Austin Avenue Buffet
Atlanta lost a significant piece of its history when the well-known Austin Avenue Buffet, famous for its 7 a.m. grits-and-PBR breakfast for third-shift workers, closed down near Inman Park a few seasons ago.
Where have all the dive bars disappeared to? And we’re not referring to Northside Tavern, Lenny's, Trackside, Buckhead Amusement, or even the timeless Clermont Lounge. While they have their grungy charm, these spots have been tamed over the years. Step into the Euclid Avenue Yacht Club on any night, and sure, you’ll spot bikers, but you’ll also find twenty-somethings sporting Bettie Page tattoos, frat boys, and maybe even someone in a dress shirt — but definitely without a tie.
The reality is, if you can stroll into a bar wearing an alligator shirt without fearing a brawl, it’s not a genuine dive anymore.
One issue is that Atlanta, being part of the Bible Belt with its history of Blue Laws and zoning rules, has never really had a culture of neighborhood bars or corner taverns. Many that did manage to establish themselves have either become yuppie-friendly or are quickly fading away. In just the past few years, we’ve seen the loss of Moreland Tavern, the Crazy Horse on Memorial Drive, and the nostalgic vibe of the '60s-style cocktail lounge at Pilgreen's Restaurant, which proudly called itself the "T-Bone King" and was Atlanta's oldest steakhouse, located in the West End.
TL;DR
Atlanta lost a classic dive bar, the Austin Avenue Buffet, known for its cheap boozy breakfasts. The city's real dive bars are disappearing - places like Northside Tavern and Clermont Lounge have gotten too fancy. The Euclid Avenue Yacht Club is about as divey as it gets these days.
Atlanta's Bible Belt status and strict laws have never allowed a proper dive bar culture. Many old-school spots have either become yuppie hangouts or just closed down, like Moreland Tavern and Crazy Horse.