Ask anyone who lived in Atlanta during the eighties or nineties about the best place for a stiff drink and a burger, and they’ll probably point you toward a memory of Crescent Avenue. That’s where the story of Vickery’s Bar & Grill really took root. It wasn’t just a restaurant. It was a scene. A vibe. Basically, it was the heartbeat of Midtown before Midtown became a forest of glass luxury high-rises.
Opening its doors back in 1983, it was the brainchild of three guys—Sam, Chip, and Jerry—and a dog named Dave. They wanted a place that felt like home, and they found it in an old house built for a woman named Margaret Vickery. Rumor has it that Margaret Mitchell, the author of Gone with the Wind, used to hang out there just to escape her own house down the street. Whether she actually scribbled notes for her masterpiece there or just came for the company, that history seeped into the walls.
Then, the original Midtown spot closed in 2010. It felt like the end of an era for a lot of us. But honestly, the spirit didn't die; it just moved south to Glenwood Park.
The Move to Glenwood Park and What Changed
If you're looking for Vickery Bar and Grill Atlanta GA today, you won't find it on Crescent Avenue. You’ll find it tucked away in Glenwood Park at 933 Garrett St SE. It’s a different environment, sure. The old house is gone, replaced by a modern, airy space with booths, a long-stretching bar, and a patio that actually lets you breathe.
Some regulars from the old days were worried the "soul" wouldn't survive the transplant. Transitioning from a historic Midtown house to a planned urban development is a big leap. Yet, the owners managed to keep that "everyone is welcome" energy alive. You still see people in suits sitting right next to folks in paint-stained t-shirts. That’s the magic of a true neighborhood bar. It doesn't try too hard to be "cool," which, in a city like Atlanta that is constantly trying to out-trend itself, is a massive relief.
The Food: Coastal Southern Meets Caribbean Heat
The menu is a weird, wonderful hybrid. It’s coastal Southern cuisine, but it’s got these sharp, spicy Cuban and Caribbean influences that keep things from getting boring.
📖 Related: Is there actually a legal age to stay home alone? What parents need to know
You’ve got your staples, obviously. The Fried Green Tomatoes are a must—served as a tower with feta, pesto, and marinara. It sounds like a lot, but it works. Then there’s the Lowcountry Sauté. This is the heavy hitter. It’s a bowl of shrimp, crabmeat, crawfish, and andouille sausage swimming in bourbon butter over creamy grits. It’s rich. It’s messy. It’s exactly what you want on a Tuesday night when life feels a bit too heavy.
Some people swear by the Classic Cuban sandwich. They roast the mojo pork in-house, and they don't mess around with the substitutions. It's pressed right, it’s crunchy, and it hits that salty, tangy note every single time. And if you’re a fan of heat, the Jerk Chicken with fried plantains and raspberry mayonnaise is a sleeper hit. The sweetness of the mayo against the char of the jerk seasoning is... well, it's a choice, but it’s a good one.
Why the Atmosphere Works (And When It Doesn’t)
Let’s be real for a second. No place is perfect.
Vickery's is known for being lively. On a Saturday night or during Sunday brunch, it is loud. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic corner to whisper sweet nothings, this probably isn't the spot. It’s a place for big laughs, clinking glasses, and the general roar of a neighborhood catching up.
Service can be a bit of a mixed bag depending on the crowd. Most of the staff, like Reagan and Yaz (who've been mentioned in plenty of local circles), are legendary for their speed and personality. But when the place is slammed during a Falcons game or a sunny brunch, things can slow down. A few people have grumbled about management being a bit stiff when the stress levels rise, but honestly, that’s the reality of any high-volume Atlanta joint.
👉 See also: The Long Haired Russian Cat Explained: Why the Siberian is Basically a Living Legend
The Drinks Situation
They call it a "friendly bar" for a reason. The cocktail list is surprisingly creative for a neighborhood grill.
- Mango Unchained: Bourbon, mango puree, and an absinthe rinse. It’s a lot smoother than it sounds.
- The Hugo: Refreshing as hell with Ketel One Cucumber, prosecco, and mint.
- The Bloody Marys: These are legendary. They come pint-sized and potent.
They also keep a solid rotation of local drafts. You’ll usually find Scofflaw or Three Taverns on tap, keeping the local ATL brewery scene represented.
The Brunch Legend
Sunday brunch at Vickery Bar and Grill Atlanta GA is its own subculture. While half the city is waiting two hours for a table in Buckhead, the Glenwood Park crowd is tucking into Crab Cake Eggs Benedict and stacks of pancakes.
The Lox and Bagel platter is a solid choice, but the real winners are the savory dishes. If you can handle seafood before noon, the Catfish and Grits will change your life. It’s soul food that doesn't feel like a lead weight in your stomach. Plus, the outdoor seating is prime for people-watching. Glenwood Park has a very specific "stroller and dog" energy that makes for a peaceful morning before the afternoon crowd rolls in to start on the champagne cocktails.
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a common misconception that Vickery’s is just a "rebound" of the old Midtown spot. People think it’s trying to recreate 1983 in 2026.
✨ Don't miss: Why Every Mom and Daughter Photo You Take Actually Matters
It's not.
It’s evolved. The Glenwood Park location has its own identity. It’s more family-friendly now. They have a kid's menu that actually has healthy options, which is a far cry from the smokey, booze-heavy nights of the original Crescent Avenue location. It’s grown up, just like the people who used to frequent the old spot.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you're planning to head over, keep these things in mind to make the most of it:
- Parking Hack: Don't just circle the block. There’s parking available on the side of the restaurant, but it fills up fast. If you're coming for brunch, get there 15 minutes before they open, or prepare to walk a bit from the residential streets.
- The Order: If it's your first time, get the Low Country Seafood Saute. Don't overthink it. It’s the signature dish for a reason.
- Timing: Tuesday through Thursday nights are the "sweet spot." You get the full menu and the great atmosphere without the crushing crowd of the weekend.
- Seating: If the weather is even remotely nice, ask for a table on the patio. The interior is great, but the Glenwood Park breeze is better.
Vickery's remains a cornerstone of the Atlanta dining scene because it understands consistency. In a city where restaurants open and close within six months, staying relevant for over 40 years is a feat of strength. It’s about the food, sure, but it’s mostly about the fact that when you walk in, you feel like you belong there. That’s something you can’t manufacture with a fancy interior designer or a viral TikTok trend.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check their current hours before heading out, as they occasionally host private neighborhood events.
- Review the daily specials board near the entrance—they often have seasonal catches not listed on the main menu.
- If you're bringing a large group (6+), call ahead. Even though it's casual, the space is compact and fills up quickly.