This 64-year-old tavern is known as much for its politics as it is for its food and drinks. But according to Thrillist, its nachos are among the 10 best in the country.
“(T)his homey old-school neighborhood joint has long been a refuge for Eastsiders in search of rousing conversation, personable bartenders, a diverse clientele, and, funnily enough, the best (expletive) nachos in all of Georgia,” Thrillist wrote.
» This is the best Mexican restaurant in Atlanta, according to AJC readers
This neighborhood joint is Manuel’s Tavern.
Manuel's is named for former DeKalb County CEO Manuel Maloof, and has long been a favorite watering hole not only for "legions of faithful nearby residents, but for journalists, and state and local politicians — most often Democrats."
Manuel's menu includes Big Stan's Brunswick Stew and the Loaded Dogzilla, but its nachos, according to Thrillist, "come out blazing hot, nestled under an avalanche of homemade jalapeno cheese sauce, diced tomatoes, crunchy shredded romaine, green onions, jalapenos, sour cream, and your choice of BBQ pulled pork, chicken, chili, or black beans (hint: you want the pulled pork)."
Maloof bought Harry’s Delicatessen on Highland Avenue in 1956 for $11,000 and turned it into Manuel’s Tavern, with a bar that was saved from a fire at the Tip Top as its centerpiece. The location — a block outside of then-“dry” DeKalb County and the only place to get a drink near Emory University and Agnes Scott College — quickly made it a hangout for students, journalists, politicians and even police officers.
In 1992, then-nominee Bill Clinton and his running mate, Al Gore, joined former President Jimmy Carter at Manuel’s the night before buidling a Habitat for Humanity House. And in 2015, President Barack Obama ate at the Poncey Highland tavern.
No word on whether any of them had the nachos.
» Flashback photos: Manuel Maloof and his Tavern, 1978-2015
» Thrillist: Best restaurant at Hartsfield-Jackson is 'probably' best of all airports
» Atlanta restaurant among Thrillist's 24 best brunch spots in US
About the Author
