Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Looking for “Smiths Bar Atlanta” usually means you’re searching for Smith’s Olde Bar, one of Atlanta’s classic neighborhood bar-and-music venues. Located in the Morningside/Virginia-Highland area just northeast of Midtown, it’s a long-time favorite for locals, touring bands, and anyone who wants a low-key night out with live music, bar food, and drinks.

Below is a practical guide tailored to someone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia who wants to understand what Smith’s Olde Bar is like, how to get there, and what to expect.

What Is Smith’s Olde Bar?

Smith’s Olde Bar is a combination bar, restaurant, and live music venue. It feels like a neighborhood hangout first, with music layered on top. Most Atlanta residents think of it as:

• A go-to spot for small to mid-sized concerts
• A casual bar with pool tables, TVs, and bar food
• A late-night hangout after events in Midtown, Virginia-Highland, or Poncey-Highland

You’ll often find a mix of locals, college students, music fans, and industry folks. It’s not a high-end cocktail bar; it’s more of a comfortable, slightly divey-but-welcoming Atlanta institution.

Location, Contact, and Getting There

General Location:
Smith’s Olde Bar is in Atlanta, GA, near the intersection of Monroe Drive NE and Piedmont Avenue NE, just off the Piedmont Park / Virginia-Highland / Morningside corridor and not far from the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.

Because addresses, numbers, and hours can occasionally change, it’s best to:

• ✅ Search “Smith’s Olde Bar Atlanta” in your map app for current directions
• ✅ Call ahead if you have questions about show times, age limits, or private events
• ✅ Check the venue’s current calendar to confirm who’s playing that night

How to Get There from Key Atlanta Areas

From Midtown Atlanta:

• By car: Head northeast toward Piedmont Park, then follow Monroe Drive NE toward Morningside. The bar is a short drive from 10th Street or Ponce de Leon Avenue.
• Ride-share: Many people prefer ride-share (Uber, Lyft) because parking in this corridor can be tight and somewhat residential.
• On foot/bike: From Piedmont Park or the BeltLine Eastside Trail, it’s a reasonable walk or bike ride if you’re comfortable with city streets and mild hills.

From Downtown Atlanta:

• By car: Go north via Peachtree Street or the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85), then cut across toward Midtown and head toward Monroe Drive NE.
• Transit + walk/ride-share: You can take MARTA rail to a Midtown-area station (such as Midtown or Arts Center) and then take a short ride-share trip east to the bar.

Parking Tips:

• There is often a mix of small lots and street parking in the surrounding area.
• Some blocks nearby are residential, so check signs carefully to avoid tickets or towing.
• On big show nights or weekends, many locals default to ride-share to avoid circling for parking.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

Smith’s Olde Bar leans into that classic Atlanta bar vibe:

• Dim lighting and casual decor
• Multiple levels or rooms, often including a separate music room and bar area
• Televisions tuned to sports or big games
• Pool tables and bar games in some areas
• A crowd that’s usually relaxed, unpretentious, and music-friendly

You can come in jeans and a T‑shirt, grab a drink and some food, and not feel out of place. On busy show nights, the music room can get loud and crowded, while the bar area might have a bit more room to breathe.

Live Music and Events

One of the main reasons Atlanta residents search for “Smiths Bar Atlanta” is for the music calendar. Smith’s Olde Bar is known for:

• Small to mid-sized shows with rock, indie, singer-songwriters, jam bands, and more
• A mix of touring acts and local Atlanta bands
• Occasional comedy, themed nights, listening parties, or special events

What to Know About Shows

• Tickets:
  Many shows are ticketed, and prices can vary by artist. Some nights might offer door sales, but popular acts can sell out, so Atlanta regulars often buy ahead online.

• Age limits:
  Some events are 18+ or 21+ depending on the lineup and bar configuration that night. Always check the specific show listing before you go, especially if you’re planning to bring younger adults.

• Timing:
  Doors typically open in the evening, with bands going on later. Atlanta venues sometimes run on a “music time” schedule—shows might start a bit later than posted—but don’t rely on that; arriving around door time or shortly after is safer if you care about catching the opener.

Food and Drinks

Smith’s Olde Bar isn’t just a music venue; it’s also a full bar with a kitchen.

What You Can Typically Expect

• Bar food favorites:
  Think burgers, wings, fries, nachos, sandwiches, and appetizers. It’s more comfort/bar style than fine dining, and many locals treat it as a place to grab dinner before the show.

• Drinks:

  • Draft and bottled beer, often with domestic and some craft choices
  • Standard mixed drinks and shots
  • A selection of non-alcoholic options like soda and water

Atlanta bar-goers often appreciate that it’s a place where you can eat a full meal and stay for the show without changing venues.

Typical Crowd and When to Go

Who You’ll See There

You’ll usually find:

• Local regulars from neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Morningside, Midtown, and Old Fourth Ward
• Music fans following a specific band or touring act
• College students and younger professionals
• Occasional after-work or post-event groups coming from Midtown offices or local festivals

Best Times to Visit

Earlier in the evening (before headliners):

• Better if you want:
  • A quieter bar experience
  • Time to order food and chat
  • To avoid the tightest crowds

Later at night (during/after shows):

• Better if you want:
  • A busy, high-energy atmosphere
  • To be in the middle of Atlanta’s late-night music scene
  • More people-watching and social energy

Practical Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

Here are some grounded, Atlanta-specific pointers to make the most of your night at Smith’s Olde Bar:

1. Plan Your Transportation

• Parking in this corridor can be tight and somewhat residential. If you’re coming from other city neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, or Downtown, consider:
  • Ride-share services (especially on weekends and show nights)
  • Carpooling if you’re driving
• If you’re already out on the BeltLine Eastside Trail or near Piedmont Park, it can be a manageable walk or bike ride, but keep in mind:
  • Well-lit routes
  • Late-night safety and your own comfort level

2. Check the Show Calendar in Advance

• Many Atlanta residents use Smith’s Olde Bar as a “discover new music” venue.
• ✅ Look up:
  • Artist names
  • Doors and show times
  • Ticket prices
  • Age restrictions

This helps you avoid showing up expecting a casual bar night and walking into a sold-out show or age-restricted event.

3. Eat Before or During the Show

A common local strategy:

• Arrive a bit earlier, grab a burger, wings, or other bar food, and then stay for the music.
• This can save you from having to park twice or juggle multiple reservations across different Atlanta neighborhoods.

4. Expect Noise and Crowds on Big Nights

When a band with a strong following plays:

• The music room can become packed and loud.
• The bar area may be busy, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
• If you prefer a lower-key visit, consider:
  • Weeknights
  • Earlier time slots
  • Non-headliner nights

5. Consider Nearby Neighborhood Options

One advantage of Smith’s Olde Bar’s location is that it sits near several popular Intown Atlanta neighborhoods. Before or after your visit, people often branch out to:

• Virginia-Highland for additional bars and restaurants
• Poncey-Highland and Ponce City Market for more food and drink options
• Midtown for larger clubs, lounges, and late-night spots

This makes Smith’s Olde Bar a convenient starting point or ending point for a night out.

Quick Reference: Smith’s Olde Bar at a Glance

If you’re searching for “Smiths Bar Atlanta”, you’re almost certainly looking for Smith’s Olde Bar—a long-standing, casual, music-centered bar in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s a solid choice if you want to hear live music in an intimate setting, grab bar food, and experience a slice of Atlanta’s neighborhood nightlife without needing to dress up or spend the night in a high-end club.