Emory is cool but let’s face it – Atlanta is the bomb dot com. And we want our Emory Collegiettes™ to
experience the best of Atlanta nightlife. As much as we seem to love Maggie’s, I am here to tell you about some other spots that will give Maggie’s a run for their money. You can still dance on furniture that isn’t technically for dancing, you can still find a smoky room that will soak your clothing in that cigarette stench, and you can most certainly find good music and alcohol too! It’s a promise. And so, without further ado, I give you my personal favorite Atlanta bars.
Flip Flo
ps (Midtown)
DJ upstairs, alcoholic slushies and live music downstairs, and a patio in the front – Flip Flops is my favorite Saturday night destination. Number one, purchase a Jet Fuel—it’s orange, you cannot miss it. Number two, go upstairs and dance. The people who go to this bar actually know how to dance, and they’re not shy about it.
Moondogs (Buckhead)
Next door to Peachtree Tavern, Moondogs is the place to be on almost any night of the week. Huge bar, pool tables, booths, dance floors, stripper pole, disco ball, and karaoke. Unless you are a terribly dull human being, you cannot go wrong here. And, when you tire of the smoky aroma and stuffy air after too much sweat on the dance floor, head down to Peachtree Tavern (it’s an open air bar). And, might I suggest that you go here on a Wednesday night to catch the drink deals and live music for Welfare Wednesday.
Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium (Edgewood)
Ping Pong tables and couches cover the second level. Christmas lights hang on the outside patio, and the entire venue is buried by over-the-top kitschy but all-too-funny and perfectly perverse décor. You must see it to believe it.
The Ivy (Buckhead)
If you want to meet retired (or current) frat-stars, this is your bar. In fact, you can find these guys at just about any Buckhead bar. If that’s your scene, have at it! You can play corn hole next to a boy with a tidy haircut wearing a polo, khakis, and boat shoes. Or, you can mingle on the adorable patio, dance on the stage, or just hang out at the mile-long (well, not quite a mile) bar.
The Thinking Man Tavern (Decatur)
Looking for a low-key night? This bar is perfect for sitting and talking with your closest friends. Sit down, talk, drink, and play (there are tons of board games to choose from at this venue).
Ri Ra Irish Pub (Midtown)
Another great venue for dancing (on some nights) or just hanging out with your friends. It’s on Crescent Avenue, so there are several other bars nearby if you’re looking for a multi-location night. (It’s a block from Flip Flops!)
Graveyard Tavern (East Atlanta Village)
Last, but certainly just as awesome as all the other bars mentioned, Graveyard Tavern is a fun, hipster bar in East Atlanta Village. Check for the nights with live music and dancing (if that’s your thing). And of course, it’s perfect for mingling and just hanging out too. It’s definitely a different experience, but it’s one you should not miss out on!
I hope that I have convinced you by now to broaden your horizons beyond Maggie’s. Let Mag’s keep its special place in your heart, but realize that the only thing that makes Maggie’s so seemingly magnificent is the Emory community that floods it every night. Take your Emory friend crowd and relocate to another bar in Atlanta for once! Explore while you can – four years go quickly and you don’t want to miss out!!!!