Legendary Gay Bar Atlanta Eagle Is Reopening in Midtown – Eater Atlanta

September 26, 2022 News Editor

After closing two years ago, one of Atlanta’s oldest and most legendary gay and leather bars is reopening in Midtown, and right before Pride next month.

Atlanta Eagle closed in March 2020 as part of a mandatory statewide shutdown of bars and restaurants throughout Georgia in the early months of the pandemic. While restaurants were allowed to reopen for takeout in April 2020, bars remained closed until June, eventually reopening that summer at only 35 percent total capacity. Unable to sustain business, Atlanta Eagle officially closed in the old Kodak Building on Ponce de Leon Avenue in November 2020.

Owner Richard Ramey announced earlier in September Atlanta Eagle is taking over the Midtown Moon space at Ansley Square shopping center on Piedmont Avenue. Ramey says Atlanta Eagle should reopen ahead of the city’s annual Pride festival, which begins October 7 and runs through October 9. Pride events hosted by Atlanta Eagle are already in the works. The bar is known for its dance floor and for hosting drag show performances and karaoke nights throughout the week.

“As we were exiting the building [on Ponce de Leon Avenue] it became a historic landmark. . . I desperately tried to get in touch with the landlord to maybe let us come back to that location . . . but that was not successful,” Ramey says in a video posted to Facebook. “There were a lot of people working behind the scenes to secure us a location.”

In an interview with What Now Atlanta, Ramey says he plans to add a bigger dance floor and is looking to offer food via the Eagle Cafe in hopes of becoming “everybody’s bar” in the neighborhood.

“We are hopefully going to give the community a day spot to come and enjoy,” he says. “And then for those of us that are used to the Eagle at night, we’re still going to offer that as well.”

Atlanta Eagle served as a catalyst for changes within the Atlanta Police Department, following a 2009 raid by APD that led to firings and lawsuits and the appointment of LGBTQ liaisons to the department. [FB/WNA/WABE]

Brash Kitchen no longer opening at the Works

The all-day cafe and bar from Stop Think Chew and Daily Chew chef and owner Julia Kesler Imerman and Brash Coffee founder Chris McLeod is no longer opening at the Works complex along Chattahoochee Avenue. Instead, the space is becoming an espresso bar from Brash serving light bites and pastries.

“Stop Think Chew and Brash are still committed partners in the Atlanta community. Customers can find BRASH Coffee being served at Daily Chew,” a representative tells Eater. “Additionally, Brash and Stop Think Chew are planning to partner on some healthy grab-and-go food options for the new Brash location at the Works.” [Official]

Hot Betty’s Breakfast Bar closes ahead of relocation in Tucker

The popular breakfast and brunch spot on Main Street in Tucker is temporarily closed ahead of a relocation. A notice posted to the restaurant’s website indicates owners Shea Powell and Wes McNeil plan to keep Hot Betty’s in Tucker. Rumors surrounding the possible closure of Hot Betty’s began last week, but nothing was official until Friday, September 23, when the temporary closure and relocation message appeared on the restaurant’s website. While a reason for the closure on Main Street isn’t provided, sources indicate a disagreement with the landlord over building fees may have led to the decision.

Enzo Italian Steakhouse opens at Town at Trilith

Enzo Italian Steakhouse opens Tuesday, September 27, at Town at Trilith in Fayetteville, a planned community across from Trilith movie studios in south metro Atlanta. Backed by chef Andrea Montobbio and Carmine Noce, the menu for Enzo centers on Northern Italian dishes and steakhouse fare, including pastas like orecchiette and clams and lamb lasagna and steaks such as a dry-aged tomahawk chop with all the accoutrements. Entrees like a whole roasted branzino and rotisserie chicken are also available, along with appetizers of crispy stuffed olives, hamachi crudo, and fig and prosciutto flatbread. Look for a mostly Italian wine list, beer, and Italian-leaning cocktails from the bar. Enzo seats 180 people between the dining room, bar, and dog-friendly patio. Lunch and brunch should begin in the coming weeks. [Official]