GA has 3 of most ‘legendary’ dive bars in the South, Southern Living says. Here’s why
Live music, cold drinks and friendly faces. Once you find an authentic dive bar, nothing else compares.
And in the south, there’s no shortage of fun-filled dive bars with delicious cuisine and good times all around.
In fact, Southern Living just found 25 of the most ‘legendary’ dives bars in the South and three Georgia bars made the list. Here’s more:
Nowhere Bar in Athens, GA
Address: 240 N Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30601
Why it’s special: “If your definition of an authentic dive bar is the appearance of pool tables and sound of live music, then Nowhere Bar is a shoe-in,” said Kaitlyn Yarborough at Southern Living. “The dark bar has both and draws in large crowds to listen to bands playing on a red-lit stage. You’ll find eclectic Georgia Dawgs memorabilia, as well as monthly Jazz nights and country music nights.”
The World Famous - Athens, GA
Address: 351 N Hull St, Athens, GA 30601
Why it’s special: “This brick-walled dive in downtown Athens boasts a regular lineup of local indie musicians, and people of many different strokes frequent at all hours of the day and night, as it’s open from noon to midnight seven days a week,” according to Southern Living.
The World Famous dive bar is also known for its “famous” southern cuisine like the chicken-and-waffle club sandwich or pretzel bites with honey mustard made from local honey.
Johnny’s Hideaway in Atlanta, GA
Address: 3771 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342
Why it’s special: “This iconic lounge and dance club in the Buckhead area of Atlanta sees a bustling crowd of patrons of all ages, from twenty-somethings to seasoned regulars in their sixties and seventies,” said Yarborough.
Johnny’s plays legendary hits from Frank Sinatra, Otis Redding and Michael Jackson, but don’t forget the number one rule at Johnny’s: no drinks on the dance floor.
Which dive bar is your go-to? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
This story was originally published October 31, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "GA has 3 of most ‘legendary’ dive bars in the South, Southern Living says. Here’s why."
