First Look: East Atlanta Icehouse

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East Atlanta’s newest bar and music venue finally opened its doors on Tuesday, August 19 to an enthusiastic crowd and good times were had by all. The East Atlanta Icehouse enjoyed quite a warm welcome into the city’s nightlife and bar scene. Father and son owners, Ed and Michael Murphy, were more than ready to get the rock and rolling going after nine months and three days of grueling renovation and remodeling work. For those of you familiar with East Atlanta, the East Atlanta Icehouse now occupies the old Echo Lounge building and is so named because the space was, in fact, originally an ice storage house. Those 12 inch thick walls will come in handy with all of the live shows the place has planned.

The music venue side is simply spectacular with a beautiful blue and gray speckled granite bar that seats at least 20, black velvet curtains, a huge room with brand new hardwood floors and a large stage, built for a rock star, not to mention top of the line lighting and sound equipment. Backstage is truly a dream come true for a traveling band. Amenities include separate VIP rooms, sleeping quarters, shower facilities as well as washing and sewing machines. The interior of the bar side is somewhat fashioned after an Irish pub, with hardwood floors, green walls and curtains, soft lighting, comfy booths and of course…the bar. There is also a huge patio right on the street which is the perfect place for people watching.

Their menu features old favorites such as southern fried chicken tenders, beer battered onion rings, classic burgers with the works and the chicken sandwich but adds an Irish twist by offering corned beef and cabbage and the house favorite, fish-n-chips. You vegetarians have something to choose from too, with the glorified grilled cheese, a Mediterranean pasta, fried artichoke hearts and sweet potato fries. As of now, an extensive list of beer and wine is only available, however, the East Atlanta Icehouse hopes to be receiving their liquor license very soon…hopefully sooner rather than later!

Even when I went to the Icehouse on a late Monday afternoon, there were a plethora of people to be found… from an infamous local bartender to tattooed men in overalls to a beautiful Puerto Rican girl wearing an army hat to the man just off work and desperately needing a beer to the owner himself. Enjoy a brew with friends outside on the expansive patio, eat fish-n-chips inside the comfortable pub or see a rock 'n' roll show in one of the most state of the art music venues in town. Either way, the East Atlanta Icehouse seems here to stay…so check it out!

Upcoming Shows:

Sun. Sept. 7: Sinsei/Broken Machines

Fri. Sept. 12: Antic Clay & the Long Holy Train

Sat. Sept. 13: Sleep Therapy/Sunday Drive-By/Morning Lights

Sun. Sept. 14: Besides Daniel/Crumsy Pirates/John Emil

Thurs. Sept. 18: Playground Rivals

Fri. Sept. 19: El Caminos/Chet Knight & the No Disciples/Trophy Wives