Graveyard Tavern
“Graveyard Tavern,” they said. “It just opened!” Nevermind that “it just opened” is not exactly a recommendation. We went anyway, as our first real meal out in East Atlanta.
The place is strangely spacious, which is probably terrific when standing room becomes an issue, but our party of five was probably about 45% of the crowd the suppertime we spent there. We went, we got a booth (that was also startlingly spacious — it felt like my buddy was at another table) and we got our menus. First thoughts: Not a lot to choose from. The choice of “small plates” seems fine, but short. What’s there had better be good.
Gut reaction: Not bad. Fried calamari was fast as hell but still good, with fat rings of not-too-rubbery tentacles. Lamb panini was savory and subtly complex, but dry as any lamb toastie I had in the UK. Which is to say: quite. The grilled cheese (panini) looked and smelled really terrific, but is held up like the other paninis by one glaring absentee from the menu. Where’re the savory and subtle soups to go with all these sandwiches?
We missed the jazz but got a crash course on snooker. Play darts? You’ll be comfortable there.
As it stands, the Graveyard’s not going to be my new favorite joint, but I’ll go again and sample some dinner specials and music over time. They don’t seem to be doing anything wrong at the Graveyard, just leaving out one or two things I’ll bet they could do nicely. Time will tell.
I really dig Graveyard. The guys who own it are nice, even if the waitstaff is harried. Some of my friends are outraged – outraged, I say! – that PBR is so um, costly at Graveyard. But whatever. It’s a different scene for EAV, and I’ve seen such a wide range of patrons that it’s refreshing. I mean, it’s no Gravity basement, but it’s a nice joint. Oh, and I highly recommend the bruchetta app; the olive tapenade is like crack.
I’ve been a bit underwhelmed with the food at Graveyard, but the beer is good and it’s nice to have a non-smoking (until 10pm?) establishment in East Atlanta.
Notes of the Graveyard:
The thing that sticks out to me about Graveyard is how I don’t recognize anyone when I walk in. Hanging out in EAV for the past 6 years, I almost always at least see a familiar face in crowded bars/restaurants — even if I don’t actualy know the person.
Not recognizing anyone at Graveyard makes me think that the Graveyard’s owners are drawing neighbors who don’t enjoy hanging out in the more hipster-ish EAV bars. Or maybe it’s just the smoke-free thing. I think they may be catering to a market that none of the other ‘hood bars are.
To add something about the Graveyard I have to say like it very much. Good music, good food, good drink. The owner seems to be from the old school:treat customers well and they will come back.
The snooker tables are challenging for playing pool, so be wise: go slowly.
Also, I am very grateful to Victoria, a staff member. I left my graphite pool cue and case on the bar on Saturday, and yet a week later, I when I went back for it, she had it right there under the bar. Thanks, Victoria!!!
To add something about the Graveyard I have to say like it very much. Good music, good food, good drink. The owner seems to be from the old school:treat customers well and they will come back.
The snooker tables are challenging for playing pool, so be wise: go slowly.
Also, I am very grateful to Victoria, a staff member. I left my graphite pool cue and case on the bar on Saturday, and yet a week later, I when I went back for it, she had it right there under the bar. Thanks, Victoria!!!