Atlanta

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About this Guide

This guide was created by Umphreaks, for Umphreaks, and will continuously be updated over time. All items on the list were suggested by Umphreaks, for Umphreaks.
This guide was originally prepared for the four night Umphery's 2018/2019 New Years Eve run. It was updated in December 2022 for the two night New Years run. We were not able to update every entry, so please call locations to verify they are still open, before heading out. A lot has changed since 2018...
We have other Umphreak's Anonymous Travel Guides, we hope they help you have a wonderful time!

Page created and updated by Joshua from team Umphreak's Anonymous.
Umphrey's McGee photos provided to us by the always awesome Tara Gracer Photography LLC. You rock! Thank you!
Last updated 12/29/2022
THIS LIST IS UPDATED FREQUENTLY. FEEL FREE TO STOP BY ANY TIME!
MUSIC
TABERNACLE
152 LUCKIE ST NW, ATLANTA, GA 30303
2404-659-9022 WWW.TABERNACLEATL.COM

Hosting the main event this weekend, this absolutely gorgeous former church is an energy incubator and provides perfect place for an epic experience like Umphrey’s New Years Eve.

VARIETY PLAYHOUSE
1099 EUCLID AVE NE, ATLANTA, GA 30307
404-524-7354 WWW.VARIETY-PLAYHOUSE.COM

Home of Umphrey’s McGee’s first show in The Big Peach, The Variety Playhouse will be boasting the best Synthwave Aftershow you could imagine with Ryan Stasik’s side project Doom Flamingo raging in the late night set on December 28th! Nearish a MARTA station, not terribly far from the Tabernacle but not walkable. MARTA may be closed by the end of show.

COTTON CLUB
152 LUCKIE ST NW, ATLANTA, GA 30303
404-659-9022 WWW.ATLANTAMUSICGUIDE.COM

The Cotton Club will throw one of the multiple aftershows over this marathon extravaganza. Tauking McGee will be playing here on December 29th. Tickets have long been sold out for this show, but it never hurts to check out CashOrTrade.org . Attached to the Tabernacle, so easy access.

TERMINAL WEST
887 WEST MARIETTA ST NW C, ATLANTA, GA 30318
404-876-5566 TERMINALWESTATL.COM

If you find yourself looking for something latenight and are without tickets to Doom Flamingo, you may want to make your way up to CBDB and Wild Adriatic at Terminal West. The show starts at nine but will be running late into the evening. A bit northwest of downtown, would likely require a Lyft.

AISLE 5
1123 EUCLID AVE NE, ATLANTA, GA 30307
AISLE5ATL.COM

If you find yourself in town a day early, Charleston's own Schema is playing at Aisle 5 on December 27th starting at 9pm. If you're looking to get some dancing in before your dancing, this is the spot.


BARS AND BREWERIES
SECOND SELF BREWERY
1317 LOGAN CIR NW, ATLANTA, GA 30318
678-916-8035 SECONDSELFBEER.COM

Just check out the friggin name! Known for its Two Sided brews, you can find complimenting and juxtaposing flavor palettes in beverages like their Thai Wheat (Lemongrass & Ginger Wheat) or Bleeding Heart (Amber with Cocoa and Vanilla).

SCOFFLAW BREWING
1738 MACARTHUR BLVD NW, ATLANTA, GA 30318
WWW.SCOFFLAWBEER.COM

Near Second Self northeast of the city, this homegrown brewery mostly focuses on IPA - though there does appear to be an occasional wheat or two on the menu.

MONDAY NIGHT BREWING
670 TRABERT AVE NW, ATLANTA, GA 30318
(404) 352-7703 MONDAYNIGHTBREWING.COM

Winner of a 2014 Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal for their brew Han Brolo Pale Ale, Monday Night Brewing has become infamous across the country. Specializing mostly in IPAs, they do seem to offer a wit and a sour for other pallets.

SISTER LOUISA'S CHURCH OF THE LIVING ROOM & PING PONG EMPORIUM
466 EDGEWOOD AVE SE, ATLANTA, GA 30312
404-522-8276 WWW.SISTERLOUISASCHURCH.COM

Do you like the bizarre? Us too! This bar in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood plays makes a mockery of church in the best ways. Karaoke is performed on a church organ. There is beer pong. The beers are not too expensive. It’s a strange place and, if you’re not too devout, a wild required experience.

JOYSTICK GAMEPUB
427 EDGEWOOD AVE SE, ATLANTA, GA 30312
404-525-3002 JOYSTICKGAMEBAR.COM

We always keep an eye out for the local arcarde whenever we visit someplace. Sometimes pumpin’ quarters and drinking beer for an hour while your buddies sleep off their hangover is just what the doctor ordered. This spot features old school, coin fed arcades, no muss no fuss.

RED PHONE BOOTH
17 ANDREW YOUNG INTERNATIONAL BLVD NE, ATLANTA, GA 30303
404-228-7528 HTTP://REDPHONEBOOTH.COM/

This speakeasy inspired bar draws directly from the 1920s for its decor. Patrons must enter through the British inspired Red Phone Booth into a room with a fireplace, a honey onyx bartop and some classic turn of the century cocktails. They also sell cigars and have a cigar humidor.

ATLANTA BEER BUS
ATLANTABEERBUS.COM
770-696-6080

Born out of a love for beer, Atlanta, and the fine breweries our city has to offer, the Atlanta Beer Bus is a hop-on/hop-off, party shuttle servicing Atlanta’s most delicious breweries for only $15 per person all day! You can choose one of their expertly curated routes for Atlanta beer enthusiasts to help take the guesswork out of touring local breweries. Visit and sample beer at the finest local brewing establishments in Atlanta without worrying about a designated driver or deciding which breweries to hit. Weekdays/Saturday does Atlanta proper, Sundays are Decatur.

EVENTIDE BREWING
1015 GRANT ST SE, ATLANTA, GA 30315
(404) 907-4543 EVENTIDEBREWING.COM
Cute small time place with excellent beer. Can get sampler flights. Weird hours, so be sure to check/call ahead before you head out that way. Stouts, sours and IPAs are all highlighted at this newly birthed neighborhood brewery.
THE VORTEX
878 PEACHTREE ST NE, ATLANTA, GA 30309
(404) 875-1667 THEVORTEXATL.COM
The Vortex is a burger bar and tavern that has a semi-grunge-goth vibe. The Little Five Points location has a cool skeleton face doorway. The burgers are well loved and they also have a large beer selection. Joel Cummins recommended!
PARK BAR
150 WALTON ST NW, ATLANTA, GA 30303
404-524-0444 PARKBARATLANTA.COM

Super close to the venue. The food is quite good for tavern food, the staff has been recommended as friendly/fun staff. There is a good beer selection as well. Stumble distance to the venue, this is a fantastic spot to pregame before waltzing into the show. Site of the Umphreak's Meetup on December 28th, 5:30 - 7pm.

TWENTY TWO STORYS BAR
265 PEACHTREE STREET, ATLANTA, GA 30303
404-460-6318 ATLANTAREGENCY.HYATT.COM

Site of the Phemale Phreaks NYE Meetup December 29th 1:30 - 3:30pm.

SKYLOUNGE
110 MARIETTA ST NW, ATLANTA, GA 30303
(404) 521-2250 GLENNSSKYLOUNGE.COM
I love looking for the Sky bars in any metropolitan city. Nothing quite like looking out over all the city lights while sampling some craft cocktails or delicious locally brewed beer. Thankfully, that's exactly what you'll find that this chic, semi-upscale open-air-ish Skybar. Great views of the skyline, the Ferris Wheel and the rest of the city. Drinks are on the pricier side. This is a touristy type thing to do, we're not guessing many locals head this way. But if you do, you'll be rewarded with good views.

STRIPCLUBS
CLERMONT LOUNGE
789 PONCE DE LEON AVE NE, ATLANTA, GA 30306
+1 404-874-4783 WWW.CLERMONTLOUNGE.NET

As Stupac says, “It’s an institution!” The Clermont Lounge is much more than a Strip Club, though it is that as well. Atlanta’s first and longest continually operating Strip Club, this unusual establishment has drawn the attention of the curious and infamous for decades.

https://youtu.be/45YjIVN92-0

MAGIC CITY
241 FORSYTH ST SW, ATLANTA, GA 30303
1 404-584-5847 MAGICCITY.COM

Magic City has formed its own notoriety through numerous popular hip hop tracks. The reviews are mixed, and this club seems somewhat expensive in comparison to the other options, but it would have more of your traditional strip club vibe.


CULTURE
KROG STREET TUNNELS
DEKALB & KROG STREET

A tunnel absolutely full of beautiful street art from floor to ceiling.

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART
1280 PEACHTREE ST NE, ATLANTA, GA 30309-3549

Not only is the building itself stunning, but so is the over 11,000 permanent pieces of art inside. European, American and African art, plus a large photography gallery, are the focal points of High Museum’s collection. Their current featured exhibits include “HAND TO HAND: SOUTHERN CRAFT OF THE 19TH CENTURY”, William Christenberry, and the almost complete sold out “Infinite Mirrors” by Yayoi Kusama (which looks AMAZING!!!!).

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
450 AUBURN AVE NE, ATLANTA, GA 30312 HTTP://NPS.GOV

This is a National Park encapsulates several sites that make up a part of Dr. King's legacy - the home in which the leader of the Civil Rights movement was born, the church where Martin Luther King Jr. preached throughout his life, and the memorial site that is his resting place.

David J. Sencer CDC Museum
1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30329
404-639-0830 www.cdc.gov

Crazy trippy museum dedicated to how the health of the nation has been managed through several crises. Potential outbreaks are outlined. Lots of insane multimedia. An absolutely unique museum experience. Free. Not exactly close to downtown.

College Football Hall of Fame
250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
404-880-4800 www.cfbhall.com

College Football Hall of Fame features a huge helmet wall featuring a helmet from over 760 schools, a huge Indoor Playing Field, and the hall of fame itself. Seems like it could be fun for someone who really loves college football.

Atlanta Aquarium
225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
404-581-4000 WWW.GEORGIAAQUARIUM.ORG

 


OUTDOORS
DOLL'S HEAD TRAIL
1305 SOUTH RIVER INDUSTRIAL BLVD SE, CONSTITUTION LAKES PARK, ATLANTA, GA
HTTPS://WWW.ATLASOBSCURA.COM/PLACES/DOLLS-HEAD-TRAIL-2

Crazy, creepy outsider art on a short trail in Southeast Atlanta. Decapitated dolls lodged into strange appliances, candles on weird alter looking things, a super mini mini mini mini piano. According to Atlas Obscura “ The Doll’s Head Trail was the work of a local carpenter named Joel Slaton, who envisioned an art project created from discarded doll parts and other trash that was scattered around the site. He encouraged visitors to contribute their own found art, and it’s been collecting there ever since. The pieces are dominated by doll heads, but also include bottle creations, collages, decorated chinks of old bricks, and beheaded doll & truck part tableaus.”

CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK

Landmark park in the heart of the city, the Centennial Olympic Park was built for the 1996 Olympics. There is a large lawn, a water fountain and a memorial for the victims of the Olympic Bombing. The park is very close to the Tabernacle.

ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDENS
CASCADE SPRINGS NATURE PRESERVE

A bit outside of the city, and probably not doable on a chilly day, the Cascade Springs Nature Preserve is a beautiful little park with a waterfall and easy trails.

WOODRUFF PARK

Get your picture taken with the “ATLANTA” sign. You know, one of those letter signs that seems to exist randomly in every major city across the globe incase you forgot where you were. But yeah, makes for a cool instagram picture.


COFFEE SHOP / BREAKFAST
SOUTH CITY KITCHEN
1144 CRESCENT AVE NE, ATLANTA, GA 30309
(404) 873-7358 MIDTOWN.SOUTHCITYKITCHEN.COM

Mid to Upscale American cuisine, mostly standard meat dishes. The brunch has some interesting looking dishes, including the Banana French Toast.

WEST EGG CAFE
1100 HOWELL MILL RD, ATLANTA, GA 30318
(404) 872-3973 WESTEGGCAFE.COM

Traditional breakfast in a low key space. Pancakes, coffee and omelettes are their bread and butter. Options for vegetarians and omnivores.

HIGHLAND BAKERY
ALL OVER ATLANTA. CLOSEST TO TABERNACLE IS
25 PARK PL NE, ATLANTA, GA 30303
(404) 330-8922 HIGHLANDBAKERY.COM

An Atlanta chain of coffee shop/bakeries. Their syrup has been reviewed as quite delicious.

VENKMANS
1118, 740 RALPH MCGILL BLVD NE, ATLANTA, GA 30312
(470) 225-6162 VENKMANS.COM

This place came suggested with three special words: live music brunch. Apparently, over the timespan we are there, there is a Bottomless Mimosa Brunch w/ Time Warp Orchestra December 30, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm. The place looks like a high class bar and music venue that serves food.

REVOLUTION DONUTS
908 W COLLEGE AVE, DECATUR, GA 30030-3506
(470) 428-2023 REVOLUTIONDOUGHNUTS.COM

TONS of donuts of all types. Fancy donuts. Non fancy donuts. Lots of vegan donuts too! Donuts for everyone!! EVERYONE LOVES DONUTS!!!

RIA’S BLUEBIRD
421 MEMORIAL DR SE, ATLANTA, GA 30312
404-521-3737 RIASBLUEBIRD.COM

Known for their high quality breakfasts that do not dent the pocket book, Ria’s has been in operation since 2000 and it still has lines out of the door. Most meals stick to the $10 or less range and are all high quality. Joel Cummins recommended! Also, there are a few options for your vegetarian and vegan friends.

BUTTERMILK KITCHEN
4225 ROSWELL RD NE, ATLANTA, GA 30342
678-732-3274 BUTTERMILKKITCHEN.COM

They make their own butter, their own buttermilk, and all of the ingredients are local. The eggs benedict, blueberry cobbler pancakes and chicken biscuit come highly recommended. Upscale food but you can come casual.


CHICKEN AND BBQ
HATTIE B'S HOT CHICKEN
299 MORELAND AVE NE, ATLANTA, GA 30307
(678) 888-4884 HATTIEB.COM

Extremely popular spot in Atlanta for chicken, specializing in levels of spice. Expect a line or order for takeout, unless you’re willing to dine before noon.

FOX BROS. BBQ
1238 DEKALB AVE NE, ATLANTA, GA 30307
(404) 577-4030 FOXBROSBBQ.COM

Portions for this place are apparently huge. All of the BBQ is smoked.

SWEET AUBURN BBQ
656 NORTH HIGHLAND AVENUE NORTHEAST, ATLANTA, GA 30306
(678) 515-3550 SWEETAUBURNBBQ.COM

A popular (and loved) BBQ joint that specializing in BBQ Brisket, Atlanta and Korean style BBQ. Very casual spot.

TWIN SMOKERS BBQ
300 MARIETTA ST NW, ATLANTA, GA 30313
(404) 698-4707 TWINSMOKERSBBQ.COM

This place brings in some fairly high reviews for its flavorful sauce and some high quality ribs.

DELIA'S CHICKEN SAUSAGE STAND
489 MORELAND AVE SE, ATLANTA, GA 30316
404-474-9651 THESAUSAGESTAND.COM

Chicken Sausage stand with awesome names. Considered some of the best chicken sausage in the city, this tiny jewelbox of a joint is always hoppin'. Non-processed, everything made from scratch, chicken hand boned on site. The whole thing is considered quite the delight for any fan. Their most popular options include the Italian Stallion and the Hot Mess (messy!). They even have vegan chili and vegan cheese wedgies, if you're a wayward plant based diner and have found yourself here.


TAKE OUT/LUNCH
THE VARSITY
61 N AVE NW, ATLANTA, GA 30308
+1 404-881-1706 WWW.THEVARSITY.COM

The original, world famous, enormous restaurant in downtown Atlanta. Once considered by some to be "the world's largest drive in", The Varsity sits on 2 city blocks and can accommodate 800 diners inside. Opened in 1928. Old school drive thru simple AF menu with burgers and hot dogs. Certified "excellent hangover food".

SKIP'S HOT DOGS
48 N AVONDALE RD, AVONDALE ESTATES, GA 30002
(404) 292-6703 SKIPSHOTDOGS.COM
While not exactly in Atlanta proper, this establishment is one of the wayward Windy City Outposts that spreads the gospel of ketchup-free hot dogs, cheese fries and Vienna fuckin' Beef. Cheesesteaks, pizza puffs, plenty of Cubs and Sox stuff on the walls.
AVIVA BY KAMEEL
225 PEACHTREE ST NE, ATLANTA, GA 30303
(404) 698-3600 HTTPS://WWW.AVIVABYKAMEEL.COM
A well reviewed, small take-and-go counter Middle Eastern food joint, Aviva has excellent looking Falafel. The Lamb Kabobs also come highly recommended. This place is not open for dinner, but would make for an excellent quick lunch joint if you're looking for something healthy and casual. No matter your dietary restriction - vegetarian, vegan or omnivore - you'll have tons of options here. Very close to the Tabernacle.
UPBEET
1071 HOWELL MILL RD SUITE A, ATLANTA, GA 30318
(404) 347-1071 UPBEET.COM
The ultimate salad bar, Upbeet is full of plentiful options for any palette. This place boasts healthy options, lots of quinoa and rice bowls. The long lines move quickly. The bowls and salads look to be of decent size. Recovery food or something healthy to snack on before the show.

DINNER
ARGOSY
470 FLAT SHOALS AVE SE, ATLANTA, GA 30316
(404) 577-0407 ARGOSY-EAST.COM

Argosy is a somewhat standard dinner and pizza bar in East Atlanta, not too far from downtown. This spot gets decent reviews and has pizza and plates that cater to all diets. The tap list is supposedly quite excellent and the pizza and fries come highly reviewed. Even vegans can get in on the action as the place has a vegan pizza and a vegan Poutine option.

R. THOMAS DELUXE GRILL
1812 PEACHTREE ST NW, ATLANTA, GA 30309
(404) 881-0246 RTHOMASDELUXEGRILL.NET

R Thomas is one of the most infamous late night food options in Atlanta. Serving "healthy" food 24 hours a day, this place has tons of free range meat options alongside huge vegetarian and vegan menus. It's in a large, carnival tent type building with an old school diner neon on the front. Their french toast and breakfast quesadilla are quite popular, and so is their vegan burger. Did we mention it never closes!


VEGAN
DULCE VEGAN BAKERY & CAFE
1994 HOSEA L WILLIAMS DR NE, ATLANTA, GA 30317-2221
404-624-7417 HTTP://DULCEVEGAN.COM/

Serving Vegan Baked Goods in Atlanta for over a decade, Dulce Vegan is an excellent spot for breakfast foods or a light lunch. There are plenty of vegan pastries and sweets, some excellent coffee and an ever rotating list of sandwiches and soups.

VIVA LA VEGAN
1265 LEE ST SW, ATLANTA, GA 30310-4034
404-951-2737 HTTPS://WWW.HAPPYCOW.NET/REVIEWS/VIVA-LA-VEGAN-ATLANTA-61498/MENU

Viva La Vegan is a vegan junk food restaurant which is known for its Shrimp Po Boy. There is often a line but most consider it worth the wait. Some reviewers have noted that facade of the building is somewhat run down (it’s in a worn looking strip mall in a industrial area), but everyone said that the food was damn good.

CINNAHOLIC
1230 CAROLINE ST NE STE B110, ATLANTA, GA 30307
(404) 343-0805 HTTPS://WWW.CINNAHOLIC.COM/

A well known and loved Vegan cinnamon bun joint. The Peanut Butter and Jelly Cinnamon Bun has been recommended. Not a lot of seating indoors. Portion size is quite nice.

CAFE SUNFLOWER
2140 PEACHTREE RD NW, ATLANTA, GA 30309
(404) 352-8859 CAFESUNFLOWER.COM

This vegan restaurant has a somewhat classy tone and is excellent for lunches and dinners. A wide range of cuisine styles.

THE SLUTTY VEGAN FOOD TRUCK
LOCATIONS VARY
HTTP://SLUTTYVEGANATL.COM/
HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/SLUTTYVEGANATL/

Holy fuck, this food truck...it looks so damn good. They specialize in vegan burgers and this appears to be the pinnacle of the genre. Be sure to check their Instagram to find their location and keep an eye on it as the Slutty Vegan is so good that they often sell out before the end of their shift. AND they're so good that there is often a 2 burger per person maximum. Damn!

HERBAN FIX
565 PEACHTREE ST NE, ATLANTA, GA 30308
(404) 815-8787 HERBANFIX.COM

A large vegan Asian menu in an upscale space. Looks absolutely delicious. The Seared PomPom Mushroom Steak with assorted vegetables (takes two days for the restaurant to prepare) comes highly recommended - though we're certain it's probably pricey, this is likely the juiciest mushroom steak you'll find.

Vegans - we have listed in this section only vegan/vegetarian restaurants, but many of the other food establishments above in other sections have plenty of vegan options. We tried to note them where we could!


Neighborhoods / Hangout Spots
Little Five Points

The Haight-Ashbury of Atlanta, featuring a free and unique vibe and tons of colorful shops and characters. The Variety Playhouse is located in this neighborhood, alongside a few headshops, tattoo joints, diverse cuisine, and dive bars. Criminal Records is in this neighborhood.

Ponce City Market
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
404-900-7900 www.poncecitymarket.com

Inside of a giant, reclaimed Sears building, Pons City Market is a giant indoor shop spot with a large rooftop bar/hangout section. The roof also has excellent views, a mini golf course and other boardwalk style games, alongside a few small shops and a place to grab a drink. The “Walking Taco” from the rooftop shops has been recommended.

Cabbagetown

This historical neighborhood, whose narrow streets and quaint houses once occupied by Cotton Mill workers, has become a bustling hipster-esque hotspot. Full of quirky art and small community shops, Cabbagetown is a popular, fun spot to browse and wander for an afternoon. Tons of beautiful street art all over the neighborhood. Home to the Krog Street Tunnel.

Public Transit

Atlanta's public transit is transforming. Once one of the more pitiful systems in the country, it has expanded and upgraded in many ways and is satisfactory enough to get you to-and-around downtown Atlanta, and its immediately adjacent areas.
The train, called the MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), goes to/from the airport directly downtown on the Gold and Red Lines. The Gold Line runs until 1:30 am. though service is sparse after midnight. As with most systems, you'll need to pick up a refillable fare card, called a Breeze™ card.
MARTA also operates a light rail system called the Atlanta Streetcar. Unfortunately, you are unable to transfer between the MARTA train/bus lines. Thankfully, service only costs $1. This Light Rail takes you through the densest parts of the downtown area. The closest stops to The Tabernacle are the Centennial Olympic Park Station or Luckie at Cone Station.
If renting a car is unreasonable, the MARTA, coupled with a few Lyft rides, could be enough for many travelers.

ATLANTA WEATHER

Meetups

Umphreak Meetup
December 28th at 5:30 - 7pm
Park Bar - 1 Block from the Tabernacle
150 Walton St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

[fac_button icon="facebook-square" link="https://www.facebook.com/events/381741105985351/" target="_blank"]


Phemale Phreaks Meetup
December 29th at 1pm - 3:302pm
Twenty Two Storys Bar & Lounge
The Atlanta Hyatt Regency
265 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30303

 

The Peach Bowl Parade

The Peach Bowl is a New Years tradition for the residents of Atlanta. The giant parade will take up a large swath of downtown with floats, classic cars, cheerleaders, mascots, marching bands and other pageantry. The Parade will follow last year's map, marching down the southwest facing Peachtree Street until intersecting with Andrew Young International Blvd and heading west towards the Georgia World Congress Center. Much of the central downtown area, including the area directly nearby the Tabernacle, will be tricky to access between 8am and Noon on December 29th.

Tiny Doors Atlanta

Location Suggestions? We'll take 'em!