The Brick Store was opened in 1997 by Dave Blanchard, Mike Gallagher and Tom Moore, three Athens natives looking to fill the Atlanta-area gastropub void. Fourteen years later, it is the #2 rated beer bar in the world according to Beer Advocate magazine and a Forbes Traveler top ten bar. And for good reason – the Brick Store has a Belgian bar upstairs and a large regular bar downstairs with 25 taps, 185 bottles, and the occasional cask tapping. The Brick Store has added to the empire within the last few years by constructing two cellars – one upstairs in the Belgian bar, and another downstairs in an old bank vault. The vintage program has taken years of planning and a substantial investment in rare and limited edition beers. This has inflated the pub’s beer list to 500 different offerings, with prices ranging from as little as $7 or $8 for a 12-ounce bottle of American craft beer up to $300 for a 6-liter bottle of Belgian ale. Although the pub offers an impressively large beer menu, don’t expect to find Budweiser or Coors, and certainly no “light” beer of any kind. If you plan to spend the better part of an evening here (or an afternoon celebrating an exam with a liquid lunch), you will need some sustenance, or at least need to engage your beer munchies later on. With no menu item exceeding $10, aside from Cornish game hen, no graduate student can feel too much guilt imbibing and dining at the Brick Store.
Although the menu has changed a bit recently, most of the crowd favorites have remained. If the shepherd’s daughter’s pie, fish and chips, or brat can’t please you, I will apologize in person (and then ask, what’s wrong with you?). Turkey burgers are notoriously dry – not so at the Brick Store. I like to side it with a field green salad: mesclun greens, roma tomatoes, sunflower seeds, yellow raisins & parmesan cheese, tossed with tahini green goddess dressing. The house pastrami sandwich is as good as any Jewish deli’s and if you’d like something a little more out of the box, I recommend the cup o’ curr “ey” which comes in appetizer and entrée-sized portions. Beer and cheese tastings occur the 1st Monday of every month starting at 6 pm, five beers and five cheeses for $25. Interestingly, the owners of the Brick Store also own Leon’s just down the street. Brick Store neophytes can find nirvana at:
125 E. Court Square
Decatur, Georgia 30030
(404) 687-0990 Hours:
Monday 11 am – 1 am
Tuesday-Saturday 11 am-2 am
Sunday 12 pm-1 am
There’s a reason Atlanta gets consistently voted as a top city for young people to live in: there’s a ton to do here. Staying sane as a graduate student almost requires getting out and exploring the city. Although I’ve lived here only a couple of years, I’ve done my best to cover as many cool spots I can think of that Atlanta has to offer:
Little 5 Points is a funky neighborhood with a number of quirky spots. Junkman’s Daughter is one of the most interesting stores imaginable- — a hybrid vintage clothing/costume/party/thrift shop where you’ll find everything from three-feet tall boots to themed furniture. The Vortex is next door, with a giant skull entrance and a menu with some horrifying food items. The “Double Bypass Burger” contains “two fried eggs, six slices of American cheese, and eight slices of bacon, all served between the two grilled cheese sandwiches” used in place of buns. The Porter (try the goat cheese fritters), Brewhouse, and Corner Tavern are just some of the great places for beers in L5P, and if you’re in search of music check out Variety Playhouse.
Decatur has some excellent spots. First, you need to visit Your DeKalb Farmer’s Market- it’s a 140,000 sq. ft. indoor market with super cheap, fresh food from all over the world. Every time friends/family visit I show them this place. Also eat and drink at Brick Store- it’s an English-style pub that was voted the #2 best beer bar on the PLANET by beeradvocate.com. Twain’s is another great place. In addition to some of its own home brews, it has pool, darts, foosball, shuffleboard, and more. Downtown Decatur is also sprinkled with a bunch of interesting shops and it hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including a book festival (this year Sept. 2-5), arts festival (late May) and a beer festival (Oct. 15). Also, check out open mic nights at Eddie’s Attic (Mondays). If you’re in search of breakfast, I’d recommend Thumbs Up Diner. For coffee, Java Monkey. For sushi, Sushi Ave (they have an awesome lunch special). For more beer, try Thinking Man’s Tavern, Marlay House, and Leon’s. For even more beer, try the Corner Pub or Taco Mac. If you’ve made it this far, maybe call Decatur’s Best Taxi and get home.
Virginia Highlands is a historic area is divided into seven “districts” of shops, restaurants, etc. each within walking distance of each other. The oldest tavern in Atlanta, Atkins Park, has been in the Highlands since 1922 and is still a popular place. . Noche has awesome tapas. At night, the Highlands is always buzzing. Hand in Hand (my personal favorite) and Neighbor’s are next door to each other and both have nice patios for when the weather is nice. 10 High has Metalsome Mondays with a live band playing behind those with the guts to do karaoke.
The Virginia Highlands flows into the Poncey Highlands, where you’ll find the 24/7 Majestic Diner and the Atlanta’s oldest theater, the Plaza, which shows indie films and recently hosted the up-and-coming film producer Tommy Wiseau (Youtube “The Room”). Not far away is the notorious Clermont Lounge- proceed with caution.
Downtown: Atlanta has four professional sports teams and you can usually find pretty good deals on game tickets through Emory. You can also get tickets through Emory for some pretty cliché (but also cool) downtown attractions like the Georgia Aquarium (world’s largest), Coca-Cola Museum, and CNN tours. For music, the Tabernacle is one of many venues for great concerts.
Midtown is next to downtown and is probably the most trendy area in Atlanta. It’s home of the Fox Theatre, Woodruff Arts Center, High Museum, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and much more. The Shakespeare Tavern is an especially great spot – eat food and drink beer while you watch talented performances of Shakespeare’s works. If it’s raining, go to Park Tavern for $1 beers – it’s right next to Piedmont, Atlanta’s second biggest park (behind Emory’s Lullwater). Try Screen on the Green during the summer- they play great movies in the park. Midtown’s nightlife is also especially lively, as it boasts more than half of Atlanta’s nightclubs; Opera, Cosmo Lava, and MJQ are some of my favorite places. Check out the Laughing Skull for stand-up comedy, Front Page News for brunch (and for a build your own bloody mary bar), Ri Ra for an authentic Irish pub, Rita’s for Italian (Water) Ice, and Midtown Art Cinema for indie films.
If you’ve exhausted this list, fear not. I’ve missed countless great places, and there’s still Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Cabbage Town, East Atlanta, Edgewood, Toco Hills, Buckhead, Grant Park, and dozens of other neighborhoods each with their own personality, food spots, entertainment, and of course, beer.
The City of Decatur is home to many Emory grad students thanks to its proximity to campus and attractive local businesses. Atlanta’s next‐door neighbor offers lots to do on a student‐friendly budget. Many hot spots can be found within a single square mile centered on Downtown Decatur. Some of us live close enough to walk there, but the attractions described here are also accessible by car (pay lots and elusive street parking), MARTA (Decatur Station on the East/West line) or the free CCTMA Cliff shuttle bus from Emory (until 7 PM, weekdays only).
Drinks!
Brick Store Pub ‐ Rated one of the best beer bars in the country, the Brick Store specializes in Belgian styles but has something for every taste. Good luck finding a seat here on Friday or Saturday night, but it’s great for a beer lunch or weeknight casual dinner. They serve burgers and pretzels aplenty, as well as excellent salads when you want something lighter. Beers $4‐$8; sandwiches and entrees $7+.
Leon’s Full Service ‐ The Brick Store’s companion pub (same owners) opened just down the road in 2009. Slightly more upscale, but you can still wear your lab clothes. The typical pub fare gets a classy twist, and house cocktails feature fresh fruit juice and herbs. The outdoor bocce court offers additional entertainment. Beers $4.75‐$8; cocktails $8‐9; sandwiches and entrees $8‐$18.
The Marlay House (formerly The Grange) ‐ A classic Irish pub with a beer list that never disappoints (classics like Guinness are always available, with rotating taps featuring special craft brews). Great for catching the football (soccer) game or lounging all night on their breezy covered patio. Sandwiches and entrees $5.50 ‐ $11.
Neuroscience students hang out at Twain’s in Decatur. Photo by Matt Magnuson.
Twain’s Billiard and Tap ‐ This bar has plenty of space, perfect for large crowds of thirsty neuroscientists. They brew their own beer, which is affordable if not gourmet (drink specials Monday‐ Thursday). A few rotating guest taps and lots of bottled selections round out the bar. Twain’s also has 13 pool tables, 4 dart lanes, 2 shuffleboard tables, and some arcade games for friendly competition. Sandwiches and entrees $6‐$11.50.
Taco Mac ‐ With over 90 beers on tap, Taco Mac has something for everyone. Work your way through the entire beer list over time to win a prize and the respect of your peers, or just share a pitcher and some wings. Food is available, but mediocre.
The Thinking Man Tavern ‐ Down the road a piece on W. Howard Ave., The Thinking Man is a nerd’s paradise featuring antique microscopes, among other things, with a collection of board games behind the bar to keep you occupied. Pint Night on Wednesday (1/2 price draft beers) is a program favorite. The potato rounds are breathtaking. Draft beer $4‐$5, sandwiches and entrees $6‐$9.50.
The Corner Pub ‐ Southeast of downtown Decatur near Agnes Scott College, this pub is far enough off the beaten track to avoid huge weekend crowds. A wide variety of food is available, including lots of vegetarian‐friendly options. Draft beer $4‐$5, sandwiches and entrees $6‐$12.50.
Food!
Raging Burrito / Raging Taco ‐ Home of burritos the size of your head and pitchers of fine margaritas. Choices range from typical meat, beans and rice combos to blackened tilapia, pineapple jerk tofu, and teriyaki! Validated parking available in the adjacent lot, large patio for outdoor dining. Burritos $4.50 ‐ $8, frozen margarita pints occasionally on special for $4.95.
Taqueria del Sol ‐ The line is usually out the door for these amazing little mouthfuls of taco goodness. Don’t worry, they’ve got a system, and you won’t have to wait too long. Enjoy a few tacos with a side salad and a bottle of beer or a frosty margarita. Tacos $2.19, enchiladas $3.19, sides $1.89.
Figo ‐ Fresh pasta is made daily at this unpretentious little Italian place in East Decatur Station (near Agnes Scott College). Pick your favorite noodle and top it with the sauce of your choosing. A cute date spot for broke students – slurp spaghetti, Lady and the Tramp style. Wine $4.75‐$7 per glass; pasta with sauce $8‐$12; panini $8.
Sawicki’s ‐ A crunchy little organic grocer and butcher shop that also serves great sandwiches. Quality cold cuts with delicious veggies and condiments make for a low‐key treat at their communal dining table. Also a great place to splurge on grass‐fed beef or locally farmed eggs to bring home. Sandwiches $7‐$9.
Study Spots!
Java Monkey ‐ “The Decatur Caffeinator” serves coffee beverages, pastry, and beer/wine. This funky cafe also regularly features live music.
Dancing Goats ‐ This Washington‐based fancy coffee purveyor has an espresso bar on W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Open until 7 PM, they offer coffee, doughnuts, wifi, and hang‐out space.
Decatur Library ‐ The local branch of the DeKalb County Public Library offers a quiet space for reading when you’re sick of the libraries at Emory. They also have a decent selection of magazines for browsing, if you’re too cheap to subscribe. Open until 9 PM Monday‐Thursday, 6 PM on Friday‐Sunday.
Get off Your Butt!
The PATH ‐ One of the few car‐free stretches of pavement in sprawling metro Atlanta, the PATH runs along Howard Avenue/College Avenue south of Downtown Decatur. A haven for cyclists, runners, and dog‐walkers, it stretches all the way from Martin Luther King Center to Stone Mountain Park. Most of the 17‐mile PATH trail is green space, but a few miles run along the road (and, in this case, the train tracks as well).
Adair Park ‐ Located off of W. Ponce de Leon Avenue on Adair St. Your canine friends may enjoy a visit to the fenced dog run, and a playground is available for the young or young‐at‐heart.
CORE Body Decatur ‐ While Emory students have access to the university gym for free, group fitness classes are not included. Some yoga, spinning, and aerobics addicts may prefer to join a separate health club to get their fix. This local gym offers discounts if you sign up for a full year, and even lower rates if you sign up with a friend. Or stop by for a single class for $7.50.
The Brick Store was opened in 1997 by Dave Blanchard, Mike Gallagher and Tom Moore, three Athens natives looking to fill the Atlanta-area gastropub void. Fourteen years later, it is the #2 rated beer bar in the world according to Beer Advocate magazine and a Forbes Traveler top ten bar. And for good reason – the Brick Store has a Belgian bar upstairs and a large regular bar downstairs with 25 taps, 185 bottles, and the occasional cask tapping. The Brick Store has added to the empire within the last few years by constructing two cellars – one upstairs in the Belgian bar, and another downstairs in an old bank vault. The vintage program has taken years of planning and a substantial investment in rare and limited edition beers. This has inflated the pub’s beer list to 500 different offerings, with prices ranging from as little as $7 or $8 for a 12-ounce bottle of American craft beer up to $300 for a 6-liter bottle of Belgian ale. Although the pub offers an impressively large beer menu, don’t expect to find Budweiser or Coors, and certainly no “light” beer of any kind. If you plan to spend the better part of an evening here (or an afternoon celebrating an exam with a liquid lunch), you will need some sustenance, or at least need to engage your beer munchies later on. With no menu item exceeding $10, aside from Cornish game hen, no graduate student can feel too much guilt imbibing and dining at the Brick Store.
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