Food Issue - Game on

8 cool places to eat and play in the A

The Highlander

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This is about as grungy as Midtown gets. Drink cheap booze and enjoy above average dive bar food while kicking ass in pinball, air hockey, or the coin-operated pool tables. There’s trivia at 8 p.m. on Sundays, D.R.U.N.K. Bar Bingo at approximately 9:30 p.m.on Mondays, or hit ‘em up on Tuesdays (11 a.m.-9 p.m.) for bottomless buckets of crab legs for $24.95. 931 Monroe Drive N.E., Suite C-101. Midtown. 404-872-0060. www.thehighlanderatlanta.com.

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The Independent

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Located directly above the Highlander, the Independent has board games aplenty, dartboards, and a room full of charge-by-the-hour regulation-size pool tables. The menu includes typical bar fare: fried apps (ravioli, green beans, mozzarella sticks, etc.) and sandwiches. 931 Monroe Drive N.E., Suite 205. Midtown. 404-249-9869. www.independentatlanta.com.

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Topgolf Midtown

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A new addition to Atlanta’s game bar scene, Topgolf is a state-of-the-art golf-tainment facility complete with a driving range, booze, food, pool tables, and more. A spot on the range costs $25 an hour before noon, $35 an hour from noon to 5 p.m., and $45 an hour after 5 p.m. Make sure you bring five friends — the maximum number of people per bay is six — to split the bill. 1600 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. N.W. Westside. 404-475-4000. www.topgolf.com.

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Joystick Gamebar

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Located on one of Atlanta’s most happening streets, Joystick Gamebar has numerous vintage arcade games, board games, and a great cocktail program. (Try the ginger snap slushie.) Bust out those quarters and have a few drinks before making your way down to the dance joints. Watch out for talented chefs running pop-ups out of Joystick’s kitchen, too. Chef Joey Zelinka’s Babcia’s Pierogies is operating there now. 427 Edgewood Ave. S.E. Old Fourth Ward. 404-525-3002. www.joystickgamebar.com.

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Twain’s Brewpub and Billiards

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This Decatur watering hole is perfect if you want to drink house-brewed beer, eat tasty food made with ingredients sourced from local farms, shoot pool, throw darts, and even play shuffleboard. Twain’s provides all the necessities a family could want for an early evening of fun. After 9 p.m., the kids have to go because it’s time for of-age folks to let loose. 211 E. Trinity Place. Decatur. 404-373-0063. www.twains.net.

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Bada Bings

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Located within walking distance of Georgia State’s campus, students of drinking age often post up here to order pitchers of beer (hopefully after class) and play beer pong, ping-pong, billiards, corn hole, and Jenga. 349 Decatur St. S.E. Old Fourth Ward. 404-600-6484. www.badabingsatl.com.

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Ormsby’s

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If your wardrobe consists mostly of cute dresses or collared shirts and salmon-colored shorts, you’ll fit right in at Ormsby’s. Order craft beer or a stiff liquor drink from Ormsby’s underappreciated whiskey and Scotch selection. After a couple of those, everyone you encounter playing shuffleboard, darts, and pool will feel like a friend from your former Greek life. 1170 Howell Mill Road. Westside. 404-968-2033. www.ormsbysatlanta.com.

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The Painted Pin

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One of America’s favorite pastimes gets a chic update at the Painted Pin. The posh Buckhead bowling alley serves fancy and fun small plates such as soy- and ginger-glazed edamame and meatball queso fundido. There’s also a full menu of gussied-up sandwiches, salads, tacos, pizzas, and a dedicated section for tater tots. The bar specializes in classic cocktails, but has a stellar wine and beer list, too. 737 Miami Circle N.E. Buckhead. 404-814-8736. www.thepaintedpin.com.






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