By Bob Townsend

For the AJC

The Vortex and Bone Garden Cantina are among the Atlanta bars and restaurants where the spirit of Halloween is always evident.

But given it’s name alone, Graveyard Tavern in East Atlanta may be the spookiest of them all. And on Saturday, this year’s Halloween celebration is an evening extravaganza of music and mayhem, billed “Dirt Nap.”

Of course, since new management took over in 2008, there’s a DJ or something going on most nights — whether it’s Dive Bar Dance Club on Mondays, Swing Night on Wednesdays (with a live band) or the infamous Filthy and Famous Fridays.

In addition to all that, the Tavern side of the operation has been undergoing some changes in the past few months, bringing on a new chef and a new menu featuring recession-worthy entrees and specials priced below $13.

Cycle of change

The 1920s-era building was once home to a feed store, and later Cycle City and Graveyard motorcycle shop. Several years ago, the space was lovingly restored, building on the original bones of exposed beams, windows and wood floors, with custom millwork and a heart-of-pine bar top fabricated from wood salvaged during the construction. More recently, comfy couches and chairs and coffees tables were added to create a series of living room-like tableaus beyond the booths and tables in the dining areas.

Menu moves

Chef Justin Bright worked at Top Flr in Midtown before coming to Graveyard, and his time at that hip, neighborhood restaurant shows up in entrees that offer a lot of bang for the buck.

A juicy eight-ounce grilled hanger steak ($12) is served up with low-carb asparagus, cherry tomatoes and red wine demi glace. A seven-ounce pork tenderloin ($13) comes with parmesan potatoes au gratin. Nightly specials, currently available Wednesdays-Sundays, always include a fish of the day. Recently it was a small red snapper filet ($13), well-cooked with crispy skin and flaky flesh, and plated atop creamy risotto.

On the other hand, some of the starters aren’t quite as budget-friendly. While tasty enough, shrimp and lobster queso ($9) with salty corn chips begs the question: Why not spend three more bucks for a steak. The rest of the menu, mostly priced under $9, runs from soups and salads to sandwiches and burgers, served in nifty baskets with hand-cut fries or potato chips.

Beer bar

The Graveyard is clearly making an effort to jump on the more sophisticated beer bar trend embraced by several new intown places, such as the Bookhouse and the Porter. Clearly, there’s still a considerable EAV crowd that’s quite happy with a cheap PBR and a Jäger shot. But a series of Wednesday night beer dinners, priced at $35 per person, with three courses and pairings, continues through November and December.

Dining out

Graveyard Tavern, 1245 Glenwood Ave S.E., 404-622-8686

Signature dish: Nightly specials, served Wednesdays-Sundays

Entree prices: $11-$13

Hours: Dinner: 5-11 p.m. Sundays-Saturdays. Late night menu after 11 p.m. Bar open late.

Reservations: For large parties

Credit cards: Yes

Online: www.graveyardtavern.com

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