I'm not sold on the burgers and I'm thinking people say they are better than the Vortex only to be different and go against the grain. This review may have been tainted by the incredibly long wait to get the food (on a Monday night!). I will have to say that the sweet potato fries, dusted with cinnamon, served with a side of cranberry dijon sauce, was incredibly delicious. They also serve Strongbow on draft, which is always a plus in my book. read more

5 stars because although the Earl may not be "as good as it gets" in just one aspect, all of it's features combined make it one of a kind. Bar, restaurant, dance floor, concert venue and weekend hang out spot. You can bring your dog and sit outside in the warmer months or mellow out in the concert room. There's also a cozy little couch area in the music room that's perfect for getting close to your date. Acoustics are pretty good- it gets loud but you can always wander over to the bar for cheap PBR to dull your senses. I pretty much always get PBR when I'm at the Earl, or in East Atlanta in general. It just seems like the right thing to do. So now that the music/bar part is covered, lets talk food: -Hummus and pita: ridiculously good. I didn't think a hummus platter could be so satisfying. Massive quantity, lots of soft toasted pita, olives and carrots. Do it. -Jerk chicken: I ordered this once, but never again. It's just too much food, too many flavors and too much work. Messy, but good if you're into the "tear meat off the bone furiously for one bite" kind of thing. -Burger: Very good. Cooked (usually) perfectly, thick and juicy. Definitely a safe option. -Hot dog: WOAH. Love this. So cheap. Authentic New York style (at least in my narrow suburban New Yorker view)- toasted to perfection and the fries are the super thin kind that you can smother in condiments and dive into. -Meatloaf, Philly Cheese Steak, Cajun chicken salad: The boyfriend's top picks. All in all, the "bad" Earl is bad in such a good way. Whether venturing out for a bar-hopping excursion, live music, a night hanging out with friends, a good meal (or preferably ALL of the above)- the Earl is your place. As a sidenote- The Earl usually has live music during the day on Sundays with a special brunch menu (get the smoked salmon omelet!) Much more mellow than the regular scene, Sunday's at the Earl are ideal for a hungover brunch with fellow hungover pals or even just sitting alone with a book, soaking up some acoustic tunes. read more

OOOOOhhhhhh Earl dog... One of the best dogs I've had. Tomato diced, julienne peppers, jalapenos, red onions and melted cheese. The bun is lightly toasted and perfect! The Dog and a side for 7.75! Speaking of sides.. Great O-rings... crispy, airy, and perfectly seasoned. As for "fancy pants sides" their house salad with roasted red pepper vin was a great addition to my meal. Don't like smoke? Don't go in... read more

I don't come here for the food (which ain't half bad, but let's face it -- its bar food). I don't come for the atmosphere either -- a dive where everyone ingests first or second hand smoke while displaying their skin art. I come here for the shows -- a place that showcases great bands on the verge, ones that play because they actually enjoy making music, before they make a career out of it. Its the kind of place that up and comers will stop by, on their tour through the south, where only 100 people will show up, but you better believe that 70 of them are fans who own everything that the band has put out. Its a place where Mastodon would have played, before they were Mastodon, and you got to see them when tickets were only $10 bucks and beer was $4. Whatever you're into, whether its indie rock or sludge metal or alt-country, you're likely to catch a rising star play here, before they're headlining at the Tabernacle two years later. read more

The Earl is, hands down, one of my favorite bars in Atlanta. The food is great (if you haven't had the burger, get it!). The jukebox is great. The bartenders are great. The shows are usually great. And it's located in a great neighborhood. Some of my most favorite moments with my friends happen at the Earl. For example, one random Sunday evening, two of my friends and I ended up in a video (and no, it wasn't girls gone wild or anything like that). I also have seen some very good shows at the Earl (which I won't list because there are way to many). All in all, this is a great place. Get a booth and check out the stuff on the wall (the moose with the human ear is my favorite). read more

The Earl appeals to a wide range of people. Some come for the awesome shows in a small venue. Others for the strong drinks in a dive atmosphere to relax with friends. Others for dinner with a group to enjoy the rare instance of delicious food in a bar. Whatever you come for, you will most likely have a good time. The Early was one I my favorite places to meet up with friends in East Atlanta. I really clicked with the laid back crowd and appreciation for good food and music. It can get super busy at the bar, but be patient and polite and you'll get your delicious drink in no time. read more

This is my favorite spot to see local music in Atlanta. The Earl burger is crazy good as well - I get mine with garlic goat cheese and tater tots. Just go. It's awesome. read more

A true legend in East Atlanta, in Atlanta for that matter. Everyone likes the EARL! The backroom music venue features hard rock, punk, and other bands. You can fight it out with your friends on which cheap beer to order: PBR or High Life. read more

Don't get by here much anymore because I forgot to take my anti-aging pills some while back, and it just doesn't seem right anymore to smoke a pack of cigarettes and see how many High Lifes a grown man can really drink. That being said, if you like to slowly put on those skinny jeans, muss up the hair, and dawn your favorite thrift store find before going out, you might want to check this place out. Like bands? The Earl's got em. Everything from local aspiring pizza cooks to veteran indy acts. Like your rock and roll loud? Man, you've hit the jackpot. Stand next to the speakers to really "feel" the music. Man, it's like your really there. Wait, you are there. Smoke 'em if you got 'em! Cigarette smoke bothers you? Whammy. People smoke like a chimney here. Not the place to hang out and try to kick the habit. Hair, all smoke. Clothes, all smoke. Personally, I don't mind. Good food for a bar. One of the better dive burgers in town and a good brunch. Keep your wits about you. For awhile this place was known as "Fight Club" on the weekends. Sorry dude, you had it coming. :) read more

I actually never had the food here, but this is the best music venue and value in all of Atlanta. It has the quality of bands that play the 40 watt, but in a room that's even smaller. Love it. On another note, now that I am an adult and I don't like to stay up past 12 on a weeknight, I understand what all those people with real jobs were complaining about when I was in school and going to shows. Can the headliner plleaseee start at 10 instead of 11 or 11:30? It's Wednesday for cryin' out loud. Anyways, that's all. Earl = #1 read more

Good ole EARL, always there when I need you. This is by far my most frequented bar in Atlanta and no matter what the occasion (and it's good for just about everything, except maybe the elderly), I have always experienced maximum pleasure. Hats off to the staff for keeping things real! Should you be on the foolish side, as I sometimes am, and choose to dine/drink while nursing a cold, a hot toddy and a bowl of brunswick stew may be just what you need on a gray afternoon. When the weather is mild, the windows are open and the mood swings up, although I can't recall it ever being down. Sunday Dunch is one of my favorite past-times (when I don't have to work afterwards... errr), and yes, it will be crowded. Every meal I've had here has been scrumptious, whether it be a giant salad or a giant burger. The sweet potato fries are the bomb diggity. In addition to being my favorite bar, this is also probably my favorite venue. Even when the space is packed it is still possible to slither your way along the wall and up to the bar. They book most of the best shows in Atlanta and the sound guy makes it happen. Sometimes the lights go on and it's "everybody out!" (to the main bar), but I live for the post-show bliss where a dj takes it to 11 with some James Brown. All in all, the EARL's got mad clout and has me hooked. read more

The issue i have is the food is not consistent. I have came here and been served really good food especially the three little pigs burger. BUT sometimes it's not very good I guess it depends on who is working. read more

A good local spot in EAV. I used to come here a lot when I lived in Altanta. I came back not too long ago, and it was great as usual. I used to like the food, but we didn't eat on this last visit. I know they are known as a music venue, but I never really went to shows here. read more

I went to see some of the members of the group heiroglyphics perform. Waiting at the bar, the producer of the tour walked out in a beanie with a San Francisco giants logo printed with the word trees embedded in the logo. I give him a nod of recognition and he's wondering if I can help him out with some plants. Coincidently so, I was with someone that could and long story short, I got to share cabbage burning with the entire set for the night. I also met 4 eyez. Bar was very well run and bass was pretty perfect at this venue, not too low and just slightly high" read more

When here while visiting my brother in Atlanta. It was my husbands birthday and he thought it sounded good. Food was good. Beer was good. Not in the best neighborhood. The fried okra was great! My husbands burger was way better than my patty melt. The onions were still crunchy and the meat was overcooked. read more

This is a solid place to grab a drink and see a show in EAV. Service is slow so either grab drinks from the bar or become a regular- the only time I go is with my friend who frequents the Earl enough that the beer and boiled peanuts are at the table a couple seconds after he sits down. Which reminds me: the boiled peanuts are addictive! They are spicy and hot and not mushy at all. I will go just for the boiled peanuts. I'm giving one whole star *just* for the boiled peanuts. I've had other food here and I've never been disappointed. The shoestring fries are great. Warning: It gets really packed in here on the weekends and they allow smoking inside. read more

This was one of my favorite spots when I lived in Atlanta. They host live indie artists from time to time also. Friendly staff. Try the Irish Nachos. You won't be sorry. read more

The Earl is one of my favorite places to see shows. I've seen some awesome bands here (Beach House, Here We Go Magic, etc.), and it's always amazing to see beloved artists so up-close and personal. The drinks are strong, the crowd is fun, and if you're hungry, the food is tasty. Speaking of food, they have a great vegetarian selection. Two thumbs up for that! Good stuff :) A word of warning - they DO allow smoking inside (for the most part). The occasional artist will request a no-smoking show, but usually there is smoking both in the bar and in the venue section. If you're sensitive to this, be prepared. It doesn't bother me at all, but it's worth noting for others. read more

Everything about the Earl is okay except the cheap beer which is awesome. They aren't raping on drink prices like some of their EAV neighbors so kudos for that. Do not expect fancy stuff like a drink menu. This isn't that place. You can smell it when you walk in-it's bar first and foremost. The food is okay. The selection leaves me wanting and I've never eaten there and felt like bragging about it. They do have the shoestring fries which I like. It's seems like you can never find a seat outside which sucks if you don't like the smoke smell. read more

My review is entirely for the concert venue. I will update if I eat here. My biggest complaint was the people/crowd control. We brought tickets for a show in advance. The hall is all the way in the back down a tight hallway. The venue space was large and felt real divey. The beer selection was real simple and cheap. We got in and noticed that there were signs that said "No Smoking Tonight", that was related to one of the bands requesting no smoking. Despite that, people were still smoking in front and in back of us. The crowd was fine to watch for the first two bands, but when the band we came to see came on, it got out of control. At one point someone threw a glass bottle in the air, which hit a woman in front of us, and no one did anything about it. The space seemed really cool at first and I was really excited for the show. My main question/concern is where was security. read more

WOW! This was the worst bar I've been to since I moved to Atlanta a few years ago. The service was so awful that we asked for the bill shortly after our food came because we couldn't get any service. This place is a cliche hipster hangout. Anyway, we waited for 10 minutes before anyone came up to us. He said he'd be right back to take our orders. Seven minutes later, he had not returned, so I went up to the bar to order. The 20-something bartender with glasses and a Hitler haircut was rude beyond belief...and really uppity, at that. Our server, who eventually came around, was rude, too. He barely spoke to us and did not come back to check on us. The bartender with the glasses put our food in front of us without a word. Needless to say, we won't be going back. read more

Want to see a restaurant dying a slow and painful death? Stop in at the EARL sometime. The place used to be the place to be seen and be scene, and lately its a desert, almost complete with tumbleweeds. Sad because its had the sexiest wait staff since the beginning, great bands performing in the back venue, and stiff drinks. What happened? They stopped doing good business in music in this town. The staff got a little too cocky- kicked out one too many patrons for complaining, and slacked ass one too many tables when people were there to dine. The drinks got more expensive all of a sudden. The Graveyard got Preston Craig to start throwing parties. The Midway opened right down the street- which is unfortunate because that restaurant will bring in the crowds of Aholes EAV has avoided for so long. The EARL deserves a better death, but they are losing their handle on cool by being too cool for too long. The food still is delicious and cheap. The drinks could be cheaper but they are still strong. Somebody save this sinking entity! I will miss you EARL, don't die... read more

Skinny jeans and unwashed emo bangs are not a requirement at the Earl. The bands are good and the shows aren't overpriced like some of the other venues in town. You can also buy tickets to upcoming shows at the bar and pay NO SERVICE FEES! The food is good and the bar and waitstaff seem to be chill and down for whatever. The crowd is chill and laid back. The drinks are reasonably priced and strong. read more

If you don't already know about the Earl, then you probably won't like it. It's filled will happy people drinking PBRs and Miller High Life with reckless abandon. So if you don't know what that is like....you won't like it. If you are one of those people that whine about the smoke...you won't like it. This place gets some amazing emerging band from around the world. Really good food for a bar and voted one of the best burgers in town. And if you did not know this too...you will not like it. I for one....love it!! read more

Today'special: The Italian Sammie-delicious!!! A must eat. Once again, another great meal at The Earl!!! read more

The Earl - Dive Bars Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Otherwise known as The EARL. Known for it's great show venue and awesome burger, this is a great spot to start and end the night. National and local acts play in the back room, while the restaurant and bar upfront serves outstanding bar fare. Standing room only in the show room. read more

First the positives: $2 High Life tall boys-even I couldn't pass this up! The space in the back is great for shows. The tots were yummy. Parking was a breeze (it was a Tuesday night so maybe it's worse on weekends). The burger was good, although it was a lot closer to medium well than the medium rare I had ordered. Now for the drawbacks: that place is sooooo smokey. And the bartenders were smoking while standing at the bar. Not very appealing. The service was a bit slow and not very friendly. I would go back if it were to meet up with a friend or see a band that I liked. Otherwise, I can think of plenty of other places that have better food, service, and less smoke. read more

I recently made a very ill-advised move away from Atlanta, and while there are tons and tons of things I desperately miss, The Earl is at the top of my list. It's the one place I can truly call a hang out, the place where I ate and drank cheaply, saw some awesome shows that didn't financially devastate me, and the place where I spent every single night of my last week in Atlanta just being with friends and soaking it in as much as I possibly could. Honestly, there's nothing exceptional about The Earl. It's your average neighborhood restaurant/bar. The concert area is dim and often smoky. I'm not crazy about the lighting. But the physical nature isn't what appeals to me. There's a special atmosphere at The Earl. I can't quite explain it. It's just an unassuming little hole in the wall, but it's my unassuming little hole in the wall. There are few places I would rather be. ::sniff sniff:: I love you, Earl. I'm sorry. Will you take me back? read more

I've had a couple of experiences at EARL so far. The first was shortly after we moved into the house last August and sought out late night grub after unpacking boxes. We were surprised at the late night full menu offered. It was great food, good service and huge portions. We were happy with everything except the smoking allowed inside the place. More recently I headed over there for a quick dinner on my own. I ordered a BBQ sandwich and it came with a side. I got a baked potato and when asked. I got a couple toppings to round out the spud. Fast forward to my check when I was surprised by the total being $2 more than stated on the menu. So I asked to see a menu and when I questioned the charge the waitress (I wish I remembered that ungrateful chick's name) replied the extra charge was because of the toppings. I'm fine with that if it was on the menu, but it wasn't. When I write that she begrudgingly removed the extra $2 I mean she walked off in a huff like I was the cheapest jerk on the planet. Now, I pay pretty well for good service. But when I handed her $7 for a $6.50 check and had the gall to WAIT for my change she stomped off. I was done with her and she's lucky she got 48¢ more than she deserved as a tip for my table. I haven't been back since, but I would hope that that was a one time thing. read more

They have the best hotdogs in Atlanta. I've seen some great shows here as well but always come back for the Earldog. I don't drink so I have no idea if it's a good bar. Five star Angus beef tube steaks for real. read more

The Earl is my new favorite place for Sunday brunch! I've never been there during the week to try their everyday menu, but I was really impressed with their offerings on a hung over Sunday morning...well afternoon, but it felt like 6am to me! I won't lie, the reason I love the place is because it is veggie & vegan friendly. Hooray!! (try the tofu egg scramble-YUM!) This place definitely has the Austin, Texas, whatever goes, vibe that I love and miss! You can find just about any type of person there-like seriously. It was a flavorful mix of hipster, goth, highschool football players missing their golden days, downtown prissy chicks, good ol' "i got married to my highschool sweetheart at age 19" southern folk, you name it-they got it! There was some banjo playin' band that started playing around 1, and it definitely solidified the anything goes thing they have going on here! I really wasn't expecting the tambourine action, but it was kind of amazing. All in all, I really enjoyed myself! The food was great, the prices were low, the bathrooms were clean, and neither your coffee cup (nor your mimosa glass) will ever go empty with the attentive staff! read more

The best dive bar in the known universe....I love the earl because the music is always good,ive seen 30+ shows here and if your a good tipper the bartenders treat you very well the next time you come in.You will never leave here sober.Ive walked in for a beer and a shot and crawled back out.. Brunch is also the shit,The mother and child omelet is a chicken omelet.... disturbing but delicious.... You mite see a few hipsters,but they can be ignored...plus they cant see you anyway because they never take off their pink sunglasses..... even at night. Go there....eat the Earl Nachos with chicken and black beans and drink no less than 8 PBRs and 4 shots of Jameson and enjoy all the locals that make this place rock. read more

The only reason I'm giving two stars is because of how awesome the onions rings were, and ho nice ONE of the bartenders acted. Me and a friend walked in around midnight and sat at the crowded bar and was immediately asked what we'd like (okay, awesome start). I'm not sure of his name, but he got us our drinks very quickly, but unfortunately after serving us our onions rings we never saw him or any other type of service again. The other bartender was quiet to put it nicely. My glass was empty and sitting at the edge of the bar, as this is what I saw the locals doing and he automatically took their empty beer bottle and replaced it with an ice cold one. My friend said he looked at me several times, why he didn't ask if I wanted another drink..I have no idea. I know, I know..its a bar - speak up and ask him for a refill, but being in a strange area on top of already being a bit quiet..it takes me a few drinks to get bold. Also..at other bars I'm accustomed to being asked "want another" as I'm on my last sip. The last straw was when he asked the two conversing couples sitting next to us (and i mean elbow to elbow) what he could get them to drink, but they said that they were waiting for their food first. I expected him to turn to us and ask us if we needed anything..but alas, he walked down the bar then propped himself up against the glasses with his arms crossed. Overall: food was awesome, but the bartenders could be friendlier.. read more

The EARL boasts some of the best food at any bar I've been to in ATL, great burgers served a variety of ways (Bleu Cheese, Bacon & Mushroom... OMG) as well as daily specials like meatloaf, and a decent assortment of appetizers and snackables like some bomb-ass nachos and PBR battered alligator tenders. The alcohol selection is great, with ample selections of bottles and drafts, and all the liquor you'd expect at a proper bar. My only complaint with the bar / restaurant area is the jukebox is always SO DAMN LOUD YOU HAVE TO SHOUT AT THE PEOPLE RIGHT NEXT TO YOU. I'm not some old fart; everyone I know who's been there agrees. If they'd just turn it down a little, it'd be so much more enjoyable. At least it's mostly good stuff in the jukebox... Their music venue in the back is also excellent, a mid-sized room with a corner stage. Good sound system and sight lines. You're likely to encounter unconventional acts at the EARL, assorted indie rock, post-rock, electronic, hip-hop, comedy, etc. They may seem a bit elitist, but so what. They book good acts outside the mainstream and fill a vital need in East Atlanta, especially since the Echo Lounge shut down. www.badearl.com will fill you in on the rest, like concert schedule, menu, etc etc etc Check it out. read more

Great place to dine. Must try is the hamburgers! What a great combination, of dining and seeing live bands play here!

First time being here. Pretty decent sized club. Saw Drag The River here. I haven't been to a ton of Atlanta music venues yet. Wish the bar had a few more craft beers available as my choices seemed to only be Ranger, A Night On Ponce, or Sweetwater 420. Sound was good. read more

I don't hang out here often enough. The chili is amazing. Some of my fav bands/musicians play(ed) here: Michelle Malone, Rachel Sage, Laura Veirs. It's got lots of tables. I've never had to wait for much of anything - food, a table, a beer. The prices are just right. The servers/bartenders are great. And I always feel super stellar sharing a bar with bikers. Why? Because bikers rock. Oh and I've never had a burger here that I didn't love. And when you say medium rare, you get medium rare. Man, I need to go back soon! read more

These three stars go only to the stage area in the back; the food and service here have been lackluster for me one too many times to truly enjoy, so the two empty stars go to the restaurant half. Seriously, how many times can I go and be told the black bean burger is "supposed to off the menu because we don't serve that anymore!" Yet I find out later that isn't true? Lying to patrons isn't the best way to get them to come back, and quite frankly I've given up on ever getting to try this supposedly good black bean creature. Elusive menus aren't my style... guess I'm not hip enough to get the joke, or maybe I simply can't read the fine print through all the smoke. Either way, those two blank stars are for you, restaurant! As for the stage area in the back, it's nice. I enjoy standing around listening to bands and comedians alike, and it's a big enough space to hold a decent crowd yet intimate enough that you feel like it's a private show. It can be a little loud and drinks a little costly, but loud music comes with the word "concert" like the words "mother" and "mary" go together. It's just how it works. I'll probably continue to see shows here (assuming a band I want to hear passes through), but otherwise I won't be returning anytime soon. One note: Not good for groups either! A waitress sneered at me - and later lied about that black bean burger - when I asked about a group of 12 or so. Guess she didn't want the tip. read more

Having only gone to the Earl for lunch, I can't speak to the dinner menu or the music. During the day, the Earl is a laid-back, quirky, inviting place that really breaks up the work day nicely. I've had many of the options: burger, dog, chicken sandwich, black bean burger, and some specials. The backyard-style burger is legendary (mentioned by the Wall Street Journal in the same breath as Ann's) and the dog has landed a spot on CL's list of 100 things to eat before you die. The sweet potato fries with cranberry dijon are fun, different, and addictive. Although less sexy, the shoestring fries also hit the spot for me. Some favorite specials among my crowd have included quesadillas, gumbo, and gezpacho. Frankly, I've never been disappointed with anything I've eaten there. Same for my lunch buddies. And the prices are fair for what you get. I don't have too many complaints - the service can be a little slow and inconsistent at times, but i never go when I'm in a hurry. The cigarette smoke usually clears pretty well, but not always. The diet coke usually tastes like a bar mat because it comes out of one of those soda guns that bartenders use for mixers. And then there's the pangs of jealousy I get when I see other customers that look like they woke up recently and don't have to go back to work. All things considered, though, the Earl is a pretty awesome place to eat. read more

UPDATE: ok so my last review was a long time ago and was one of my first visits. I come here alot. But lately its like..they stopped ventilating or something..I mean there was like 15 ppl eating and smoking (which ISNT ALOT!!)..and my eyes were BURNING. i don't mind smokers. But GEEZ get the ventilation going! I had to lower my rating by one star and its a shame because i really like this place. --- PREVIOUS REVIEW good burger good beer cool atmosphere. that rhymed. just recently went to a couple shows here in thier "venue" section.. really cool, it has its own bar so you dont have to go out to the main bar in the resturaunt. over really cool, though it got REALLY smokey and ended up leaving cuz my eyes burned. and i stunk like an ash tray..but overall it was cool. you can easily spend like 3 hours here and it fly by.. read more