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Manuel’s Is in Esquire
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Manuel’s has been pouring beers since 1956.
Photo: Frank Niemeir/AJC
Reading Esquire (men’s mags are SOOOOO much more interesting to read than the crud the industry offers women, plus it was my fiance’s) on the plane back from NYC yesterday I came across an article about the best bars in the USA.
One Atlanta spot made the list: Manuel’s Tavern in Poncey-Hi. Of one of the city’s oldest taps (Manuel’s opened in 1956), writer Justin Heckert had this to say, “…the bar top here holds the urn and ashes of Manuel Maloof … the dusty pictures on the wall are of people — Jimmy Carter, for instance — telling the same types of stories as they are tonight … a place where journalists and lawyers and politicians have always communed at the same tap.” Absolutely. Plus the burgers rock. And for that matter, so do the blueberry pancakes long about 11 O-clock on Sunday morning…. congrats Manuel’s.
Where’s your favorite Everyman’s bar?
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment | Categories: Dining
Comments
By Captain
May 12, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
I worked with Brian Maloof for several years and it was a difficult decision when he decided to take over the management of the Tavern. Anyone who is anyone during the time the legislature is in session conducts business at Manuel’s. Who knows how many governors, mayors, councilmen and women and yes even Presidents have been chosen due to the discussions and back room deals made in this historic Tavern. If you have never been there you have not seen Atlanta until you have a beer and a burger at Mr. Manuels Tavern….
By scott
May 12, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Down the street Moe and Joe’s is my favorite. Have a pitcher of the finest, as Horrace used to say. Is he still there I wonder?
By Rodney
May 12, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
I gotta say - Esquire hit it right on the head.
Manuel’s is my favorite. And I like the term “Everyman’s Bar”. Last I was at Manuel’s I was sitting with my lesbian friend, at the table next to us a young couple with an infant (don’t know why you’d bring an infant there, but whatever) and next to them a family table with three or four generations sitting around it.
EVERYman’s bar, I’d say.
By BPJ
May 12, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
& where has Esquire been the past 50 years?
Anyway, this is confirmation of what real Atlantans have long known.
By lucky
May 12, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Manuel’s is a dark, dank, depressing place where nay sayers and negative local politicians plot the next Jimmy Carterish election. Too many burnt out old hippies for me. I prefer daylight and less “good ole boy” atmosphere.
By Phil Hider
May 13, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Robert Maloof, the other original partner, and I became best of friends in 1961 and are still to this day despite my living in Yankeeland. I must say that when Robert retired, his move north to Hiawassee GA was at least in the right direction. I remember many a time swilling down Andecker beer, arguing politics with Manual and posturing myself for a long and good night with the Atlanta maidens. It was at the bar that Robert finally beat me in armwrestle after many draws and dislocated my shoulder. God! I loved that bar despite losing arguements to Manual and the temporary use of my arm to Robert. Phil Hider, Marcellus NY
By Walt Jay
May 14, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Still regret being barred from Manuel’s by Senor Maloof my junior year at Emory [Bo11] for dancing on his player piano. When he challenged me to fight, I wisely ducked out to George’s for 3 months.