What makes a bar all-American? Always independent-minded, even we Americans would disagree on this, but some of the attributes surely would include Americana and patriotic memorabilia on the walls and baseball, football and NASCAR on the TV.
There would also be a generous selection of American beers, plus burgers and fries, and in the South, maybe some barbecue on the menu. The regular customers might even remind you of "Cheers."
On a patriotic holiday like Memorial Day or Fourth of July, consider knocking back a cold one at one of these favorite Atlanta watering holes.
Diesel Filling Station
What Diesel Filling Station doesn't have in history, it makes up in all-American ambiance. With a façade literally painted red, white and blue, this Virginia-Highland bar is located in a former gas station and is full of photos of classic American muscle cars. Of the beers, 95 percent are domestic, and the menu is bar food heaven-Chicago-style dogs, burgers, meatloaf and beer-cheese soup. And that's not even mentioning all-American special events like weekly Sex, Drugs & Rock 'n' Roll Trivia and monthly Bacon & Beer tastings. www.dieselatlanta.com
Manuel's Tavern
When original owner Manuel Maloof opened Manuel's Tavern in 1956, he wanted to recreate the friendly feel of the country English pubs he frequented as a GI during World War II. That welcoming atmosphere and a prime location at North Avenue and Highland quickly made Manuel's a favorite hangout of Atlanta's movers and shakers from politicos to journalists, sports personalities to performers and just about everyone else. That legacy endures in today's crowds, and in recent years, both the New York Times and Esquire Magazine dubbed Manuel's Tavern one of the nation's best bars. www.manuelstavern.com
Edgewood Corner Tavern
Edgewood Corner Tavern's flagship location in the Fourth Ward pours strictly American micro-brewed beers-more than 100 of them from all 50 states-Pabst Blue Ribbon and native wines. The popular neighborhood bar also recently partnered with the sexy PinUps for Soldiers to host an Armed Forces Day celebration on May 21. The event raised money for care packages to the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. www.TheCornerTavern.com
Euclid Avenue Yacht Club
Don't let the name fool you. There's nothing snooty about the Euclid Avenue Yacht Club in Little Five Points. Instead this quintessential neighborhood joint embraces the kitschiness of its nautical decor and almost always has a battalion of motorcycles parked outside. Its laid-back clientele represents a mix of all Americans from young to old, hipster to geek, tattoo-covered to preppy. www.theeayc.com
Fox Sports Grill at Atlantic Station
While you'd think with the Fox name, the Fox Sports Bar at Atlantic Station could be a bit conservative, its army of state-of-the-art flat-screen TVs encircling a giant central bar attracts a diverse crowd for lunch, happy hour and on game nights. It also was the Atlanta location for both the official primary and general election victory parties for President Barack Obama. www.foxsportsgrill.com
Blue Ribbon Grill
A popular Tucker watering hole and restaurant for more than 25 years, Blue Ribbon Grill was once owned by famed Atlanta radio personality Ludlow Porch. During football season, NFL games play on 10 flat-screen TVs, and the walls are decked with military memorabilia. Longstanding annual all-American traditions include a big shindig to celebrate the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday on Nov. 10 and a Ball Hanging Holiday Party that benefits the Marine Toys for Toys Foundation. theblueribbongrill.com
Moe's Original Bar B Que
In the South, all-American also means kicking back a beer with some freshly prepared barbecue or fried catfish in a down-home friendly place where the bartender knows your name. Located in a historic storefront on the Westside, Moe's Original Barbecue just opened this spring, but has quickly established itself as a popular hang-out for families, professionals and the Georgia Tech crowd eating, drinking, catching a game or enjoying occasional live music. www.moesoriginalbbq.com
