Moe’s & Joe’s in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you search for “Moe’s and Joe’s Atlanta”, you’re almost always looking for the classic neighborhood bar in Virginia-Highland—one of Atlanta’s longest-running, no-frills spots for cold beer, simple bar food, and a very local vibe.

Below is a practical guide to Moe’s & Joe’s for Atlanta residents, visitors, and anyone trying to understand why this place comes up so often in local conversations.

Where Moe’s & Joe’s Is in Atlanta

Neighborhood: Virginia-Highland (often called “VaHi”)
General area: East of Midtown and just south of Morningside

Moe’s & Joe’s is on a busy stretch of Highland Avenue, surrounded by walkable restaurants, bars, and small shops. If you’re planning an evening in Virginia-Highland, this spot is a common starting or ending point.

Getting There

• By car:
  • Typical route from Midtown: Head east on Ponce de Leon Avenue, then north on North Highland Avenue into Virginia-Highland.
  • From Downtown Atlanta: Take surface streets or the Downtown Connector north, cut over toward Ponce de Leon, then up North Highland.
• Parking:
  • Expect street parking on and around Highland Avenue.
  • Some nearby side streets allow parking, but watch for resident-only signage and time limits.
• Rideshare:
  • Many locals use rideshare on weekends or game days; Highland can be crowded and parking tight during peak times.
• By MARTA:
  • There isn’t a MARTA rail station in Virginia-Highland. Most people take the Midtown or North Avenue station, then use a short rideshare or bus ride into the neighborhood.

What Kind of Place Is Moe’s & Joe’s?

Moe’s & Joe’s is widely known as a classic Atlanta dive bar—in the best sense of the word:

• Laid-back atmosphere:
  Expect a casual, slightly worn-in feel with bar stools, booths, and a crowd that ranges from longtime regulars to neighborhood newcomers.
• Sports on TV:
  It’s a familiar spot for Braves, Falcons, Hawks, and college football games. You’ll usually find multiple TVs with mainstream games.
• Student and local mix:
  Due to its history and prices, it often attracts Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and Emory students, along with Virginia-Highland residents.

If you’re looking for fancy cocktails or a sleek, modern interior, this is not that kind of bar. If you want cheap beer, simple food, and a very “Atlanta” feel, Moe’s & Joe’s tends to deliver.

Food and Drink: What to Expect

Menus can change, but Moe’s & Joe’s is generally known for:

Drinks

• Beer-focused:
  • Basic domestic beers, often at lower prices than many other in-town bars.
  • Some rotating or standard draft options; selection is usually straightforward rather than craft-heavy.
• Liquor & mixed drinks:
  • Full bar with standard mixed drinks.
  • Emphasis is more on affordability and simplicity than specialty cocktails.

Food

Expect classic bar food, typically along lines like:

• Burgers and sandwiches
• Wings and fries
• Simple appetizers (nachos, onion rings, etc.)

The food is designed to be casual, filling, and good with a beer, not fine dining. Virginia-Highland has plenty of nearby restaurants, so some people eat elsewhere and then come to Moe’s & Joe’s for drinks, or vice versa.

Typical Hours and Best Times to Go

Exact hours can change over time, but Moe’s & Joe’s is usually:

• Open daily, from daytime into late night
• Busier:
  • Evenings on weekdays
  • Weekends, especially Friday and Saturday nights
  • Game days, particularly during football and baseball seasons

If you want a quieter experience with more open seating:

• Aim for late afternoon or early evening on weekdays.
• On nice-weather weekends, Virginia-Highland as a whole can be very active, so plan extra time for parking and walking.

Moe’s & Joe’s vs. Other Atlanta Bars

Many people searching “Moe’s and Joe’s Atlanta” are trying to decide if it fits their night out. Here’s a quick, at-a-glance comparison:

Tips for Locals

If you live in Atlanta and are thinking about adding Moe’s & Joe’s to your regular rotation:

• Use it as a pre- or post-spot:
  Combine Moe’s & Joe’s with nearby Virginia-Highland restaurants, coffee shops, or dessert spots.
• Know the crowd rhythm:
  • Early weeknights: more laid-back, local feel.
  • Weekends and game days: louder, younger, more packed.
• Bring cash and card:
  Many long-standing dives in Atlanta have specific rules or minimums; it’s convenient to have both options ready.
• Plan your ride:
  Parking in VaHi can be tricky, and enforcement around residential streets can be strict. Rideshare is often simpler, especially if you plan to drink.

Tips for Visitors to Atlanta

If you’re visiting and want to experience Moe’s & Joe’s as a slice of local life:

• Pair it with a walk through Virginia-Highland:
  Explore nearby blocks of North Highland Avenue for shops, cafes, and other bars. The area is one of Atlanta’s most walkable in-town neighborhoods.
• Expect a very “local bar” experience:
  People may be watching local teams, talking about Atlanta neighborhoods, or catching up with regular bartenders.
• Check estimated hours before heading over:
  Hours can shift slightly over the years, and holiday schedules vary, so it’s wise to confirm same-day times through a quick map or phone check.

Understanding Moe’s & Joe’s in the Bigger Atlanta Bar Scene

In the context of Atlanta’s nightlife, Moe’s & Joe’s sits in the category of:

• Historic neighborhood dive bar
• Known for cheap beer, no-frills food, and loyal regulars
• Less about curated cocktails and more about tradition and atmosphere

If your ideal Atlanta night involves:

• Trendy rooftops, craft cocktails, or club-style environments → You may prefer spots in Midtown, Buckhead, or the BeltLine.
• A straightforward bar where locals actually hang out and prices are manageable → Moe’s & Joe’s fits that niche in Virginia-Highland.

Practical Notes Before You Go

A few final Atlanta-specific considerations:

• Weather:
  Virginia-Highland is pleasant for walking in cooler months and evenings; in summer, plan for humidity and heat if you’re strolling between spots.
• IDs:
  Atlanta bars are generally strict about checking IDs, especially those known for student crowds. Bring a valid government-issued ID.
• Noise level:
  On busy nights, expect bar-level noise—conversation, sports commentary, and music in the background.
• Accessibility:
  As with many older Atlanta buildings, step-up entries or tighter indoor spaces may affect accessibility. If that’s important to you, it can help to call ahead and ask about current setup.

If your search for “Moe’s and Joe’s Atlanta” is about finding a local, long-standing bar with cheap drinks, simple food, and a strong neighborhood feel in Virginia-Highland, that’s exactly what you’ll find—right in the middle of one of Atlanta’s most walkable and character-filled in-town districts.