The Independent

This is my favorite bar in Atlanta.  They've got a huge selection of drinks, drink specials, beers on tap, and entertainment. There are several pool tables in the back, a juke box, trivia, and more. Plus there is a menu with small appetizers. I recommend the fried zucchini!

Note: It can get really smokey, as smoking is permitted. Also,the parking lot gets filled up fast on weekends.

I was in the area and didn't have much planned so I thought I would check it out with a new female friend. First, I saw The Highlander under The Independent and I was excited to see they had air-hockey, coin operated tables and some outdoor seating as well. Since we came to go to The Independent I said we'll check out the Highlander on another night and we went upstairs. The first thing I noticed was the new pick your music jukebox (seems pretty common in Pool halls now) and the bar. I went up to pick out a stick and the lady behind the bar said she would get the balls for me. No mention of price was made, but I figured... its a pool hall and it is listened as $ on the site--no worries. When we got the balls, she asked if we wanted anything to drink, I said I was very thirsty so I'd love just a water for now, and the female followed suit. I downed the water in less then a minute and left the cup at the bar. No offer for another one was made and no follow up on if we wanted more drinks was made. We played pool for a little less then an hour and I came up to close my tab got ignored a bit then got a slip for 8.74. Either I got charged for waters (unlikely) or this pool hall is 9/hr! The tab does not break down any charges. I went to the website, no pricing, I called and

Compare this to the pool hall I was just at the other night (free tables)! I would have said something but I didn't want to deal with it in front of my date honestly.... just be warned. A few hours and a few drinks here and you'd be looking at spending 40$

Something I've noticed about what people here call "dive bars." If it allows smoking, has a tattooed server, and they serve fries with everything, then it qualfies as a "dive."

If it has a pool table, used furniture, and a jukebox with music considered obscure in the 80s and 90s , then this "dive" gets a badge of distinction. Really? Is that really all it takes?

Methinks that you will find plenty of the same (minus the music), if you're willing to drive 10 miles out of the city. Except out there, they don't call it a "dive." Get the city kids to feel as if they're slummin' and suddently, it becomes cool.

Back to this place.  It is a place made for drinking and shooting pool with a small group. They have trivia here too, but if you don't like the smoky air, then you will want to stay away. Service is good, the fries are good, the turkey sandwich sucks, and trivia night is pretty laid back. That pretty much sums it up, dive or not.