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Bars

From Vaults to Pints: The Brew-tiful History of Fretboard Brewing’s Harrison Taproom in a Historic Old Bank Building

April 29, 2026 by Dow Scoggins

Fretboard Brewing’s Taproom in Harrison, Ohio. Photo by BeerInfo.com

If walls could talk, the historic First National Bank building at 108 Harrison Ave. in downtown Harrison, Ohio, would have some wild stories—from locking up fortunes in the early 1900s to watching folks “deposit” their worries and “withdraw” a cold pint of craft beer today. Welcome to Fretboard Brewing Company’s Harrison taproom and BBQ kitchen, where an old bank has been cleverly (and deliciously) converted into a lively craft beer destination with live music that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re a local beer geek, a music lover, or just chasing good vibes in Greater Cincinnati’s west side, this spot proves that sometimes the best investments come with a side of smoked brisket and guitar riffs.

Cam is locked in the vault.

The Bank That Built Harrison (and Now Brews for It)
Harrison’s downtown has always been a hub of small-town hustle, and the First National Bank building was one of its cornerstones. For decades, this sturdy landmark (also known locally as part of the First Financial Bank lineage) stood tall as a symbol of trust, security, and community finance in the heart of what’s now called “The District”—a revitalized four-block retail strip aimed at breathing new life into historic structures.

Think classic bank architecture: thick walls, high ceilings, and that infamous vault that once guarded cash and secrets. Previous tenants like Heist + Co. restaurant even turned the vault into a unique dining nook, but it sat waiting for its next big chapter. Enter Fretboard Brewing in 2024. As their fourth Greater Cincinnati location (joining Blue Ash, Norwood, and the Hamilton Public House), the Harrison taproom opened its doors in mid-May 2024, transforming the space into a nearly 6,000-square-foot beer haven with room for about 100 happy patrons.

The move wasn’t just about real estate—it was personal. Co-founder Joe Sierra is a Harrison native, and the team saw the perfect fit for their music-meets-malt mission in this old bank. Part of a broader downtown revival, the conversion preserved the building’s character while injecting fresh energy. No more quiet tellers; now it’s all about clinking glasses and foot-tapping tunes.

Need a cold one, Rachel is ready!

Fretboard Brewing: Where Guitar Strings Meet Beer Strings
Fretboard Brewing Company launched in Blue Ash back in late 2017, dreamed up by friends who couldn’t decide between their two greatest loves: craft beer and live music. The name? A nod to the “fretboard” on a guitar—the part that makes the magic happen. From day one, their taprooms have been stages as much as bars, with massive stages, guitar-string ceiling accents, and a calendar packed with regional bands.

The Harrison location carries that DNA forward but adds a hyper-local twist. Award-winning beers flow straight from Fretboard’s main brewery, including fan favorites and experimental small-batch brews. Pair them with an in-house BBQ kitchen slinging smoked brisket, pulled pork, gourmet smash burgers, loaded fries, and fresh salads—because nothing says “cheers” like meat that’s been low-and-slowed to perfection.

And yes, the old bank vibe is everywhere. Walk in, and you might spot the massive vault door still standing proud—now framing a hallway to more seating instead of safe-deposit boxes. It’s industrial-chic meets small-town charm, with wooden tables, brick accents, and plenty of room to stretch out. Outdoor options and nearby parking (including a lot right at State and Harrison) make it easy for families, pups on the patio, or date-night duos.

Live Music That Turns Every Night Into a Concert
What truly sets Fretboard Harrison apart is the soundtrack. Live music isn’t an afterthought—it’s the main event. From the grand opening featuring The Feels to regular nights with local legends like Josh Mains & Friends or Brian “Biggin” Noble, the taproom keeps the energy high without drowning out conversation. Expect everything from rock and blues to acoustic sets that make the old bank feel like an intimate venue.

Pro tip for Google searches: “Fretboard Harrison live music schedule” will keep you in the know. Whether you’re catching a Thursday night show or a weekend patio jam, the vibes are always electric (or acoustic, depending on the night).

Why This Old Bank Conversion Is Pure Beer Genius
Repurposing historic buildings is having a moment in Ohio craft beer, but Fretboard nailed it here. They kept the soul of the First National Bank—those thick walls that once echoed with “next customer!” now bounce with laughter and guitar solos. It’s sustainable, nostalgic, and downright fun.
In a world of cookie-cutter taprooms, this one stands out: family-friendly yet cool enough for a night out, with beer that consistently wins awards and food that keeps you coming back. Harrison’s revitalization gets a major boost too—more folks discovering downtown’s charm, one pint at a time.

Ready to Make a “Deposit” at Fretboard Harrison?
Next time you’re craving craft beer, smoked BBQ, and live music in a one-of-a-kind setting, head to 108 Harrison Ave. Hours are flexible (open late on weekends, earlier starts on Thursdays), and the welcome is always warm. Bring the crew, the dog, or just your thirst—Fretboard Harrison is proof that sometimes the best history is the one you’re making right now, glass in hand.
Fretboard Brewing Harrison Taproom & BBQ Kitchen
108 Harrison Ave, Harrison, OH 45030
(513) 936-1515
fretboardbrewing.com/harrison

Who knew banking could be this much fun? Cheers to old buildings with new pours—and to Fretboard for striking the perfect chord in Harrison’s historic heart

Filed Under: Bars, Beer, fretboard Tagged With: Fretboard Brewing

101 Beer Quotes and More – A collection of famous and fun beer quotes

January 10, 2026 by Dow Scoggins

Beer Quotes - A collection of famous beer quotes

Beer has inspired some of the greatest minds to utter words of pure genius—or at least pure hilarity—proving once again that a frosty pint is the ultimate muse. Take Homer Simpson, who wisely declared, “Here’s to alcohol: the cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems,” perfectly summing up why we love the stuff while conveniently ignoring the hangover math. Then there’s Dave Barry reminding us that “without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer—oh, I grant you the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.” And who can forget the classic logic: “Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep; whoever sleeps long, does not sin; whoever does not sin, enters Heaven! Thus, let us drink beer!” Cheers to these timeless gems that make every sip feel like a philosophical victory.

More famous beer quotes from U.S. Presidents, writers, actors, comedians, punk rockers, and more.

Jack Nicholson – Actor
“Beer, it’s the best damn drink in the world.”

Frank Zappa – Musician
“You can’t be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline – it helps if you have some kind of football team, or some nuclear weapons, but in the very least you need a beer.”

Plato – Classical Greek philosopher
“He was a wise man who invented beer.”

Tina Fey – Comedian and writer
“In a study, scientists report that drinking beer can be good for the liver. I’m sorry, did I say ‘scientists’? I meant Irish people.”

Thomas Jefferson – Third U.S. President
Thoughts on the matter: “Beer, if drunk in moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit and promotes health.”

Sid Vicious – Punk Rocker
“I’ve only been in love with a beer bottle and a mirror.”

Martin Luther – Protestant Reformation
“Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep; whoever sleeps long, does not sin; whoever does not sin, enters Heaven! Thus, let us drink beer!”

Martin Luther – Protestant Reformation
“Beer is made by men, wine by God.”

Henry David Thoreau – American author, poet
Thoughts on the matter: “Instead of water we got here a draught of beer…a lumberer’s drink, which would acclimate and naturalize a man at once—which would make him see green, and, if he slept, dream that he heard the wind sough among the pines.”

Winston Churchhill – British Prime Minister
Thoughts on the matter: “Most people hate the taste of beer—to begin with. It is, however, a prejudice.”

J.P. Donleavy – Irish-American novelist
Thoughts on the matter: “When I die, I want to decompose in a barrel of porter and have it served in all the pubs in Dublin. I wonder would they know it was me?”

Bill Carter – Writer, documentary maker
Thoughts on the matter: “There is no such thing as a bad beer. It’s that some taste better than others.”

Russell Crowe – Actor, The Gladiator
Thoughts on the matter: “I have respect for beer.”

Anne Sexton – Poet, writer
Thoughts on the matter: “God has a brown voice, as soft and full as beer.”

Benjamin Franklin – Inventor, Diplomat, Publisher and Founding Father
“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

Milan Kundera – Author of The Unbearable Lightness of Being
“Isn’t beer the holy libation of sincerity? The potion that dispels all hypocrisy, any charade of fine manners? The drink that does nothing worse than incite its fans to urinate in all innocence, to gain weight in all frankness?”

Ray Bradbury – Sci-fi author, book lover
“Beer’s intellectual. What a shame so many idiots drink it.”

Charles Bukowski – Author, drinker
“stay with the beer. beer is continuous blood. a continuous lover.”

Stephen King – Author
“A man who lies about beer makes enemies.”

William Shakespeare – Playwright
Thoughts on the matter: “For a quart of Ale is a dish for a king.”

Abraham Lincoln –  U.S. president
“I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer.”

Dave Barry – Humorist and writer(Dave Barry comes up with some of the best beer quotes of all time)
“Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.”

Thomas Pynchon – Author, Gravity’s Rainbow
Thoughts on the matter: “Oh, this beer here is cold, cold and hop-bitter, no point coming up for air, gulp, till it’s all–hahhhh.”

Edgar Allan Poe – poet
“Fill with mingled cream and amber,
I will drain that glass again.
Such hilarious visions clamber
Through the chambers of my brain.
Quaintest thoughts — queerest fancies,
Come to life and fade away:
What care I how time advances?
I am drinking ale today.”

Hunter S. Thompson – Wild-card, drug consumer
“There is an ancient Celtic axiom that says ‘Good people drink good beer.’ Which is true, then as now. Just look around you in any public barroom and you will quickly see: Bad people drink bad beer. Think about it.”

Sylvia Plath – American Poet
“The beer tastes good to my throat, cold and bitter, and the three boys and the beer and the queer freeness of the situation makes me feel like laughing forever. So I laugh, and my lipstick leaves a red stain like a bloody crescent moon on top of the beer can. I am looking very healthy and flushed and bright-eyed, having both a good tan and a rather excellent fever.”

Hugh Hood – Canadian essayist, professor
“Nothing ever tasted better than a cold beer on a beautiful afternoon with nothing to look forward to than more of the same.”

Kaiser Wilhelm – Last King of Prussia(With all these beer quotes, at least one had to come from Baveria.
“Give me a woman who loves beer and I will conquer the world.”

Ellen Kushner, The Fall of the Kings
“Across the troubled maelstrom of time, people always need a beer.”

Dave Barry Beer Quotes
41. “Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.”

42. “Not all chemicals are bad. Without chemicals such as hydrogen and oxygen, for example, there would be no way to make water, a vital ingredient in beer.”

43. “I have never gotten into wine. I’m a beer man. What I like about beer is, you basically just drink it, then you order another one. You don’t sniff at it, or hold it up to the light and slosh it around, and above all you don’t drone on and on about it, the way people do with wine. Your beer drinker tends to be a straightforward, decent, friendly, down-to-earth person, whereas your serious wine fancier tends to be an insufferable snot.”

44. “In more than 20 years of opening beers with guys, I have NEVER seen the Swedish Bikini Team show up. Almost always, the teams that show up in beer drinking situations consist of guys who have been playing league softball and smell like bus seats.”

45. “In the Bowling Alley of Tomorrow, there will even be machines that wear rental shoes and throw the ball for you. Your sole function will be to drink beer.”

46. “What may seem depressing or even tragic to one person may seem like an absolute scream to another person, especially if he has had between four and seven beers.”

47. “All other nations are drinking Ray Charles beer and we are drinking Barry Manilow.” (Referring to the quality of American beer at the time.)

Jim Koch, the founder and brewer of Samuel Adams Beer Quotes
48. “When I started Sam Adams, American beer was a joke, and it pissed me off. And now, American brewers make the best beer in the world.”

49. “Beer is one of the great treasures of mankind. It’s been with us for 12,000 years.”

50. “I wanted to create a beer revolution in the United States in the same way Samuel Adams created a political revolution.”

51. “Our Boston Lager was the first time America had tasted rich, flavorful, fresh beer.”

52. “In Utopias, you will get a beer that breaks all the rules and boundaries for beer.”

53. “The fundamental insight was: ‘I can make the best glass of beer that is available to the beer drinker in the United States. There has to be a market for that.’”

54. “Unfortunately almost all our beer knowledge comes from Budweiser, Miller, and Coors. It’s as if all we knew about food we learned from McDonalds.”

55. “There is food in beer, but there is no beer in food. Beer is like liquid bread—it provides the same necessary nutrients. I say, just lay off the food.”

56. “Gemütlichkeit is a somewhat untranslatable German word that means the warm, friendly coziness of beer.”

Barack Obama Beer Quotes
57. “It will be out soon! I can tell from firsthand experience, it is tasty.”
— Referring to the White House Honey Ale recipe during a 2012 Reddit AMA.

58. “There’s never a bad day for a beer and a weisswurst.”
— Said in response to the suggestion of holding a G7 summit in Bavaria, Germany (where he famously drank beer at 11 a.m. with traditional sausages).

59. “Smoothie sounds okay, but a beer sounds better.”
— At the Iowa State Fair in 2012, when offered a smoothie by a vendor.

Charlie Papazian author of The Complete Joy of Homebrewing Beer Quotes

60. “Relax, don’t worry, have a homebrew.”

61. “Remember, the best beer in the world is the one you brewed.”

62. “The best beer in the world is the one in my hand.”

63. “Buy a man a beer, and he wastes an hour. Teach a man to brew, and he wastes a lifetime.”

64. “Worrying still can spoil your beer more than anything else.”

Fritz Maytag(Anchor Brewing)

65. “We brewers don’t make beer, we just get all the ingredients together and the beer makes itself.”

66. “Beer does not make itself properly by itself. It takes an element of mystery and of things that no one can understand.”

67. “It’s very hard to get pretentious about beer. You can become knowledgeable and start to talk with a highfalutin’ vocabulary. But you can only go so far with beer, and I’ve always liked that.”

68. “There is nothing quite like our beer anywhere in the world. Our brewing methods evolved gradually, based on what we knew about the past traditions, and also using a lot of common sense.”

69. “We created a revolution in beer and we had a wonderful time doing it.”

70. “In California, we had a fantastic freedom to brew whatever we wanted.”

71. “There’s more creativity and more integrity and more variety in America than in the rest of the world combined.”

72. “I used to say that we’re trying to make beer that most people won’t like.”

73. “Never be ashamed by your ignorance, just your lack of curiosity.”
— A favorite Maytag-ism shared by Anchor staff, emphasizing learning in brewing.

Greg Koch(Founder of Stone Brewing) Beer Quotes

74. “No longer – no longer will we put up with fizzy yellow beer!”
— His famous rallying cry, often shouted from barstools with a megaphone during events and book tours.

75. “If my mother was tied up and held ransom, I might think about making a light beer.”
— On why Stone would never brew watered-down, mass-market styles.

76. “We are in a time of irrational exuberance in craft brewing. We are like a Third World bus, with all these people hanging on to the roof. Sooner or later, we are going to hit a bump in the road.”
— Reflecting on the rapid growth (and potential risks) of the craft beer industry.

77.“If you said to people [in 1996], ‘Hey, would you like an aggressively bitter beer? Would you like something that has a flavor profile that’s different from anything you’ve ever experienced?’ How would people even respond to that?”
— On pioneering bold, hop-forward beers like Arrogant Bastard Ale without market testing.

78. “We know that we have to fight for a choice, because what big beer wants to do is remove choice.”
— His view on the threat of macro brewers to independent craft brewing.

79. “Hey, consumers, we think you deserve something that’s going to be in tip-top shape.”
— Emphasizing Stone’s commitment to fresh, high-quality beer.

Norm Peterson Quotes and Comebacks with Woody(Cheers)
80. Woody: “Can I pour you a beer, Mr. Peterson?”
Norm: “A little early, isn’t it, Woody?”
Woody: “For a beer?”
Norm: “No, for stupid questions.”

81. Sam: “What’s new, Normie?”
Norm: “Terrorists, Sam. They’ve taken over my stomach and they’re demanding beer.”

82. Woody: “What’s going on, Mr. Peterson?”
Norm: “The question is what’s going in Mr. Peterson? A beer, please, Woody.”

83. Woody: “Hey Mr. Peterson, there’s a cold one waiting for you.”
Norm: “I know. If she calls, I’m not here.”

84. Woody: “Pour you a beer, Mr. Peterson?”
Norm: “Alright, but stop me at one… make that one-thirty.”

85. Coach: “How does a beer sound, Norm?”
Norm: “I don’t know, Coach. I usually finish them before they get a word in.”

86. Sam: “Whaddya say to a beer, Normie?”
Norm: “Hiya, sailor. New in town?”

87. Woody: “What’s the story, Mr. Peterson?”
Norm: “Boy meets beer. Boy drinks beer. Boy meets another beer.”

88. Woody: “Hey Mr. Peterson, Jack Frost nipping at your nose?”
Norm: “Yep. Now let’s get Joe Beer nipping at my liver, huh?”

89. Sam: “What’ll it be, Normie?”
Norm: “Well, I’m in a gambling mood, Sammy. I’ll take a glass of whatever comes out of that tap.”
Sam: “Looks like beer, Norm.”
Norm: “Call me Mister Lucky.”

90. Woody: “What’d you like, Norm?”
Norm: “I need something to kill time before my second beer. How about a first one?”

91. Norm: “Women. Can’t live with ’em… pass the beer nuts.”

Homer Simpson quotes
92. “Beer… the cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems.”
(The ultimate Homer philosophy – from “Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment”)

93. “All right, brain. You don’t like me and I don’t like you, but let’s just do this and I can get back to killing you with beer.”
(Homer negotiating with his own mind before work)

94. “No TV and no beer makes Homer… something something.”Marge: “Go crazy?”
Homer: “Don’t mind if I do!!!”
(Iconic meltdown from when Marge bans both)

95. “To alcohol! The cause of – and solution to – all of life’s problems.”
(A slight variation of the first one, but always worth repeating)

96. “Ah, good ol’ trustworthy beer. My love for you will never die.”
(Pure devotion)

97. “Beer: Now there’s a temporary solution.”
(Homer’s take on quick fixes)

98. “Homer no function beer well without.”
(Grammatically challenged brilliance)

99. “Well beer, we’ve had some good times.”[singing sadly]”When I was 17, I drank some very good beer… I drank some very good beer I purchased with a fake I.D. My name was Brian McGee…”
(The heartbreaking farewell in “Duffless” – complete with fake ID nostalgia)

100. “I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.”
(Extreme measures, Homer-style)

101. “Beer! Beer! Give me some beer!”
(Desperate, primal Homer energy)

102. “Mmm… gummi beer.”
(When he discovers gummi-shaped beer candies – priorities!)

More Famous Quotes
101. “My beer is Rheingold — the Dry beer!” – Paul Newman – Beer Ad

101. Winston Churchhill
“Most people hate the taste of beer—to begin with. It is, however, a prejudice.”

102. “Make sure that the beer—four pints a week—goes to the troops under fire before any of the parties in the rear get a drop.”(A wartime directive emphasizing morale for frontline soldiers during World War I or II rationing.)

Earnest Hemingway
103. “It was as natural as eating and to me as necessary, and I would not have thought of eating a meal without drinking a beer.” — Reflecting on beer’s everyday role in life.

104. “This beer is good for you. This is draft beer. Stick with the beer. Let’s go and beat this guy up and come back and drink some more beer.” — A raw, spirited line from his novel To Have and Have Not (also quoted in letters)

105. Andre the Giant
“I know I have eaten more good food, drunk more beer and fine wine, had more friends, and seen more of the world than most men ever will.” — A reflective quote from André himself, acknowledging his larger-than-life experiences (including beer).

New Beer Quotes of 2026
Classic Beer Quote of the Day from Curt Cignetti after Indiana’s dominant 56-22 Peach Bowl win over Oregon, securing their spot in the CFP National Championship against Miami:
“I’m really not thinking about the next game. I’m thinking about cracking open a beer.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Brewing fun fact, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

Filed Under: Bars, Beer

Atlanta’s Oldest Bars and their stories

December 28, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

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.
Atlanta's Oldest Bars and their stories
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) - Number 1 PBR bar in America!
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/

Photo by Northside Tavern

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/

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