10 Rock ‘n’ Roll Attractions in Atlanta From Theaters to Record Stores to Hamburgers
There are two locations of the “best hamburger joint in Atlanta:” Little Five Points, the outcast kid capital of Atlanta, and Midtown. The Little Five Points version is much more rock ‘n’ roll, but both will work if you’re in need of a hamburger served by a waitress with a hangover from last night’s concert. The Vortex truly does have amazing food, but it also has an unmatchable rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere.
2. Junkman’s Daughter
Also located in Little Five Points, Junkman’s is known for its crazy selection of pleather, velvet, and fishnet clothing. A hot spot for tourists, this store is the Trash and Vaudeville of Atlanta. Any place that sells rubber ducks, Jesus action figures, and KISS t-shirts is truly rock ‘n’ roll.
3. Oz Pizza
Located just outside of downtown Decatur, Oz Pizza has a comic book theme, a display of pizza boxes signed by John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson, and arguably the best pizza in the city. Offered up by friendly pierced folk, the pizza is delicious and the atmosphere is better. If you complain about the 15-minute wait, you aren’t cool enough for Oz, anyway.
4. Criminal Records
Another product of Little Five Points, Criminal Records sells everything Indie, used, and unknown when it comes to music. Appropriately placed next door to Junkman’s Daughter, Criminal Records hosts various music events and generally offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for the rock ‘n’ roller browsing for lesser-known bands.
5. Dad’s Garage Theatre
The only Atlanta theatre with the jutzpah to make a rock ‘n’ roll list, Dad’s Garage in Little Five Points is truly the heart of Atlanta. Famous for its improvisation, Dad’s offers a laid-back attitude along with a bucket of beer in its basement-like theatre. Even cooler is the Top Shelf portion of Dad’s, a little-known area in the back of the building offers has late-night, cheap and slightly odd shows to a crowd of about 20, who sit on folding chairs. It doesn’t get much more down and dirty than that.
6. The Tabernacle
Everyone from rappers to pop stars have played at The Tabernacle concert venue that sits on the now-famous Luckie Street. However, the rock vibe holds strong no matter who is onstage. Alcohol is served in one corner while the whole house rocks on his shaky hinges from the dancing on the main floor. While the wood may creak and the audience may worry the floor will fall out from under them if too many people start jumping, this only adds to The Tabernacle’s rock ‘n’ roll charm.
7. The Clairmont
A cool place for the over-21 crowd on Ponce de Leon Avenue offers strippers. Old ones. Really, really old strippers. Only the strong-stomached and the good-humored should enter the crazy bar near Little Five Points. If a lap dance from a 70-year-old woman is what you seek, The Clairmont is probably the only the place for you. Why is this a “rock” location in Atlanta? Anything that weird deserves a spot on the list.
8. Eddie’s Attic
The tiny venue where John Mayer and Edwin McCain got their starts, Eddie’s is a right of passage for any aspiring musician from Atlanta. With only room for maybe 50 guests, Eddie’s offers a chance for smaller bands to get their feet wet at a famous stomping ground. And with $10-or-so shows, it’s not a bad place to stop by on a Saturday night for those looking to get their rock on.
9. Underground Atlanta
If you can see past the tourists, Underground Atlanta, located in the heart of downtown, can be pretty cool. On New Year’s Eve, the place is packed full of people. Throughout the year, concerts are held right outside the main drag of Underground, often for free. Inside, there is a food court, shops, and a few clubs. The most “rock” part of Underground, though, is outside. On the walkway near the Five Points Marta station, one can find Ranch 1, an awesome fast food place, and a store to get half-priced theatre tickets. This is also where most concerts downtown are held, right out in the open air. If you can look past the gigantic Comcast balloon, Underground is pretty rock ‘n’ roll. You just have to keep an open mind about it.
10. Buford Highway
The most “real” spot in Atlanta, most of Buford Highway offers the best of what several international groups have to offer. Drive down Buford Highway and you will first find those who only speak Spanish. Drive a bit further and you will discover those who only speak Korean and Vietnamese. Those who seek international fare and hope to take a risk by trying some goat testicles at La Ferria (near North Druid Hills), head to Buford Highway.
The top 10 “rock” spots of Atlanta are debatable, but for any true Atlantan, most of these will hold a place in their heart.
Rock on!
