The Earl (short for East Atlanta Restaurant and Lounge) is Atlanta's premier post-punk rock venue. As one of the hubs of the local indie music scene, The Earl hosts up-and-coming and established bands nightly. The restaurant menu features an array of burgers, sandwiches, salads and appetizers. The bar serves beer, wine, and cocktails. All live shows are 21 and over, and some charge a cover while others are free: check The Earl's website for updates.
The interior at Swinging Richards, which bills itself as "America's gay male strip club," is like a Hollywood set that is trying to reproduce a Las Vegas sin palace that is trying to evoke someplace in ancient Rome. Large and decorative columns foster part of that effect, and a unique wall-mounted sculpture (which cannot be described here) engenders the rest. None of which matters a bit to the patrons of this large and rambling establishment. During one visit, although mostly men surrounded the runway where performers (clad, semiclad and otherwise) strutted, in one corner a bachelorette party appeared to be getting into the swing of things. Visitors to the nightclub should note that patrons may not wear either short skirts or short-shorts on the premises.
The Tabernacle in Downtown Atlanta is an epic music institution adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park. Best suited for adults, this mid-sized concert venue, part of the Live Nation family, allows for more intimate performances than your typical stadium and has hosted some of the biggest musical acts of the past 30 years.
Parking and public transportation at the Tabernacle
The Tabernacle does not own any of the lots, but discounted parking is available at the 100 Luckie Street deck. Parking vouchers can be purchased online in advance when buying your event tickets. Other paid lots are available in the area around the venue. For those taking public transportation, the Tabernacle is a 10 minute walk from the MARTA-Peachtree Center Station.
Getting tickets at the Tabernacle
The Tabernacle box office is only open certain hours on show days, so your best bet is to purchase tickets in advance via Livenation.com, Ticketmaster.com or calling 800-745-3000.
Types of concerts at the Tabernacle
The Tabernacle has had acts that have varied from Guns 'N Roses to Adele to Prince along with many comedians. You'll find a variety of musical guests from different genres, present and throwback, here.
Other places to visit near the Tabernacle
The Tabernacle is conveniently located in Downtown Atlanta amidst other attractions such as Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, the Skyview Ferris Wheel and the World of Coca-Cola. The Georgia Dome and Philips Arena are also nearby along with many restaurants and hotels.
Where to stay near the Tabernacle
There are tons of hotels downtown that are walking distance from the Tabernacle, such as the Holiday Inn Atlanta Downtown - Centennial Park on Andrew J. Young International Boulevard, the Hampton Inn and Suites on Spring Street, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites on Cone Street and the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center. Several boutique hotels are also in the area.
Insider tip for visitors to the Tabernacle
Downtown Atlanta can be a little deserted at night when there aren't sporting events or other large concerts taking place, so use caution when walking around. Many shows are general admission and/or standing room only, so double check when purchasing tickets so you can plan accordingly.
Author's bio: Hastings Malone is an Atlanta, GA local who manages the Marketing, Events and Writing consulting business Southern Charm Communications. She is a freelance contributor to a variety of publications.
The cool lounge with a really good vibe offers patrons a lot of fun and variety. Its weekday "Rush Hour Blues" offers $3 martinis, margaritas, daiquiris, beer and wine from 5pm - 8pm. It also hosts different themes throughout the week like Open Mic on Mondays, 80's Night on Tuesdays and Rebel Rock Live Bands on Fridays.
Follies is a strip club and bar located off of Buford Highway. The busiest nights are Friday and Saturday when it offers drink specials all night. There is ample parking in the front and in back of the building as well as valet parking.
While others of its kind have come and gone, Cafe 290 has become a regular stomping ground for fans of live jazz. Trumpeter Joe Gransden and his big band draw a standing-room crowd on the first and third Mondays of the month. Weekends bring Atlanta's top sax players, trumpeters, drummers and keyboardists, many of which perform with national artists. On Sunday, the most popular night, saxophonist Gary Harris leads an all-star jam session with open mic performances. A sports bar, wallpapered with snapshot photos from years past, is adjacent to the jazz club. But perhaps Cafe 290's biggest assets are its longtime bartenders. If you go, look for Maurice and Amanda at the jazz bar, and Jazz or Tommy on the sports side.
