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Manuel's Tavern in Atlanta turns 70!
For 70 years, it's been more than just a neighborhood bar it's been a gathering place for generations of Atlantans. Manuel's Tavern is celebrating a major milestone, and our Eli Jordan is there, live.
ATLANTA - An iconic Poncey-Highland gathering spot is marking seven decades in Atlanta with a three-day celebration starting Thursday.
Manuel's Tavern is throwing a venue-wide anniversary event featuring rare food discounts, unique merchandise and live performances.
What we know:
Manuel's Tavern is holding a three-day landmark celebration starting Thursday at its long-standing location on North Highland Avenue.
The venue is offering $8.56 double cheeseburgers with fries, selling $35 commemorative T-shirts by local pop artist Our Land, and pouring an exclusive beer brewed at Three Taverns.
Thursday evening entertainment includes performances by the Marching Abominable, a one-man circus and two sets by The 4:00.
While founder Manuel Maloof historically banned jukeboxes and background music to foster patron conversation, live music was specifically added for Thursday's festivities. The tavern remains family-owned, operated by Manuel's son, Brian Maloof, alongside assistant general manager Megan Maloof.
The backstory:
Brothers Manuel Maloof and Robert Maloof opened the tavern doors in 1956, a year when the median home price was $18,000 and Elvis Presley made his television debut.
Over seven decades, the landmark became a famous political hub where Jimmy Carter announced his gubernatorial candidacy and leaders such as Bill Clinton, Al Gore and Barack Obama visited.
A photo commemorating the establishment's 30th anniversary still hangs on the wall alongside historic pictures of national figures.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from a FOX 5 Atlanta interview with a bartender at Manuel's Tavern, as well as on-site reporting conducted live inside the venue by Eli Jordan.