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Categories: Music Venues, American (Traditional) [Edit]
515 N McDonough StDecatur (North-South, Northeast-South, East-West, Proctor Creek)
Mon-Thu. 4:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Fri. 4:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sat. 5:30 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
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Eddie's Attic is my absolute favorite place to see acoustic live music.
From the minute you walk in, the staff is friendly and accommodating. The drink selection is great, and prices are not bad at all. The menu is solid, with a great selection of anything from appetizers, sandwiches, and some really good desserts. Before the music starts, a staff member gets on the microphone, welcomes everyone to the venue, and makes sure that everyone knows that talking is absolutely not allowed in the main room, and lets everyone know that there are closed circuit monitors out on the deck where you can talk and make as much noise as you like. And, the best part, ITS ENFORCED. I have, on more than one occasion, seen a staff member approach people in between songs and ask them to please either quiet down or step outside.
Eddie's is one of the few venues I have been to, and I have been to A LOT, that truly is still about the music. Artists love to play there, and fans love to go to shows.
Sweat and spit. I'm not a fan of my own, but when it comes off an artist that I'm diggin' I'm surprisingly okay with it. That's just how close you can get to some enormously talented musicians that grace the stage at Eddie's. This is particularly true if you're feeling rich and buy a table for four.
Eddie's is really a landmark in Decatur and has hosted artists that grew up to be superstars. Not only is it a venue for the acoustically inclined, but also they serve up a fairly decent menu and beer/alcohol selection.
If you happen to be strapped for cash and can't quite afford a ticket you can always sit out on the patio and enjoy a frothy beverage as you wait for your favorite artist to pop out and sign CDs. The patio is covered, large and a great place to hang out even if you just want a bit to eat. Eddie's is one of the better small venues in Atlanta and definitely worth going if you've never been.
People thought this was:
The BEST place in Atlanta to hear music. Pro's- You can actually hear the music (no talking allowed), great service (Wendy is the best!), diversity (all kinds of people intermingle), good beer selection and price (except on the new Fat Tire. You can buy at Green's for $2.99 and Eddie's charges $7.99!).
Cons- The food has gotten too "fancy". I paid $7.99 for a burger. Just a burger and $4.20 for a Dixie cup of sweet potato fries. They used to have the best chicken tender basket with fries's (6.50 back then).
With the economy, the food prices have gone up considerably. (Got to make money somewhere)
For the music, it's the best. Just don't go for dinner.
We come here all the time to see live music. I love that it is a LISTENING room, though some patrons (particularly at late shows) sometimes forget that after imbibing. it is an intimate space, and I've found some of my favorite artists who happened to open for the act I intended to see. The writers in the round series are fun, and I recommend them. This is a great place to see up and comers or established rockers (a la Michelle Malone). Parking is easy, staff is friendly, seats are mostly comfy (can get a little packed sometimes). Good food and bar selections make Eddie's a great place to go for an excellent evening out.
People thought this was:
Make sure if you to Eddie's Attic you realize it's a "listening room" only. NO TALKING! I had no idea and was treated like I was a 2-yr old and spoken to with the most disrespect I'd ever experienced in my life from any venue I have ever visited. It's one thing to take you aside and "inform" someone about the expectations of the patron but it's another to tell them they are drunk and being obnoxious, especially when only one drink had been consumed at the time. So I thought I was going to listen to some live music at a bar I heard so much about...what I didn't know was that it was such an intimate setting.
I was pleased that the owner gave me half of my money back but I wasn't happy with how I was spoken to.
People thought this was:
An accoustic venue in the heart of Decatur square, close to MARTA and everything else.
I went here for a concert with a friend. THe place was packed. Standing room only seems to be the norm for bigger acts. I'm of two minds when it comes to the table situation (they cost more). On one hand it would be nice to sit down and watch the acts, but the tables themselves are pretty small and very close together.
I'm taller than average so I had no problem standing and seeing everything, but I'm not sure about others.
After the concert we had food on the outdoor porch. It was decent for what it was (burger chicken wings etc). Service could have been better, but once we got our order in (by walking over to the bar, ordering and pointing)...we were taken care of.
Not sure I'd goto this place if I wasn't watching the band there, but for an intimate acoustic setting it's very good
Eddie's Attic is a good plaace to hear live music. This is a small, intimate venue featuring various acoustic acts. My favorite performer is Jennifer Daniels who I discovered when I worked in Chattanooga. She lives on Lookout Mountain, TN and won an Eddie's Attic Shootout a few years ago. A great performer and storyteller along with her husband Jeff. Always a great show! She performed earlier this year for their new CD release, Come Undone with a full band and it was wonderful.
The tables are very close together and if it is sold out, it gets pretty cozy and crowded. You can order food & drinks and the menu has some unique items for a bar.
If Eddie's Attic had a frequent listener card, I would be the first in line bc I swear my boyfriend and I make the trek from Mableton to Decatur at least 3 or 4 times a month to see our favorite singer songwriters. Sometimes we even show up with no idea of who's playing and have never been disappointed. We've taken our parents, our friends and even a 9 and 10 year old- so there is definitely something for everyone. The food is also great- my favorites include the fish tacos, the sweet potato fries and the beignets (yummy!) I would suggest getting there early or buying a table if there's an artist you really want to see bc the room can get crowded very quick and sometimes there's no place to sit. And as far as the no talking policy- why would you pay $20 to talk through a performance when you can sit on their (awesome) back patio deck for free?
People thought this was:
Why only 3 stars? Because somehow I'm always the one that has to sit wedged in between eight people and their tables and can't move or breathe the entire concert for fear of leaning on someone I don't know. *breathe* Yes, that's the only prob with getting a table - extreme lack of comfort. Oh who am I kidding, I'm sure the people sitting on that hard stadium seating in the back are uncomfortable too, but they didn't pay as much as I did. That takes away almost 2 whole stars.
The other portion of the star is cost; prices in that place sometimes make me do a double take. Pabst for 3.27 and 7 bucks for a glass of wine? Wow, it's a bar. Food prices are fairly average for bar prices, kinda moderate. 7.50 for an app, 7 bucks for a salad. Etc. Suffice it to say, I eat and grab a drink before I get to Eddie's.
Oh how I love hearing Kathleen Edwards and then getting her autograph afterwards as she sits down and talks to me - while everyone behind me is sighing and pushing. Oh sweet love. Garrison Starr frequents here when she's in town. Brandi Carlile will be stopping by in May - in fact, I've never seen a concert there sell out so fast. I've caught Athen's band Hope for Agoldensummer there at least once.
For the most part, I've always met the person (people) who is (are) playing at Eddies. For those who want autographs or to say, "I played your song at my wedding," you can do it. After the show, the selling of merch ensues in the room to the opposite side of the "stage" room. Along with this selling is talk time with the artist. And I have yet to have an artist snub us loyal fans. Especially when it usually means someone buys something JUST to get it signed. *So bring yer cash! Or use the ATM in the corner!*
Did I mention I have a soft spot for the singer, songwriter? My bad. I do. And some day I will get to attend a great show here with my Dad. Some sweet fabulous day. =)
Public Service Announcement: If you want to talk during the performance, this is NOT the place for you. You will get asked to shut up, by all the people sitting around you. If it persists, the staff is not afraid to tell people to go to the outside bar or to leave.
People thought this was:
I was walking around Decatur with a friend checking out the bookstores when we decided to eat lunch here. The food and drinks were really cheap and good, especially the beignets. Yes, we are far from New Orleands and the beignets were surprisingly good. It was open mic night that time, so I didn't realize Eddie's Attic was a historic spot for live music. So I went back to check out Texas band Jack- O- Pierce. The performance was awesome. Small, intimate, and unplugged. It's live music in the purest form. The room is very crowded, so I would pay the extra money for the table. We stood in the back even though we got there early because it was so packed, but we still could see and hear perfectly. JOP really played to the crowd and were surprisingly funny. Although I hadn't been a JOP fan since college, I'm in love all over again!
People thought this was:
I went there to hear a friend play but I also ate at the adjacent restaurant. The prices were good, the food was freshly made but average in terms of seasoning. I had the crab cakes, the wings, and ....something else I can't recall.
As far as music goes, I agree that either the same people or same type of music is advertised however, I guess that really is not for me to say given that I have only been there once. I like to have some interaction with the performers and the whole quiet room thing sort of quenches that type of spirit however, I understand the theory (i.e. that don't want people there chit chatting and ignoring the music). In practice it ends up being like a protestant church were the only time you respond to the music is after the person is finished performing.
Also, there is parking right next door and out front.
People thought this was:
Eddie's is where I first (like so many people) found the amazing Shawn Mullins.
But it's also the birthplace of my love for acoustic guitar... so that also includes artists like Susan Werner, Rockwell Church, Willie Porter, Alexis Vear and so many more.
This is an absolute must music venue because it is a "listening parlor" - not just your run-of-the-mill small concert joint. People are not only respectful, but reverent almost, of the folks who play here.
Make sure to reserve a table ahead of time for your favorite artist or band, and order the sweet potato fries with a beer on tap. you'll love it.
People thought this was:
Eddie's Attic is a different kind of concert experience. The main room is small with limited seating at tables and the bar. The stage is small and pretty level with the floor and everything about it is very intimate. This is intentional and they will even tell you to silence your cell phones because it really gets that quiet. The artists will tell stories about their songs, band members, etc. and it's a lot more personal than any other concert venue I've visited. Think MTV Unplugged but right in front of you. The sound is exceptional and I'm thinking that it's mostly acoustic music though I can't fully attest to that since all the acts I have seen are acoustic regardless.
You will get to see some interesting folks here, afterall this is the place where I once heard a song with the lyrics "Maybe the hokey pokey really is what it's all about." (Note: I have no idea if that's how you spell 'hokey pokey' and I am too tired to google it).
And isn't that great? It's so refreshing to see small, independent artists with funny little songs. So unpolished, so raw.
And that's really the allure of this place. There are some semi-popular to popular bands that play at Eddie's Attic but I would encourage you to (and need to myself) check out some local acts. I know they have Open Mic nights that I've heard are cool.
P.S. There is food and it's alright. They have a mini burger thing where you can mix and match different types of burgers - beef, crab cake, etc that are great for splitting and not that bad.
I've been going to see shows at Eddie's since I was sixteen or so. At that point, I'd heard about it for so long on Indigo Girls bootlegs and the like that I felt so hip and in the know. "Hey, want to go to Eddie's Attic tonight? It's downtownish. Or somewhere. I don't know who's playing, but it'd be something new to do." And that's how I saw Shawn Mullins for the first time. Twelve or so years later, I've now been to Eddie's a couple dozen times and have seen tons of people perform. Josh Joplin's gigs stand out, as well as last-last December's Indigo Girls fundraiser for a friend with some crazy-high medical bills.
There was a while there when I had my doubts--another guy, Jennifer Nettles's husband, had bought the place and made a few changes I wasn't happy with. Last time I went to the Attic, things seemed more chill. The Indigos introduced Eddie himself and pointed out that he was the owner once again. Ah--so that's why things were feeling more calm, chill, and genuine. Or not: I've been known to project and/or read into things.
Anywho. It's pretty great to be in a place where talking during the show is a big no-no. The "don't talk in here" policy is kindly announced on a large banner hanging behind the small, unassuming stage. (But "we've reserved the back patio for" talking and carousing, or whatever their word choice is.) In other words, shut up and listen to the music. Athens crowds could use a few thousand posters like this, but that's another story all together.
P.S. I clicked "good for kids" because I think that non-bratty and whiny children, if mature enough, need to be exposed to all sorts of music--let's let 'em see that there's more out there than Top 40, dammit! There's nothing to compare to the live music experience.
P.P.S. One negative thing: I don't dig the fact that they sell those teensy, tiny tables for four people at a significantly higher cost than four separate chairs would cost. Tip from Janet: just go early enough to snag a chair on the other side of the stage, or sit at the raised bar area and eat there if you want some of their slightly-above-average bar food. Unless your pockets are overflowing, the super-cramped table prices aren't worth it. (In the old days, that section was part of general admission--perhaps it still is on nights tables don't sell out, further adding to the injustice of selling the front tables to folks for higher costs. But I digress...)
People thought this was:
Eddie's Attic is a wonderful place of live accoustic music! I went for the first time and it is an experience like no other for the music scene in Atlanta. It is small, quaint, and intimate. They are also VERY serious about their music so do not plan on going and moshing and throwing some devil horns, expect to sit and enjoy the wonderful music that is being played.
My one complaint is that it is a little too intimate. They have table and chairs and you might as well be sitting on each other's laps....they need to work on that...I could feel the dude behind me breathing on me!
I cannot wait to experience this music venue again...but maybe in the back seats and not the table section.
People thought this was:
I went for Open Mic night on a Monday. It was so fun! Something totally different to do during the week. I hear John Mayer used to play here...which, depending on your feelings about John "Your body is a wonderland..and yours..and yours too" Mayer...could be a positive or negative. But it was great to sit on a ledge in bar stools and listen to live music, quietly judge people, and drink some beer. $5 cover for the Open Mic. Definitely worth it.
I have been to Eddies many times, but will not go back. I recently purchased tickets online, received a confirmation number, and my credit card was billed. I received an email one week before the show noting that they had increase the price of the tickets ($10 to $25) and they were going to refund my card. They said I could repurchase them if I would like.
I had adjusted my schedule to make this show and was disappointed and confused on how they could do this. I call and requested to speak to the owner and was told he was busy at the moment and he could call me back as soon as he had a moment. I never received a call.
EA books great musicians but out of principle I cannot support them at this venue.
People thought this was:
Best venue in Atlanta for acoustic music, bar none. It's a very intimate setting and the crowd that's usually there are all about the music and very intent on the performers. It's like Churchill Grounds for the acoustic rocker scene.
It's all about the music for me here, so I'll keep my review short and sweet: Go see some great locals and potentially someday-famous musicians here, you won't be disappointed.
People thought this was:
Whether you are in the mood for up and coming traveling (or local) musicians, or just want a bite to eat or a game of pool, Eddie's is your place. I have been going to Eddie's for years. The patio is the best in Decatur, and the music venue is cozy and warm.
A fun place to catch an unannounced Indigo Girls set, or to be introduced to your next favorite band. After a few visits, the staff will know you by name.
Parking is not a lot of fun (typical of Downtown Decatur), but the MARTA train station is right around the corner.
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I have to give Eddie's Attic a 5 due to the fact that I saw two of the best shows of my life there. Given, both were the same guy (Will Hoge) and it was two nights in a row, but everything was amazing. Price, location, atmosphere, like-minded people...everything was great. I'm a big fan of acoustic music and live shows in general, so I really enjoyed Eddie's Attic. I really enjoy how they have song samples of upcoming artists on their website. That's really helpful to see what shows may be appealing to possible concert-goers.
I'd frequent the place much more often if I didn't live 20+ miles away. Otherwise, this is one of the best live venues I've ever been to, and I've been all over the place.
People thought this was:
Eddie's Attic is one of my favorite places to see live music. It is a small intimate venue featuring talented acoustic acts. Decatur native Shawn Mullins plays there often. He is my favorite local musician but rock violinist Bobby Yang and singer-songwriter Larry Jon Wilson are also very entertaining.
People thought this was:
My friend has performed here a bit so thats really when we have ever been. A bit too noisy and crowded for me but some food and drink later, I am usually ok. They have a separate space on the patio for smokers and talkers, but on performance nights you are expected to enjoy that group and not create a ruckus. I wouldnt go here too often but if you are a music freak, this is your calling.
Very few rooms I've been in do you feel so close to the artist and it sounds crystal clear. I miss the days where the staff were instructed to shhh you if you were to loud because after all it is a listening room. Still a great room and new ownership have really shined the place up. I would like to see them change up there artist showcases a bit more. Seems like the same people get cycled through. Nonetheless this is a place you go to experience the music. The food is average and beer prices are alright. My vote will always be for a space so devoted to the music as Eddie's is. Lord knows they've been around a while, but places like Eddie's make the world go round.
People thought this was:
Ah, Eddies. It opened a year before I arrived in town. Eddie sold it a few years ago, but has bought it back. (That's the answer to Dawn M.'s question below.) Thank god!
This is ideal for acoustic musicians. The sound system is primo, & they are verrrry serious about being quiet when the acts are performing. Even a whisper will catch glares, & when people open the doors you always see them hold it until it slowly & quietly closes.
The tables are too small & seating is awkward. But it's an awkward space, & they've done the best they can.
Outside the performance room (with non-smoking shows, thankfully) is a pool room & patio with bar. They have a new menu, & the food is surprisingly good, plus vegetarian & vegan friendly.
This place is a legend, full of memories for me. It's my favorite place to see live singer/songwriter music, despite the uncomfortable seating.
A truly intimate setting for amazing music. I would encourage reserving a table, as the bleacher seating takes away from the experience just a tad (not much though). Go prepared to keep the lips zipped...this is serious music...and you'll be shushed - trust me I learned this first hand.
People thought this was:
It considers itself a Listening Room music venue. This is in sharp contrast to the normal "background music" venues that one might find in Atlanta. Excessive talking during performances is unacceptable here.
The sound engineer is amazing! You will not hear better musicians at a better venue anywhere else in Atlanta.
This is one of the BEST places in the southeast to see a show. Some of the best singer-songwriters play here. It's a small place so if you want to guarantee a seat it's best to pre-order a ticket, but most nights you can get a seat without. The owner and manager are true class acts who love music and it shows.
Every Monday night is Open-Mic. It's a great way to get some exposure as a performer and to hear some excellent music. Sign-up for open-mic is usually 6 weeks in advance
People thought this was:
This place is very cute...I've gone here to see some friends play acoustic sets and open mic nights and such. However, it's kind of annoying to have servers walk around in the middle to the show to drop off food to tables, and the Bloody Marys are certianly not spicy enough at all.
People thought this was:
Eddie's Attic is a must if you enjoy hearing live rock while sitting comfortably eating yummy appetizers. The music outshines the food of course. Eddie's is primarily about the atmosphere, which is filled with lively or soft acoustic rock. While I've heard that famous bands have performed at this venue, I've only seen a few local artists. Yet the talent has always been impressive. The rock and bluegrass aren't my favorite kind of music, but I've always enjoyed the atmosphere at Eddie's. Climb up!
Every time I come to Eddie's, I get goose bumps. I started shooting concert photography when I was 20, and one of the first places that was really cool to me about my passion was this venue. Back then, I would drive 6 hrs round trip from Knoxville, TN to Eddie's Attic, to listen to music and shoot photos. Coming here is what made me fall in love with Atlanta in the first place. The folks at Eddie's are extremely professional and very serious about music, so as long as you are respectful, and polite, (and buy a round or two) they will be so in kind. If you aren't looking to shoot photos, you will enjoy the artists and music just as much as the ambiance. No talking and no smoking is allowed in the music hall during sessions and if you happen to forget to turn you mobile off- pray to God it doesn't ring. Arrive early for a show or reserve a table over the phone if you want to get a good view. Otherwise be prepared to sit in the bleachers or stand during the show... but why would you mind either so long as you get the chance to experience music in true Eddie's Attic style?
People thought this was:
An Atlanta landmark. Eddie's draws the best acoustic musicians to a comfortable smoke-free setting with a friendly staff. There is closed in patio for smoking away from the music. The menu is definitely adequate if you are hungry and don't have time to eat before a show. The baked brie appetizer with Jack Daniels sauce is nice. Table arrangement is a bit too tight. I'm much more comfortable just standing or sitting at the bar.
If this wasn't so different from the Unicorn and the Earl, it would replace them as my favorite venue. I love the fact that they promote listening, not talking. Other times I've seen acoustic acts in Atlanta, people have been talking the whole time! If you want to talk, go to a restaurant. I thought the waiters were really discreet and attentive. The whole staff is really nice and professional. The sound was wonderful too! I also usually don't like sitting during shows, but, for an acoustic venue, it just works. I know this is really odd, but I also loved it because it's well lit when the acts aren't on stage. This makes it an ideal venue to go to by myself since I can read while I'm waiting, instead of standing around awkwardly. After the show I went into the bar area to watch the rest of the Tech/BC game and found other Tech fans to share in my misery! I haven't felt so at home in a venue ever. I will definitely be going back as soon as I can.
People thought this was:
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