turns the dance floor into an impromptu stage. Bring the dollar bills, and be sure to tip the performers well.

227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 892-5786
(404) 892-5786
Blake’s on the Park

The Highlander

931 Monroe Dr NE ste c-101, Atlanta, GA 30308

The Highlander, located in the Midtown Promenade on Monroe Drive, has been open for over 25 years and claims to be “a fixture of Atlanta’s late-night party scene.” Head here for classic bar food like their tater tots, cheap beer, generously poured shots, and no pretense. Sorry, this bar is strictly 21 and up.

931 Monroe Dr NE ste c-101, Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 872-0060
(404) 872-0060
The Highlander Matthew Wong

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar

794 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306

Atkins Park in Virginia-Highland is Atlanta’s oldest continuously licensed tavern at 96-years-old. While open from lunch until late night, Atkins Park takes on a decidedly Cheers-type atmosphere in the evenings when it fills with a mix of regulars, residents, and 20-somethings for beers, shots, and interesting conversations.

794 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 876-7249
(404) 876-7249
Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar

Brick Store Pub

125 E Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030

This downtown Decatur beer pub staple just turned 21 in June and shows no signs of slowing down. Brick Store offers a lengthy, rotating list of local, Belgian, and hard-to-find beers on its menu and on its more than two dozens taps. Not to mention, the kitchen serves a killer bar burger, chicken pot pie, and fish and chips, among its many pub food dishes.

125 E Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 687-0990
(404) 687-0990
Brick Store Pub Yelp/Tina J.

The Bookhouse Pub

736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

The Twin Peaks-inspired bar is a regular stop for Atlanta’s hospitality industry employees, and locals looking to whet their whistles with a beer and a shot, tiki-philes and taco fanatics on Tuesdays, and cocktail-seekers craving a little cheeky innovation in their glass.

736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 254-1176
(404) 254-1176
Book House/Official

The Local

758 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

This real deal dive bar on Ponce de Leon Avenue serves up tall boy PBRs, pitchers of beer, wings, and fries on its menu. Come here for bare bones booths, a bar filled with regulars, darts, karaoke on Mondays, and weekly trivia. Sorry, The Local is strictly 21 and up. No exceptions.

758 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 873-5002
(404) 873-5002
Facebook

Clermont Lounge

789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

The infamous Clermont Lounge is still located in the basement of the Hotel Clermont, directly underneath French restaurant, Tiny Lou’s. This iconic strip bar on Ponce is a frequent stop for both tourists and locals. And, it has been for over 50 years. The dubious vice den is where to head for PBR and a peep show filled with aging strippers; including everyone’s favorite, Blondie. Watch the Atlanta living legend crush a few beer cans between her breasts. Two rules to abide by at the Clermont: no touching the entertainers and absolutely no photos allowed.

789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 874-4783
(404) 874-4783
Signage at the Clermont Lounge. Clermont Lounge/Facebook

The Righteous Room

1051 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Just down the street from the Clermont Lounge, the Righteous Room is a popular post-shift bar for many of Atlanta’s bartenders, so it must be doing something right. Come here for beers, shots, Mega Chips nachos, and a Fatty Grilled Cheese served on Texas toast.

1051 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 874-0939
(404) 874-0939
The outdoor seating at the Righteous Room in Poncey-Highland Atlanta with two hanging flower baskets and neon sign lit up yelp/dave n.

Manuel's Tavern

602 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307

Patrons won’t find trendy decor or fancy cocktails with clever names here. Instead, expect a cross-section of neighborhood folk, political junkies, and local bigwigs swigging beer and talking about everything from sports to politics. The historic Poncey-Highland bar underwent an extensive renovation, but it still has the same charm and pretty solid food, too.

602 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 525-3447
(404) 525-3447
Inside Manuel’s Tavern. Jonathan Phillips/Eater

The Porter Beer Bar

1156 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

With more than 400 beers on the menu, the Little Five Points bar is a favorite for Atlanta’s beer enthusiasts. But, don’t sleep on the whiskey selection — it’s impressive, too. Chef Nick Rutherford’s daily specials are perfect for soaking up a pint or five.

1156 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 223-0393
(404) 223-0393
Exterior shot of The Porter The Porter/Official

Euclid Avenue Yacht Club

1136 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

After 30 years, EAYC is still a favorite among locals and residents of Candler Park, Inman Park, and Little Five Points gathering for drinks and chow after work, as well as the curious checking out the Little Five Points scene. Order a cheap canned beer or the dive bar classic Jack and Coke while slurping the bar’s Brunswick stew and munching on tater tots. The people-watching here can’t be beat.

1136 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 688-2582
(404) 688-2582
Euclid Avenue Yacht Club google maps

The Albert

918 Austin Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

This neighborhood bar in Inman Park serves up traditional pub fare with a southern twist, including wings, fried pickles, several burgers, and a fried pork chop sandwich. There’s plenty of beer and whiskey to wash it all down while watching soccer on the telly.

918 Austin Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 872-4990
(404) 872-4990
Facebook

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Sister Louisa's Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium

466 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Operated by local artist Grant Henry — aka Sister Louisa — this bar at the corner of Boulevard and Edgewood Avenue may be one of the weirdest bars in town. There’s plenty of kitsch and religious memorabilia (that may or may not be blasphemous, depending on one’s point of view). If downing beers and shots isn’t enough to entertain, Church hosts ping pong tournaments and karaoke on Wednesday nights accompanied by an organ upstairs. Swing by on Sunday nights for DJ Vicki Powell’s “Sunday Services” to find queer folks of all stripes dancing under the setting sun in what can only be described as a modern-day tea dance.

466 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 522-8276
(404) 522-8276
Sister Louisa’s Church Athens

Joystick Gamebar

427 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Joystick Gamebar on Edgewood Avenue is a triple threat: a dive-y bar serving solid cocktails, a restaurant incubator hosting up-and-coming chefs in its kitchen, and an old school arcade ripped straight from the 1980s. The bar often hosts cosplay parties and gaming tournaments, too. Come here on a weekday evening for low-key beers and a few rounds of Dolly Parton pinpall, Mortal Kombat, or Space Invaders with friends.

427 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 525-3002
(404) 525-3002
Joystick Gamebar

Mary's

1287 Glenwood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

Mary’s oozes East Atlanta Village dive bar realness with its 1980s-style, pink glitter bar, intimate dance floor, and tattooed bartenders. And, people love it that way. Mary’s clientele has become decidedly more mixed-orientation in the past few years. However, one look at the posters lining the walls advertising past and future events (Queer Bait, Heat Stroke, Halloweenie, Bitch, Please!) will remind people this bar is not straight. Stop by on Tuesday nights and (most) Saturday evenings for karaoke. During the week, visitors can enjoy drag and cabaret performances, as well as great DJs.

1287 Glenwood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
(404) 624-4411
(404) 624-4411
Mary’s karaoke

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