Atlanta has undergone something of a glow-up over the past decade, with high-rises and trendy new dining and drinking spots popping up—and disappearing—faster than the Falcons can tank a regular-season record. But there are still corners of the city that hold on to its delightfully grungy past—where you can still get a cheap beer, play pool on a well-worn table, and mingle with true locals.
When you’re over craft cocktails and polished lounges—and craving a little Atlanta grit (plus some solid wings)—these are the dive bars worth adding to your list.
Johnny’s Hideaway
When you want to go dancing, there’s no better dive than Johnny’s Hideaway. This Buckhead icon has been going strong since 1979, and thankfully, not much has changed since. Expect a perpetually packed dance floor spinning disco, synth pop, grunge, and early aughts hits, all under dim lights with strong well drinks and cheap(ish) beer. It’s prime people-watching, too—bachelorette parties mingle effortlessly with greying regulars who’ve been frequenting the joint for decades. 3771 Roswell Rd. NE, Atlanta, johnnyshideaway.com
Mr. C’s Bar and Grill
Best known for its cheeky sign spouting words of wisdom like, “If you’re drinking to forget, please pay in advance,” cash-only Mr. C’s on Howell Mill is where longtime regulars come to unwind and knock back a few cheap beers, while nibbling on some of the city’s best dive bar food. Exposed brick walls, a pool table, and a working jukebox signal that this is a place where everybody knows your name, though they might forget by the end of the night. 1983 Howell Mill Rd. NW, Atlanta
Northside Tavern
This family-owned Midtown dive is like a place out of time, with its cinderblock construction and bar-sealed windows, marking a stark contrast to the surrounding sleek highrises. The 52-year-old gas station-turned-watering hole is known for live blues and cover-free weeknights that draw an eclectic crowd. Pull up a metal chair, order a beer, and soak up the neon-hued ambiance… and maybe even strike up a conversation with band members after a set. 1058 Howell Mill Rd. NW, Atlanta, northsidetavern.com
Smith’s Olde Bar
Smith’s Olde Bar has been slinging cold ones since 1994, and the Midtown staple still delivers. Vintage beer signage and zero pretense give the main bar a comforting, worn-in vibe, while the upstairs music venue hosts nightly live shows. This low-key spot has easily wormed its way into the hearts of native ATLiens with its cheap drinks, solid wings (lemon pepper wet is the move), and general laid-back attitude. Thanks to a few recent upgrades, Smith’s is still divey without being questionably grungy. 1578 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, sobatl.com
Clermont Lounge
Visiting the Clermont Lounge is basically a rite of passage in Atlanta. Tucked beneath the recently revamped Clermont Hotel, this strip club-slash-legendary dive bar has been an institution since 1965, attracting everyone from bachelorette parties to celebrities looking for the city’s authentic grit. The performers are iconic—Blondie still crushes PBR cans on stage—and the vibe is pure, unapologetic Atlanta weird. 789 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, clermontlounge.net
97 Estoria
Come for the patio but stay for the bar food at this Cabbagetown standby. Mismatched garage-sale-esque decor embodies the dive bar spirit, but the eclectic menu—the falafel is a particular highlight—and simple but surprisingly good cocktails, like the spicy margarita and yuzu gin and tonic, give this spot a bit more street cred. A wide selection of cheap domestic beers is available for those looking to channel a true dive bar experience. 727 Wylie St. SE, Atlanta, estoriabar.com
The Local
A staple in Old Fourth Ward, this local hangout is a real “come-as-you-are” establishment with its simple wooden booths and tin ceiling. It might even be considered unremarkable, except for the fact that it happens to serve some of Atlanta’s best wings. The patio is also a major draw, with a rotating cast of local characters who treat this place like their living room—generous pours and weekly karaoke included. 758 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta
The Earl
For live music and a solid burger, you can’t go wrong at this East Atlanta Village watering hole. Mismatched decor and handwritten signs signal that this is unmistakably a dive, albeit one where you’re welcome to linger over a pint (or two) as long as you like. Space is tight, especially when bigger acts come to town, but once you settle in and start chatting with the Earl’s wonderfully weird crowd, you’ll feel right at home. 488 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta, badearl.com
The Righteous Room
Authentically edgy, the Righteous Room has been Poncey-Highland’s low-lit refuge since 1996, drawing an eclectic mix of industry folks and artsy neighborhood characters. Exposed brick walls and graffiti-coated bathrooms set the stage for strong drinks and surprisingly good pub grub—the veggie chili and potato wedges hit. The jukebox leans rock and soul, bartenders know their regulars, and the small front patio offers prime people-watching next to the Plaza Theater. 1051 Ponce De Leon Ave., NE, Atlanta, stayrighteous.com
Red Door Tavern
Surrounded by swanky new builds, this red brick bar looks almost laughably out of place on Roswell Road, and that’s exactly the point. Red Door Tavern is a relic from Buckhead’s grungier nightlife days, serving strong drinks at a fraction of what the neighborhood’s polished spots charge. By day, you’ll find the post-work polo shirt crowd, but nights and weekends are packed with laid-back locals playing vintage arcade games beneath neon lights. 3180 Roswell Rd., Atlanta, reddooratl.com
Euclid Avenue Yacht Club
Euclid Avenue Yacht Club anchors Little Five Points with tongue-in-cheek nautical theming and zero actual water in sight. The cash-only dive has been welcoming locals since 1987, drawing punks, students, and regulars into its wood-lined rooms stuffed with mounted mermaids and vintage nautical kitsch. Cheap beer flows freely, and the surprisingly solid burgers—especially the jalapeño ranch slaw-slathered Backyard Burger—give you a reason to stay. 1136 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, yachtclubatlanta.com
Eleventh Street Pub
When you’re feeling more craft beer than Midtown concept bar, Eleventh Street Pub is the move. This West Midtown staple delivers exactly what a neighborhood dive should: cold brews until 3 a.m., competitive pub trivia, and weekly wing specials that keep regulars flocking to the bar. The upstairs balcony offers a breather from the main room’s buzz, while the bartenders pour with the kind of familiarity that makes newcomers feel like locals by their second visit. 1041 W Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, eleventhstreetpubatl.com
Moe’s and Joe’s
Since 1947, Moe’s and Joe’s has been Virginia-Highland’s temple to Pabst Blue Ribbon, claiming the title of the nation’s top-selling PBR bar. With $3.50 pitchers on Tuesdays, it’s easy to see why. If the budget-friendly beer doesn’t draw you in, the neighborhood-favorite wings just might. Prefer to fly solo? Pick up a novel at Virginia Highland Books across the street before settling into a red vinyl booth for a pint.1033 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, moesandjoesatl.com
North Highland Pub
North Highland Pub has anchored Inman Park since 1995, outlasting trendier spots with genuine neighborhood staying power. Black and white photos of historic buildings line the walls, while the old-school wooden bar with carved columns feels like living history. More than 40 beers and half a dozen mules keep regulars rotating through, and solid pub fare (especially the burgers) gives you every reason to stick around until 2 a.m. last call. 469 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta,northhighlandpub.com
Friends on Ponce
Friends on Ponce is one of Atlanta’s go-to neighborhood gay bars, and when you walk in, it’s easy to see why. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming with pool tables and pinball, while a covered patio overlooks Ponce. Heavy pours, no cover, and one of the city’s most genuinely diverse crowds make this a safe space where judgment is left at the door. 736 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, friendsonponce.com
