While Atlanta night-life often caters to the tastes of the well dressed and likely well-to-do with some pretty high-end joints like Halo and Opera, you can also find many grittier and colorful otpions. No need to wait in a line to enter a venue that feigns exclusivity. These places are not really "family oriented", smoking is permitted and some strictly only allow 21+.
10 High
816 N Highland Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
http://www.10highclub.com/
This cool little joint is located beneath the Dark Horse Tavern in the Virginia Highlands area. It was formerly known as the punk-rock bar Lenny's. The first location of Lenny's resembled a shack and it was built out of two double-wide trailers butted together and covered in graffiti. The 10 High is open most nights starting at around 9:00pm - they offer a full menu and full bar with a couple of nice local brews on tap. Those of you into the traditional dive bar beer list won't be disappointed - PBR, Bud, etc. are all present on the menu.
The Righteous Room
1051 Ponce de Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
Opened in 1996, The Righteous Room has been a favorite among locals and newcomers ever since. The original location in Poncey-Highlands is quite small so you may wait a bit on busy nights - and no, they do not take reservations. Food items like the rosemary chicken sandwich have received great reviews. The Righteous Room is also located next to the famous Plaza Theater - the oldest continuously operating theater in Atlanta - that still shows the The Rocky Horror Picture Show every Friday at Midnight. Free wifi available.
The Earl
488 Flat Shoals Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30316
http://badearl.com/
The Highlander
931 Monroe Dr. Ste C101
Atlanta, GA 30308
http://thehighlanderatlanta.com/
This Midtown dive bar features a full bar, great food, a fantastic patio and a full game room with pool tables, air hockey, pinball and video games. They host live music events each week often with no cover charge. The Ladmark Midtown Cinema is located in the same complex making The Highlander an excellent stop before or after the movie. Free wifi available. 21+ only
Clermont Lounge
789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 874-4783
http://www.clermontlounge.net/
Of course the most OBVIOUS Atlanta dive bar is the Clermont Lounge. This legendary seedy room has been located in the bowels of the now defunct Clermont Hotel since 1965. Notorious for its adult entertainment featuring Blondie - the infamous entertainer who can crush beer cans with her breasts - it's the type of place you go to truly to just say you've been there.
Is your favorite dive bar not listed? Leave us a comment below!
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