Manuel’s Tavern added to National Register of Historic Places

Atlanta’s iconic Poncey-Highland neighborhood bar Manuel’s Tavern has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation.

Atlanta’s iconic Poncey-Highland neighborhood bar Manuel’s Tavern has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation.

Atlanta's iconic Poncey-Highland neighborhood bar Manuel's Tavern has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of the nation's historic places worthy of preservation.

The pub, located at 602 North Highland Avenue, was added May 29, according to a press release from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta on 1328 Peachtree St. NE was also added.

“We’re thrilled that we’re that thought of,” owner Brian Maloof said.

The National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Named after Brian Maloof's father, DeKalb County's longtime CEO Manuel Maloof, the tavern opened 64 years ago and has long been a popular spot for nearby residents and politicians.

Brian Maloof said the pub isn’t planning a celebration for the honor. The business reopened its indoor seating area Monday at a third of its capacity.

Last week, Gov. Brian Kemp cleared the way for larger gatherings, allowing bars and clubs to reopen as long as they comply with a set of 39 mandatory measures.

The state's 39 reopening guidelines require screening workers for illness, limiting capacity to 25 people or 35% occupancy capacity and adhering to social distancing and sanitation guidelines.

“We’re just glad to be open,” Maloof said.

In other news:

Learn more about the historic downtown Atlanta landmark in the AJC's "5 things to know" series.