Vickery’s Midtown to close
Vic
kery’s Bar & Grill – a Midtown mainstay for more than 27 years — will close its doors after New Year’s Eve, according to a press release from its owners, the NightCap Food & Spirits restaurant group.
“Serving a simple menu and strong drinks, Vickery’s quickly became a favorite among Atlantans young and old, gay and straight, blue blooded and blue collared. Starving artists rubbed elbows with Atlanta’s powerful elite,” the release read in part.
Other restaurants in the group include Fontaine’s Oyster House, Steamhouse Lounge and the Vickery’s in Glenwood Park, which will remain open.
I used to enjoy Vickery’s for a burger and a beer once in a while but haven’t been in years. Still, it feels like another small chapter in Atlanta restaurant history closing — the last vestige of Midtown’s boho past.
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125 comments Add your comment
FEAR
November 29th, 2010
2:17 pm
Atlanta is such a dump.
Da Mick
November 29th, 2010
2:19 pm
The wonderful soul of the Atlanta I knew and loved has been all but snuffed out for some time now. Still, this is just one more stick in the eye. Sadly, like you John, I haven’t been to Vickery’s in some time.
It would have been nice to get the backstory on why it’s closing though, especially since the other restaurants in the group are to remain open.
Peter
November 29th, 2010
2:23 pm
I went there allot before Front Page News was a hit……. When I went back to Victery’s for the last time years ago, the food was awful. I am not surprised by the closing.
Vickery’s Midtown to close | CookingPlanet
November 29th, 2010
2:25 pm
[...] Restaurants : Vickery’s Midtown to close [...]
joe
November 29th, 2010
2:27 pm
John, its fair to say because you, Mick and many others have not been there “in years,” that’s a good indication of why they are closing. That, and suspect food. Steamhouse rocks, BTW!!
Glory Glory
November 29th, 2010
2:27 pm
I had my first legal drink at Vickery’s back in 2004.
But more importantly…..
(((((42-34))))) HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
GaDawgman
November 29th, 2010
2:35 pm
To Glory Glory
That’s right !!!!! GO DAWGS WOOF,WOOF,WOOF , SIC’EM…….
Mikey
November 29th, 2010
2:36 pm
Vickery’s was a longtime favorite for me. It will be missed.
Ed
November 29th, 2010
2:36 pm
I’m really surprised it lasted so long because the food and service were both awful. I’m sure that Atlanta will come up with yet another mediocre restaurant to occupy the space. Even better, what about another douche bag hangout like Flip Flops?
Fred
November 29th, 2010
2:39 pm
“I used to enjoy Vickery’s for a burger and a beer once in a while but haven’t been in years.”
- Which is why they are going out of business………….
Always Hungry
November 29th, 2010
2:41 pm
I think the Dawg fans are commenting on the wrong story…or are they just ignorant??? Wow, a 6-6 season is really something to brag about.
Atlanta Derek
November 29th, 2010
2:43 pm
your the Douche Bag just for saying that; Atlanta’s bar scene was built on casual bars like Flip Flops, we have plenty of stuffy bars/restaurants…so that youthful, energetic loud place needs to expand….
tiffany
November 29th, 2010
2:43 pm
not surprised. the last time i visited vickery’s midtown, the food had gone downhill… or maybe it’s that so many other, better restaurants opened in that time that vickery’s doesn’t feel fresh any more. i will miss their cocktails though. best drink value in town.
Buffy
November 29th, 2010
2:45 pm
Yes, my first visit I took a date to Vickerys in 1983 at the recommendation of a friend. Always liked the way it transformed nightly from low key eatery to , lets say, very interesting crowd after hours. Last there in about 2004, got robbed behind the restaurant on the way to my car (valet no less), with a date………….there you have it. The mid town thugs have ruined any idea I have of dinner on or near Cresent Ave. Bunch of low life boons. They will rob or shoot you for 20 bucks. Its sad.
Sam
November 29th, 2010
2:58 pm
Such a great spot – wonderful memories of MANY after work drinks (and snacks) back in my restaurant days. I still make it occasionally, but what keeps me from the area in general is the horrible parking situation!
joe
November 29th, 2010
3:00 pm
Orchestra Pit, Acme, CJ’s Landing, Lu Lu’s Baitshack, $3 Cafe…those were the days!
Old Atlantan
November 29th, 2010
3:03 pm
It doesn’t sound like anyone has eaten there in a long time. I’ve never heard of it.
DKNATL
November 29th, 2010
3:06 pm
I think Buffy is showing her age but she left out the Beer Mug!!!
Tequila Mockingbird
November 29th, 2010
3:07 pm
So sad to lose an Atlanta staple from years back. Been there a couple of times during the past 6 months. Food was okay, and service was good. Black & Blue salad is a consistent favorite, but the fries with pepper gravy will be missed. Seems the street repairs in front of the restaurant have been an obstacle to get into the front door for too too long. Perhaps that helped add it its demise? Anyone know for sure?
TPM
November 29th, 2010
3:07 pm
It is a great neighborhood to get robbed at gun point.
BPJ
November 29th, 2010
3:07 pm
I see the Atlanta-bashers are out today. Atlanta must be so awful; restaurants never close in other cities (especially not longtime neighborhood favorites which have declined in recent years).
Seriously, there are a lot more good options in Midtown (where I live) nowadays. Tamarind, Tierra, Empire State South, TAP, Table 1280, and Flying Biscuit are all worth a visit.
M. Johnson
November 29th, 2010
3:09 pm
I am a fan of the Glenwood Park location. It’s a great spot for Sunday brunch or a quiet meal. Sorry that the Midtown spot didn’t make it, but I will admit that the scene was a bit too busy for me.
Also, Steamhouse Lounge is awesome. All the best to this company for their commitment to Atlanta.
crabapplejoe
November 29th, 2010
3:10 pm
Lots of fond memories of Vickery’s…..it opened in 1983, the same year I started a law firm in Colony Square…we could see the neon “Vickery’s” sign from our office. Had many a “partnership meeting” there and my first date with my wife. The Cuban Lawn Parties were great until the city shut it down!
Tweets that mention Vickery's Bar & Grill to close | Food and More with John Kessler -- Topsy.com
November 29th, 2010
3:12 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by L.A., Tyler Lynch, Fire PARKatlanta, Brian O'Shea, Matthew Ficken and others. Matthew Ficken said: Nothing Good Lasts… Vickery’s Midtown to close: http://t.co/c0emsly [...]
findawg
November 29th, 2010
3:13 pm
everybody’s pizza in the highlands is closing, sad day! Life goes on, but i’ll miss the taps and the peeps…
DT
November 29th, 2010
3:14 pm
Atlanta is going to follow Detroit soon and I am blaming all of these conservatives here for its downfall. Atlanta was a thriving and progressive city but they have manage to choke the life out of it. And now they are scrambling and can’t understand why our city is losing so much money.
Atlanta was a haven for young people that offered entertainment and nightlife, but then they shut down Buckhead and all of the nightclubs. Built Condos everywhere which no one buys. They missed the point that people can here for the entertainment it had to offer but once you killed it what made you think people would move here and buy all of these condos?????
Now with ParkAtlanta terrorizing everybody. I have absolutely NO reason to come to Midtown or Downtown Atlanta only for work other than that I won’t step foot into it. That’s why Atlanta is losing it footing. Atlanta overall just turned into a dump and I guess it will continue do so. I am glad I live in Sandy Springs, I have everything I need. Good Riddance Atlanta!
Mark
November 29th, 2010
3:14 pm
Vickery’s, the Gallus,Capo’s, Micks (the orginal one) all gone. The areas has lost what was so attractive..off-beat, fun, ecletic, neighborhood eateries. They have been replaced by commercial places trying too hard to create an atmoshpere that has long left midtown.
Did I mention we had very little serious crime back then?
BRAVERY
November 29th, 2010
3:15 pm
FEAR — I-95 runs north and south, but if you need further directions on how to leave Atlanta, let me know.
MiamiCane
November 29th, 2010
3:17 pm
@Always Hungry- I completely agree… Why do UGA fans always have to find a way to turn everything into a pep rally? No one cares about a team with a 6-6 record.
dean
November 29th, 2010
3:17 pm
Lewis died. Hudspeth left for an enchanted place. Bisher retired. Clayton County is now a dangerous dump. Dekalb County is now a dangerous dump. Rockdale County is now a dangerous dump. Carroll County is becoming a dangerous dump.
“Atlanta. The city too busy to hate.” Not so true anymore.
I’m glad I got out when the getting was good.
LOL
November 29th, 2010
3:19 pm
DT…
1. Atlanta is not following “Detroit”.
2. There are still lots of great places to go in the city and if someplace closes, it usually gets replaced with something else.
3. If you people loved Vickery’s so much, why haven’t you been in years?
4. The only thing I agree with you on DT is that the conservatives here are morons.
WTF
November 29th, 2010
3:20 pm
I could have sworn that Midtown was dangerous and full of prositutes and drug addicts? What was so great about it before? A couple of “cool” restaurants?
Frank
November 29th, 2010
3:20 pm
It shouldn’t be a surprise that it’s closing because no one has been back in years. Look on the bright side, another open space for another burger joint! YEAH better jump on it. Sooooo excited for more GF burger options.
Flying Biscuit worth a visit? Sure, pick any of the 250 (proposed) locations. There’s a lot of them in the burbs… And just as southern mom and pop as you can get. Love them rock hard biscuits.
Every Thursday Night is Ladie's Night!
November 29th, 2010
3:21 pm
CJ’s Landing, Lu Lu’s Baitshack, $3 Cafe, Charlie Magruders, Good ol Days — oh lord, y’all are making me ill with 80s-90s nostalgia overload. I certainly didn’t make any memories worth keeping at those places myself, but I respect that a lot of people had good times there.
Those were part of a different breed of nightlife places for a different kind of scene that doesn’t exist here anymore. The Atlanta of that era had it’s charms, but new generations and different trends demand new hangouts. Incidentally, if you feel like stepping into a time warp back to the circa-1990 Atlanta bar scene just for fun, make a road trip to downtown Augusta, GA on a Friday night.
Tim F
November 29th, 2010
3:21 pm
I did a lot of business with Vickery’s in the late 80’s and always found the owners to be sound, professional business people. Sorry to see it go. NNNW Corp!
Cleo
November 29th, 2010
3:21 pm
There’s a couple of things converging here:
1) the economy
2) the tendency for a lot of older restaurants to get set in their ways, never rework the menu, never remodel, never shake up the staff, never do promotions, events or much advertising.
3) restaurant goers (esp in Atlanta) always moving on to the newest grazing grounds.
Restaurants, especially older established ones, occasionally just need to shake off the dust and close for a couple of weeks, remodel, rework the menu, retrain staff and stage a reopening.
Midtowner
November 29th, 2010
3:23 pm
Oh well, looking forward to something new and better! If it was so great all of you whiners should have frequented it more often!
Tweets that mention Vickery's Bar & Grill to close | Food and More with John Kessler -- Topsy.com
November 29th, 2010
3:25 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by jbrotherlove, AtlantaDining, webinista, Melinda, alli royce soble and others. alli royce soble said: RT @AJCFoodandMore: Vickery’s Midtown to close http://bit.ly/fTZq01 [...]
Paul From Milton
November 29th, 2010
3:25 pm
A lot of angry, anonymous people on here today. I would hate to live a life full of hate. It seems so limiting. RIP Vickery’s.
Bob from Accounttemps
November 29th, 2010
3:26 pm
Lots of new eateries in the vicinity have clearly taken their bite (including Noon, Ra and yet another new Mexican/Taco place). Personally, I always get it confused with Front Page News since they both seem pretty similar. Sorry to see them go.
FEAR
November 29th, 2010
3:26 pm
@BRAVERY – I wasn’t aware that I-95 came anywhere near Atlanta. Perhaps your Ag school education failed to cover basic map reading skills?
In the Know
November 29th, 2010
3:29 pm
DT, you must have the dt’s if you think conservatives “shut down Buckhead”. The thugs who moved in from southside and downtown and turned it into “hip hop murder and mugging central”, scaring away the people who made it into a great entertainment area are the ones who “shut down Buckhead”. Don’t think there were too many conservatives in that group.
surfrider
November 29th, 2010
3:29 pm
The best black bean soup in town plus great burgers and good service at a reasonable price. Hard to find anywhere nowadays.
rufus
November 29th, 2010
3:31 pm
Lets see who really goes back…Clarence Fosters. Claibornes? Awesome.
And of course someone has to blame George Bush for Vickerys closing. How is life on that planet I wonder.
longtime here
November 29th, 2010
3:34 pm
Remember the Crossroads Restaurant? Long ago, it was one of the few places you could get a beer or a drink on Sunday in Atlanta, let alone outside the city (the perimeter highway was just being built).
Atlanta’s long time growth is really about the lifestyle and the plentiful jobs for the under thirty set. Its true, the city leaders wanted to take the party lifestyle out of Buckhead. Which they have accomplished. Its also now true that bars and entertainment are available every where in the metro area. So, there isn’t really going to be any one place, anymore.
joe
November 29th, 2010
3:35 pm
@ DT…to further what In The Know said (spot on BTW), The city of Atlanta is run by some of the most liberal people on earth, so blame them for all the corruption, crime, etc. Conservatives haven’t had the run of Atlanta in some 40-50 years, so get your facts straight.
FEAR MONGER
November 29th, 2010
3:37 pm
My family and I ate a Vickery’s two weeks ago. Food was OK, service was very good. Street and sidewalk construction were a major hassle. And for people scared of Midtown because of crime, I’ve worked and lived downtown and in Midtown for 30 years and never had a problem. I guess the bad guys can smell FEAR coming.
ATL
November 29th, 2010
3:38 pm
Vickery’s was another old line restaurant long past its prime–
though it lives on at other locations…
As for Atlanta… the city proper that is– it seems to be thriving, over 120,000 new residents in the last 9 years or so… facts are facts…
and as for those ‘moronic conservatives’— well that I couldn’t agree more–
and many of them are Atlanta ‘haters’… Well at least that keeps the small minded away from the city proper…
ATLL
November 29th, 2010
3:39 pm
What about Bell Bottoms – that was the best place in Buckhead. Seriously, Atlanta really is a horrible city. Mayor Reed is focused on prescription drug discounts instead of managing our issues. Atlanta is a sad, sad excuse for a ‘big city’.
DaTruth
November 29th, 2010
3:44 pm
Didn’t that Vickery’s location pretty much start that entire crescent ave. restaurant / bar scene?
Dan
November 29th, 2010
3:44 pm
I will miss the PIALIA….(hope I spelled it right) LOVED VICKERYS…. so sorry, but change happens in this city just like in NYC….Nikimotos is to become 5 Napkin Burgers…. more upscale for the neighborhood.
Bobby
November 29th, 2010
3:47 pm
Conservatives have totally destroyed Midtown. In the 70’s and 80’s Midtown boomed with gays and straights working together. Who can forget the Sunday brunches at the Gallus! Then came the subtle “family values” crowd and Mayor Shirley shutting down BackStreet and harassing gay bars with APD thugs at the Eagle. Mayor Reed talks the talk but permits continued harassment by APD of non-conforming Midtown visitors and residents. Let alone the parking hassles of Park Atlanta. Thus, many of those who made Midtown work and built it up found ourselves moving to the suburbs.
I remember when Vickery’s opened. What a shame. As Margaret Mitchell would write today if she were alive, Atlanta is “Gone with the Wind.”
In my case I’m old enough now to be able to at least enjoy the memories of Midtown.
Cletus
November 29th, 2010
3:47 pm
Atlanta is so HORRIBLE! I have no reason to leave my Habersham County compound and go there.
SteveO
November 29th, 2010
3:49 pm
You people sound old… and fat.
CJ
November 29th, 2010
3:49 pm
Their food is really good, but they chose to allow smoking inside. That really makes it a miserable place for a meal.
Sorry smokers, but if you can’t have dinner and wait an hour for a cigarette, you should stay home. Fresh air was here first!
Ferris Oxhyde
November 29th, 2010
3:50 pm
Sorry that such a venerable dining institution is closing its doors… but now there’s more room for the new World of Sid and Marty Krofft!
Bobby
November 29th, 2010
3:51 pm
@SteveO: I am old, but not fat. I still run marathons and half’s.
Richard
November 29th, 2010
3:52 pm
Good place…delicious black bean soup, and that Cuban Rueben! I will miss it.
tom Houck
November 29th, 2010
3:53 pm
I was there on day one. Vickery’s was pioneer of Midtown’s rebirth. Indeed in my day, I have said one last taste too many times to count. This is sad news. I so hope Chip,Sam and Jerry will find a suitable replacement.
NinaJ
November 29th, 2010
3:53 pm
Awwww….such GOOD MEMORIES at Vickery’s. In the day, it was the hot spot for after work. I was one of the regulars and knew the entire staff and the owners. Guess I’ll visit the Vickery’s in Charleston. Truly, Thanks for the memories.
GONE WIT DA WIND.....
November 29th, 2010
3:53 pm
I remember the “old” Vickery’s with the Pecan-encrusted Chicken & the Cuban Lawn Parties. Legend has it that Margaret Mitchell used to drink there in the days before it became Vickery’s, so there is alot of history in that house. Hopefully it wont become another burger joint, sports bar or frozen daquiri emporium…
JD
November 29th, 2010
3:54 pm
That’s a shame. I moved to Charlotte 5 years ago, but I always enjoyed lunch at Vickery’s. They make a fine Cuban sammich.
mike killian
November 29th, 2010
3:55 pm
OK, since we’re waxing all nostalgic, does anyone remember the Pharr Side? Great bar on Pharr Rd across the street and down from Steamhouse Lounge. Way too many nights bouncing between it, Good Ol’ Days, Steamhouse, and CJ’s…
Lowcountry Dawg
November 29th, 2010
3:56 pm
My wife’s Uncle used to manage Vickery’s for a while…he’d certainly be sad to hear abou this…
GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!! 10/11
BPJ
November 29th, 2010
3:57 pm
Thanks, LOL and ATL, for injecting some sanity into the discussion. The city population has grown by 20% in the past 15 years, and the education and income levels of city residents are now above those of the rest of the metro area (a reversal from 20 years ago). Crime in Midtown is down.
Again, restaurants close all the time in every city. (As for Flying Biscuit, I had a good meal at the one at Piedmont & 10th about a month ago. It was better than my last visit to Vickery’s, and the biscuits were just right [soft, fresh]; I don’t know about the other FBs.) Anyway, the restaurant choices in Midtown are the best they’ve ever been, and the majority are not chains.
For a burger in Midtown, the Vortex is the place.
Steve
November 29th, 2010
4:02 pm
Conservatives destroyed Atlanta? Since when was Shirley or Bill Campbell or Maynard conservative?
As for Vickery’s, I ate their last month.
Frank
November 29th, 2010
4:03 pm
What do you people have against more burger joints? ATL needs more GF options! To go with the fat and fried stuff. It’s either die from a gun shot or heart attack. I’d choose GF burger heart attack every time.
ATL needs another Flying Biscuit and Taco Mac, they are just too crowded when I want to take my bride for an incredible meal on a special occasion.
L-O
November 29th, 2010
4:04 pm
I used to love the grouper fingers. I gotta take the wife back one more time before they close.
raywalston
November 29th, 2010
4:08 pm
Ate there once years ago. Had a couple of drinks, ordered lunch. When it
arrived, there was a PILE of hair in it. I am not talking one or two hairs which
would have been bad enough, this literally looked like someone had trimmed
their hair into my plate. I had not been obnoxious or snotty. I am generally very
easy to please when I go out. Needless to say I did get very upset, called the
server over and announced loudly what the problem was. We got up and left.
Good riddance!!!
boots
November 29th, 2010
4:09 pm
I eat out all the time on business and with friends. I have eaten several times at Vickery’s in the past few years, and it is nothing to get excited about. Like a lot of old places, it might have some fond memories for people who got drunk there, but the food is hardly anything to wish for. I’m sorry they are closing shop, but the Atlanta food scene will not take a step backwards.
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & TIred
November 29th, 2010
4:11 pm
For me….the parking issue got to be way too difficult in the Cresent area. Vickery’s and Front Page News used to be the spots…sad to see Vickery’s go. If you could not get into any of the parking lots, then it wasn’t safe to park on some of those dark side streets in that area.
Suzie Thompson
November 29th, 2010
4:13 pm
My husband & I had our very first date at Vickerys back in 1996. We married in 2000, and this past May we went back to Vickery’s for dinner for our 10 year anniversary..it was as wonderful as I remembered…food was spectacular, service was impecable…we really enjoyed it..hearing that Vickery’s is going to close really saddens me…it’s been a mainstay to the heart of midtown…I’ll have to ask my husband to take me to dinner there one more time before it closes!!
Joe
November 29th, 2010
4:14 pm
What some people don’t understand is that if Atlanta fails, the whole region fails. Suburbanites outside the Perimeter should be rooting for Atlanta to succeed because Atlanta is the economic engine that drives the whole region’s economy. Tourists come here for Atlanta, not for Sandy Springs, not for Alpharetta, but for Atlanta. I just don’t understand the whole mentality of pitting city against city and county against county. There needs to be a regional approach and regional cooperation for this area to succeed economically and it’s completely lacking right now. I was up in Detroit for Thanksgiving and surburbanites up there support that city every chance they get. They WANT that city to succeed and grow, because they know that if that city fails, the whole region fails. It’s certainly not easy to root for Atlanta considering recent politics but if Atlanta were thriving as a city, we would all be the better for it. I lived in Chicago for 4 years and it was the greatest city I’ve ever seen. So much to see and do. You would think suburbanites in Alpharetta would want a city in which there is much to do.
ziza
November 29th, 2010
4:14 pm
i never thought the food at vickery’s was that good although the service was fine. so i always found someplace else to go that i liked better in the price point. i do like the glenwood park location though, the big bar area is nice and spacious. i agree the midtown location seems dated. and lol i used to get them mixed up with FPN also!!
Rick
November 29th, 2010
4:18 pm
Sad to hear but not unexpected. Ate there almost weekly in the late 80’s and 90’s. The Cuban Block parties were something to see. Even the mayor showed up. Their Cuban Chicken and black bean soup were the best in Atlanta. Unfortunately the quality started to drop starting in 2000. We went earlier this year and decided it was the last time due to service and quality.
thirdnlong
November 29th, 2010
4:18 pm
BOTTOM LINE …. it became to pricey for average food at best. They lost sight of what they used to be as the neighborhood restaurants became more upscale. If they had stuck to the original formula thye would still be going strong TODAY
joe
November 29th, 2010
4:21 pm
@ bobby…so, in your post you blame shirley and current mayor reed for their part in destroying midtown. Newsflash…they are NOT conservatives. Keep pointing fingers but you’d best start blaming liberals as they have been running, or ruining Atlanta for the past 40-50 years.
BULLSEYE
November 29th, 2010
4:21 pm
I remember Crossroads. They used to have a night that featured “all-you-can-eat” Lobster and it was fantastic. Does anybody remember Harry’s Steakhouse on Spring? I drank my first mixed drink there. A Zombie.
Moose
November 29th, 2010
4:21 pm
It never changed and that was it’s downfall. A great location, but a wore-out interior. Service and food were terrible. A fantastic porch, but that’s seasonal. With fantastic places like Empire State South and Ri-Ra opening in Midtown, Vickery’s could only survive if they reinvigorated their concept. They failed to do so, thus they are closing…
itpdude
November 29th, 2010
4:21 pm
I was never impressed with Vickery’s. A certain set talked about it like it was so great but when I asked the last time they frequented the place, the reply was largely, “oh, it’s been years.”
But take heart, the other locations and Fontaine’s are still out there.
outspoken1
November 29th, 2010
4:24 pm
I feel somewhat responsible for the closing. I have lived in Atlanta for 15 years and I have never stepped inside the place. I feel like if I had been there and liked it maybe I would have eaten every meal there and would have spent a whole lot of money there and it would stay open.
I feel like it is all my fault.
try and have a Merry Christmas everyone!
Money
November 29th, 2010
4:26 pm
@Ferris @ 3:50: Good one!!! That Chicken Fiesta Salad was so large, maybe Sigmund the Sea Monster was hiding amongst the lettuce… along with Johnny and Scott. LOL!!!
Buffy
November 29th, 2010
4:27 pm
DKNL- It’s Buffy with 24 inch bicepts………I took a date there in 83. Get a clue Colombo. DT and LOL, its not the conservatives.its the lame liberal city of Atlanta establishment that continue to let Dontavious, Jerktorious, Shoot Ya For 20Buckoreous, and all of his street thug friends roam the streets of midtown looking to jam a Tech student for her laptop that have people saying no to dinner at Vickerys. Cause their Daddies are not around to bust their A** when they get out of line. Simple solution, pull up your stupid pants and act like a citizen, not a zero.
Scrooge
November 29th, 2010
4:29 pm
“Blue collar”? – Perhaps in 1983, but any blue collar/straving artist type fled Vickery’s for the Steamhouse and Fontaine’s by the 90’s. been there twice and was not impressed. The food was OK, but nothing you couldn’t get at American Roadhouse or the OK Cafe for much less, and less Midtown pretense (a lot of celeb name-dropping). And, with a second Vickery’s (and Steamhouse/Fontaine’s) remaining open, an presumably thriving, this is a business decision.
The Truth
November 29th, 2010
4:30 pm
Atlanta is a great city. All you nah-sayers need to quit complaining. We have great food, fun bars, a great music scene and more hot women than you can shake a stick at. As for Vickery’s, sad to see another iconic restaurant/bar go, but that is the way of the world. I realize it is Monday but cheer up!
Joe, good comments!
Go Dawgs (terrible season, but Aaron Murray is a stud!)
Kelly
November 29th, 2010
4:31 pm
@ In the Know: Sadly you are correct and sadder still is the fact people refuse to take a look at the real reason Buckhead and other great places are on the decline. I am tired of people tip-toeing around the real issue to avoid being called racist. It’s time to get rid of the thugs. The only way to keep restaurants open and help Atlanta grow is to adopt a NO THUG policy. People of Atlanta should be able to feel safe walking to and from their favorite eateries.
Peter
November 29th, 2010
4:31 pm
The food sucked in the end…….that is why I stopped going, and Front Page News next door is now a favorite.
Howard Dean
November 29th, 2010
4:32 pm
LOL @ Bravery
Get dominated by FEAR you clown.
tim
November 29th, 2010
4:32 pm
I loved going there when I worked at Colony Square in the mid 1980’s. The cuban lawn parties were great and so was Dave the dog who “guarded” the place.
Jo Gilreath
November 29th, 2010
4:32 pm
I worked at Vickery’s from 1984 to 1991. It was a very special place. It is very interesting to read all the comments. The parking situation as of late was horrible. I think that it really hurt them.
I will always treasure beyond belief the time that I spent there and the memories that I have. There were so many wonderful people that I am still friends with that I met there. I will never forget Zell Miller and RuPaul sitting next to each other discussing politics, the Cuban Lawn parties (which were a nightmare for me to work but people loved them), Dave the Dog (RIP), and just the atmosphere in general. There is really nothing like it now.
twosnapsup
November 29th, 2010
4:41 pm
The restaurant business is cut throat even in the best of times. Most of them close within 2 years (or less), and that’s not just in Atlanta, it’s that way in every large city. I’m just surprised that as bad as the economy has been that many more restaurants haven’t closed than already have.
Oh, I almost forgot. FEAR, you’re an idiot. If you live here, please leave, and if you don’t please don’t visit. We don’t want you.
Joyce Scales
November 29th, 2010
4:45 pm
My late husband and I used to love this spot. We spent Valentine’s 05 there and he passed away later that year. We loved the ambience and the drinks were always on point. Sad to hear it won’t be there. I will definitely stop by while in Atlanta this weekend.
Bobby
November 29th, 2010
4:45 pm
@joe Just because Shirly, Reed are black does not make them liberal. Their policies toward Midtown speak otherwise. Thus, conservatives are still on the hook. Sorry to ruin your party.
Buffy
November 29th, 2010
4:46 pm
Kelly- Thanks for calling a spade, a spade, no pun intended. Some day we will all stand up,…………black, white, yeller, gay, straight, tweeners, all of us happy, kind, caring, fun loving, law abiding people and SAY NO TO THUGS. Back in the 80’s when Vickorys opened, if a thug gave you a hard time you could take him out back and kick his a**. Thus there were no thugs. Then we added pop guns and coward thugs felt empowered to back up their rap lyrics and ebonics by hiding behind a gun. I have news for any thugs. I have my CWP and carry. You approach me in Mid Town, uptown, downtown, Lenox which you ruined for everybody…….and start with your thug bs, I have a big suprise for you. Bunch a pop gun toting thugs who are afraid of their own mama if you take the pop gun away.
dd
November 29th, 2010
4:46 pm
probably the fault of those evil capitalist conservatives who think that an establishment should actually have to offer up a product that people want to buy, and will pay enough money for that the business can make an actual (gasp!!) profit. Naw…..that idea will never work.
Hey, here’s an idea…let’s make the government take it over, and re-open it using government money!!
Red Roosterette
November 29th, 2010
4:47 pm
We met at Petrus (now Opera) 20 years ago, and went to Vickery’s for our first date a few days later. Wanted something laid back but with one of a kind great food. Have been back several times since and actually walked by it this past Saturday night, stopped, mentioned our first date and kissed. Talk about karma
At one time, one of the few places I could find serious black beans. Just a really neat place and will go again before it closes. This Carolina Girl still likes the Charleston/Shem Creek location! Will miss you…
Atlantan
November 29th, 2010
4:48 pm
I used to love Vickery’s in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Tried it when our office was located nearby in the early aughts and it wasn’t the same and I haven’t been back. Great location I’m sure something good will take it’s place.
Diddy
November 29th, 2010
4:56 pm
I hope the Varsity is next…
joe
November 29th, 2010
4:57 pm
@ bobby, I didn’t say they are libs because they are black. I said they are liberal because they are Democrats…so your “conservative” label towards them is way off base. You may think they are conservative, but they are far from it. If we actually had a true conservative Mayor and rest of the city government, perhaps these thugs that killed buckhead and are now racing around midtown killing/robbing people might be in prison.
DD
November 29th, 2010
4:57 pm
DT
You know nothing about Detroit and yes Atlanta is going down the same road. The Lib-Democrates killed Detroit along with the unions thugs. The Aqua Cono killing of the CDC doctor ,do you think that was a conservative that killed that doctor who was killed for being politically correct. Who is doing all the killing like the bar shooting and car jacking in the Highlands, I’m sure it was the folks that voted Republican. Wake-up you have a mental illness called liberalism!
leslie nielsen
November 29th, 2010
4:58 pm
The Cuban lawn parties were a blast. NinaJ – hate to be the bearer of bad news but V’s downtown Chuckton closed 5 months ago today. I have many great (if not blurry) memories from both.
and don’t call me Shirley.
babs
November 29th, 2010
5:03 pm
flip flops is proof that the end of times is near, i wouldn’t wish that hole on my worst enemy…
Buffy
November 29th, 2010
5:06 pm
DT—————————OMFrigging GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I grew up in Sandy Springs. Lived ther beginning 1968, left in 1991…………………………..It is you thugs that have ruined Sandy Springs….just like Buckhead, Lenox Square. Heck, Stevorinos on Copeland Road in S Springs had the best stek sub on the planet. Good Ole Days for a pitcher on Sunday afternoon…………Sandy Springs is now THUGTOWN. Those condos and apartments on Roswell Road north of Abarnathy to the River, North Springs…..was very nice back then. Noe it is the HOOD. Thanks DT…….really appreciate ya.
Buffy
November 29th, 2010
5:10 pm
Longtime Here………………..yes….Crossroads……….$23.95……………….all the Lobster tail one could gorge. It was awsome.
Jeff
November 29th, 2010
5:12 pm
Crescent Street became all construction, taxi zones and $25 tickets. Vickery’s last nail was Park Atlanta. One valet kid’s own car was towed.
Buffy
November 29th, 2010
5:13 pm
Cletus…..we know where the compound is…………..and we can see the pot plants from up here……………..listen carefully…………….can you hear us……………….yes, thats us in the woods behind your compound………………………………………………………sleep tight.
fred
November 29th, 2010
5:24 pm
i think applebee’s could make a go of it at that locale…
wendy
November 29th, 2010
5:29 pm
flip-flops smells like a dead man’s jock.
Steve
November 29th, 2010
5:34 pm
Christy is the best bartender in midtown! Someone please tell me she will stay on Crescent Ave. This place has been an industry favorite for years and I am really sad to see it go
John Kessler
November 29th, 2010
5:42 pm
I loved the fact that our regular babysitter was a waitress there and she never gave me up as a restaurant critic when I stopped by…
Lisa
November 29th, 2010
6:10 pm
So sad. End of an era. All you people who are scared to go downtown weren’t cool enough to hang out there anyway. Dave, Cuban Lawn parties?? Never be anything like it again. The torn up street and ParkAtl were the final straws. RIP
Jim
November 29th, 2010
8:07 pm
I ate here in November. It was wonderful.
sallie
November 29th, 2010
10:06 pm
make way for another chilli’s
wino
November 29th, 2010
11:56 pm
I can’t believe that no one mentioned how many lovely ladies in the hospitality industry hung out there late night, and went home with us. I will remember Vickerys.
jacksonatl
November 30th, 2010
11:31 am
Vickery’s is a midtown institution that will be missed. It was one of the very first restaurants I frequented in the early 90s, and I continued to patronize it throughout the years regularly. I suppose it will be replaced by a) another mexican/southwestern restaurant, b) another tapas restaurant, or c) another asian restaurant…just what atlanta needs…:(
Kev
November 30th, 2010
4:41 pm
Mark said: “Did I mention we had very little serious crime back then?”
I moved to Midtown in the mid-80s and there was much, much more crime back then, in Midtown and other parts of the city, than there is now. Hell, Atlanta was ranked around that time as the most dangerous city in the country. Don’t let the Dunwoody Journal-Constitution take a couple of high profile crimes to scare you into thinking the city is more dangerous than it is.
Samiam
November 30th, 2010
11:03 pm
Any word on Highland Tap/
max
December 1st, 2010
12:37 pm
haha. midtown unsafe? that’s funny. i feel 100x safer around there than say…..Norcross with the ton of meth and associated gangs/addicts roaming around. Success lives there!
Buckhead moved to Midtown, in terms of nightlife and the charms are gone. Vickery’s unfortunately didn’t change or want to change plus their clientele don’t go or live near there anymore. And there are a TON more food options than before. When Manuel’s goes, then I’ll die inside.
max
December 1st, 2010
12:41 pm
DD – those people don’t vote. wake up man. i can see it now “hey honey, don’t forget to vote this morning on your way to steal that flat-screen with your colleagues”
Tom House
December 1st, 2010
1:00 pm
Jerry… say it ain’t so…
NativeATL
December 1st, 2010
1:10 pm
Based on the number of comments, this one has struck a nerve. I too celebrated my 21st birthday at Vickery’s and had my first legal drink there in 1985. I loved the patio and loved those bartenders! I will never forget being a DJ at Album 88 WRAS Atlanta and getting the chance to interview Joey Ramone when they were playing center stage. We went to Vickery’s after their show and hung out until 4 in the morning at the bar. He had such an inspiring time that he asked if he could go back to the station and guest DJ for awhile. Awesome! and Vickery’s was a huge part of that experience. You can’t take that away, sorry!
Ben Crook
December 1st, 2010
9:00 pm
OMG… too many PBRs and Grandma’s at that joint to remember.
The usual drill was to start at Rocky Mtn Pizza, then to Vickery’s. If it was a good night. We went home after Vicks closed. If it was a bad night we went back to RMP for more booze.
Thanks Vickerys! And to all those that worked there over the years.
Ben Crook
December 1st, 2010
9:08 pm
I have to comment on the folks Blaming “conservatives”. Are you serious? Have you lived in that ultra liberal city for so long that anyone who isn’t a flaming homo or black or hispanic is now automatically “conservative”. I hate to break it to there Village People but there is NOTHING “conservative” about Hotlanta.
I liked the old Atlanta too. I miss the killings in Buckhead. The muggings in Midtown. The thuggalicious wannabes harassing everyone. God yeah… bring that back.
Kev
December 2nd, 2010
12:59 am
“I liked the old Atlanta too. I miss the killings in Buckhead. The muggings in Midtown. The thuggalicious wannabes harassing everyone. God yeah… bring that back.”
Good thing you moved to that militia compound in the mountains.
Atlantan
December 2nd, 2010
4:23 pm
As one who has lived through many eras of Atlanta, it is very sad that so much of the places that held great memories are gone. And there are questionable choices being made, but also new positive ones. I will miss the old places, don’t care much about bars, however, there is so much good art, music, theatre, and other culture here in this city. If you don’t know, you aren’t looking. Atlanta has issues, but also has hope. If you want to slam my city, keep it to your own damn self. I’m not ragging yours.