Georgia Dive Bar Guide

As states like Georgia explode with population growth, a dangerous game of chicken plays out between progress and the small, neighborhood bars predating gentrification. Atlanta is home to just such a phenomenon, a trend that has already claimed a few of the city’s older dive bars (Rusty Nail Pub, Elliott Street Deli). 

Thankfully, a number of city stalwarts are weathering the storms of change, including the unmissable Euclid Avenue Yacht Club (excellent for late night food as well) and the PBR-powered inspiration that is Moe’s & Joe’s. The Tuesday special at Moe’s & Joe’s is a pitcher of PBR for less than a typical pint, a factor that we’re sure plays no small part in the Atlanta dive bar’s stature as one of the biggest purveyors of PBR nationwide.

Elsewhere, there is plenty of history to go around among some of Georgia’s non-Atlanta destinations, including Savannah, where a pirate-tinged past lends itself well to dive bar lore among a smattering of high quality outposts. And let’s not forget, this is SEC country and Athens, Georgia, is about as SEC as it gets, the energy of the University of Georgia campus a catalyst for as strong a college bar scene as can be found in the South.

Our travels have largely focused on Atlanta thus far, but we’ll do better. In the meantime, our recommendations below cover both the gravity of the state capital and other options outside of its reach.