The Deer God's Guide to Buckhead

The Treehouse

2005-10-11T20:18:00.000-04:00

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 Though I will say that their beer list is pretty out of date.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.

Smith's Olde Bar

2005-09-15T15:04:00.000-04:00

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.

The Lodge at East Village Grille

2005-09-14T23:27:00.000-04:00

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.

Buckhead Bars, Restaurants, and Nightlife

2005-09-13T12:27:00.000-04:00

Black Bear Tavern
Hole in the Wall
Loco's on Peachtree
The Lodge at East Village Grille
McDuff's Irsh Pub
Peachtree Tavern
Po' Boys
Smith's Olde Bar
Taxco
The Treehouse

Buckhead Little League Story

2005-08-12T10:26:00.000-04:00

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.

The Peachtree Tavern

2005-08-09T14:59:00.000-04:00

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.

end of an era

2005-08-09T10:26:00.000-04:00

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.

Hole in the Wall

2005-07-12T14:45:00.000-04:00

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.

AJC's Best of Atlanta picks

2005-07-08T12:18:00.000-04:00

The AJC conducted a poll and came up with a Best of Atlanta list. I believe registration is required to see the article.

My major disagreements would be:

Best Sports Bar: The ESPN Zone. In reality Atlanta doesn't have a great sports bars. All the Jocks and Jills are mediocre at best. Frankie's is alright but I guess I'd have to go with Famous Pub in Decatur. They are the most likely to have the sound turned up and a good view of the game. In Buckhead I guess I'd go with 3 Dollar. No one wants to pay ESPN Zone prices or wait in line, or for that matter hang out with tourists.

Best Place to Hear Live Music: Chastain Amphitheatre. Yeah it's unique and you can take a picnic but it's not really a great venue for listening. Shows are often uninspired b/c the artist feels so disconnected from the crowd. The Tabernacle is the obvious and correct choice for this if you're talking about larger venues. Smith's Olde Bar if you're talking more club size.

Best Seafood (non-chain): Atlanta Fish Market. The most overrated, over priced, let down of a meal imagineable. I've never once been satisfied with my meal. I'm obviously going with Six Feet Under because of the price and type of seafood but Goldfish has better fish entrees if you ask me and the tuna and salmon are just as good at Rathbun's or the Buckhead Diner or most nice restaurants in the area. Plus I will never forgive them for erecting that eye sore that used to be a gawdy bronze fish and is now a putrid green fish sticking 30 some odd feet up into the Buckhead sky.

The AJC was dead on about a few things: Eatzi's - gourmet take-out, Fat Matt's -best barbecue, Everybody's best pizza (non-chain), and Vortex - best burgers.

actually turns out they have a critic's picks that pretty much resemble my thoughts. I haven't been to the Summit's in Cumming but the one on Roswell by 285 has as large of selection as any place I've been to.

Black Bear Tavern

2005-06-21T10:36:00.000-04:00

Black Bear Tavern
1931 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30309

Food: Menu Never personally had the food, though it looks pretty good.

Cheapest Beer: Beats the hell out of me. I always end up getting a draft Stella that runs around $5 I think. They have a pretty good selection of imports but nothing is particularly cheap.

Pros: This is a relaxed, laid back bar/restaurant near Cafe Intermezzo and Piedmont Hospital. This is a decent place for a group of 4-6 people to go hang out and talk. Clientele is usually in the late 20's early 30's range so it doesn't get too rowdy.

Cons: Sometime hard to find a table when a acoustic band is playing, and really there's no point in being there if you have to stand up. It's not really near anything. So if you want to hop over to some place else you better have a designated driver or a money for a cab, which shouldn't be that easy to find in that part of town. Drinks are expensive.

Overall Opinion: The main reason I know about this place and frequent it is because Randall Kirsch frequently plays acoustic sets their with his musical partner in crime, Ian Groves. They play a mix of covers and originals and are entertaining at all times.

In fact, they are playing this Saturday June 25th at 10pm. I definitely will be attending this show. Which means that if you're in the Atlanta area I highly recommend the triple header of Michael Flynn at Smith's on Thursday, Connor Rand at Smith's on Friday, then catch Randall at Black Bear on Saturday. I guarantee a blissful weekend if you attend all three.

Taxco

2005-06-17T13:46:00.000-04:00

Taxco Restaurante Mexicano
4500 Roswell Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30342-3169
(404) 255-9933

Food: It's your traditional Mexican dishes with a variety of combos. They just raised the all their prices and it's still some one of the cheapest meals in town. Two things to pay attention to here. The Chicken Soup and the Cheese dip. As far as I know you can't go wrong with anything on the menu however I highly suggest a chicken enchilada.

Cheapest Beer: 32oz Draft Bud Light for $3.50. Best deal in town. A real man drinks 3 in an hour. Also the gigantic margaritas are priced to sale, and I've only seen one person order it before but you can get a huge glass of wine for a low low price also.

Pros: It's cheap. If you grew up in the area you are going to see people you know, there is plenty of parking (if main lot is full the bank parking lot behind Taxco is open), quick service on food, open until 11pm so you can avoid the kiddies.

Cons: If you plan on drinking a lot here than heading to Buckhead watch out for DUI cops strewn up and down Roswell Rd.

Overall opinion: Unless you want to go the gourmet mexican route this is the best mexican restaurant in Buckhead.

McDuff's Irish Pub

2005-06-15T11:10:00.000-04:00

McDuff's Irish Pub
(404) 816-8008
56 E Andrews Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30305

Hours: Open Mon-Sat 4pm-4am

Food: I've heard they have it but I've never seen it or tried it.
Cheapest Beer: I'll have to check but i believe they have a $5 pitcher of Bud Light on Mon-Th that goes up to $7-8 on Friday and Saturday. Which has to be the best deal since a draft of Bud Light is $3.50 on the Weekend.

Pros: During the week this is pretty cool bar to hang out in. On Wednesday night they have poker that's gotta a pretty large group of regulars. The rest of the week they usually have open mic or acoustic bands. The main thing on Weekdays is that you can get a drink and table very easily and sit down and chat without the place feeling empty. Also not a bad place to run into someone you know from time to time. Because of it's location it's gets a few more customers than it should.

Cons: The weekends. Occasional wait at the door. The bar is usually slammed and seems to be averaging in the 70% men range these days. If they have a full band playing they usually suck and/or are way too loud. Guys playing covers on acoustic usually aren't that bad. Darts area is slammed into a corner and leaves no place to stand if you are on the inside board.

General Thought: This is definitely a fun place to hang our during the week. On the weekend though I wouldn't say avoid it. I would just have a second plan. Don't plan on meeting someone there an hour after you get there. Go there with the crowd you are hanging out with and if you don't like it bounce over to Pool Hall, 5 Paces, Churchill's, Red Door etc.

Loco's on Peachtree

2005-05-24T17:00:00.000-04:00

Loco's Deli and Pub
3167 Peachtree Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30350
(404) 233.1989

Food: Typical sports bar/chicken place. Entrees from $6-10. Wings are decent, burgers are better Menu

Cheapest beer: $2 draft of High Life. Also have plenty of specials throughout the week on pitchers.

Pros: Porch, close to Moondogs, Hole in the Wall, Peachtree Tavern, you can sit down, cheap beer, usually pretty hot girls in mid to late twenties, HD plasma screens

Cons: parking (if it's Wednesday or later you have to pay to park in the parking lot outside. limited parking on the street. Also this place can be dead quite often and and change what time they close accordingly.

Maxim Article on the Pool Hall

2005-05-17T16:27:00.000-04:00

Here is the article from last year that Maxim wrote on the The Pool Hall

Po' Boys Creole Cafe

2005-05-17T15:28:00.000-04:00

I'm going to attack giving my thoughts on a bar/restaurant a day for a little while. SInce it's Tuesday and they have Team Trivia on Tuesdays I'm going to start off with a little place called Po' Boys @ 3639 Piedmont Rd. by the corner of Piedmont and Roswell.

Food: cheap cajun cuisine.
Cheapest Beer: Pitcher of Miller Lite is $6 all the time I believe

Pros: The main reason to go here is to hang out on the porch and drink cheap beer. It's a pretty small place so even when's it empty it kinda feels like something is going on.

Cons: Parking sucks. There are about 10 spaces in the Po' Boys parking lot. Apparently if you try to park in the parking lot behind Blockbuster or in the parking lot for the shopping center that Blockbuster is in you will get a boot on your car. Which costs about $75 to get off. So my suggestion is to go at non-peak hours like Sunday-Wednesday for a late dinner/drinking or go at happy hour.

3639 Piedmont Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30342
Near the corner of Roswell Rd. and Piedmont Rd.
404.846.6000
FAX 404.846.6003

pricing/start up questions for a legit site

2005-05-09T18:39:00.000-04:00

-cost of folders to put a questionnaire in for managers
-cost of efax server so people could fax questionaires
-cost of cheapest cell phone which would only be used to collect voice mails for people answering questionaires or submitting new daily/weekly specials.
-cost of medium traffic server
-see what affiliates collegehumor.com has. are they affilitates or just banner ads.
-check out atlanta sites and see if they have google ads, banner ads, or affiliate ads.
-search for people's experiences with amount of money earned from general purpose sites using adsense.

thoughts on real website

2005-05-09T18:31:00.000-04:00

some thoughts on doing a legitimate guide to buckhead

info about each bar:
-cover charges: what days, what time, how much
-nightly specials: poker, trivia, drink specials, food specials
-prices: cheapest beer, best drink deal, price of domestic bottle/tap, well drink, top shelf, wine etc.
-personal opinions on how crowded, wait staff, is there a line, how many bathrooms, wait for bathrooms, etc.
-link to mapquest location of bar
-basic hours, phone #, information
-couple of pictures

basically making it a more realiable more focused citysearch. for bars I would rank cheapest drinks, hottest girls, best porches, hottest bartenders, easiest place to get a table, etc.

do similar types of things for restaurants, apartments, realtors, hair cuts, dry cleaners, etc.

map of free and cheapest parking with closest bar listed on map. would probably list the best parking for each bar on each individual bar page

in general rank stuff like best bbq, best cover bands, best original bands, best place to see a cover or original band.

daily activities page where you list the drink specials/trivia happening that day.

guide to which bars to go to for specific holidays

Michael Flynn

2005-04-26T13:13:00.000-04:00

Saturday night Michael Flynn will be opening for Jump (Little Children) at the Variety Playhouse for $15. I can not stress how good Michael Flynn is. I still find it ridiculous that his last album wasn't bought by somebody and huge. I've listened to it no less than 300 times.

music and more

2005-02-28T11:57:00.000-05:00

On Friday went and saw Connor Rand and the Red Dirt Band at Smith's and it was outstanding. This place probably has the best acoustics/sound guy of any venue in Atlanta. Always a great place to see a show. Beer could be cheaper though. When a 16oz PBR for $4 is the best deal you know you're in for an expensive night. I don't ever remember cashing out my tab at this place and not being angry.

Went to the Buckhead Saloon on Saturday night. Different musical experience all together from Friday night. Friday I got original country rock and the Saloon brings it's standard college cover band atmosphere. Both are good but compeletey different. I gotta give the Saloon guy credit, he's one hell of an impressionist. He absolutely nails Perry Farrell on Jane Says and then he turns around and sounds just like Johnny Cougar on Little Pink Houses. Much cheaper beer too!

another weekend another story

2005-02-21T14:08:00.000-05:00

Friday: after work met up with some people at The Treehouse in Peachtree Hills. It's hard to get by here as often as I should. Basically you can just chill on a great laid back porch. Inside is alright but the real draw here is the porch. Food is usually pretty solid also. I enjoy the change of pace and you seem to run into a different crowd.

Dinner at LaFonda Latina on Peachtree. Always good. They have closed in the top deck for winter and although the atmosphere suffers as a result it's still a good place to get a reasonably priced meal. Hit up Churchill's and the Pool Hall. Random people out. Hung out at Pool Hall with a former bartender. Always a good time.

Saturday: Actually nice enough outside to chill on the porch at the Pool Hall. Got cold after awhile and used a gift certificate at McDuffs. Man I hate this place 90% of the time I go in on a weekend. Actually able to get the sofa by the fireplace at Churchills later on.

Biggest disappointment of the weekend was missing out on Oysterfest all weekend. Just wasn't in the cards. Although I went on Sunday on last year and the prices seemed a little absurd. $10 bucks to enter. $5 Bud Light. $10-12 for oysters if I remember correctly. I mean really?

2005-02-18T11:47:00.000-05:00

just a look at how are Deer God's surroundings have changed over the last 50 years. Photos and information from Atlanta Time Machine.

and last weekend

2005-02-15T13:16:00.000-05:00

Tuesday: Hit up Highland Tap in VaHigh for Mardis Gras Happy Hour. My new favorite chill bar in Atlanta. Foods is pretty good also. Later that night I go to Dantanna's for the first time. Alright sports bar. Unfortunately it's way overpriced. Think $8 for a liquor drink. It's normally hard to run up a $50 tab on a Tuesday night in a couple of hours. not there though.

Friday night: usual suspects. McDuffs - too crowded. Churchill's crowded but fun. Basically a highschool reunion. Pool Hall at 2am. Good times. Actually able to get a beer. Certain bartender was shit faced. Attempting Tom Cruise in cocktails like moves and failing everytime. Actually even got to play a game of pool. New decision is made. Attend pool hall on weekdays and play pool. Avoid on weekends.

Meet the owner of the Electra Lounge which is on Shadowlawn? off of East Paces more or less behind Eatzi's and Petsmart. Seems like a cool guy. Apparently they are having a Emory sorority mixer or something there Tuesday night. Says it's not private and that would be a good first time to come. Thinking about taking him up on said offer.

Saturday night: Party at a house in Virginia Highlands then migrate to Hand in Hand. Most overpriced bar it Atlanta. $4 Bud Light bottle. I hate that people force me to go there.

Sunday: Loco's on Peachtree for an early dinner. Not a bad place to sit around and watch a game and eat food. Then continue drinking at PoBoy's at corner of Roswell and Piedmont. $5 pitchers of Bud Light all the time. Bartender Selina from 5 Paces Inn apparently works there on Sundays.

Dance Club Weekend

2005-02-15T13:07:00.000-05:00

Well two weekends ago took a big step out of the comfort zone. On Friday night I was dragged to Aiko which is a sushi place that becomes a club at night I guess. Typical $5 cover, all white walls and furniture, bars are all semi-circles, drinks are overpriced, too hip to have Bud Light. Whatever. Hung out for awhile. Apparently Q-100 was hosting a party there or something. If you like clubs this is probably a nice little laid back one in Buckhead. And I see why guys goes to clubs. Hot chicks dressed in skimpy or tight or both outfits. But techno drives me crazy. Later retreated to Churchills. Not crowded. good times. back in comfort zone.

Saturday night a did the preppie bar / bar hop with a twist. First of all...We checked out Mike n Angelos but there wasn't a band playing. On my way home when I apparently am in between a big fat guy who apparently is out for his birthday and all of his friends. So this chick in the group of friends turns around to flash the birthday boy not knowing that I was there. Big fake boobs. But boobs none the less. I take this as a good sign and decide to do a loop at Moondogs. About three years ago this used to be my favorite bar. Now I'm a little old. Anyways go upstairs, take a loop, don't see anyone I know. My friend know people at Hole in the Wall. I and my friends have made it a point not to ever go into Hole in the Wall. Once you have the stench of dance club on you it doesn't really come out. Anyways we go in. Place is weird. Nasty, no character. Just concrete and tons of people dancing. I know people come here to hook up but that really is the only attraction. So whatever. Atypical weekend.

cool links

2005-02-15T13:06:00.000-05:00

a couple of sweet sites:

Blog Search Engine

single guy?

2005-02-08T17:20:00.000-05:00

I suggest Eatzi's which is basically a food market with prepared food. Sandwiches, pasta, salads, everything. You gotta know what you're doing in there to walk away with a deal but there are plenty of them. The rotisserie chicken with two sides is a steal. Also everytime I go in here there are about 6-7 gorgeous chicks. So that's always a plus especially considering they usually are on their way home from the gym and are wearing spandex or sports bra usually.

Frozen Weekend

2005-01-31T13:29:00.000-05:00

Started out the night with take-out from Fat Matt's Rib Shack which happens to be the best barbeque sandwiches in Atlanta. Plus the baked beans are the best on I've ever had.

Walked to the bars on Friday night over frozen sidewalks and in the sleet itself. Was expecting a fun, wild, but less crowded Friday night. In fact what I found was the Pool Hall was too crowded to enter. Churchills was alright but it just wasn't happening. So Five Paces Inn. Grabbed a seat and took advantage of the new swipe your debit card on the jukebox option. Or more like the jukebox took advantage of me by allowing me to swipe my debit card.

Found out friends car that was parked on Buckhead Ave to has been smashed head on. Apparently someone who was either drunk or just couldn't handle the ice hit my friends car head on and then took off. Called the cops who informed us when they showed up that a) there were too many wrecks Friday night so they weren't filling out accident forms so they just handed them to us and b) we need to move the car off the sidewalk (where it had been propelled to by the force of the accident) because a tow company would probably tow it. Thanks guys keep up the good work.

Saturday. Played in snow. Was going to go grab dinner at the Buckhead Diner but lights were out all over Buckhead.

an oldie but a goodie

2005-01-11T11:05:00.000-05:00

hadn't really hung out there for more than a drink in a long time but on Saturday I hung out at 5 Paces Inn which is on Irby right across from the Pool Hall. We got there around 10:45 and the place was ridiculously crowded. However we were able to find refuge back by the Golden Tee and bathrooms untill things thinned out a little bit. Obviously internet jukeboxes are a ripoff but someone had to step up and put on some Elvis in honor of what would have been his 70th Birthday. So the Deer God comes through in the clutch and puts on 5 songs. Something alongs the lines of Devil in Disguise, Suspicous Minds, Houndog, Jailhouse Rock, and Viva Las Vegas.

Also as always stopped by the Hot Dog Stand outside of CJ's Landing on Buckhead Ave. It may seem a little rough for some but I always feel a sense of unity when people of many different races are all standing around drunk united by their hunger. Plus in my mind it gives me street cred.

Sugar Bowl

2005-01-05T17:14:00.000-05:00

Watched the Sugar Bowl at the Bucket Shoppe by Lenox with the Auburn faithfull. Then since I couldn't find a cab after a few minutes decided to stick around to play trivia. Obviously it's not normally like this but the place was packed for a Monday night. Not sure what time I left but I know I grabbed a cab home. I"'m starting to really like this place. I've been a couple of times once for an early dinner and twice for Auburn games. I forsee myself going back many times over.

Of course I could be swayed by the fact that I brought a lady friend home with me from the Bucket Shoppe.

new years

2005-01-03T11:56:00.000-05:00

Well it actually turned out to be a pretty fun night. Had a house party over by Chastain Amphitheatre with a bunch of people. Some people had been to Churchills earlier and said it was pretty good. However no bar can offer things such as "taking it to the ivy" "herbal supplements" and videography of the party so you can remember what happened the next morning. Also waking up and playing football in the front yard on new years day was a blast.

New Years Eve

2004-12-29T15:09:00.000-05:00

Looking for New Years Eve plans. I've heard in the past that Park Tavern New Year's Pary is fun..however $125 seems like an awful lot of money. I'd be more than willing to commit but since my friends complain about the $3 cover at the Buckhead Saloon on a normal night I don't see them splurging. Truth be told once you figure in how much you spend on a night including a nice dinner and 5-6 hours of drinking top shelf liquor and champagne it all equals out. Whatever.

Frankie's Sports Bar

2004-12-21T14:07:00.000-05:00

Went to Frankie's last night to watch a little Monday Night Football. $2.95 Miller Lite Longnecks. Apparently this place is the New England Patriots viewing area. About 50-60 Boston transports in the bar cheering loudly. Interesting dynamic. Had the Grilled Turkey Cheddar Sandwich which was pretty tasty. All in all not a bad place to take in a game. It's in the Prado shopping center just south of Roswell Rd. and I-285. I guess it's technically Sandy Springs but since the only true sport bar in Buckhead is the overpriced ESPN Zone I decided to include it.

Changing Things Up

2004-12-13T13:43:00.000-05:00

Hit up a few old favorites this week. On Friday stopped by the 5 Paces Inn for a beer. Cool laid back place. Not too hard to get a beer and you can actually have a conversation. End of the night brought Moondogs. I think at least half the bar has to be exactly 21 or younger. It used to be my favorite bar in Atlanta. But people grow up make more money and are no longer drawn to the $4.95 pitcher of Miller Lite in the back bar.

Saturday night we went to The Buckhead Saloon, in the shadows of the Deer God, for the first time in a couple of months. I have fun every time I go there but for some reason I can never convince people to go. $4 cover is really not that bad when you consider that's how much a beer + tip is many other places. There may be different bands that play there but they all have the same set list. Pretty much the closest you can get to reliving your days in a college bar. Cheap bear, people dancing to a rock cover band, trying to find a hook up.

Gotta say that the shooting on Pharr Rd. Saturday night was not the best news I've ever heard. Let's just say I was walking back to my apartment an hour before and less than a half a mile away. I think this is the 2nd shooting since I've moved in and about the 5th in the last four years. Now I'm not typically hitting on some thugs girlfriend or getting into arguments but you don't have to be to hit in crossfire. Just makes you think. However I will say:

THIS PROVES THAT LOWERING THE LAST CALL TIME MADE NO DIFFERENCE. As people were saying at the time. The shooting will always occur 30min to an hour after last call. Saturday night the shooting was 3:30. One hour after last call. So way to go leaders of Atlanta. Instead of the shootings happening at 4 or so now they are from 2:30 to 3:30 when sane people are still out.

SEC Championship Game

2004-12-07T13:50:00.000-05:00

Went to the game at the Dome. Completely packed and loud. The only downside? College football should not be played in a dome. ever.

May I suggest the Parking lot at Simpson St. and Northside Dr. for any activities at the Congress Center or Dome. It's $6 no matter what and fairly quick to get out of. We tailgated, had plenty of room to throw the ol' pigskin around, and were able to laugh at the people who parked across the street and paid $20.

Also..much love to the hot dog vendors of Buckhead especially the guy outside CJ's Landing every weekend. Nothing makes me feel better on a Sunday morning then not having gone to sleep on an empty stomach. Beats Waffle House every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

another good weekend

2004-11-23T11:07:00.000-05:00

Well started off at the Atlanta Brewery, makers of Peachtree St., Red Brick, and Laughing Skull for their "tour" and live music. Connor Rand played and was very good. Did some originals and some covers. Very good for a local act.

The Tift Merritt show on Friday night was awesome. It was my first time at Earthlink live and it a great great venue. Slightly smaller than the Variety Playhouse but bigger than Smith's Olde Bar. Very intimate venue with a cool setup for the bar and outside area. Definitely will catch another show there. Also met Brad Rice, Tift's guitarist and former guitar player for ,Ryan Adams in several incarnations of his back-up band. We talked for a little while about music and an all-together great experience. Mindy Smith came on later and she was pretty solid but alas the bars called.

Hit up Churchills, McDuffs and Pool Hall. Yeah I know...same old same old. First time I had been to McDuff's in a while. Reminded me why I left. Very crowded bar with pretty bad service. Also the place has become 90% guys. I don't know what the deal is. This used to be a fun place to hang out on a Friday or Saturday. However now a days I wouldn't venture in unless it's Monday through Thursday.

All together a good night.

Saturday for lunch I hit up a little Henri's on my way to watch the Auburn/bama game. Good times. 21-13. War Damn Eagle.

After some rowdy pre-game Saturday night we hit up the same three bars. Same results. However the Deer God was in fine form.

Tift Merritt in the ATL on Friday

2004-11-16T13:06:00.000-05:00

Tift Merritt will be playing at Earthlink Live in midtown on Friday Nov. 19. Tix are $17 in advance and $20 the do of the show. She is opening for Mindy Smith and should go on around 9pm. I can't wait to hear the new stuff in person again. It should be about the same set as she played at Smith's Olde Bar. Either way I'm excited to see two of Alt-Country reigning Queens play a small venue.

twas a wild weekend

2004-11-15T16:11:00.000-05:00

With a high profile wedding and the Auburn/UGA game taking place this weekend Buckhead was a little wild.

Caught the tail end of the Poker tourney at The Lodge on Friday night. That place used to be so cool and now it's just in business out of tradition more than anything.

The Pool Hall was dead around 11pm. Not many people there and it was too cold to hang out on the porch.

Churchill's was much livelier. Heaters on the porch, lots of people inside. Good Times.

Later that night Pool Hall was a bit more fun. Random drunk girl sat down at our table because she could barely stand up. Playing Card in friend's purse. Decided to make random girl play Suck and Blow. Different, Interesting, and culminated in girl passing out on table because she tried to suck too long. I guess shots add up.

Saturday. Early start to the day. Auburn/UGA started at 3:30pm. Wedding at Ansley was very fun. As seems to be the new growing trend lately the whole wedding party goes to Churchills. Not too crowded. Just about right. Smoked cigars and played darts. Once again good times.

Pool Hall late night. Not many people out on the 4am walk home.

Next week new places new faces.

Directory of Entertainment Blogs
Service" width="80" height="15" border="0">

An Introduction

2004-11-03T16:41:00.000-05:00

The Deer God is the statue in the middle of Buckhead Park. A small triangular piece of land that lies between the intersections of Peachtree Rd, Roswell Rd, and Sardis in the heart of Buckhead on the northern side of Atlanta. The informational sign in the park actually names the statue "the Storyteller" but us Buckhead Faithfull know better.

The Deer God is the patron saint of going out in Buckhead. "If you take care of the Deer God he will take care of you". Many have been known to leave gifts for The Deer God or pat him on the back in exchange for his help in finding a "partner" for the evening. The Deer God has been known to improve many young bachelors and bachelorette's game.

So this blog will be a diary of Buckhead through the eyes of the Deer God. No Names. Just stories. and some photos.....

DEERGOD

2004-11-03T16:23:00.000-05:00

deergod
Originally uploaded by beefcakejcc.

I AM THE DEERGOD. PATRON SAINT OF GOING OUT IN BUCKHEAD.