My Parent’s Basement in Atlanta: A Retro Arcade, Comic Shop, and Geek-Friendly Pub in One

If you’re in Atlanta and searching for a laid‑back spot that mixes international comfort food, craft drinks, classic arcade games, and comics, My Parent’s Basement in Avondale Estates deserves a spot on your list.

This quirky neighborhood hangout blends pub-style international cuisine with a full comic book shop and a retro arcade, making it a go-to for locals, families, and visitors who want something a little different from the usual restaurant experience.

Where My Parent’s Basement Fits in Atlanta’s Food Scene

Atlanta has no shortage of international cuisine—from Buford Highway’s global restaurants to chef‑driven fusion spots in Midtown and Inman Park. My Parent’s Basement stands out because it:

• Serves approachable, globally inspired pub food
• Offers craft beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options
• Doubles as a comic shop and pinball/arcade bar
• Has a neighborhood, everyone-knows-your-name feel

Located in Avondale Estates just east of Decatur, it’s close enough to intown Atlanta to be a quick drive, but far enough to feel like a local secret.

Location, Parking, and Getting There

My Parent’s Basement
(Avondale Estates, near Decatur, GA)

You’ll find it in a small commercial strip along College Avenue, surrounded by other local spots and close to residential neighborhoods.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

• From Downtown/Midtown Atlanta:
  Usually a 15–25 minute drive via I‑20 or Ponce/DeKalb Avenue, depending on traffic.
• From Decatur:
  A short 5–10 minute drive, rideshare, or bike ride.
• By MARTA:
  Many people take MARTA to Decatur Station or Avondale Station and then use a rideshare or local bus for the last leg.

Parking

Avondale Estates generally offers easier parking than core intown neighborhoods. My Parent’s Basement typically has:

• A small lot directly in front or nearby
• Street parking in the surrounding area

If you’re visiting on a weekend evening or during a special event, plan to arrive a bit early to park without stress.

Atmosphere: Half Neighborhood Pub, Half Nerd Paradise

The vibe at My Parent’s Basement is fun, relaxed, and unapologetically geeky.

Expect:

• Casual, come-as-you-are environment – jeans, T‑shirts, and jerseys fit right in.
• Comic and pop-culture decor – posters, art, and collectibles throughout.
• A mix of guests – families in the earlier hours, date nights, friend groups, and solo comic readers at the bar.
• Arcade and pinball machines – adding a low-key, nostalgic soundtrack of button clicks and flipper sounds.

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want something that feels hyper-local—not a chain, not over-polished—this is that kind of place.

The Food: International Pub Comfort with a Southern Tilt

While My Parent’s Basement is framed as a pub and comic shop, the menu has enough international and fusion touches to place it comfortably in Atlanta’s broader international cuisine scene.

You’re likely to find:

• Shareable bar snacks with global influence
• Sandwiches and burgers that pull flavors from multiple cuisines
• Rotating specials that experiment with sauces, spices, and formats inspired by different regions

A typical menu mix may include:

• Loaded fries or tots with toppings like house-made sauces, spicy elements, or cheese blends
• Wings or fried items with a range of sauce profiles (think spicy, sweet, tangy, sometimes with Asian- or Latin-inspired twists)
• Burgers and sandwiches that might incorporate international cheeses, pickles, sauces, or spices
• Vegetarian or vegan-friendly options, such as plant-based patties, veggie-forward appetizers, or salads

Because the menu can be tweaked over time, it helps to think of the food as global comfort bar food rather than one specific country’s cuisine. This fits Atlanta’s overall trend of blending Southern, American, and international flavors into something casual and familiar.

Dietary Needs and Preferences

If you have dietary preferences:

• Ask your server about vegetarian or vegan options and whether items can be modified.
• Check on gluten‑sensitive choices—some bar items may be breaded or share fryers.
• For food allergies, make sure to communicate clearly; staff at neighborhood spots like this are often used to helping guests navigate the menu, but cross-contact is always a consideration in casual kitchens.

Drinks: Craft Beer, Cocktails, and Non-Alcoholic Options

My Parent’s Basement leans into Atlanta’s love of craft beverages.

You can expect:

• Rotating craft beer selections, often including local Georgia breweries
• Ciders or lighter beverages for those who want something less heavy
• Cocktails or mixed drinks with approachable flavor profiles
• Non-alcoholic choices, such as sodas, juices, and sometimes NA beer or mocktail‑style options

If you’re already exploring nearby breweries in Decatur or Avondale Estates, this can be a natural extension of your outing—especially if you want food and arcade games along with your drink.

The Arcade and Pinball: How It Works

One of the biggest draws for many Atlanta residents is the retro arcade and pinball collection.

What to know:

• Games typically include a mix of classic arcade cabinets and modern or classic pinball machines.
• Machines usually run on tokens or cards, which you can purchase inside.
• It’s first-come, first-served—if it’s busy, you may have to wait a bit for popular machines.
• Kids are often welcome earlier in the day, while later hours tend to skew more adult and bar-focused (specific policies can change, so it’s smart to check if you’re planning a family outing).

For visitors from out of town, this gives you a distinctly Atlanta-style arcade bar experience that’s less corporate and more neighborhood-oriented than bigger national chains.

The Comic Shop: A Full Nerd Destination

Beyond food and drink, My Parent’s Basement includes a comic book shop that attracts both casual readers and dedicated collectors from all over metro Atlanta.

You’ll typically find:

• New-release comics and graphic novels
• Back issues and occasional rarities
• Collectibles and figures
• Merchandise tied to major fandoms (superheroes, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, and more)

For locals, it can double as:

• A regular Wednesday new-comic-day stop
• A place to browse after a meal
• A low-stress way to introduce kids or teens to comics

Atlanta has several strong comic and gaming shops scattered around the city, but few combine full-service dining, bar, arcade, and comics under one roof the way My Parent’s Basement does.

When to Go: Timing Your Visit

Timing your visit can change the overall feel of the experience:

Earlier in the Day (Lunch / Early Evening)

Best for:

• Families with kids
• Quieter conversation
• More space at arcade machines

You’ll likely find a more relaxed atmosphere and easier parking.

Evenings and Weekends

Best for:

• Date nights
• Group hangouts with friends
• Bar and arcade energy

These times can be lively and louder, with more competition for pinball and arcade games. If you’re visiting Atlanta for a short trip and want the full “busy night” vibe, a Friday or Saturday evening is usually your best bet.

Quick Snapshot: What to Expect at My Parent’s Basement

Tips for Atlanta Locals

If you live in or near Atlanta:

• 🕒 Plan around traffic: Coming from Midtown, Buckhead, or Westside, leaving just before or after rush hour will make the trip easier.
• 📅 Check for events: Themed nights, trivia, or special events can make the space busier but also more lively.
• 🎟️ Consider it a “combo night” spot: Eat, play pinball, and grab your comics in one trip instead of visiting multiple locations.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family strategy: Aim for earlier hours if you’re bringing kids and want lower noise levels and easier access to games.

Tips for Visitors to Atlanta

If you’re just in town for a few days:

• Use My Parent’s Basement as a counterpoint to big tourist attractions—it showcases the local, nerdy, creative side of metro Atlanta.
• Pair it with a visit to Decatur Square or other spots in Avondale Estates for a full afternoon or evening.
• If you don’t have a car, MARTA plus rideshare is often the easiest combo from Downtown, Midtown, or the airport area.

How My Parent’s Basement Fits Into Atlanta’s International Cuisine Category

While you won’t find a strict single-country menu here, My Parent’s Basement:

• Reflects Atlanta’s blended, international food culture, where pub food is infused with global flavors.
• Uses sauces, seasonings, and toppings inspired by multiple regions rather than strictly Southern or American staples.
• Fits alongside other Atlanta “international cuisine” spots that focus on fusion and comfort, not just traditional recipes.

If you’re exploring Atlanta to experience food through the lens of global comfort and nerd culture, this is one of the more distinctive, personality-filled stops you can add to your list.