Nestled on the train tracks of two of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods, Cabbage Town to the west and Reynolds Town to the east, is the bar and restaurant The Depot , a circa 1900's train station that is recognized by the National Historical Registry. The inscription above the main entrance reads Atlanta and West Point Railroad. Two large gas burning lanterns will guide you through the front door and into the ticketing area (the frosted glass door on the left) where you can get on board for good food and good drinks and where the knowledgeable and friendly staff in both the restaurant and full service bar will help guide you on your way to an all around great experience.

The Place:  The decor within the hull of this old train station boasts a row of long hanging cathedral lights made of iron and antique glass. A row of black leather booths accented by large rounded lights and big paned windows will catch your attention on the right. Two leaning bars that become quite popular as the crowds thicken highlight the mid section of this gem. However, the main attraction is its long, gorgeous, mahogany bar with in ground leather bar stools on brass poles and a foot rest, which is an actual train rail, spanning its length. Two large bottle rowed mirrors featuring many vodkas, bourbons and a smattering of scotches and tequilas are separated by five latch and lift windows that open up to what is a whole new world of festivity and patio partying action; an outside bar that is hidden under an awning rowed with Bermuda style ceiling fans. Imagine a bar with dual personalities. Indoors is warm and mahogany filled with a rich feel of scotch or cognac; the outside is beach-y and sun kissed with a sense of margaritas and Coppertone. The very quaint sunken patio always seems to have an on demand ocean type breeze flowing through it and umbrellas, flowers and other perfectly place flora makes this outdoor oasis extremely comfortable and highly coveted. Get there early if you want the good seats.

The Food & Drink:  The menu has something for everyone’s taste and/or dietary needs. Perhaps one of the more appealing treats is the raw bar that is centrally located in the restaurant and is a focal icon. A neon sign sends off a lighthouse type warning to patrons letting them know “we shuck’em, u suck’em”. Chef John Wells tantalizes guests with a variety of styles such as steamed, Florentine and BBQ among others.  The All Aboard Fries, hand cut and smothered in nacho fixings, are a great intro when having a beer or two and will curl your toes. Signature dishes such as the Cowcatcher (bison burger), Choo-Choo Chop, fried crawfish tails and the fried chicken plate are only a few of the exquisite dishes offered here.  Definitely leave room for dessert, most notably the homemade ice cream sandwich.  They also boast a fascinating selection of beers by the bottle or on tap. You would be hard pressed to locate any other bar in this city that can offer you a cold beer and a super frosted mug to boot.  The wine selection is eclectic and could easily bring a side grin to even the most pretentious of wine snobs. It is a mixture of varietals from California, Oregon and Chile just to name a few. The Meritage bottles, as well as the bubbles, are highly recommended, and the Luenta Porseco is to die for.

The Features:  The Depot has nights (and days) during which the locals flock to it out of sheer lack of resistance. Mondays, from 5 p.m.-12 a.m., for a mere $5 per dozen, one can be in half-shell oyster heaven. Droves of oyster lovers hover around the oyster bar snacking down on the pearls of the Gulf Coast.  Tuesdays, $4 will get you a Tito’s Vodka martini, made just how you like it and mixed with Tito’s Vodka, handmade in Austin, Texas. This is an all day event at the Depot that has gained in popularity since its inception.  Wednesdays feature retro music trivia where music trivia meets the can. The aluminum can that is. PBR, Old Milwaukee, Schlitz, Miller and any other retro beer you may imagine appear on the menu. It is a hoot of a time that is quickly gaining more participants, which makes it that much more fun.  A definite don't miss is the Sunday Jazz Brunch, which features a wonderful, flavor infused brunch menu and live jazz and vocals. 

The Depot
904 Memorial Drive SE
Atlanta, GA