Located off I-20 and south of Little Five Points, East Atlanta Village (EAV) is a neighborhood that offers a quirky, diverse and unpretentious balance of living.

It's a walkable part of the city that has both an edgy urban vibe and a small-town feel. Community is important to this pocket of ATL; there's a farmers market every Thursday from April to December, and many of the restaurants, bike shops, and other stores are locally owned.

When you're ready for a belly full of booze and some late-night food you don't have to cook, EAV has your back on that too. From a night of dancing or just kicking back with friends over drinks, here are 5 reasons to stay up late in East Atlanta.

Gaja

491 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Suite A, Atlanta. 404-835-2126.

If you want your night in EAV to last, get started the right way with a stomach full of yummy Korean food. You'll find this hot spot tucked back in a parking lot off Flat Shoals Avenue − there's a door with a small square window, almost unmarked if it weren't for the sea foam green painted around it.

The closest things to broad crowd pleasers at Gaja in East Atlanta Village are the entrees, which come served on aluminum cafeteria-style trays. (Beckystein.com)

Credit: Becky Stein

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Credit: Becky Stein

From your first steps inside, you're greeted with surprise. The space is unexpectedly large with soaring ceilings, and its exposed concrete walls are minimally decorated with vintage Korean film noir posters and neon lights. It's a casual place for a sit-down dinner or a stop for a snack in between late night shenanigans.

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The Earl

488 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-522-3950.

A place to eat, drink, and catch the latest array of musical talent, the Earl is integral to the character of EAV, and not just because of its graffiti bathroom art.

Some of Atlanta's most treasured indie rock acts such as Deerhunter and The Black Lips filled its stage before graduating onto larger ones, and just about every night of the week this bar doubles as a music venue. Whether you're a serious music listener or someone who wants to drown in PBR until last call, the Earl is a low-key place to do just that.

Kansas Bible Company performing at The Earl

Credit: Courtesy of The Earl's Facebook page

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Credit: Courtesy of The Earl's Facebook page

Argosy

470 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-577-0407. 

With a nautical theme and a nod to mythology, this watering hole features New American fare and a vast selection of craft beers. For being so big, Argosy fills up quickly, but there is a quieter lounge spot located in the back. It's got subtle lighting, games galore and its own small bar to accommodate your needs.

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Mary's

1287 Glenwood Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-4411.

This EAV bar is quite the opposite of your typical Atlanta gay bar. The crowd is eclectic, mixed with gays, straights and drag-queens. It's less about standing around and judging others and more about dancing and having a couple of cocktails.

ajc.com

Credit: Hyosub Shin

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Credit: Hyosub Shin

Its diversity is unmatched. For instance, the Madonna-Rama is held at Mary's every year on Madonna's birthday (Aug. 16). Fans rock out to her songs all night, and some show up in costume. You never know what's going to happen at Mary's, but you are promised an exceptionally good time.

Graveyard Tavern

1245 Glenwood Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-622-8686.

The Graveyard Tavern has got you covered for all your after-hours needs: drinks after a night of live music or a late-night round of pool. This staple in EAV offers weekly events like half-priced wing night, "Nerd Trivia" and service industry nights. Complete with couches, video games and a variety of beers, Graveyard Tavern is well equipped for a laid-back hangout experience. The Basement, a dance club located under the tavern, doubles as a hangout for someone seeking a more high-energy environment. It attracts performances from local, regional and national bands and DJ's.