ATL Insider: Plan A Night At The EARL

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There’s probably few things more exciting in this world than snagging tickets to a concert you really want to go to. Since this is something that we at Atlanta Music Guide fully understand, we’re here to help you make the most out of an evening for a show at The EARL!

The EARL, located in the heart of East Atlanta Village, is one of those EAV staples that one must visit in order to be considered a true Atlantan. What else can you expect from a place that is called The East Atlanta Restaurant and Lounge? As far as dive bars go, this is certainly one of our favorites, thanks to its delicious menu selection, friendly staff, and endless musical offerings. Many artists have passed through its doors, performing wonderfully intimate shows for fans of all kinds. It’s a venue that’s seen the likes of Band of Horses, Cracker, Snarky Puppy, My Morning Jacket, St. Vincent, Vampire Weekend, and so much more.

Inside The Venue (Tips & Tricks)

  • Bar In The Front, Bar In The Back
    • Since The EARL is literally a bar in the front, shows at the venue are always ages 21 and up only.
    • Grab a drink (and a burger) prior to the show, and keep the booze flowing in the back as you watch the live music!
  • Thank You For Smoking
    • Yes, The EARL does allow smoking inside the bar, which is good news for some, and bad news for others.
    • Note: Regardless of your smoking habits, this shouldn’t stop you from seeing a show! Often the bands will request for the room in the back to be non-smoking during their performance.
  • Get A Burger (Or Any Other Food Item)
    • Yes, The EARL is a really cool bar that hosts fantastic musicians every week. It is also one of the best places in the city to get a damn good burger.
    • Don’t let the dive-bar vibe fool you, their salads and vegetarian options are really freaking good too.

Transportation & Parking

  • Parking Lots
    • East Atlanta Village is one of those rare places left in Atlanta that actually has free parking lots. There are quite a few surrounding the venue:
      • In between The EARL and Argosy. Arriving before 10PM is often your best bet.
      • Across the street behind the EAV Marketplace
      • Behind 529, Mary’s & Grant Central
  • Street Parking
    • This will be scarce, but sometimes you can get lucky and snag a spot right in front of the venue
  • Uber/Lyft
    • If you plan on having a few drinks, we recommend opting for a taxi service rather than taking Marta, as there isn’t a station located too nearby (requires an additional bus ride)

Restaurants
If a burger isn’t your thing, there is plenty of fantastic fare to be had around The EARL:

  • Quick Bites
    • Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand – While this may be a more traditional late-night snack due to its being open all night, Delia’s is another one of those EAV staples that is definitely worth checking out before hitting up The EARL. Organic, hormone and preservative-free chicken made from scratch is just one of the many reasons to love all that Delia’s has to offer.
    • Argosy – Located just next door to The EARL, this stylish gastropub features new American fare and a very impressive craft beer list that is sure to wow even the pickiest of beer connoisseurs. Try the Asiago Mac & Cheese or one of their wood fired pizzas to get your evening started right.
    • Holy Taco – While Holy Taco also offers some finer dining options, go straight for their taco menu to get a quick and delicious meal before your show at The EARL. With sustainable local ingredients and an ever-evolving menu, there’s plenty of freshness to indulge in here.
  • (Slightly) Finer Dining
    • So Ba/Octupus Bar – So Ba is an Atlanta Vietnamese restaurant with incredibly delicious Pho, Com, and Bun dishes that is open until 10PM. Once it closes, Octopus Bar opens in the next room on the patio at 10:30PM, offering a dynamic menu with a variety of International dishes to please any palate.
    • H. Harper Station – Located in an ex-train station, H. Harper Station has a wonderful vintage vibe featuring Southern grub and contemporary cocktails.
    • Spoon – Take things up a notch with some authentic Thai food at Spoon, often considered to be one of the best Thai restaurants in the city.

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