With the recent opening of Leon's Full Service in Decatur we got to thinking how many of our favorite restaurants and bars around town once served gasoline. Of course now when you stop in to "fill ‘er up" it has a whole new meaning.
This quirky converted gas station in College Park is the sister location to Oakhurst's Universal Joint and the Standard. The spacious patio is a great place to stop on your way back to or from Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. Nothing says welcome home like a cold beer and a good burger.
In the 1950's the corner or Collier and Peachtree was a Lon & Son Bridges Service Station. Now as Central City Tavern it is the place to get a late night bite or hang out on the deck.
870 N. Highland Ave. has a long history of being a filling station of one kind or another. It began as the Langford Brother’s filling station before being converted into several restaurants including RJ’s Cafe, and most recently Dish. This time around it’s the Diesel Filling Station a neighborhood pub whose website claims it is accepting applications for "regulars" feel free to apply in person.
While it is associated most recently with the tragic shooting of bartender John Henderson in a robbery back in January, this Grant Park chill spot is set in a renovated Standard filling station. It has a clean, open-air ambience with art hung walls, crisp lighting, soothing décor and style. Enjoy bottled beers from around the globe or a glass or bottle of wine. This hip spot has a menu that is anything but standard. Start with boiled peanuts or a pretzel and move on to a pimento cheese sandwich or even a chicken gyro with fried okra.
Universal Joint is a staple of the revitalized Oakhurst Community. This neighborhood pub is housed in what used to be a full-service gas station. Cool architectural features such as old garage doors open up to the patio where pets are welcome. When it's cold and rainy it’s the place for good beer, great food and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere.
And these are just a few. We could have also listed Watershed, Rolling Bones Barbecue and several of the La Fonda and Fellini's locations. Where is your favorite place to fill your tank? Make a playlist and tell us.
