by Jennie K. on "Let's go to Martuni's!" is the statement that means I am going to wake up the next morning, wondering if I really sang along to Elton John in a piano bar. (Yes, I did.) Did I really drink two of those incredibly toxic, cheap, delicious martinis? (Yes, I did. Try the lemon-raspberry version. Most range from $5-8.) Did I really think that was a good idea, after starting with beers at Lucky 13? (Of course I did. Logic and reason does not belong here.) Most importantly, did I have fun? (You bet your sweet bippy I did.) And am I going back? (Yes I am. Tomorrow.)
by Blake B. on The Local is probably the better of several mid-fare typical hipster bars in Atlanta. I've never been a fan of the kind of dark bar where you can't hear anyone talk and end up yelling over the music for most of the night. The Local, at least, has a decent mix on the jukebox (now digital, so that it downloads your songs, which ends up costing more, and on weekends so many people play songs that yours often don't come up for several hours). But I've been coming here for a long time, and it has pretty much become the intermediary place to go between wherever else you want to end up. A kind of prenight meeting grounds, though often it ends up being the place everyone stays through to close. The staff are all super cool also, and actually pay attention to your drinks, so you don't have to worry about bad service. The food ranges from decent to not so great. The chicken wrap is excellent though, and everyone likes tater tots. If you're looking for a loud bar full of college-age Atlanta-ites who listen to Modest Mouse instead of Linkin Park, this is a good choice. You could do a lot worse than the Local. They also have darts, foosball, several video games and photo booth in the backroom, so there's something to keep you entertained between yelling over the music at your friend to find out what time they're heading over to MJQ.
by China Songer on Although this club had its day about 2 years ago it is still under the illusion that it can afford to make people line up outside for 30mins+ even with guest lists. Doormen are unhelpful, the 5 promoters working Saturday nights turn the whole thing into a Hollywood-wannabe clusterf*ck, and despite being "vindicated" over the whole Gabrielle Union incident it was very noticeable that the blonde, blue-eyed parties on the list walked in easily, while the more ethnically diverse parties (espeically Asian groups) were kept waiting for a disproportionately long time outside if indeed they were ever allowed in. Inside, the club is OK. Indoor/outdoor smoking area is a nice touch, drinks not too expensive, DJ and music choice average, and the clientelle is what you'd expect from a past-it Hollywood club on a Saturday night. If you are looking for a decent night out in Hollywood there are plenty of better options. With guestlists you can expect to line up for 30mins+ at Area, Parc, etc. but at least once inside these places your wait is rewarded with a better experience, at a "cooler" venue, and with a more attractive and diverse clientelle. Mood = overrated 1 year ago. Now simply unrated, and not worth the drama.
