Dive into Atlanta’s oldest bars, where history pours as freely as the drinks at the city’s oldest and most iconic watering holes! From Atkins Park, the undisputed granddaddy of them all (established in 1922 and still slinging Southern comfort food in its cozy, phoenix-emblazoned digs), to legendary dives like Moe’s and Joe’s, Manuel’s Tavern, Northside Tavern, and the gloriously quirky Clermont Lounge, these spots have survived Prohibition, politics, blues riffs, and wild nights to become beloved ATL institutions. Whether you’re chasing cold beers, live music, political chatter, or unapologetic fun, Atlanta’s oldest bars offer a perfect mix of nostalgia, character, and good vibes that keep locals and visitors coming back for more.
Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar (1922)
Step into Atkins Park in Virginia-Highland, and you’re walking into Atlanta’s oldest continuously operating tavern—a true survivor that started as a humble delicatessen back in 1922, cleverly navigating Prohibition before snagging its beer and wine license right after repeal (full liquor came in 1980). This cozy spot, with its classic tin ceilings, dark wood vibes, and phoenix motifs symbolizing Atlanta’s rebirth, became a neighborhood legend under visionary restaurateur Warren Bruno, who bought it in 1983 and turned it into a beloved hangout. Today, it’s lovingly run by his widow, Sandra Spoon, who keeps the farm-to-table Southern comfort food flowing—think duck fat-fried wings that are downright addictive—along with family-friendly brunches and late-night drinks. What makes it unique? It’s the perfect blend of history and heart, where generations of locals gather in a timeless space that feels like home, proving that some Atlanta classics never go out of style.
Address: 794 North Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Website: https://www.atkinspark.com/
Moe’s and Joe’s Tavern (1947)
Picture this: Two brothers fresh from WWII open a no-frills tavern in Virginia-Highland in 1947, and it becomes an instant classic—Moe’s and Joe’s is that unpretentious dive where time stands still, complete with worn wooden booths, a vintage cash register, and walls that whisper stories of generations past. Founded by Moe and Joe Krinsky (who famously traded 1,700 pitchers of PBR for a 1947 Rolls-Royce—talk about a deal!), it was once a Pabst Blue Ribbon “tied house” and remains the nation’s top seller of the stuff. Legendary bartender Horace McKennie poured pitchers for over 50 years, becoming the soul of the place. Though ownership has changed hands, the current team keeps the spirit alive with expansions like a full bar and patio while preserving the divey charm. What sets it apart? Those killer wings, ice-cold PBR pitchers for pocket change, and a loyal crowd of locals who treat it like their living room—it’s Atlanta’s ultimate neighborhood haunt where everyone knows your name (or at least your drink order).
Address: 1033 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Website: https://www.moesandjoesatl.com/
Manuel’s Tavern (1956)
Manuel’s Tavern in Poncey-Highland is more than a bar—it’s Atlanta’s unofficial political headquarters and community living room, opened in 1956 by the charismatic Manuel Maloof, a Lebanese immigrant’s son who turned a deli into a welcoming pub inspired by European taverns he loved during WWII. Manuel, who later became a bigwig in local politics (DeKalb County CEO and “Godfather” of Georgia Democrats), filled it with salvaged treasures and banned jukeboxes to spark real conversations—Jimmy Carter even announced his gubernatorial campaign here! The walls are a wild museum of memorabilia, from political bumper stickers to sports pennants. Still family-owned and operated by Manuel’s son Brian Maloof, it draws everyone from presidents to plumbers with hearty pub grub and a massive beer selection. Its magic? That rare cross-section vibe where blue-collar folks rub elbows with journalists and power players—it’s on the National Register of Historic Places for good reason, embodying Atlanta’s soulful, talkative spirit.
Address: 602 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Website: https://manuelstavern.com/
Northside Tavern (c. 1950s–1960s, roots earlier)
Tucked in West Midtown amid gleaming skyscrapers, Northside Tavern is Atlanta’s gritty blues sanctuary—a cinderblock dive that started as a 1940s grocery store/gas station before evolving into a blue-collar watering hole in the ’60s and finding its true calling as a live music spot in the ’70s. Under continuous family ownership since 1975 (originally by Butler Webb, then his daughter Ellyn Webb until recently, with family still at the helm), it exploded into legend in the ’90s when musician Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck convinced Ellyn to make it a blues haven. Live blues thumps seven nights a week in this smoky, no-frills joint with barred windows and stiff pours. What makes it unforgettable? It’s the authentic juke joint feel—pool tables, cheap drinks, and raw performances from legends like Beverly “Guitar” Watkins—that’s kept it thriving against gentrification, earning spots on “best dive bars in America” lists and even its own documentary.
Address: 1058 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Website: https://northsidetavern.com/
Clermont Lounge (1965)
The Clermont Lounge may not be the Atlanta’s oldest bar, but it is Atlanta’s oldest strip club. Down in the basement of the historic Clermont Hotel (now a boutique hotspot), the Clermont Lounge is Atlanta’s wildest, most iconic strip club—a gloriously unpolished gem that’s been shaking things up since 1965 as the city’s first and longest-running adult venue. Born from a former supper club space with a colorful past (including a short-lived fake “Playboy Club” that got sued), it’s proudly female-owned and defies every stereotype with dancers of all ages and vibes—legendary Blondie has been crushing beer cans with her assets since 1979! Celebs from Anthony Bourdain to Lady Gaga flock here for the quirky, cash-only chaos. Current owners keep the retro dive energy alive amid the hotel’s upscale revival. Its charm? Pure, unapologetic weirdness—karaoke nights, burlesque flair, and a “be yourself” ethos that makes it a beloved landmark where tourists, locals, and oddballs unite for unforgettable, laugh-out-loud nights.
Address: 789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Website: https://www.clermontlounge.net/
Top 10 Beer Festivals in America plus a few more: Click Here!