TreeHouse Restaurant & Bar
7, Kings Circle NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
404-266-2732
Food: I've mainly had appetizers but everything's been pretty good thus far. I've had the beer battered mushrooms and the blue crab dip and both were rather tasty. You can check their menu. Though I will say that their beer list is pretty out of date. Unfortunately, Dixie, isn't even made anymore and it's still on their menu.
Cheapest Beer: I believe a bottled domestic is $3.50. Draught Imports are $5.
Pros: This is probably the most relaxed and relaxing porch in Buckhead. Plants all around the deck and pleasantly not located just off a busy road. If you want to drink outside and talk with your friends this is definitely the spot. Service is usually pretty quick also. As is the norm these days, there are heaters outside for when it drops below 70 and stays above fifty five degrees or so.
Cons: This is definitely not a place to try and meet new people or grab a cheap drink. Though there is a bit of a happy hour crowd, it usually groups that keep to themselves. Also if it's raining and your forced inside there really isn't much to offer. The upstairs is small and cramped and downstairs doesn't really offer anything special. So I would generally avoid the Treehouse if it's under 50 degrees or raining. Since it's in the middle of Peachtree Hills, it's only convenient if you live at a nearby apartment and I'd say that maybe one or two cabs go through the area each day. So be prepared to drive to you next stop.
Parking: Not a problem. There are places to park on the streets nearby. Though a couple of nearby shops have gotten testy lately so make sure to look for No Parking signs and avoid the possibility of getting towed.
General Opinion: This is a place I generally hit up about once every other month. For example, I met my mother for a happy hour drink their today. It's just a laid back place to sit and have a conversation with someone when you don't want to hang out at an apartment or house. Give it a try and see what you think. To me, it's a weekday place.
SPECIAL NOTE: There has been a rash of cops at the park just north of the Treehouse on Peachtree Hills Rd. by the park. At points they've even set up road blocks. This may have slowed down since they taken efforts to control speeding on the road but be warned. I'd suggest not having an expired license or tag.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Smith's Olde Bar
SMITH'S OLDE BAR
1578 Piedmont Ave
Atlanta, GA 30324
404-875-1522
Food: never had it but you can check out their menu on their website.
Cheapest Beer: They have 16oz PBR for $4 if you can call that cheap. The beer is cheaper downstairs then upstairs.
Pros: I'm easily willing to say this is the best small music venue in Atlanta, actually The Tabernacle is the only venue in Atlanta that comes close. The acoustics are outstanding and the crowd usually digs the intimate vibe for slower acts. For most shows they have tables set up and you can get waitress service. Pretty exceptional graffiti in the men's bathroom also. Poker on Tuesdays and Trivia on Thursdays. Though I've never been and would have no reason to attend, on Wednesdays you're invited to "Bring your Widespread Panic tapes, cds and bootlegs and spend the evening listening to your favorite Widespread tunes in the Atlanta Room. It's free."
Cons: I would say location is a pretty big problem. Basically it's the only bar for a few miles in every direction. So you better be prepared to stay the night of have a sober driver. As much as I like seeing concerts here I have plenty of beefs with management. Number one they seem to constantly switch starting times for bands as if on purpose. I know that most places aren't accurate but Smith's routinely changes the order that bands are going on. It's like they are going out of their way to scare you into missing the band you want to see and thus make you show up as early as 8pm for a band that supposed to go on at 10pm. Also, as I mentioned before, Bud Light is a dollar more upstairs than downstairs. Fuck you. Well let's see, you paid a cover so you're pretty much stuck up here, so let's take advantage of you. Finally, as an Auburn alum I must take issue with Smith's being the offical football viewing area for the University of Alabama, Atlanta Alumni Association. Why you openly welcome 100 rednecks who live in the past into your bar.
Parking: not a problem. Park across Monroe Blvd. at the Ansley Shopping Mall and walk to Smith's.
General Opinion: Seriously if you have the chance to see a band you like play Smith's I highly suggest it. That being said, I see no other reason to hang out here.
1578 Piedmont Ave
Atlanta, GA 30324
404-875-1522
Food: never had it but you can check out their menu on their website.
Cheapest Beer: They have 16oz PBR for $4 if you can call that cheap. The beer is cheaper downstairs then upstairs.
Pros: I'm easily willing to say this is the best small music venue in Atlanta, actually The Tabernacle is the only venue in Atlanta that comes close. The acoustics are outstanding and the crowd usually digs the intimate vibe for slower acts. For most shows they have tables set up and you can get waitress service. Pretty exceptional graffiti in the men's bathroom also. Poker on Tuesdays and Trivia on Thursdays. Though I've never been and would have no reason to attend, on Wednesdays you're invited to "Bring your Widespread Panic tapes, cds and bootlegs and spend the evening listening to your favorite Widespread tunes in the Atlanta Room. It's free."
Cons: I would say location is a pretty big problem. Basically it's the only bar for a few miles in every direction. So you better be prepared to stay the night of have a sober driver. As much as I like seeing concerts here I have plenty of beefs with management. Number one they seem to constantly switch starting times for bands as if on purpose. I know that most places aren't accurate but Smith's routinely changes the order that bands are going on. It's like they are going out of their way to scare you into missing the band you want to see and thus make you show up as early as 8pm for a band that supposed to go on at 10pm. Also, as I mentioned before, Bud Light is a dollar more upstairs than downstairs. Fuck you. Well let's see, you paid a cover so you're pretty much stuck up here, so let's take advantage of you. Finally, as an Auburn alum I must take issue with Smith's being the offical football viewing area for the University of Alabama, Atlanta Alumni Association. Why you openly welcome 100 rednecks who live in the past into your bar.
Parking: not a problem. Park across Monroe Blvd. at the Ansley Shopping Mall and walk to Smith's.
General Opinion: Seriously if you have the chance to see a band you like play Smith's I highly suggest it. That being said, I see no other reason to hang out here.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
The Lodge at East Village Grille
The Lodge at East Village Grille
248 Buckhead Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 233-3345
Food: nothing out of the ordinary, sandwiches etc. You probably won't spit it out.
Cheapest beer: umm.. something in the area of $9 or $10 pitchers of Bud Light is probably the best deal
Pros: You know it's going to be open. This is one of the only bars to survive long term in Buckhead. It's been around at least since the late eighties which far exceeds the standard one to two your lifespan for dance clubs in the local area. There are plenty of televisions to watch games and the main drawing point in my opinion is the full size basketball goal inside the bar. Standard practice is to have teams and have each member shoot best out of ten. In addition they have a porch with tables now where you can overlook the crowds heading to all the dance clubs. People watching at it's best. In addition this place rarely gets crowded anymore and you can have a waitress wait on you outside. Also, during the poker craze of 2004 they pretty much decided to have a Texas Hold'em Tournament every night of the week. So if you're looking for some action you know that they are always game. Also rumor has it that Charles Barkley eats lunch here a lot during days he's filming Inside the NBA on TNT. Finally, if you are a gator, this is the official bar/ Atlanta viewing party for all Florida football and basketball games.
Cons: like I said it's not usually crowded. A couple of years ago they tried to become a dance club on Friday and Saturday nights and charged a cover and had a DJ or bands. As a result they drove away a crowd of 20 something who had grown up going to the place during the day and were now enjoying the bar aspect of it. So now they've had to go the poker route to attract anyone. Which means a much older and saltier crowd. Translation: I wouldn't come here to find a hookup for the night.
Parking: pretty rough. Being that this is in the middle of Buckhead on the corner of Buckhead Ave and Boling Way. So you're only option is one of the pay lots, specifically next door, or you can walk it from a free spot on the street on Buckhead Ave.
General opinion: Good place to go for an extremely laid back night out with friends or a starting ground for your night, also if you want to catch a game that finishing late and you don't want to hit up Loco's.
248 Buckhead Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 233-3345
Food: nothing out of the ordinary, sandwiches etc. You probably won't spit it out.
Cheapest beer: umm.. something in the area of $9 or $10 pitchers of Bud Light is probably the best deal
Pros: You know it's going to be open. This is one of the only bars to survive long term in Buckhead. It's been around at least since the late eighties which far exceeds the standard one to two your lifespan for dance clubs in the local area. There are plenty of televisions to watch games and the main drawing point in my opinion is the full size basketball goal inside the bar. Standard practice is to have teams and have each member shoot best out of ten. In addition they have a porch with tables now where you can overlook the crowds heading to all the dance clubs. People watching at it's best. In addition this place rarely gets crowded anymore and you can have a waitress wait on you outside. Also, during the poker craze of 2004 they pretty much decided to have a Texas Hold'em Tournament every night of the week. So if you're looking for some action you know that they are always game. Also rumor has it that Charles Barkley eats lunch here a lot during days he's filming Inside the NBA on TNT. Finally, if you are a gator, this is the official bar/ Atlanta viewing party for all Florida football and basketball games.
Cons: like I said it's not usually crowded. A couple of years ago they tried to become a dance club on Friday and Saturday nights and charged a cover and had a DJ or bands. As a result they drove away a crowd of 20 something who had grown up going to the place during the day and were now enjoying the bar aspect of it. So now they've had to go the poker route to attract anyone. Which means a much older and saltier crowd. Translation: I wouldn't come here to find a hookup for the night.
Parking: pretty rough. Being that this is in the middle of Buckhead on the corner of Buckhead Ave and Boling Way. So you're only option is one of the pay lots, specifically next door, or you can walk it from a free spot on the street on Buckhead Ave.
General opinion: Good place to go for an extremely laid back night out with friends or a starting ground for your night, also if you want to catch a game that finishing late and you don't want to hit up Loco's.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Friday, August 12, 2005
Buckhead Little League Story
In a break from the norm here is a story about Buckhead Little League, on Pharr Rd., and their quest to make it to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA.
Buckhead Little Leaguers in spotlight
Atlanta team a game away from World Series
By BILL SANDERS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/11/05
On a perfectly lit baseball field, with TV cameras everywhere, a bunch of kids will cry Friday night.
Some will be in the dugout, hiding their faces; others probably will cry right there on the field for everyone to see. But for as many who shed their grief, there will be the others, equal in number, who experience an elation that will live with them a lifetime. They will pile on top of one another somewhere near home plate or the pitching mound, acting no more or no less like kids than their counterparts, just different.
Friday's game between Buckhead's 12-year-old Little League team and Maitland, Fla.'s is a big deal. No way around it. The game is on national TV. And the winner goes to the Little League World Series.
So don't try telling a 12-year-old boy to pay no mind to those cameras that are broadcasting the game to anyone in the country who cares to watch.
Or, "Don't get too hyped up about what lies ahead. Just go out there and play the game like you have all year."
It'd ring hollow, even in the ear's of middle schoolers.
"Our coach keeps telling us when we go out there to just take a deep breath and that'll help," said pitcher John Stelling. "I'm trying to focus more on the game, but I'm sure during warm-ups and all I'll be pretty nervous. I don't think it's all hit me yet."
Center fielder Thomas Patton knows his stomach will be in knots.
"I get a little more nervous as we go further because every game is more important than the one before it," he said. "I think once the game starts, I'll be thinking about baseball."
Maybe, but even that's not going to be as easy as they think.
Every time they run off the field, they'll see the cameras and probably notice how much brighter the field is than normal. Then, they'll have to wait to run back onto the field until ESPN tells them to, said Buckhead Manager Gip Johnston.
"It's like the game starts and you forget about it all, then you are reminded every time you run on or off the field," he said. "I just want them to enjoy it all."
That being said, Johnston is doing what he can to get his team prepared for disappointment or success tonight.
"There's no way for them not to know what's all going on, not to feel it and get caught up in it a little," he said. "We talked today about how one team is going to be awfully disappointed (Friday) night and that some kids are going to breakdown. But I'm reminding them that even for whoever loses, there are thousands of kids who'd have loved to be here doing what they got to do. Still, there's nothing you can say that makes it better at the moment."
Johnston believes the weight of this game will ultimately be good for the kids.
"It's a maturation experience for sure," he said. "A lot of these kids are going to go on and play in high school and have a lot of big games. But they aren't going to win them all. They're not going to be state champs every year. They are going to have learned from this experience, whatever happens."
Rick Van Haveren, a psychologist who specializes in youth sports, said kids usually see moments like this in the immediate, which if they lose, is a good thing.
"Adults, in high-stake situations with a lot on the line, tend to see things more as how it affects their future and plans," he said. "Kids are focused on the moment. They might not realize how significant it might be if they win, where in 20 years they would. But the good part of that is at 12, they also realize they will have other chances and might see a loss only as a momentary thing too."
By being together all week, they're learning how to live with each other if nothing else.
The team sleeps in a big dorm room about 50 yards away from the field.
"Earlier in the week it was kind of hard to sleep because all the other teams were there too," Stelling said, not trying to sound smug. "Now it's not as noisy."
Center fielder Thomas Patton said the week has bonded the team closer together.
"We don't fight or bicker as much now," he said. "We're having a lot of fun.
LITTLE LEAGUE REGIONALS
Who: Buckhead vs. Maitland, Fla.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Gulfport, Fla. Little League Complex
TV: ESPN. ESPN Zone in Bukhead is hosting a viewing of the game for the Buckhead faithful not making the trek south.
Stakes: Winner is the Southeast Region champion and goes to Williamsport, Penn. For the Little League World Series, which begins Aug. 19.
Buckhead Little Leaguers in spotlight
Atlanta team a game away from World Series
By BILL SANDERS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/11/05
On a perfectly lit baseball field, with TV cameras everywhere, a bunch of kids will cry Friday night.
Some will be in the dugout, hiding their faces; others probably will cry right there on the field for everyone to see. But for as many who shed their grief, there will be the others, equal in number, who experience an elation that will live with them a lifetime. They will pile on top of one another somewhere near home plate or the pitching mound, acting no more or no less like kids than their counterparts, just different.
Friday's game between Buckhead's 12-year-old Little League team and Maitland, Fla.'s is a big deal. No way around it. The game is on national TV. And the winner goes to the Little League World Series.
So don't try telling a 12-year-old boy to pay no mind to those cameras that are broadcasting the game to anyone in the country who cares to watch.
Or, "Don't get too hyped up about what lies ahead. Just go out there and play the game like you have all year."
It'd ring hollow, even in the ear's of middle schoolers.
"Our coach keeps telling us when we go out there to just take a deep breath and that'll help," said pitcher John Stelling. "I'm trying to focus more on the game, but I'm sure during warm-ups and all I'll be pretty nervous. I don't think it's all hit me yet."
Center fielder Thomas Patton knows his stomach will be in knots.
"I get a little more nervous as we go further because every game is more important than the one before it," he said. "I think once the game starts, I'll be thinking about baseball."
Maybe, but even that's not going to be as easy as they think.
Every time they run off the field, they'll see the cameras and probably notice how much brighter the field is than normal. Then, they'll have to wait to run back onto the field until ESPN tells them to, said Buckhead Manager Gip Johnston.
"It's like the game starts and you forget about it all, then you are reminded every time you run on or off the field," he said. "I just want them to enjoy it all."
That being said, Johnston is doing what he can to get his team prepared for disappointment or success tonight.
"There's no way for them not to know what's all going on, not to feel it and get caught up in it a little," he said. "We talked today about how one team is going to be awfully disappointed (Friday) night and that some kids are going to breakdown. But I'm reminding them that even for whoever loses, there are thousands of kids who'd have loved to be here doing what they got to do. Still, there's nothing you can say that makes it better at the moment."
Johnston believes the weight of this game will ultimately be good for the kids.
"It's a maturation experience for sure," he said. "A lot of these kids are going to go on and play in high school and have a lot of big games. But they aren't going to win them all. They're not going to be state champs every year. They are going to have learned from this experience, whatever happens."
Rick Van Haveren, a psychologist who specializes in youth sports, said kids usually see moments like this in the immediate, which if they lose, is a good thing.
"Adults, in high-stake situations with a lot on the line, tend to see things more as how it affects their future and plans," he said. "Kids are focused on the moment. They might not realize how significant it might be if they win, where in 20 years they would. But the good part of that is at 12, they also realize they will have other chances and might see a loss only as a momentary thing too."
By being together all week, they're learning how to live with each other if nothing else.
The team sleeps in a big dorm room about 50 yards away from the field.
"Earlier in the week it was kind of hard to sleep because all the other teams were there too," Stelling said, not trying to sound smug. "Now it's not as noisy."
Center fielder Thomas Patton said the week has bonded the team closer together.
"We don't fight or bicker as much now," he said. "We're having a lot of fun.
LITTLE LEAGUE REGIONALS
Who: Buckhead vs. Maitland, Fla.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Gulfport, Fla. Little League Complex
TV: ESPN. ESPN Zone in Bukhead is hosting a viewing of the game for the Buckhead faithful not making the trek south.
Stakes: Winner is the Southeast Region champion and goes to Williamsport, Penn. For the Little League World Series, which begins Aug. 19.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
The Peachtree Tavern
The Peachtree Tavern
(404) 842-1700
3179 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
Now seems like an appropriate time to review this place since I saw the entertaing Slippery When Wet, Bon Jovi Tribute band there a two weekends ago. Also the Tavern is having special bartenders from MTV's the Real World this month including Ace and Adam from the Real World Paris. Check the schedule out on their website.
Pros: many of the same attributes as the Buckhead Saloon. Basically it's reminiscent of most college bars. Some type of cover band is on, frequently ones who play Athens, Auburn, Tuscaloosa a lot, and their are usually a good amount of hot girls. Also it's part of what I like to call the East Buckhead area, so you can easily go to Moondogs, Loco's, or Hole in the Wall.
Cons: Depending on your age, the crowd tends to be right around 21 years of age and the bathroom line is a bit long. There's never really a reason for a guy's waitng line to be more than 4 people long in any bar. Also there is typically a cover on the weekend.
Food: none to speak of
Cheapest beer: not exactly sure but the tub girl has $3 domestic bottles and was exceptionally hot the last time I went.
General thoughts: Since I'm starting to turn on the Saloon since the good band hasn't played their in awhile this may be a new occasional place to hang out. Basically I would go there on a Friday or Saturday night if you recognize the cover band playing their that night. In addition to Slippery When Wet, I would check out the following bands if they are ever on the schedule Rollin in the Hay, the Wayne Mills Band, and the Velcro Pygmies.
(404) 842-1700
3179 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
Now seems like an appropriate time to review this place since I saw the entertaing Slippery When Wet, Bon Jovi Tribute band there a two weekends ago. Also the Tavern is having special bartenders from MTV's the Real World this month including Ace and Adam from the Real World Paris. Check the schedule out on their website.
Pros: many of the same attributes as the Buckhead Saloon. Basically it's reminiscent of most college bars. Some type of cover band is on, frequently ones who play Athens, Auburn, Tuscaloosa a lot, and their are usually a good amount of hot girls. Also it's part of what I like to call the East Buckhead area, so you can easily go to Moondogs, Loco's, or Hole in the Wall.
Cons: Depending on your age, the crowd tends to be right around 21 years of age and the bathroom line is a bit long. There's never really a reason for a guy's waitng line to be more than 4 people long in any bar. Also there is typically a cover on the weekend.
Food: none to speak of
Cheapest beer: not exactly sure but the tub girl has $3 domestic bottles and was exceptionally hot the last time I went.
General thoughts: Since I'm starting to turn on the Saloon since the good band hasn't played their in awhile this may be a new occasional place to hang out. Basically I would go there on a Friday or Saturday night if you recognize the cover band playing their that night. In addition to Slippery When Wet, I would check out the following bands if they are ever on the schedule Rollin in the Hay, the Wayne Mills Band, and the Velcro Pygmies.
end of an era
Apparently Drew is not working at Churchill's anymore. You may remember him as the best bartender in Atlanta. From the stories I've heard his reasons were noble and I wish him the best of luck. Apparently he's bartending at Ciao Bello now. Drew has been working at Churchill's as long as I've been going there. Which would date back to around the spring of 2001 when I was still using an awful fake idea and we could only go in on weeknights because they had a bouncer on the weekends. Anyway Drew did exactly what you ask of a bartender. He remembered his regulars and gave them excellent service. The other guys working at Churchill's still seem to be good guys but I could already notice a dropoff just from hanging out Saturday night. That difference was the music selection. On the pub side of the bar the music is controlled by a multi disc cd player behind the bar that the bartenders control. Over the years we've been delighted with some glam rock, Ride the WInd was always special, and some other palatable rock. However on Friday around 2am we were assaulted with some Linkin Park or some shit that I hate. So my point is I guess, a little bit of the Deer God died when Drew went on his way. I guess I'll have to step it up and occasionally go get a fine meal right up the street at Ciao Bello.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Hole in the Wall
The Hole in the Wall
(404) 844-6403
(404) 233-9801
3177 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
Let's just say you should never be proud to utter the words "and then we went to Hole in the Wall." . I can't give you the normal facts on this place because I can't say that I frequent it. They do have a website suprising complete with photos. Granted I'm not a big fan of dance clubs in general, but this has got to be the bottom of the barrell.
Pros: If you're looking to hookup this is probably the place to go. Also, according to their website, they have $1 drafts Wed. through Saturday. It's also right next to Moondog's, Peachtree Tavern, and Loco's so theoretically you could have a normal night until around 1:45 or 2am then try to get some. To it's credit, a lot of people actually dance.
Cons: This place has the warmth of a basement in a slaughterhouse. It's all concrete with the occasional wood painted in some obnoxious neon color. The place is usually slammed. Unfortunately there's not really a good place to hang off the dance floor and still have a good time. You pretty much be have to be dancing or absolutely hammered if you're here.
General thoughts: If you have to go to a dance club to close the deal with a lady then you need to work on your game. While we're at it if you own a silk shirt, a skin tight t-shirt, wear hair gel, or have frosted tips, then you're a douchebag and belong at a dance club. If you absolutely must go dancing I would say suck it up and go to a place with a cover like Aiko which has some redeemable qualities. But in general I never suggest dancing in public if you're a guy.
(404) 844-6403
(404) 233-9801
3177 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
Let's just say you should never be proud to utter the words "and then we went to Hole in the Wall." . I can't give you the normal facts on this place because I can't say that I frequent it. They do have a website suprising complete with photos. Granted I'm not a big fan of dance clubs in general, but this has got to be the bottom of the barrell.
Pros: If you're looking to hookup this is probably the place to go. Also, according to their website, they have $1 drafts Wed. through Saturday. It's also right next to Moondog's, Peachtree Tavern, and Loco's so theoretically you could have a normal night until around 1:45 or 2am then try to get some. To it's credit, a lot of people actually dance.
Cons: This place has the warmth of a basement in a slaughterhouse. It's all concrete with the occasional wood painted in some obnoxious neon color. The place is usually slammed. Unfortunately there's not really a good place to hang off the dance floor and still have a good time. You pretty much be have to be dancing or absolutely hammered if you're here.
General thoughts: If you have to go to a dance club to close the deal with a lady then you need to work on your game. While we're at it if you own a silk shirt, a skin tight t-shirt, wear hair gel, or have frosted tips, then you're a douchebag and belong at a dance club. If you absolutely must go dancing I would say suck it up and go to a place with a cover like Aiko which has some redeemable qualities. But in general I never suggest dancing in public if you're a guy.
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