Holy crap their blue cheese chips should be illegal. Crispy homemade slices of potato with a big stupid heap of crumbled blue cheese that melts on their fresh-hotness....ohhhhh. Where was I. Falafels, delish. Angus burger, notsomuch. Waitstaff, inattentive, snotty in that annoying "I'm edgy" way but still borderline amusing and randomly charming. Good enough for a "normal" tip. Bonus points for not making my smoking pals stand on the sidewalk, and for having a view of the Cabbagetown graffiti bridge. Yeay!
(4)
Chris S.
This place was pretty sweet. I had a philly cheesesteak that was really, really good. Some friends and I split an order of their Blue Cheese chips, and those were excellent. 97 Estroia's got a pretty decent beer selection. Any place that has Woodchuck Pear Cider on tap is good in my book. The service was really good, too. We had a party of about 15 people and one waitress. She keep up with everything.
(5)
John K.
The falafel here is wonderful. The chicken and brie on foccacia is too..but hopefully they'll remember to remove the rind from the brie before hiding it between the bread, which they didn't do during my last visit. Wax on a sandwich...yuck! All of the food items are done very well. It's not the best lunch place though as the waiters are usually too busy doing nothing and slow, in spite of the restaurant being less than half full. There are no sandwich and fry combos to speak of. All sides are alla carte which raises the overall price a bit. The beer selection and location makes this place a refreshing hot spot from the more mainstream trendy places.
(4)
Elizabeth S.
Great little place to hang out with friends and talk. Plus, they have pear cider, a rarity in my experience.
(4)
Paul D.
This place is great, usual cabbagetown friendly, funky wait staff, the food is great, and cheap!! Best fish tacos in da ATL period. Great outdoor patio to boot.
(4)
ernesto s.
estoria mi bella...estoria mi plaka de buzze. don't label it. you got a breitling? don't bother. you got a timex? go. and get the tofu bbq. it's a pleasant surprise for the veggie enya.
(3)
J. D.
If Hipster were in the dictionary, a photo of 97 Estoria would be in the listing. This Cabbage Town lounge/bar/cafe is the pulse of the neighborhood. Granted there are other cool spots on nearby Carroll Street, but 97 still takes the cake for being the heart of the 'hood.
(4)
paulita b.
just another signature staple of atlanta's mediocre tastes.
(2)
alice a.
i like the place in the afternoon, for late lunch... cold beer.... the menu got redone a little bit ago and i am making my way thru it!!!!! I have not been disappointed!!!! Cudos kids, keep up the good work!!!!
(4)
Three M.
First of all, they have Frogger. Do you know how long I've been looking for a bar with Frogger? Since, like, forever. Aside from that AMAZING feature, this bar is pretty cool in a few other ways. One, it's relatively big, but still feels intimate. Which means you can go there with 10 friends and have room to sit and carry on, but you don't feel like you're in some giant, soulless Disney bar. The lighting is flattering, the staff is nice, and the french fries are deee-lish. They also have a nice sized patio, which will be perfect for lazy beer drinking Sundays once it gets hot in Hotlanta.
(4)
lesley b.
I went here for brunch the other day...the place was nearly empty, and the service was amazing. the bartender knew what i wanted to drink before i even sat down & he is such a great bartender that he practically ordered my brunch for me, which arrived promptly & was very delicious. ALWAYS order a bloody mary here... they are so good.
(4)
Lisa G.
Check out the new "Brunk" Sunday afternoon from 12:30 - 4. Cheap brunch with no lines and waiting. I get the scrambled tofu with a side of soysage and a biscuit for only 6something. Good times.
(4)
Kris P.
my favorite bar in atlanta. pretty, yummy, cozy, friendly. don't be discouraged if you can't find anywhere to sit. the french fries are orgasmic.
(5)
Don D.
We went to 97 Astoria after attending the horribly lame Cryptophonic Tour at Oakland Cemetery. I had the single best black bean burger that I've had yet. It was a house made black bean patty that was lightly pan fried to make crispy and it came with the perfect size serving of Tater Tots. The waitress even brought out a bowl of water for our friend's dog which I thought was such a simple yet very cool thing to do. The only thing I hated was that they allow smoking on the patio so we were seated beside a bunch of loud, American Spirit smoking hippies who I hope all develop emphysema and end up on "quit smoking" commercials.
(4)
Matt B.
Food is not good, even for a bar. Really only a place if you want to smoke indoors.
(1)
Stacy S.
Nice patio. The atmosphere varies on what they have going on there. Sometimes the staff is playing their crappy personal playlists...including horrible late 90's pop music. That makes me not want to eat there. Work time is not the time to listen to your music unless you are a composer. I wish their staff could understand this. We go for their vegetarian options. They normally have like 4-5 on the menu. The place is smoky which sucks when inside...you feel like your food has been dipped in cigarette smoke so I prefer eating on the patio which is only cool to do part of the year so we really don't go here in the winter. They have a riblet sandwich and that is pretty damn good but it isn't always on the menu. They are good on drink and beer selection. The service is flaky barely adult chicks usually...cool if you are a single dude who just wants beer. Sometimes my food has been sitting because they are screwing off which pisses me off. Hopefully if we do go back the service gets better. They aren't a slow joint so I don't understand why their servers always suck.
(3)
Alex H.
This place is divey but not horrible. That said, I didn't visit the restrooms. I moved on before I could work up the courage.
(3)
Mary Margaret B.
We came with a big group for my best friends 25th birthday and I wish I could remember our waitresses name, she was awesome. The place is hipster and grungy in a lovable kind of way, with more bullshit and sharpie on the wall than colors or design. It's self proclaimed artwork and 'C+M=Love' makes the place that much more. Obviously, considering Estoria Drive is that small little road under a tunnel that's covered in layer and layers of spray paint bright colors and swirling designs. We had a large tab but she kept the drinks flowing and they accommodated the huge group in a booth with chairs on the other side. Yes it's dirty, and small, and not like Buckhead or midtown but it's awesome. If I'm ever off Wylie at night I'll stop in and maybe sit on the patio. It was a fun night out and this locals bar made it that much and more.
(4)
Shayna P.
I'm ready to get this off my chest. I really don't like Estoria. I wanted to love it. It's my closest bar, and I need a new third place near my home. This isn't it. First of all, let's talk about the 'tude. It's pervasive. Granted, I'm not really "hip" enough to be hanging out in Cabbagetown. Perhaps that's why I find the hipster angst attitude at Estoria particularly oppressive. IDK. It's hard to say. I just don't like it. I like smiles and friendly people. This is not Estoria. Second of all, I like my lungs in a living, breathing, working capacity. That's just not possible if I visit Estoria. So much too much smoke. Third, a veggie burger shouldn't take 1.5 hours to prepare and serve. Yes, I really shouldn't order food at Estoria. I know. Yes, it was a Saturday night. I know. Yes, I do get hangry. But none of this matters. If I want to have a mediocre veggie burger at Estoria on a Saturday night at 9 PM, I should be able to get it in less than 1.5 hours. And, when I inquire about the ETA for said burger, I should not have to deal with ALL OF THE SNARK. Ugh. Fourth, their porch could seriously use some candles to help with the bug problems. Those are some hungry suckers. So yes. There it is. I hate Estoria. I *may* drink a PBR there if forced to meet friends in the 'hood, but I'll only do so begrudgingly.
(2)
L P.
Server was very distracted and forgot several things (like silverware) and had to keep asking for things. Then when we didn't get the correct order she offered to bring the right item as well and packed an order of tater tots to go. Seemed like a nice gesture until we got home and realized the tots had likely been fried multiple times and were not edible. It's not difficult to make tater tots......
(1)
Charles J.
It's a good atmosphere with friendly staff. Decent drinks at a decent price. The food seemed a bit small-portioned, but I eat like a madman so am probably not a fair judge. While I was here some guy (friend of my friend) ironically played the song "Higher" by Creed, 5 times in a row on the jukebox. Some girl complained and the bartender turned off the music so it was silent inside. I'm not sure who the jerk was in this situation, but I think it was everyone.
(4)
Sarah N.
I love Estoria! You have to know what you're getting into. This place is where you go on a Sunday afternoon, relax on the (dog-friendly) patio, order PBR by the pitcher, smoke a few cigs, and take it easy. It can also be the place you come to at 2am after you've left whatever "nicer" place you partied at earlier. This is where the dirty afterparty will be. The food is good. I've ordered the gyro before, and that was tasty. I usually just come here to drink, though. I think the service is excellent. It's not super quick by any means, but if you chill and enjoy your surroundings, you'll notice that the servers are astute. They remember what you're drinking, always check if you need a refill, bring your dog some water without even asking, split up a complicated check easily, etc. Don't worry about it being "hipster". Just come as you are and coexist.
(4)
Michaela A.
Blue cheese nachos are outstanding! However, the coke vibe to the place is really ruining a potential business. The staff all know about the cocaine dealers and sometimes even buy from them. The place just got raided for this specific problem and the owner really needs to do some serious rehiring.
(2)
Eva L.
The great big patio and location makes 97 estoria a perfect place for a beer outside in spring. They also have surprisingly good food for a bar. We love the brie and chicken sandwich. The bar is smoker friendly though, and a bit too smokey for me inside.
(4)
Charlie P.
Good food, friendly staff, good priced drinks and a great atmosphere.
(5)
Leonardo P.
Great place and great food. Against all standards, this place gives you an unique experience to be at a place full of locals. Atmosphere cannot be match elsewhere!
(5)
Sambath T.
We got turned away as soon as we walked in because they were having a staff holiday party- which took up the entire restaurant not a section of it. What really bothered us was the way they handled it. When we asked if we can wait the 20 minutes there til the bar opened to public, the guy said "best if you didn't". Wtf. What kind of customer service is this, and who closes down a whole bar and doesn't allow a customer to join in at the tail end? I will not be returning.
(1)
Carey W.
in one word!!!! FIREBALL!!! Hands down my favorite dive bar. The atmosphere is great!! Luis, Antoinette, Joe, Mike, Joey all Effie rock. I stop by after work and they are all friendly and fun. The regulars are kool too and this is a great lil spot. Parking is hell but who cares after a few FIREBALLS!!! Try theJERK WINGS!!!! This is my spot!!!! Oh and SETH ROCKS TOO!!! (sorry homie blame it on the FIREBALLS) well not fire balls.
(5)
Sally P.
This place has calmed down a lot since I visited it a couple times a few years ago. Maybe that's just because the last time I went it was still light out on a week night. The drinks are standard. I always get beer because I'm cheap. My last visit every beer I liked was only in a bottle. Serious turn-off. Cocktails you can get served in MASSIVE mason jars. Don't worry, they fill them up with ice first. I've never had the food, but walking past it today it smelled exactly like a McDonalds from the outside. I was both disgusted and intrigued. The crowd these days is startlingly middle-aged and unattractive. I thought this was a hip hang out?? It's like the Portlandia progression of hipster-yuppie-average joe had already run its course. My first time coming here was a fluke. Me and my bestie were already drunk and working our way west down Dekalb. We decided to try hitchhiking, and got a ride with two girls. Safe! They let us in and told us they were going to Estoria. We soon realized they were drunk. When we got there they dropped us off at the door and tried to go park. They never made it inside because they were stopped in the parking lot by a patrol car. So I guess that's +1 for Estoria's safety features. Dont' drive drunk. I spent the small part of time my friend and I were there getting my buzz ruined by the pathetically cliche hipster vibe everyone was cultivating. I thought I saw a few friends and rambunctiously went up to them and said, "HEY!" It wasn't my friends, but these guys were hilariously stunned at my behavior. -1 for Estoria's networking capabilities The second time I went with a potential date. Two of our friends tagged along so it was like a double date. I quickly realized they were assholes because they left to go do coke and came back to "playfully" molest one of the servers. -1 for Estoria's sex appeal. The service and beer is definitely better than Milltown Arms, but I prefer to go there because it is a 5 minute walk instead of 10 and I really am that lazy. All in all, not the best, but not the worst.
(3)
Jon W.
I can't believe I don't have a review for Estoria yet. Well, here it goes. Awesome: The Vegan McRiblet is seriously the most delicious vegan meat tasting substance I have ever had. The fried green beans are the greatest side item in the history of side items. Great prices on beers and shots. Nieghborhood atmosphere and the servers/bartenders are all awesome here. Bleh: It gets kind of smokey in here and sometimes is hard to find a table for a large group of people.
(5)
John A.
One of my favorite bars in Atlanta, despite being overrun by hipsters. I like the patio for summer happy hours and the inside feels like several different bars, depending on where you are sitting. Drinks are decently priced and the food has never disappointed (highlights: Hummus, Quesadilla, Wings - pretty crispy, which is the way I like them). I also like the fact that it's a stand alone bar in a neighborhood - not something you see everyday. Daily specials include Sunday: 10 wings & pitcher of PBR for $12.
(4)
Andi G.
Live dj's on the reg, apple pie moonshine and fireball behind the bar, big buck hunter in the back room. World of Coke sattelite branch.
(3)
Paul C.
It used to be great. Then they took the bison burger off the menu and I just don't go there any more.
(2)
Shannon H.
Cool, low key bar - that is during the week at lunch! Weekend/ nights can be another story as I witnessed a huge fight break out here with a table being flipped. I'm sure it doesn't happen all the time, but I think I'm going stay with coming here for lunch. The service is always good (both servers and bartenders) and if you are looking for bar food, it is better than average here. I usually order the fried green tomato blt - it has goat cheese stuffed green tomatoes :) (now that it's on my mind I kind of wish I could get one right now!), the jerk chicken burrito, or the thai peanut tofu burrito. Yum.
(4)
Mike G.
Dinner before bars is a staple in my personal party menu, and this place was quick, delicious, and satisfied all of the others who ordered as well, on that note let me also say that I'm only giving it three stars based on the fact that we ordered take out. Brie and Chicken sandwich was a great choice, served with very lightly salted sweet potato fries. I'm not sure of what the others in our group ordered, but we all seemed to be nodding our heads in silent agreement that Estoria was a solid choice. Will return for dine-in next time....
(3)
Anni Z.
Obviously estoria is not for everyone...but I love it!!! If you get to know the staff, they are all really awesome. It's a great place to meet friends, or sit down and read a book(when it's not crowded). I spend quite a bit of time here. On the weekends it does have a tendency to get really crowded and service can be a bit slow, it's best to sit at the bar or in the main room. Oh...and they brought back the vegan riblet! Amaaaazing! They have really good food for a bar, and several vegetarian options. I love estoria!
(5)
Brandon D.
I am absolutely in love with 97 Estoria and I truly hope I get to visit this place again if I'm ever in the area. I cant say too much about the food, as I only ordered drinks, But the atmosphere, the setting, and the feel of this place was wonderful. They didn't have the most amazing selection of beers, but the pitchers they did have were priced well, and the night we went featured a margarita special which was a great deal. I felt relaxed and comfortable, and the staff and local people were all quite friendly. And being from California, being able to smoke INSIDE a bar was incredible.
(4)
Kurt N.
I had the estoria salad with chicken, and it was tasty. It is a neighborhood bar in inman park, and the crowd and staff is appropriate for that.
(4)
Jeremy A.
Bar is easy to find if you know where the Krog St. Bridge is. The patio was packed when we went. First thing that threw me off is that you can smoke inside, doh. Service was awesome for us our waitress was friendly and attentive. Everything we ordered I really liked and its all reasonably priced. Tofu Peanut Burrito - Bit on the spicy side, huge and enough for two people. Hotwings were GREAT here. Definitely will go back to try the lemon pepper. Fried Green Tomatoes are stuffed with goat cheese, an absolute must.
(4)
C J.
I've had moments where I love this place, and moments where I'd rather be eating leftovers in a ditch somewhere. Yesterday was the latter. Your dining choices are a) smoke-filled bar or 2) kamakazi fly assault on the porch. We opted for the latter, which meant fighting the flies all through our meal. Our server was slow and apathetic (and it's like that every time we're here, so I can't just give them the benefit of the doubt or call it a "bad day"). Our food came out less than it was described in the menu, and when we told our server about it, nothing was done (actually, she said she would do something, then forgot about us twice). I keep asking myself why I keep coming back, then I took a bite of my boo's thai tofu burrito, and I remember. Pros: If you're willing to beg your server for attention, and battle the ambiance, the food, when they prepare it right (according to their own menu) is freaking delicious. Cons: Apathetic service, flies everywhere outside, the bathrooms are disgusting, and you're probably not "cool enough" to be there.
(3)
Katharine S.
A proud Decaturite, I have to really be in the mood for something different to venture far afield for dinner. Last night was one of those nights, though, so my boyfriend and I decided to travel the full six miles away to check out 97 Estoria in Cabbagetown, which I don't think that either of us could have accurately identified on a map of intown Atlanta before last night. Its reputation for being chill and inexpensive was a major draw for us, and when I saw the top line on the PDF of their menu online ("We want to make you happy, so if we have the ingredients, we will gladly make anything you can imagine. Just ask.") I knew that this place would be a gem. What we didn't expect, though, was that it to be a locale in which one could smoke! Both of us having a strong dislike of cigarette smoke, we opted to eat in the less crowded, less scenestery "front" dining room rather than the main room, where we got to watch a buff 30-something knock back PBR tallboys ($4.25) and skillfully take out deer, elk, big horn sheep and lemurs in Big Game Hunter while we waited for our order of burgers and fries. 97 Estoria makes some mean burgers: my bacon horseradish cheddar burger (on a braided egg roll bun) was delicious and the fries were superb. The only thing missing was a pickle spear. Since we usually walk to dinner when we eat out (meaning we usually stick to Decatur), I don't plan to make 97 Estoria one of our regular destinations, but I do want to make a return visit when the weather is warm enough to enjoy dinner and drinks on their patio and see if any hipster vibes rub off on us.
(3)
Nicole G.
This place seemed all right when I first got there. There were lots of wannabe hipsters who thought it would be cool to not move even if you said "excuse me" as loud as possible. Our server was pretty nice. However, I had an allergic reaction to my food immediately after taking a bite into it so I don't think I'll be coming back anytime soon.
(2)
Jin K.
Estoria's outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying a laid back night in Cabbagetown with friends. If I was to rate this place based solely off their outdoor seating, they'd get 5 stars. However, the dense second hand smoke, bad service, and mediocre bar food take it all the way down to 2. Beer selection is not that great either. Maybe I would be more forgiving about our slow waiter that reeked of pot after he forgot our drinks the first time. But after he disappeared for 30 minutes and never refilled our drink orders or didn't apologize when it took 45 minutes to get our friggin hummus platter, i was more than annoyed. And maybe it was my fault for ordering a Vietnamese sandwich here, but if it's on the menu, put some effort into it! I was served crusty bread with minimum filling and barely any cilantro. Yuck.
(2)
Bianca W.
So here's the thing..... Dear sweet Jebus, if the large bottle of Newcastle weren't enough, if the fried pickles weren't enough, lets talk about the most righteous vegan riblet sammie ever. Fuck off. I wasn't expecting it, after perusing the menu I was toying with selecting either the black bean burger or the vegan riblet sammie, I finally decided to go for broke and pick the riblet, balls to the wall, I figured it would either be the tastiest or nastiest experience of my life. Boy am I delighted it was the tastiest decision ever... As I powered through my super-sized Newcastle I was checking out the decore, and, if I'm not mistaken, quite a bit of the groovy wares are handmade, the booths seem to be made with love, and upholstered with crocodile, as do the stained wood room dividers, and that kind of craftsmanship makes my heart swell. Add the Patsy Cline on the jukebox, the graff in the bathrooms, and the cushy couches and its mathematically impossibly for you not to have a great time here. The deep fried pickles were crispy, hot, and tasty, but the real winner for the evening was the vegan riblet sammie, which arrived to my table glistening in bbq sauce, paired with caramelized onions and pickles, and accompanied by a side of homemade steak fries. I added a little mayo to the ciabatta bun, which is rather un-vegan of me(but I'm a vegetarian and I love mayo so suck it), cut the sammie in half one more time and took my first bite, the faux riblet was a little crispy, which is a textural element I can always appreciate. The flavor was insane, the faux meat was seasoned well and super moist, the bbq was a little heavy on the liquid smoke, but at this point I could care less, I was satisfied beyond belief, and as much as I wanted to finish the whole sammie, it was not possible. Even my carnivore partner in crime was surprised about how insanely tasty it was. God, this sammie is the thing dreams are made of.
(5)
Jillian H.
It has been three days and three shampoos since my last visit to 97 Estoria and my hair STILL smells like I spent the night in a Las Vegas casino. This place must be the smokiest bar in Atlanta.... Nonetheless, I have found myself here on multiple occasions. Mostly just for late-night drinks, but a couple of times for eats too. Their chicken and brie sammich is super delicious... and the sweet potato fries pretty on point. Food and drinks are reasonably priced and service is consistently satisfactory. The atmosphere is.... interesting to say the least. It has a counter-cultural/ hipster/ hipster's basement vibe, if that makes sense. The bathrooms are fun... lots of funny writings on the wall to look at. Not the cleanest, but not completely offensive either. Overall, I give this place 3 stars. If the smoke throws you off, come on a beautiful afternoon and enjoy a few cocktails and some snacks on their shaded patio!
(3)
Kristina L.
I'll give you the down low on the real 97 Estoria. Every time I come here there's either someone puking on the floor or doing coke off the sink in the bathroom. A musician recently got shot in the parking lot after playing a show, too. This place is sketch as a mofo, and the "ambiance" isn't worth a bullet in the face... However, place is cool when the sun is still out. Burgers are off the chain and I love a place you can smoke in.
(2)
Jess B.
I used to eat here more frequently when their menu was friendlier towards the vegan/vegetarian crowd. Now they've changed things up, and there were several treats that got the ax. No more are the days of the Vegan Riblet sandwich, You shall be missed dearly. Gone are the sweet potato logs cooked in wing sauce. It truly is tragic that these are no more. It seems like the only things left are blah and meh food and beer (and beer is fun, don't get me wrong! I just prefer some decent food to go along with it)
(2)
Sarah B.
I was a big fan of this patio. I came here on a lazy Sunday afternoon with a friend for a late lunch/early dinner. He had some sort of artery-clogging burger (which actually looked pretty delicious) and I had a turkey and brie sandwich and sweet potato fries, both of which were awesome. Add in some Dogfish Head 60 Minute on tap, and I was one happy camper. I did feel like I stuck out like a sore thumb a bit as I don't have any tattoos or waist-length dreads - but the people watching added to the experience!
(4)
Leah V.
I'm not a fan of self-righteous hipsters, so I stop here on the weeknights right after work. The bartenders are attentive and they always remember what I drink. They also have a pretty awesome menu with lots of vegan or vegetarian items for us picky eaters. I usually see regulars and neighborhood folk, and it makes me smile. Good vibe all around - I just avoid it late nights b/c I'm not interested in sharing air with barely legals who spent an hour to make it look like they just rolled out of bed. Oh crap. I just turned into my mother. :-O
(4)
Jordan S.
My favorite neighborhood bar, and the food is great. I go with the chicken & brie sandwich or the grilled tofu burrito. A great place to meet friends, your next ex, or to decompress after work.
(4)
Patricia Q.
My cousin lives in Cabbagetown, so whenever I visit him, I take a little trip to Estoria. I think that artsy describes the crowd at Estoria best, and I am definitely not artsy, and have never felt out of place, even when I have gone alone. The food The food here is pretty dan good. You HAVE HAVE HAVE to try the fried green tomatoes that are deep fried with cheese and served with some sort of sour sauce. DELISH :) I am also a fan of the honey jerk wings. The turkey burger is pretty good too. It is served with cranberry sauce, but it might be a little salty for most (well it is for me) The drink If you like beer, their beer selection is pretty good. Definitely not bad and definitely not amazing. Their drinks are affordable, and their margaritas are pretty tasty. Drinks are not too strong - just right :) So, do I recommend Estoria? Yes. I especially recommend going on a pretty day and sitting on the patio. Are there some things about Estoria that might turn you off? Yes! Sometimes it takes forever to get into the woman's bathroom, and there is smoking, correction, a lot of smoking in Estoria, so if that bothers you, don't enter!
(4)
Danny L.
The Vegan Riblet is to die for and I am a meat eater. Friendly service, stiff drinks, though this bar is a little smokey though I don't mind. One of my favorite hang outs in NE Atlanta. Good dive bar hang out.
(5)
Josef S.
If smoking and tattoos are your thing, this place would be a great hangout for you. Since I don't have tattoos and loathe cigarettes (how can something so foul and lethal be so popular?) I definitely didn't fit the vibe at this joint. The patio is great, but even out there smokers are everywhere. The staff is friendly and efficient. The beer battered green beans are OK, but the Thai peanut tofu burrito is not good. It tasted like they took a regular burrito and melted a Butterfinger candy bar into it. Not a pleasant taste for me. If they kicked out the smokers, I would go back, not to eat, but to have a refreshing, cold beer on the patio.
(2)
Stephanie M.
This update is strictly a wings update. I tried the dozen buffalo wings the other night and was pleasantly surprised by 97 on this front! (Not that my previous experiences have been bad.) The wings come with celery and bleu cheese but I requested ranch instead of the bleu cheese. Since this place isn't solely a wings spot, I got mine made to order and fresh out of the fryer. They were a nice size with plenty of meat but not too gargantuan, and the perfect amt of juicyness. Of the dozen wings I don't remember one of them being dry at all, and all of them also had a lovely little crunch from being fried. even as they cooled, still all-out great. they were covered in straight up buffalo sauce with no frills or weird herbs, not too much sauce but each wing was still spicy and tasty. sometimes it's nice to get back to the basics. I gobbled up those wings and had to use all 4 of the provided napkins. Delicious! I'm definitely getting these again.
(5)
Dave C.
Love this place, best fried pickles, friendly staff. The new Thursday night Dance Party is insane...not a lot of room but crazy fun and they play so many different styles...
(5)
Dru M.
Cool Cabbagetown bar/restaurant with a large patio and two bars inside. I've had better service there than this last time. I blame the fact that it was a Saturday evening and there was a music festival going on. Their food is typical bar food and prices are reasonable. I suggest getting their hummus appetizer..comes with pita and veggies. Great portion size for the price. Note...they do have a parking lot, but it tends to fill up fast. So be prepared to look for street parking. Overall...good place to grab a beer and food in Cabbagetown.
(3)
Liz C.
I really don't want to like you, 97 Estoria. I really don't. Your service is slow and apathetic. The wait for your one-stall ladies bathroom is always painfully long. Your hipster patrons are often obnoxious. Your food is mostly nothing to write home about. And yet, despite all your flaws, I like you, 97 Estoria. I really do. Why? Because I have so many fun memories that revolve around you. There are a number of funny stories that begin, "Remember that time at 97 Estoria?" And you have really good baked macaroni and cheese. And in my book, that counts for something. A lot actually. So, kudos to you and your macaroni and cheese and your memory-making abilities, 97 Estoria! I'll see you soon.
(4)
Micah B.
Great place to see hipster's in their natural habitat. Food highlights: Sweet potato fries are spectacular, mac & cheese is tasty, burgers are really good, and the fried chicken taco is possibly the best taco I've ever had.
(4)
Bryan B.
I hadn't been to 97 Estoria in a few years, but went by there with a group on Saturday night. One thing I don't like about the place is that there is smoking inside, so we sat on patio. Other than the smoke issue, I've always liked the food and had good service. Saturday night was no exception. The service was good and food was great. Need to get back there more often (and sit on the patio, of course)!
(4)
Robert M.
I often get the Jerk Chicken Burrito when I go there to eat - I highly recommend it. Their draft beer selection is rather small - but they always have PBR on draught. Plus you can't beat the prices; definitely a great value and a cool place off the beaten path. One caveat, if you are not a hipster, punk, beatnik or bohemian, one particular line of graffiti in the bathroom speaks volumes to neighborhood outsiders wandering in: " March your ass and your thong flip flops back to Buckhead, faggot!!" If you go there, do yourself a huge favor and dress to blend in with the locals. For example, one night I made the mistake of going there wearing a red Georgia Bulldogs cap and a black North Face fleece jacket - which, in retrospect, really set me apart from the rest of the crowd - and not in a good way. I was ignored by the bartenders until I finally had to leave in frustration and disgust. That experience solidified my belief that the place is heavily populated by hipster snobs who work behind the bar as well as sit in front of it; however, in spite of that one isolated incident I still love the place.
(4)
Stormtrooper H.
97 has had it's ups and downs over the years, and hopefully right now it's on it's way back up. The menu has been recently reinvented and is headed in the right direction (really good fried green tomatoes and blue cheese chips) which makes 97 a great lunch/dinner time place if you are in the area and are looking for a low key spot with plenty of parking. However, weekends and most nights after 9PM it's so full of D-bag courier (wannabe) and hipsters in skinny jeans that you can't move or get service, so you should just move on (unless that's your scene). Also, -1 star for "WORST (men's) BATHROOM IN ATLANTA". And you know us guys will put up with a lot, but you check it out and tell me this isn't the nastiest bathroom you've ever seen? (gas stations on I20 included)
(2)
Bobbin W.
My boyfriend's childhood neighbor was in town, after he hadn't seen her in 10 years. After bumbling around a random Beltline event, we decided to go to 97 Estoria since it was close, and we had a Scoutmob coupon. N's visit has convinced me to come up with a list of solid bars and restaurants to take out-of-town friends. Instead of alcohol, I was craving vegetables, so I ordered the Estoria Salad: arugula topped with julienned carrots, fried potatoes and citrus dressing. I added grilled chicken, satisfied to fill my body with wholesomeness. Wholesome truly would describe my night, since I also requested a Shirley Temple. My companions ordered a vodka soda, two Yuenglings and a Three Philosophers--and with the Scoutmob coupon, our combined total only came to $14. The waitress was extremely attentive, quickly bringing our beverages and making sure we were hydrated at all times. Out of nowhere, a guy scooted into our booth, spreading his mouth into a possum grin. Even through he quickly learned he wouldn't be getting any, I give him props for having the chutzpah to invite himself into our conversation and sitting there for 2+ hours post-no booty assessment. And, I give my party and me props for being so nice to him. 97 Estoria smells, but it's cool.
(4)
Sarah T.
The Cabbagetown hot-spot with a view of Krog Tunnel is full of hospitable hipsters, a standard bar menu, and affordable draft list. Staff is friendly, the regulars: more friendly. Perfect for an afternoon sandwich on the patio, a pitcher of PBR before a Braves game, or late-night shots at the back-bar.
(4)
Sloane S.
This particular trip was Scoutmob motivated, but not my first time here. I went with a few friends after moving some furniture so we were ready for a cold beer. We were planning to sit outside but were warned that the flies were especially bad that evening. We found a table inside - being non-smokers, not our first choice at all. The smoke-eaters were doing their job, but my clothes still went right into the wash when I got home. Decent, basic beer list and good bar food menu. Our server was friendly and quick - no complaints at all. Our order included the brisket/french dip with sweet potato fries, burger with fries and the chicken/brie sandwich. All were quite tasty. Good parking lot and usually plenty of street parking in the neighborhood. I am a fan of Cabbagetown (Agave, Carroll St. Cafe, 97 Estoria, Village Pizza - all good) - the neighborhood does not concern me at all.
(4)
Jane B.
I went to 97 Estoria for the first time tonight and the most I can say about it is: meh. I had a turkey burger with fries and it was just plain odd....it had carrots and spices in it (which I like)...but it didn't look much like turkey and tasted only sort of like turkey... I must say -- The staff was very nice - and the atmosphere is typical Little 5-Hipster.
(2)
Jamie S.
Great local bar that starts kicking around happy hour and keeps going all night. You can walk your dog there and have a beer on the patio...nice, open atmosphere. Good people watching. Food varies in quality...really a 3+ for food. Most is just ok but the hummus plate and fish tacos are delicious. They serve the hummus with lots of fresh veggies and warm pita; the tacos have a spicy jalapeño Tatar sauce that I crave. 03/12/11 update: Went for lunch and fish tacos have gone downhill :( They were truly great at one time but now are just ok with only a small portion of fishy fish and minimal fresh veggies. Friends had chicken fingers/fries and liked them.
(4)
Barry G.
I stopped in Estoria 97 after the 2010 Chomp and Stomp. It was Heaving! Estoria is a solid place that you can always find beer and decent bar food. The ONLY problem is that it definitely gets very smokey in there in the evenings. Other than that nothing but good things to say about Estoria. I'll be there plenty this year. See you there.
(4)
Erin O.
Good food. Strong drinks. Smokers can feel free to smoke up. Awesome neighborhood bar.
(4)
Laura H.
I can't lie, I'm pretty cool. And I've got a bit of hipster-alt-kid left in me from my rebel-goth-raver high school days. And I can rock the bangs and black EAV look. But when I walk in to this place, I kind of want to throw up because of how "holier than thou" all the 21 year olds staring back at me seem. To me, there's just a very stuck-up "scene kids" vibe to the whole bar - at least inside - you can get by alright on the patio.
(2)
Nikki K.
97 Estoria is a great place to go if you just don't care about seating and having a great wait staff. Otherwise you might walk out of there a little aggro and road rage around Cabbagetown. They have a parking lot, but it's once in a blue moon that you can get a spot in it, you can park on the street, but make sure you aren't wearing high heels because it might be a trek on the crowded streets, and the same with the outdoor patio- get there early or sit with the rest of us inside. And good luck with the wait staff- you will either get sufficient attention or very little at all. And another thing about the inside is that they have a few booths, but most of the time you are subjected to the long tables. Which means you might be rubbing elbows with a stranger before the night is through because someone's party has taken up residence next to yours. It's not the worst thing ever, but I am into personal space and I feel weird with strangers sitting too close to me while I eat. But what brings me back over and over again is the food and drink. If I am planning a night out of dinner and then 6 drinks, this is one of the places I can go to. The vegan riblet is tasty, and the vegan chicken nuggets were freaking amazing- too bad their vendor stopped making them. I hope they come back again soon. I hear the rest of the food is pretty good as well- they have a diverse menu, from total vegan to ultimate carnivore. But sometimes, when you're very lucky, you get a spot in the lot, you can sit on the patio (with your own table), and enjoy a lovely summer night drinking and eating with friends.
(3)
Dee W.
I really love this place. The vegan riblet sandwich is THE BEST vegan sandwich I've had since moving to Atlanta. The atmosphere is really laid back and the crowd is mostly 20-30 somethings. Love love love.
(4)
Blake B.
There's something suffocating about 97 Estoria, and I've never been quite able to place what. First off, the parking here is almost always a tremendous pain-- you usually have to park down the street, if even that is open. Though there is a large patio open in the summer, and a smaller gathering area immediately upon entrance, mostly everyone crowds into the main room. I've never felt comfortable here. The tables are all on top of one another and you have to fight your way to the bar, unless you feel like waiting for a server, who may or not be paying attention that night. The traditional crew that gathers here is your typical mob of hipsters. It's like a fashion spread out of Urban Outfitters ads, only with more tattoos. Most nights they have a DJ playing music loud enough to make conversation that much more difficult. Beyond that, I can remember at least three specific times I couldn't get into the bathroom because someone had locked it, probably for obvious nostril-related reasons. The food is pretty good. If you're looking for a place to sit around and feel boxed in, not to mention surrounded by people who are desperate to be seen and perhaps publicly groped by their drunk Strokes-reject boyfriend, this is probably where you want to go. Otherwise, I'd say don't bother.
(2)
David B.
Albeit its in a somewhat sketchy part of town that I really didn't feel safe driving through late at night, once we got in the parking lot and inside, the fear diminished immediately. Music playing, bit loud, but good stuff, and the overall smoky "clutched" atmosphere reminded me of a place back home I miss hanging out in back in Memphis. Friend of mine had a burger and the sweet potato fries. I had the jerk chicken burrito. I sampled the fries, and they're worth the trip... The burrito was perfectly seasoned, and oddly enough, wrapped perfectly as well, it didn't fall apart when trying to munch down on it. Portions were perfect, didn't leave you hungry, but didn't make you stuffed either. Another plus for me... HUGE SODA GLASSES!!! Granted they're the hard plastic clear ones you see at almost every restaurant, but these are the big fat mammas that hold about 48oz, no need for refills every 5 minutes... Being able to sit in a place, enjoy music, enjoy food, AND have a cigarette, priceless...
(5)
Reba Jean B.
I must have been drunk when I gave this place 4 stars. I mean really, the women's toilet has been broken since 2002 and they have terrible food. Three stars go to friendly people and cool spot in C-town with a great deck to drink beer.
(3)
Jada G.
Who knew... they have food here. i swear I didn't know this until reading the reviews. I think I'll go back. I've only been here in the winter. it was fairly cold outside, before all the beer, and they had to garage door open. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and if I get too drunk, it's in walking distance to home. Nothing really special...but i never knew they had food
(3)
Tom S.
They have a really great fake meat BBQ rib sandwich. It makes me really pleased.
(4)
Melonie T.
This place is hit or miss. It does have that nice hipster feel in the evenings and can be a great place to grab a drink. I was a huge fan of the food but recently I have noticed it can be a little off- not sure what the deal is, sometimes they are packed and its bad, sometimes they are dead and its bad. I went a while back for brunch and was surprised at the very good and creative fried chicken biscuit with sausage gravy-very good if you haven't had it! All in all, good for a drink, nice neighborhood place, not too shabby on the food.
(3)
Aaron R.
I've lived in Cabbagetown for a while so by proxy I end up going to Estoria a lot. I've tried most of the dishes on the menu and, to me, the best bang for your buck is the friend pimento cheese sandwich and a pitcher of PBR. The great thing about the pimento cheese is that you can kind of scoop up the extra stuff with the fries. In fact, I kind of want just a plate of fries covered in their melted pimento cheese. The other dishes are fine if kind of pricey. The hummus plate rocks and is huge--definitely orderable as an entree itself.
(4)
Bugster D.
As a LA transplant in Atlanta, this place is the closest thing you'll find to a "hipster" bar with equal part hipster, dive and punk. Skinny jeans preferred. Food here is AWESOME. Try the Chicken and Brie. Tucked away in the corner of Wylie and Dekalb, under the graffiti tunnel
(5)
Ain H D.
I got to know this spot through an amazing photographer who suggested shooting me there. She mentioned that it had a 70s artsy feel that would go well with the image we needed to capture. I fell in love (No, not with the photographer). The plain layout, the Goodwill-worthy green couch in the back, and the way it's tucked in Cabbage Town right next to the Krog Street Bridge was perfectly suited for a low key non-socialite like myself. Not many people were there (it was a bright Sunday afternoon), and the folks who sat at the bar were very cool. There aren't too many places I can go for an impromptu photo shoot and be completely comfortable. Aside from the friendly staff and laid back setting, they had the most delicious vegan nuggets. If a place can actually feed me something other than a salad, they automatically get two stars. Based on my first visit, I decided to go again. This time I was hipped to the fact that many of the vegan items listed on the menu had been removed. "Ah well, vegan nuggets it is!" I exclaimed to our waitress. This time the pub was "popping" as the kids would say. Some drunken gal pranced around for my entertainment and it was much more of a Cheers type of feel this go 'round. So, I can say that 97 Estoria is the neighborhood bar that I wish were in my neighborhood. It delivers a good balance of two worlds. Depending on the day or night, I know where I can go to chill and relax, or throw back a few drinks and have a good time with friends. The music blows... though I can only blame that on the patrons.
(3)
Strixx V.
My husband and I went here to try the vegan riblet sandwich. It was so smoky he couldn't go inside (asthma). I was going to order take out, but they were no longer offering the riblet sandwich. By the time I got back outside I was coughing. I used to smoke; I don't mind a bit of smoke, but this place needs to invest in an air filtration system.
(1)
steven c.
I would like to belong at a bar. Not in the alcoholic sense, but more for the community. I've never achieved this, but Estoria wouldn't be a bad choice if I were so inclined. It doesn't try to be too much. It has a hipster crowd, but mainly because of proximity. I appreciate that this fact doesn't deter them from showing sports on good sized tv. They have big buck hunter, which is key for me if a night is getting boring. And the food is more than passable and served late.
(4)
Isaiah D.
97 Estoria... so I was a little skeptical about this place before I got there, based on all the mixed reviews, but lets lay it all out. I had a great time last night. I think not knowing what to expect helped out. I think you really can't go too wrong with a place that spins The Smiths and has pitchers of PBR on tap. I think I saw a fair mix of people last night, from hipsters, scene kids, to locals. The corner with the couches offers a low key spot, where you can kill some pitchers and hang with your friends. We even moved the table out and broke out a game of twister. You can find said game in the record player in the corner. The patio is spacious and the location can't be beat. Very laid back atmosphere, the bartenders last night were all over their game. I can't really find anything bad about this place.
(4)
Arthur Y.
Trendy, hipsterish place in Cabbagetown with good music, friendly bartenders, and surprisingly tasty food. The thing I like best about Estoria is that it always seems to have the perfect balance of people--never empty, but never so crowded as to be obnoxious. Good atmosphere and a good mix of folks. Hipster, hip-hop, punk, artists, deejays, young office-type folks, graff writers, etc. It can get loud when it's busy but if you're looking for peace and quiet then this probably isn't your scene to begin with. I've been there about 100 times and only eaten there about five, but it's always been good. The jerk chicken burrito is very tasty, as are the wings. Of course, as with most places in Atlanta, this isn't really walking distance to anything outside of Cabbagetown, and probably not the best idea to walk around there too late at night anyways unless you're with a big group and/or you've got a pistol.
(4)
Justin H.
Bad food, bad service, but cheap beer. apparently you have to wear the lamest hats possible to get in. so, if you don't have a douchie fedora, don't expect to get any decent service.
(2)
Hambri Enta M.
I came for my monthly "one whiskey, one bourbon and one beer" night. Not a bad place if you are feeling adventurous and wish to have a drink with very alternative-y fellow drinkers. I came to this joint 3 weeks ago while having a "solo" night. I wanted to fill out the crossword puzzle on the Creative Loafing. I sat at the bar, inhaled some second hand smoke from the three fellow drinkers near me. I sure was the odd one, because I did not have any sleeve tattos, pink or green hair, nor was I wearing skinny jeans (note: you need to be skinny to be able to look halfway decent in skinny jeans, guys AND girls!) and that is just not me...not so much. The bathroom was an atrocity. Forget about looking in the mirror. Well, I guess no mirror is needed when most of the patrons are covered in metal studs, lip/nose/forehead rings and mega tattos up their necks! who needs to look attractive when you have stainless steel bling! I did not eat but was given a very nice portion of bourbon (or whiskey) and a nice cold Cider (I count it as beer) since I was out here on my monthly "one whiskey, one bourbon and one beer" night.
(2)
Leslie W.
97 Estoria seems like an unlikely place to go for relaxation, but every time I'm here, the world gets a little softer. Maybe I'm looking through rose-colored beer goggles. In the Spring and Summer, the patio is just delightful. Trees block the sun's rays just enough to keep you cool as does the soft breeze. I can picture myself there now, lounging in a chair, sunglasses on, draft beer in hand. The food is pretty decent, too. Good hummus and other snacky type foods. But, my favorite entree is the vegan riblet sandwich. Normally, I wouldn't go for something like that, but I had a Scoutmob the first time I tried it so I figured it was worth the gamble. And boy was it! A great place to stop if you're pub crawling in Cabbagetown. Or maybe you're crawling home from the annual Cabbagetown Chomp & Stomp. Either way, 97 Estoria should definitely be on your list of things to do in Atlanta when you want to unwind!
(4)
Bree Elle S.
Arrived during lunch on Friday(!) with a small group. Despite the restaurant being nearly empty, we waited a half hour for orders to be taken, and another full hour for the food to arrive - with each order coming about 10 minutes after the other, and with most of the orders wrong. The food was *okay* (aside from being served the wrong sides, plain balsamic vinegar being passed off as balsamic dressing, etc.), but absolutely not worth an hour wait. Avoid.
(1)
duane m.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the atmosphere in this place. It is like you are stepping back in time to a swank 60-70's lounge, and the vintage furniture and ambiance is a huge welcoming feature. Where it loses a star for me, is sadly the food. I have had a few things there, and some of them are awesome (the vegan nuggets rock my face off, but when they come out... that is a different story. Probably because they are vegan?), and others are just okay. It isn't that they are bad, they are just okay. Interestingly enough, I ordered the Thai green beans as a side once, because I was trying to be all "healthy", only to find out that those are breaded and friend green beans. So watch out for that. They were really good though... I guess I wasn't that healthy after all. Either way, this place is totally cool. AND the drinks are completely reasonable; I got trashed there for $20!
(4)
Jeff M.
I like the beer. I like the patio. The food is good. I like this more as a place to meet-up or hangout if the weather's nice.
(3)
Melissa B.
Nice bar pretty tucked away. Yummy yummy burritos! Nice front patio when the weather is nice and it's pet friendly which is a plus. Not that I have a dog to bring along, but hey, I like dogs. And hello, they have photo hunt! And the naked photo hunt;) Nice, low key spot to hang out.
(4)
Demarco G.
My home away from home. My little piece of the South. Whatever you wanna call it, this is my favorite bar in Atlanta. The atmosphere is great, the food is scrumptious and a bit different then typical bar fair (although that is here as well) and the prices are great. I can get tipsy and full for about $20, not bad in my book. I have had many-a-intellectual conversations here and my only knock on this place is that its in Atlanta and I live way out here in California.
(4)
Liz M.
Estoria used to be my first choice (after my regular Friday night bar). The beer prices aren't outrageous, and if you get there early enough, you can snag a table on the patio outside. The lingering problems are still there: some of the slowest service in Atlanta, no ventilation indoors (I'm a smoker, and even I can't stand to sit inside) and items from the menu are either an amazing hit or a colossal failure (honey mustard made from apple sauce and mustard? are you kidding?). These combined weren't enough to keep me away, but the crowd has been shifting slowly and steadily. It's now completely overcrowded any weekend night, more and more by Buckhead overflow, the atmosphere is less relaxed and the music is trending more toward hits of the 90s. No, seriously. Sublime, followed by Red Hot Chili Peppers, followed by Dave Matthews Band. That's a deal breaker in my book. It's a damn shame. I might still go on a weeknight, but never on a Friday or Saturday night.
(2)
Daniel N.
Average-to-decent food. My gal especially likes the appetizer that's an amalgamation of blue cheese and potatoes. Good beer selection, but expect to wait a good while for service (bar or table) when it gets busy. The patio is nice in the spring and fall but the service back there flat-out blows. Great jukebox. In my opinion, best in town. My advice: get there about 5pm, get shit-housed on Hoegaarden and play Silver Strike Bowling before the masses roll in. Thank me later.
(3)
Jeff G.
I like Estoria when no one is there. Can take the dog out on the patio early on a Sunday afternoon and just enjoy oneself, with a cheap drink. Vegan menu items fair pretty well for bar food. The Vegan Riblet and Vegan Chicken Nuggets are decent. Throw those chicken nuggets on a House Salad and you have a power meal. Jukebox has some rad offerings. Then the hipsters show up, and they try hard to scene out, down to deliberately dropping their coke bag, for attention, upon exit from the bathroom. I won't get into that much more.. Great for sloppy drunk watching come 10pm. All in all, I love Estoria... until people show up.
(4)
Sarah M.
This place is so yummy. And yes, it's very hipstery and cool. It might be a tad intimidating for the yuppy at heart -- you'd almost think it'd be a pre-req to have a tattoo before stepping into this place -- but the food is delicious, the beer is cold, and the waitstaff is so nice. And I'm sure my boyfriend would like me to note: they have pitchers of PBR. I always get the chicken and brie sandwich when I go here. It's so freaking good. I mean, really. Even now, after thinking about it, I want to go over there and get a sammy to go. They also serve potato chips with blue cheese on top. That's quite delicious too, although I couldn't see making a whole meal out of it, and it's a gigantic serving. But a good idea if you have a group. One final thought: this place is hella smoky. Don't plan on wearing anything that can't easily be washed.
(4)
Marisa F.
The food is a best kept secret. I don't know who's in the kitchen, but once I had the special which was beggar's purse ricotta and spice pasta with a honey pear sauce. I was blown away, it was so good. The soup that day was also 'lick the plate' good. The bbq chicken quesadilla is my favorite drunk food. . I think they have veggie friendly items and yummy fried goodness too. They have a good beer selection. I get an Oatmeal Stout about as often as the traditional PBR tallboy. Or pear cider, gosh those are good.
(4)
Kevin P.
I could say some really good things about Estoria. Their artwork is really well-chosen, their menu is consistently good, and the people-watching is fun. I could say all those things. Instead, the awful awful awful service is the only thing that ever comes to mind when I think about Estoria, and there's nothing that frustrates me more. When I went last week, our server was the worst yet. We never saw her, but since she was wearing jacked-up booty shorts with strategic peepshow rips and no visible underwear, I was actually glad not to see her! Estoria, fix the server problem! Maybe then I'll return to appreciate all the good things about this little hipster hangout.
(2)
Nich G.
I can't even rate this place... Food, not to terribly bad Crowd, ugly as hell Service, SUCKS!
(1)
Marcel C.
Great scene and some decent food. Good jukebox and community Simpson's Trivia top it off. Hummus - great! and it comes with cucumbers and toasted pita Chicken breast sandwich ... with remoulade!
(4)
Lindsay P.
Living down the street from here, I thought I would go there much more often. While I enjoy sitting on the large patio, I walk away if there isn't anywhere to sit outside largely because the interior is dark and filled with so much cigarette smoke. I have nothing against people who want to smoke but in 97 Estoria, the air is a bit stagnant and the smoke kind of just hangs in the air or clings to your clothes. If you like greasy food, their chips with blue cheese dressing hit the spot, though I always ask for the dressing on the side. They really like that dressing and too often, the chips end up all soggy before you can finish. Otherwise, the food can be hit or miss. Sometimes the lamb gyro is good, other times it's dried out and tough. There also isn't a great selection of beer, just the basics. All in all, though, if you can snag a place on the patio, it's just a chill place to wind down over a few beers and some greasy chips and hang out. Really not a bad way to spend a summer evening.
(3)
Kim G.
Great bartenders, great food, a decent jukebox, and fun games, 97 Estoria is like a second home to myself and many of my more heavily-drinking friends. I always hated the idea of being a 'regular' somewhere. To me, the term connotes an old, tobacco-stained man who drinks far too many of the exact same beverage every time and flirts inappropriately with young waitresses. But Estoria regulars are young, fun, and easy to be around. While Friday and Saturday evenings can be a bit of a trendfest, the usual customers are fully content with their non-hipster status, and even trendfests can provide some great (though unintentional) entertainment. If you're looking for an escape from the pricey-ness of the highlands and the uber-cool that pervades lil' five, Estoria is your destination.
(4)
Beth B.
This is a great little neighborhood bar with a great patio.
(4)
Oscar G.
Neat little bar that gets some interesting traffic. pack your skinny jeans. a staple of the cabbagetown nightlife.
(3)
Vincent V.
A neighborhood bar in every sense of the term, 97 Estoria is one of the best bars in Atlanta, hand down. Even though there's plenty of room for a crowd, 97 Estoria manages to feel small and intimate. Maybe it's the old wood and stone, the cigarette burns on the tables, or the well-worn leather couches, the way the staff treats you...it feels like you're in someone's home rather than a big bar. As far as the food goes, they have one of my favorite sandwiches of all time (one that I would discreetly make for myself several times a week back in my days of working as a cook): grilled cheese with turkey, tomatoes, and mushrooms. I practically danced on the bar the first time I saw it on the menu. And it's cheap...The fries and the home made potato chips are great too, crispy and wonderful with some malt vinegar. I could go on and on, but that would only delay the inevitable advice to seek this place out immediately and take some friends with you.
(5)
Steve H.
Surprisingly great fish tacos, much better than Taquiera's. Odds are pretty good of finding room enough for four or five people if you show up before 10PM. Something about the place seems to keep people in an unfailingly good mood. Update: It's now a crowded and loud. Great place to take a date you're trying to get rid of.
(3)
Katie C.
good for having beers with your friends. the patio is awesome when the weather is nice and the wait staff is really great- fast and accurate. when they have bands in the larger room i'd stay in the smaller side room- it can get really loud in there. this is my go to place at night after hanging out in east atlanta
(4)
Stephen B.
I guess this place could pass if it were your neighborhood bar. Everything here is just average.
(2)
Jayce U.
Hipsters and stuff. Cool place, but I cannot stay inside for more than 15 seconds. The place is so full of cigarette smoke that I find my eyes swelling up, my throat constricting and myself gasping for air. If it were smoke free I would be here a lot. As it is, never again.
(2)
Lisa K.
97 estoria gets my vote for non-pretentious place to hang. This is a bar like a bar should be a bar. Sometimes it it smoky, loud, and crowded, but I almost never feel cramped or unhappy here. Mostly people seem pretty chill and happy to let you drink your drink in peace. The food isn't bad bar food- try the club sandwich on wheat.
(4)
Yovel J.
I remember going here back in 2007 and thinking it was a lot more fun. Last night (a Saturday night), my partner and I decided to check it out and see if it was all I remembered. While I appreciated not having to fight to get to the bar to order our drinks, the music was too loud and the crowd too self-consciously hip. It's a place that wants to be a dive bar but doesn't have enough washed-up drunken regulars and dirt to make it work.
(2)
Ginny N.
Like a old pair of jeans, 97E is casual and comfortable in an unpretentious way (I love Cabbagetown for this very reason). Good beer list, nice bartenders, and great bar food (I had some kind of funky blue cheese nachos last time I was there, but they were pretty darn tasty for a late night snack).
(4)
Coley W.
Reasons not to go to 97 Estoria: 1. It's smoky. Really smoky. 2. It's all hipsters and if your jeans aren't tight enough of your eyeliner dark enough you might feel a little square in comparison. Reasons to go to 97 Estoria: 1. It's comfortable, casual and cool. One corner has couches, the far wall has booths, in the middle there are tables and up front there's a bar. Plus, during warmer weather, there's a great patio. Every kind of seating you could ask for short of bean bag chairs. 2. The food is decent and there are ample vegetarian options. The fried green beans with Thai dipping sauce are fantastic. 3. It's in Cabbagetown, the coolest of intown neighborhoods.
(4)
Tiffany H.
It's hard not to have great things to say about the bar within walking distance of your inhabitants. It is a shame that I have not visited in my time living in Atlanta until now. It has a great neighborhood vibe. I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed (that's a lot of love) the Sweet Potato Appetizer. It was super delicious. Bite sized sweet potato bites glazed with a small amount of buffalo sauce and a creamy garlicky sauce. YUM YUM YUM... I also had the pleasure of eating the Arugula Salad, although the waitress told me that she hates Arugula and couldn't recommend it, I found it to be quite delicious with it's dried cranberries and jalapeno cucumber dressing (it was not a spicy dressing, just a little extra flavor). As for the beer, normal beer, cheaply priced. Good Stuff. We sat out on the patio and enjoyed the spring evening. My only complaint would be that they probably need one more server to help take care of the patio when the weather gets as nice as it has been. The service was a little slow, but nothing to keep me from coming back... again, and again, and again. Also, the patio is dog friendly, for well behaved dogs. :-)
(4)
Russ G.
Can't go wrong with 97 Estoria. I mean, dang, they have pinball machines. Add to it a great selection of food, some vegan and really good (coming from a meat lover), lots of good beers on tap and in bottle, and a relaxed vibe. Plenty of seating on even a busy night, but large groups may have to go outdoors.
(4)
Skape Z.
Estoria has this perfect non chalant hole in the wall vibe that I love. I've walked out of there sideways many of times. It's kind of oddly decorated... it reminds me of a place that Beck would hang out at. Artsy but not pretentous, strange artwork, and a great Juke Box. I went there yesterday and I ordered the fish tacos because Estoria has some of the best in the city. They were out so I tried the Salmon BLT - it was really good! i definitely reccomend it. The fried pickles are good too. Just one thing - the used to have the best fries, they were all crunchy and flavorful. Their new fries are totally lame and tasteless in comparison. Why they changed them, the world may never know.
(4)
Ben R.
One word.....Terrible!!! Terrible food, terrible service, terrible attitudes. They obviously fall into some catergory where you can smoke inside. I myself am not a smoker and dont like leaving a place where I have just eaten smelling like an ashtray. Having dirty hipster kids wait tables is quite nasty. This place obviously doesnt require their waiters to take showers, cut their hair or have manners. Needless to say I will not be back and I am thinking about calling the health department to go check this place out. It can't be sanitary!
(1)
stan g.
As long as your open minded about the people your around, you should have no problem at Estoria. Its a very laid back place with a lot of interesting people. The location is unique and people are friendly. It easy to bash hippsters for thinking themselves as high and mighty, but in my experience, the Atlanta ones are genuinely nice. No need to dress up to any extent (at least on a Saturday night). Just make sure that if your walking in the neighborhood around the bar, you have your hands firmly clasped to your shiv.
(3)
Margo R.
Looking for a reason to go to Cabbagetown? Here you go: The delicious menu at 97 Estoria satisfies many tastes, with a range from Philly steaks to vegan riblets. The extensive drink menu is equally impressive and has standard prices. I recommend the tilapia tacos and a cold pint of Sweetwater. In addition to tasty food, the atmosphere is relaxed and hip (as in hipster). You may feel out of place if you walk in wearing a pink Lacoste polo, but I doubt anyone cares. The vibe at this bar/restaurant is very laid back. Estoria is the ideal place to have a drink and unwind with some friends.
(4)
s thomas d.
Making Out On Monday. Chicken & brie folkartshea (focaccia) tasty enough to inspire an expletive or two served by wait staff laid back enough not to mind your foul mouth. By midnight the music is making folk rub their bums on their chairs and on each other when convenient. PBR pitchers for 6 bucks or so. A good Guinness pour. Service can get slow. Did I mention the music on Monday night? Good. Best thing about the place is all the proud, shiney freaks who come out in every color and covering imaginable. This kind of thing only happens at very special global coordinate points. And Cabbagetown's got 97 stories still to tell.
(5)
josie p.
I never fail to have a good time at Estoria, & the food definitely deserves a nod, especially since their menu acknowledges the eclectic preferences people have these days. As many others have said however, the whole hipster thing gets a little tired here. I think 75% of the under-25-year-old patrons are high & I don't mean on life. I can't count the number of times there has been a residual white powder in the bathrooms & no offense, but have you seen the bathrooms here?!?! Can't even imagine the amount of bacteria festering in some of their noses, but more importantly, it seems to make these folks feel "cool." Perhaps that's where the "holier than thou" attitude stems from? Despite the judgmental hipster scene, the drinks here are cheap & the food is reasonable too. It's not a life-changing experience, but fun nevertheless, especially with a solid group of friends. I love the location & the large deck patio is one of the best in town! Estoria is definitely worth checking out as long as you have your own crowd in tow!
(3)
Lori F.
I love the low-key vibe of this place. The staff is great, there aren't any attitudes, and they have a good mix of regulars and first timers that are sure to come back. It's pretty big, which is great for groups and on busy nights. There's a large patio out back, and a little nook full of couches inside. Good beer selection, great prices.
(5)
Miss S.
So it's a hipster bar and I'm not a hipster, who cares? This is one of my favorite bars in town. Even when it's super crowded and a bit loud, it isn't rowdy like bars in the Highlands and it's not a meat market-- just a laid back place to hear good music and drink beer. I've never eaten there. My only complaint is that there is only one ladies bathroom-- this can be a problem...
(5)
Jesse Z.
Very cool bar - extremely quiet and laid back, great beers on tap, hopefully it will stay as quiet as it was for me.
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Ambience : Hipster Noise Level : Average Music : Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Wed, Sat, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : Yes Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : Yes
Maigh ..
Holy crap their blue cheese chips should be illegal. Crispy homemade slices of potato with a big stupid heap of crumbled blue cheese that melts on their fresh-hotness....ohhhhh. Where was I. Falafels, delish. Angus burger, notsomuch. Waitstaff, inattentive, snotty in that annoying "I'm edgy" way but still borderline amusing and randomly charming. Good enough for a "normal" tip. Bonus points for not making my smoking pals stand on the sidewalk, and for having a view of the Cabbagetown graffiti bridge. Yeay!
(4)Chris S.
This place was pretty sweet. I had a philly cheesesteak that was really, really good. Some friends and I split an order of their Blue Cheese chips, and those were excellent. 97 Estroia's got a pretty decent beer selection. Any place that has Woodchuck Pear Cider on tap is good in my book. The service was really good, too. We had a party of about 15 people and one waitress. She keep up with everything.
(5)John K.
The falafel here is wonderful. The chicken and brie on foccacia is too..but hopefully they'll remember to remove the rind from the brie before hiding it between the bread, which they didn't do during my last visit. Wax on a sandwich...yuck! All of the food items are done very well. It's not the best lunch place though as the waiters are usually too busy doing nothing and slow, in spite of the restaurant being less than half full. There are no sandwich and fry combos to speak of. All sides are alla carte which raises the overall price a bit. The beer selection and location makes this place a refreshing hot spot from the more mainstream trendy places.
(4)Elizabeth S.
Great little place to hang out with friends and talk. Plus, they have pear cider, a rarity in my experience.
(4)Paul D.
This place is great, usual cabbagetown friendly, funky wait staff, the food is great, and cheap!! Best fish tacos in da ATL period. Great outdoor patio to boot.
(4)ernesto s.
estoria mi bella...estoria mi plaka de buzze. don't label it. you got a breitling? don't bother. you got a timex? go. and get the tofu bbq. it's a pleasant surprise for the veggie enya.
(3)J. D.
If Hipster were in the dictionary, a photo of 97 Estoria would be in the listing. This Cabbage Town lounge/bar/cafe is the pulse of the neighborhood. Granted there are other cool spots on nearby Carroll Street, but 97 still takes the cake for being the heart of the 'hood.
(4)paulita b.
just another signature staple of atlanta's mediocre tastes.
(2)alice a.
i like the place in the afternoon, for late lunch... cold beer.... the menu got redone a little bit ago and i am making my way thru it!!!!! I have not been disappointed!!!! Cudos kids, keep up the good work!!!!
(4)Three M.
First of all, they have Frogger. Do you know how long I've been looking for a bar with Frogger? Since, like, forever. Aside from that AMAZING feature, this bar is pretty cool in a few other ways. One, it's relatively big, but still feels intimate. Which means you can go there with 10 friends and have room to sit and carry on, but you don't feel like you're in some giant, soulless Disney bar. The lighting is flattering, the staff is nice, and the french fries are deee-lish. They also have a nice sized patio, which will be perfect for lazy beer drinking Sundays once it gets hot in Hotlanta.
(4)lesley b.
I went here for brunch the other day...the place was nearly empty, and the service was amazing. the bartender knew what i wanted to drink before i even sat down & he is such a great bartender that he practically ordered my brunch for me, which arrived promptly & was very delicious. ALWAYS order a bloody mary here... they are so good.
(4)Lisa G.
Check out the new "Brunk" Sunday afternoon from 12:30 - 4. Cheap brunch with no lines and waiting. I get the scrambled tofu with a side of soysage and a biscuit for only 6something. Good times.
(4)Kris P.
my favorite bar in atlanta. pretty, yummy, cozy, friendly. don't be discouraged if you can't find anywhere to sit. the french fries are orgasmic.
(5)Don D.
We went to 97 Astoria after attending the horribly lame Cryptophonic Tour at Oakland Cemetery. I had the single best black bean burger that I've had yet. It was a house made black bean patty that was lightly pan fried to make crispy and it came with the perfect size serving of Tater Tots. The waitress even brought out a bowl of water for our friend's dog which I thought was such a simple yet very cool thing to do. The only thing I hated was that they allow smoking on the patio so we were seated beside a bunch of loud, American Spirit smoking hippies who I hope all develop emphysema and end up on "quit smoking" commercials.
(4)Matt B.
Food is not good, even for a bar. Really only a place if you want to smoke indoors.
(1)Stacy S.
Nice patio. The atmosphere varies on what they have going on there. Sometimes the staff is playing their crappy personal playlists...including horrible late 90's pop music. That makes me not want to eat there. Work time is not the time to listen to your music unless you are a composer. I wish their staff could understand this. We go for their vegetarian options. They normally have like 4-5 on the menu. The place is smoky which sucks when inside...you feel like your food has been dipped in cigarette smoke so I prefer eating on the patio which is only cool to do part of the year so we really don't go here in the winter. They have a riblet sandwich and that is pretty damn good but it isn't always on the menu. They are good on drink and beer selection. The service is flaky barely adult chicks usually...cool if you are a single dude who just wants beer. Sometimes my food has been sitting because they are screwing off which pisses me off. Hopefully if we do go back the service gets better. They aren't a slow joint so I don't understand why their servers always suck.
(3)Alex H.
This place is divey but not horrible. That said, I didn't visit the restrooms. I moved on before I could work up the courage.
(3)Mary Margaret B.
We came with a big group for my best friends 25th birthday and I wish I could remember our waitresses name, she was awesome. The place is hipster and grungy in a lovable kind of way, with more bullshit and sharpie on the wall than colors or design. It's self proclaimed artwork and 'C+M=Love' makes the place that much more. Obviously, considering Estoria Drive is that small little road under a tunnel that's covered in layer and layers of spray paint bright colors and swirling designs. We had a large tab but she kept the drinks flowing and they accommodated the huge group in a booth with chairs on the other side. Yes it's dirty, and small, and not like Buckhead or midtown but it's awesome. If I'm ever off Wylie at night I'll stop in and maybe sit on the patio. It was a fun night out and this locals bar made it that much and more.
(4)Shayna P.
I'm ready to get this off my chest. I really don't like Estoria. I wanted to love it. It's my closest bar, and I need a new third place near my home. This isn't it. First of all, let's talk about the 'tude. It's pervasive. Granted, I'm not really "hip" enough to be hanging out in Cabbagetown. Perhaps that's why I find the hipster angst attitude at Estoria particularly oppressive. IDK. It's hard to say. I just don't like it. I like smiles and friendly people. This is not Estoria. Second of all, I like my lungs in a living, breathing, working capacity. That's just not possible if I visit Estoria. So much too much smoke. Third, a veggie burger shouldn't take 1.5 hours to prepare and serve. Yes, I really shouldn't order food at Estoria. I know. Yes, it was a Saturday night. I know. Yes, I do get hangry. But none of this matters. If I want to have a mediocre veggie burger at Estoria on a Saturday night at 9 PM, I should be able to get it in less than 1.5 hours. And, when I inquire about the ETA for said burger, I should not have to deal with ALL OF THE SNARK. Ugh. Fourth, their porch could seriously use some candles to help with the bug problems. Those are some hungry suckers. So yes. There it is. I hate Estoria. I *may* drink a PBR there if forced to meet friends in the 'hood, but I'll only do so begrudgingly.
(2)L P.
Server was very distracted and forgot several things (like silverware) and had to keep asking for things. Then when we didn't get the correct order she offered to bring the right item as well and packed an order of tater tots to go. Seemed like a nice gesture until we got home and realized the tots had likely been fried multiple times and were not edible. It's not difficult to make tater tots......
(1)Charles J.
It's a good atmosphere with friendly staff. Decent drinks at a decent price. The food seemed a bit small-portioned, but I eat like a madman so am probably not a fair judge. While I was here some guy (friend of my friend) ironically played the song "Higher" by Creed, 5 times in a row on the jukebox. Some girl complained and the bartender turned off the music so it was silent inside. I'm not sure who the jerk was in this situation, but I think it was everyone.
(4)Sarah N.
I love Estoria! You have to know what you're getting into. This place is where you go on a Sunday afternoon, relax on the (dog-friendly) patio, order PBR by the pitcher, smoke a few cigs, and take it easy. It can also be the place you come to at 2am after you've left whatever "nicer" place you partied at earlier. This is where the dirty afterparty will be. The food is good. I've ordered the gyro before, and that was tasty. I usually just come here to drink, though. I think the service is excellent. It's not super quick by any means, but if you chill and enjoy your surroundings, you'll notice that the servers are astute. They remember what you're drinking, always check if you need a refill, bring your dog some water without even asking, split up a complicated check easily, etc. Don't worry about it being "hipster". Just come as you are and coexist.
(4)Michaela A.
Blue cheese nachos are outstanding! However, the coke vibe to the place is really ruining a potential business. The staff all know about the cocaine dealers and sometimes even buy from them. The place just got raided for this specific problem and the owner really needs to do some serious rehiring.
(2)Eva L.
The great big patio and location makes 97 estoria a perfect place for a beer outside in spring. They also have surprisingly good food for a bar. We love the brie and chicken sandwich. The bar is smoker friendly though, and a bit too smokey for me inside.
(4)Charlie P.
Good food, friendly staff, good priced drinks and a great atmosphere.
(5)Leonardo P.
Great place and great food. Against all standards, this place gives you an unique experience to be at a place full of locals. Atmosphere cannot be match elsewhere!
(5)Sambath T.
We got turned away as soon as we walked in because they were having a staff holiday party- which took up the entire restaurant not a section of it. What really bothered us was the way they handled it. When we asked if we can wait the 20 minutes there til the bar opened to public, the guy said "best if you didn't". Wtf. What kind of customer service is this, and who closes down a whole bar and doesn't allow a customer to join in at the tail end? I will not be returning.
(1)Carey W.
in one word!!!! FIREBALL!!! Hands down my favorite dive bar. The atmosphere is great!! Luis, Antoinette, Joe, Mike, Joey all Effie rock. I stop by after work and they are all friendly and fun. The regulars are kool too and this is a great lil spot. Parking is hell but who cares after a few FIREBALLS!!! Try theJERK WINGS!!!! This is my spot!!!! Oh and SETH ROCKS TOO!!! (sorry homie blame it on the FIREBALLS) well not fire balls.
(5)Sally P.
This place has calmed down a lot since I visited it a couple times a few years ago. Maybe that's just because the last time I went it was still light out on a week night. The drinks are standard. I always get beer because I'm cheap. My last visit every beer I liked was only in a bottle. Serious turn-off. Cocktails you can get served in MASSIVE mason jars. Don't worry, they fill them up with ice first. I've never had the food, but walking past it today it smelled exactly like a McDonalds from the outside. I was both disgusted and intrigued. The crowd these days is startlingly middle-aged and unattractive. I thought this was a hip hang out?? It's like the Portlandia progression of hipster-yuppie-average joe had already run its course. My first time coming here was a fluke. Me and my bestie were already drunk and working our way west down Dekalb. We decided to try hitchhiking, and got a ride with two girls. Safe! They let us in and told us they were going to Estoria. We soon realized they were drunk. When we got there they dropped us off at the door and tried to go park. They never made it inside because they were stopped in the parking lot by a patrol car. So I guess that's +1 for Estoria's safety features. Dont' drive drunk. I spent the small part of time my friend and I were there getting my buzz ruined by the pathetically cliche hipster vibe everyone was cultivating. I thought I saw a few friends and rambunctiously went up to them and said, "HEY!" It wasn't my friends, but these guys were hilariously stunned at my behavior. -1 for Estoria's networking capabilities The second time I went with a potential date. Two of our friends tagged along so it was like a double date. I quickly realized they were assholes because they left to go do coke and came back to "playfully" molest one of the servers. -1 for Estoria's sex appeal. The service and beer is definitely better than Milltown Arms, but I prefer to go there because it is a 5 minute walk instead of 10 and I really am that lazy. All in all, not the best, but not the worst.
(3)Jon W.
I can't believe I don't have a review for Estoria yet. Well, here it goes. Awesome: The Vegan McRiblet is seriously the most delicious vegan meat tasting substance I have ever had. The fried green beans are the greatest side item in the history of side items. Great prices on beers and shots. Nieghborhood atmosphere and the servers/bartenders are all awesome here. Bleh: It gets kind of smokey in here and sometimes is hard to find a table for a large group of people.
(5)John A.
One of my favorite bars in Atlanta, despite being overrun by hipsters. I like the patio for summer happy hours and the inside feels like several different bars, depending on where you are sitting. Drinks are decently priced and the food has never disappointed (highlights: Hummus, Quesadilla, Wings - pretty crispy, which is the way I like them). I also like the fact that it's a stand alone bar in a neighborhood - not something you see everyday. Daily specials include Sunday: 10 wings & pitcher of PBR for $12.
(4)Andi G.
Live dj's on the reg, apple pie moonshine and fireball behind the bar, big buck hunter in the back room. World of Coke sattelite branch.
(3)Paul C.
It used to be great. Then they took the bison burger off the menu and I just don't go there any more.
(2)Shannon H.
Cool, low key bar - that is during the week at lunch! Weekend/ nights can be another story as I witnessed a huge fight break out here with a table being flipped. I'm sure it doesn't happen all the time, but I think I'm going stay with coming here for lunch. The service is always good (both servers and bartenders) and if you are looking for bar food, it is better than average here. I usually order the fried green tomato blt - it has goat cheese stuffed green tomatoes :) (now that it's on my mind I kind of wish I could get one right now!), the jerk chicken burrito, or the thai peanut tofu burrito. Yum.
(4)Mike G.
Dinner before bars is a staple in my personal party menu, and this place was quick, delicious, and satisfied all of the others who ordered as well, on that note let me also say that I'm only giving it three stars based on the fact that we ordered take out. Brie and Chicken sandwich was a great choice, served with very lightly salted sweet potato fries. I'm not sure of what the others in our group ordered, but we all seemed to be nodding our heads in silent agreement that Estoria was a solid choice. Will return for dine-in next time....
(3)Anni Z.
Obviously estoria is not for everyone...but I love it!!! If you get to know the staff, they are all really awesome. It's a great place to meet friends, or sit down and read a book(when it's not crowded). I spend quite a bit of time here. On the weekends it does have a tendency to get really crowded and service can be a bit slow, it's best to sit at the bar or in the main room. Oh...and they brought back the vegan riblet! Amaaaazing! They have really good food for a bar, and several vegetarian options. I love estoria!
(5)Brandon D.
I am absolutely in love with 97 Estoria and I truly hope I get to visit this place again if I'm ever in the area. I cant say too much about the food, as I only ordered drinks, But the atmosphere, the setting, and the feel of this place was wonderful. They didn't have the most amazing selection of beers, but the pitchers they did have were priced well, and the night we went featured a margarita special which was a great deal. I felt relaxed and comfortable, and the staff and local people were all quite friendly. And being from California, being able to smoke INSIDE a bar was incredible.
(4)Kurt N.
I had the estoria salad with chicken, and it was tasty. It is a neighborhood bar in inman park, and the crowd and staff is appropriate for that.
(4)Jeremy A.
Bar is easy to find if you know where the Krog St. Bridge is. The patio was packed when we went. First thing that threw me off is that you can smoke inside, doh. Service was awesome for us our waitress was friendly and attentive. Everything we ordered I really liked and its all reasonably priced. Tofu Peanut Burrito - Bit on the spicy side, huge and enough for two people. Hotwings were GREAT here. Definitely will go back to try the lemon pepper. Fried Green Tomatoes are stuffed with goat cheese, an absolute must.
(4)C J.
I've had moments where I love this place, and moments where I'd rather be eating leftovers in a ditch somewhere. Yesterday was the latter. Your dining choices are a) smoke-filled bar or 2) kamakazi fly assault on the porch. We opted for the latter, which meant fighting the flies all through our meal. Our server was slow and apathetic (and it's like that every time we're here, so I can't just give them the benefit of the doubt or call it a "bad day"). Our food came out less than it was described in the menu, and when we told our server about it, nothing was done (actually, she said she would do something, then forgot about us twice). I keep asking myself why I keep coming back, then I took a bite of my boo's thai tofu burrito, and I remember. Pros: If you're willing to beg your server for attention, and battle the ambiance, the food, when they prepare it right (according to their own menu) is freaking delicious. Cons: Apathetic service, flies everywhere outside, the bathrooms are disgusting, and you're probably not "cool enough" to be there.
(3)Katharine S.
A proud Decaturite, I have to really be in the mood for something different to venture far afield for dinner. Last night was one of those nights, though, so my boyfriend and I decided to travel the full six miles away to check out 97 Estoria in Cabbagetown, which I don't think that either of us could have accurately identified on a map of intown Atlanta before last night. Its reputation for being chill and inexpensive was a major draw for us, and when I saw the top line on the PDF of their menu online ("We want to make you happy, so if we have the ingredients, we will gladly make anything you can imagine. Just ask.") I knew that this place would be a gem. What we didn't expect, though, was that it to be a locale in which one could smoke! Both of us having a strong dislike of cigarette smoke, we opted to eat in the less crowded, less scenestery "front" dining room rather than the main room, where we got to watch a buff 30-something knock back PBR tallboys ($4.25) and skillfully take out deer, elk, big horn sheep and lemurs in Big Game Hunter while we waited for our order of burgers and fries. 97 Estoria makes some mean burgers: my bacon horseradish cheddar burger (on a braided egg roll bun) was delicious and the fries were superb. The only thing missing was a pickle spear. Since we usually walk to dinner when we eat out (meaning we usually stick to Decatur), I don't plan to make 97 Estoria one of our regular destinations, but I do want to make a return visit when the weather is warm enough to enjoy dinner and drinks on their patio and see if any hipster vibes rub off on us.
(3)Nicole G.
This place seemed all right when I first got there. There were lots of wannabe hipsters who thought it would be cool to not move even if you said "excuse me" as loud as possible. Our server was pretty nice. However, I had an allergic reaction to my food immediately after taking a bite into it so I don't think I'll be coming back anytime soon.
(2)Jin K.
Estoria's outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying a laid back night in Cabbagetown with friends. If I was to rate this place based solely off their outdoor seating, they'd get 5 stars. However, the dense second hand smoke, bad service, and mediocre bar food take it all the way down to 2. Beer selection is not that great either. Maybe I would be more forgiving about our slow waiter that reeked of pot after he forgot our drinks the first time. But after he disappeared for 30 minutes and never refilled our drink orders or didn't apologize when it took 45 minutes to get our friggin hummus platter, i was more than annoyed. And maybe it was my fault for ordering a Vietnamese sandwich here, but if it's on the menu, put some effort into it! I was served crusty bread with minimum filling and barely any cilantro. Yuck.
(2)Bianca W.
So here's the thing..... Dear sweet Jebus, if the large bottle of Newcastle weren't enough, if the fried pickles weren't enough, lets talk about the most righteous vegan riblet sammie ever. Fuck off. I wasn't expecting it, after perusing the menu I was toying with selecting either the black bean burger or the vegan riblet sammie, I finally decided to go for broke and pick the riblet, balls to the wall, I figured it would either be the tastiest or nastiest experience of my life. Boy am I delighted it was the tastiest decision ever... As I powered through my super-sized Newcastle I was checking out the decore, and, if I'm not mistaken, quite a bit of the groovy wares are handmade, the booths seem to be made with love, and upholstered with crocodile, as do the stained wood room dividers, and that kind of craftsmanship makes my heart swell. Add the Patsy Cline on the jukebox, the graff in the bathrooms, and the cushy couches and its mathematically impossibly for you not to have a great time here. The deep fried pickles were crispy, hot, and tasty, but the real winner for the evening was the vegan riblet sammie, which arrived to my table glistening in bbq sauce, paired with caramelized onions and pickles, and accompanied by a side of homemade steak fries. I added a little mayo to the ciabatta bun, which is rather un-vegan of me(but I'm a vegetarian and I love mayo so suck it), cut the sammie in half one more time and took my first bite, the faux riblet was a little crispy, which is a textural element I can always appreciate. The flavor was insane, the faux meat was seasoned well and super moist, the bbq was a little heavy on the liquid smoke, but at this point I could care less, I was satisfied beyond belief, and as much as I wanted to finish the whole sammie, it was not possible. Even my carnivore partner in crime was surprised about how insanely tasty it was. God, this sammie is the thing dreams are made of.
(5)Jillian H.
It has been three days and three shampoos since my last visit to 97 Estoria and my hair STILL smells like I spent the night in a Las Vegas casino. This place must be the smokiest bar in Atlanta.... Nonetheless, I have found myself here on multiple occasions. Mostly just for late-night drinks, but a couple of times for eats too. Their chicken and brie sammich is super delicious... and the sweet potato fries pretty on point. Food and drinks are reasonably priced and service is consistently satisfactory. The atmosphere is.... interesting to say the least. It has a counter-cultural/ hipster/ hipster's basement vibe, if that makes sense. The bathrooms are fun... lots of funny writings on the wall to look at. Not the cleanest, but not completely offensive either. Overall, I give this place 3 stars. If the smoke throws you off, come on a beautiful afternoon and enjoy a few cocktails and some snacks on their shaded patio!
(3)Kristina L.
I'll give you the down low on the real 97 Estoria. Every time I come here there's either someone puking on the floor or doing coke off the sink in the bathroom. A musician recently got shot in the parking lot after playing a show, too. This place is sketch as a mofo, and the "ambiance" isn't worth a bullet in the face... However, place is cool when the sun is still out. Burgers are off the chain and I love a place you can smoke in.
(2)Jess B.
I used to eat here more frequently when their menu was friendlier towards the vegan/vegetarian crowd. Now they've changed things up, and there were several treats that got the ax. No more are the days of the Vegan Riblet sandwich, You shall be missed dearly. Gone are the sweet potato logs cooked in wing sauce. It truly is tragic that these are no more. It seems like the only things left are blah and meh food and beer (and beer is fun, don't get me wrong! I just prefer some decent food to go along with it)
(2)Sarah B.
I was a big fan of this patio. I came here on a lazy Sunday afternoon with a friend for a late lunch/early dinner. He had some sort of artery-clogging burger (which actually looked pretty delicious) and I had a turkey and brie sandwich and sweet potato fries, both of which were awesome. Add in some Dogfish Head 60 Minute on tap, and I was one happy camper. I did feel like I stuck out like a sore thumb a bit as I don't have any tattoos or waist-length dreads - but the people watching added to the experience!
(4)Leah V.
I'm not a fan of self-righteous hipsters, so I stop here on the weeknights right after work. The bartenders are attentive and they always remember what I drink. They also have a pretty awesome menu with lots of vegan or vegetarian items for us picky eaters. I usually see regulars and neighborhood folk, and it makes me smile. Good vibe all around - I just avoid it late nights b/c I'm not interested in sharing air with barely legals who spent an hour to make it look like they just rolled out of bed. Oh crap. I just turned into my mother. :-O
(4)Jordan S.
My favorite neighborhood bar, and the food is great. I go with the chicken & brie sandwich or the grilled tofu burrito. A great place to meet friends, your next ex, or to decompress after work.
(4)Patricia Q.
My cousin lives in Cabbagetown, so whenever I visit him, I take a little trip to Estoria. I think that artsy describes the crowd at Estoria best, and I am definitely not artsy, and have never felt out of place, even when I have gone alone. The food The food here is pretty dan good. You HAVE HAVE HAVE to try the fried green tomatoes that are deep fried with cheese and served with some sort of sour sauce. DELISH :) I am also a fan of the honey jerk wings. The turkey burger is pretty good too. It is served with cranberry sauce, but it might be a little salty for most (well it is for me) The drink If you like beer, their beer selection is pretty good. Definitely not bad and definitely not amazing. Their drinks are affordable, and their margaritas are pretty tasty. Drinks are not too strong - just right :) So, do I recommend Estoria? Yes. I especially recommend going on a pretty day and sitting on the patio. Are there some things about Estoria that might turn you off? Yes! Sometimes it takes forever to get into the woman's bathroom, and there is smoking, correction, a lot of smoking in Estoria, so if that bothers you, don't enter!
(4)Danny L.
The Vegan Riblet is to die for and I am a meat eater. Friendly service, stiff drinks, though this bar is a little smokey though I don't mind. One of my favorite hang outs in NE Atlanta. Good dive bar hang out.
(5)Josef S.
If smoking and tattoos are your thing, this place would be a great hangout for you. Since I don't have tattoos and loathe cigarettes (how can something so foul and lethal be so popular?) I definitely didn't fit the vibe at this joint. The patio is great, but even out there smokers are everywhere. The staff is friendly and efficient. The beer battered green beans are OK, but the Thai peanut tofu burrito is not good. It tasted like they took a regular burrito and melted a Butterfinger candy bar into it. Not a pleasant taste for me. If they kicked out the smokers, I would go back, not to eat, but to have a refreshing, cold beer on the patio.
(2)Stephanie M.
This update is strictly a wings update. I tried the dozen buffalo wings the other night and was pleasantly surprised by 97 on this front! (Not that my previous experiences have been bad.) The wings come with celery and bleu cheese but I requested ranch instead of the bleu cheese. Since this place isn't solely a wings spot, I got mine made to order and fresh out of the fryer. They were a nice size with plenty of meat but not too gargantuan, and the perfect amt of juicyness. Of the dozen wings I don't remember one of them being dry at all, and all of them also had a lovely little crunch from being fried. even as they cooled, still all-out great. they were covered in straight up buffalo sauce with no frills or weird herbs, not too much sauce but each wing was still spicy and tasty. sometimes it's nice to get back to the basics. I gobbled up those wings and had to use all 4 of the provided napkins. Delicious! I'm definitely getting these again.
(5)Dave C.
Love this place, best fried pickles, friendly staff. The new Thursday night Dance Party is insane...not a lot of room but crazy fun and they play so many different styles...
(5)Dru M.
Cool Cabbagetown bar/restaurant with a large patio and two bars inside. I've had better service there than this last time. I blame the fact that it was a Saturday evening and there was a music festival going on. Their food is typical bar food and prices are reasonable. I suggest getting their hummus appetizer..comes with pita and veggies. Great portion size for the price. Note...they do have a parking lot, but it tends to fill up fast. So be prepared to look for street parking. Overall...good place to grab a beer and food in Cabbagetown.
(3)Liz C.
I really don't want to like you, 97 Estoria. I really don't. Your service is slow and apathetic. The wait for your one-stall ladies bathroom is always painfully long. Your hipster patrons are often obnoxious. Your food is mostly nothing to write home about. And yet, despite all your flaws, I like you, 97 Estoria. I really do. Why? Because I have so many fun memories that revolve around you. There are a number of funny stories that begin, "Remember that time at 97 Estoria?" And you have really good baked macaroni and cheese. And in my book, that counts for something. A lot actually. So, kudos to you and your macaroni and cheese and your memory-making abilities, 97 Estoria! I'll see you soon.
(4)Micah B.
Great place to see hipster's in their natural habitat. Food highlights: Sweet potato fries are spectacular, mac & cheese is tasty, burgers are really good, and the fried chicken taco is possibly the best taco I've ever had.
(4)Bryan B.
I hadn't been to 97 Estoria in a few years, but went by there with a group on Saturday night. One thing I don't like about the place is that there is smoking inside, so we sat on patio. Other than the smoke issue, I've always liked the food and had good service. Saturday night was no exception. The service was good and food was great. Need to get back there more often (and sit on the patio, of course)!
(4)Robert M.
I often get the Jerk Chicken Burrito when I go there to eat - I highly recommend it. Their draft beer selection is rather small - but they always have PBR on draught. Plus you can't beat the prices; definitely a great value and a cool place off the beaten path. One caveat, if you are not a hipster, punk, beatnik or bohemian, one particular line of graffiti in the bathroom speaks volumes to neighborhood outsiders wandering in: " March your ass and your thong flip flops back to Buckhead, faggot!!" If you go there, do yourself a huge favor and dress to blend in with the locals. For example, one night I made the mistake of going there wearing a red Georgia Bulldogs cap and a black North Face fleece jacket - which, in retrospect, really set me apart from the rest of the crowd - and not in a good way. I was ignored by the bartenders until I finally had to leave in frustration and disgust. That experience solidified my belief that the place is heavily populated by hipster snobs who work behind the bar as well as sit in front of it; however, in spite of that one isolated incident I still love the place.
(4)Stormtrooper H.
97 has had it's ups and downs over the years, and hopefully right now it's on it's way back up. The menu has been recently reinvented and is headed in the right direction (really good fried green tomatoes and blue cheese chips) which makes 97 a great lunch/dinner time place if you are in the area and are looking for a low key spot with plenty of parking. However, weekends and most nights after 9PM it's so full of D-bag courier (wannabe) and hipsters in skinny jeans that you can't move or get service, so you should just move on (unless that's your scene). Also, -1 star for "WORST (men's) BATHROOM IN ATLANTA". And you know us guys will put up with a lot, but you check it out and tell me this isn't the nastiest bathroom you've ever seen? (gas stations on I20 included)
(2)Bobbin W.
My boyfriend's childhood neighbor was in town, after he hadn't seen her in 10 years. After bumbling around a random Beltline event, we decided to go to 97 Estoria since it was close, and we had a Scoutmob coupon. N's visit has convinced me to come up with a list of solid bars and restaurants to take out-of-town friends. Instead of alcohol, I was craving vegetables, so I ordered the Estoria Salad: arugula topped with julienned carrots, fried potatoes and citrus dressing. I added grilled chicken, satisfied to fill my body with wholesomeness. Wholesome truly would describe my night, since I also requested a Shirley Temple. My companions ordered a vodka soda, two Yuenglings and a Three Philosophers--and with the Scoutmob coupon, our combined total only came to $14. The waitress was extremely attentive, quickly bringing our beverages and making sure we were hydrated at all times. Out of nowhere, a guy scooted into our booth, spreading his mouth into a possum grin. Even through he quickly learned he wouldn't be getting any, I give him props for having the chutzpah to invite himself into our conversation and sitting there for 2+ hours post-no booty assessment. And, I give my party and me props for being so nice to him. 97 Estoria smells, but it's cool.
(4)Sarah T.
The Cabbagetown hot-spot with a view of Krog Tunnel is full of hospitable hipsters, a standard bar menu, and affordable draft list. Staff is friendly, the regulars: more friendly. Perfect for an afternoon sandwich on the patio, a pitcher of PBR before a Braves game, or late-night shots at the back-bar.
(4)Sloane S.
This particular trip was Scoutmob motivated, but not my first time here. I went with a few friends after moving some furniture so we were ready for a cold beer. We were planning to sit outside but were warned that the flies were especially bad that evening. We found a table inside - being non-smokers, not our first choice at all. The smoke-eaters were doing their job, but my clothes still went right into the wash when I got home. Decent, basic beer list and good bar food menu. Our server was friendly and quick - no complaints at all. Our order included the brisket/french dip with sweet potato fries, burger with fries and the chicken/brie sandwich. All were quite tasty. Good parking lot and usually plenty of street parking in the neighborhood. I am a fan of Cabbagetown (Agave, Carroll St. Cafe, 97 Estoria, Village Pizza - all good) - the neighborhood does not concern me at all.
(4)Jane B.
I went to 97 Estoria for the first time tonight and the most I can say about it is: meh. I had a turkey burger with fries and it was just plain odd....it had carrots and spices in it (which I like)...but it didn't look much like turkey and tasted only sort of like turkey... I must say -- The staff was very nice - and the atmosphere is typical Little 5-Hipster.
(2)Jamie S.
Great local bar that starts kicking around happy hour and keeps going all night. You can walk your dog there and have a beer on the patio...nice, open atmosphere. Good people watching. Food varies in quality...really a 3+ for food. Most is just ok but the hummus plate and fish tacos are delicious. They serve the hummus with lots of fresh veggies and warm pita; the tacos have a spicy jalapeño Tatar sauce that I crave. 03/12/11 update: Went for lunch and fish tacos have gone downhill :( They were truly great at one time but now are just ok with only a small portion of fishy fish and minimal fresh veggies. Friends had chicken fingers/fries and liked them.
(4)Barry G.
I stopped in Estoria 97 after the 2010 Chomp and Stomp. It was Heaving! Estoria is a solid place that you can always find beer and decent bar food. The ONLY problem is that it definitely gets very smokey in there in the evenings. Other than that nothing but good things to say about Estoria. I'll be there plenty this year. See you there.
(4)Erin O.
Good food. Strong drinks. Smokers can feel free to smoke up. Awesome neighborhood bar.
(4)Laura H.
I can't lie, I'm pretty cool. And I've got a bit of hipster-alt-kid left in me from my rebel-goth-raver high school days. And I can rock the bangs and black EAV look. But when I walk in to this place, I kind of want to throw up because of how "holier than thou" all the 21 year olds staring back at me seem. To me, there's just a very stuck-up "scene kids" vibe to the whole bar - at least inside - you can get by alright on the patio.
(2)Nikki K.
97 Estoria is a great place to go if you just don't care about seating and having a great wait staff. Otherwise you might walk out of there a little aggro and road rage around Cabbagetown. They have a parking lot, but it's once in a blue moon that you can get a spot in it, you can park on the street, but make sure you aren't wearing high heels because it might be a trek on the crowded streets, and the same with the outdoor patio- get there early or sit with the rest of us inside. And good luck with the wait staff- you will either get sufficient attention or very little at all. And another thing about the inside is that they have a few booths, but most of the time you are subjected to the long tables. Which means you might be rubbing elbows with a stranger before the night is through because someone's party has taken up residence next to yours. It's not the worst thing ever, but I am into personal space and I feel weird with strangers sitting too close to me while I eat. But what brings me back over and over again is the food and drink. If I am planning a night out of dinner and then 6 drinks, this is one of the places I can go to. The vegan riblet is tasty, and the vegan chicken nuggets were freaking amazing- too bad their vendor stopped making them. I hope they come back again soon. I hear the rest of the food is pretty good as well- they have a diverse menu, from total vegan to ultimate carnivore. But sometimes, when you're very lucky, you get a spot in the lot, you can sit on the patio (with your own table), and enjoy a lovely summer night drinking and eating with friends.
(3)Dee W.
I really love this place. The vegan riblet sandwich is THE BEST vegan sandwich I've had since moving to Atlanta. The atmosphere is really laid back and the crowd is mostly 20-30 somethings. Love love love.
(4)Blake B.
There's something suffocating about 97 Estoria, and I've never been quite able to place what. First off, the parking here is almost always a tremendous pain-- you usually have to park down the street, if even that is open. Though there is a large patio open in the summer, and a smaller gathering area immediately upon entrance, mostly everyone crowds into the main room. I've never felt comfortable here. The tables are all on top of one another and you have to fight your way to the bar, unless you feel like waiting for a server, who may or not be paying attention that night. The traditional crew that gathers here is your typical mob of hipsters. It's like a fashion spread out of Urban Outfitters ads, only with more tattoos. Most nights they have a DJ playing music loud enough to make conversation that much more difficult. Beyond that, I can remember at least three specific times I couldn't get into the bathroom because someone had locked it, probably for obvious nostril-related reasons. The food is pretty good. If you're looking for a place to sit around and feel boxed in, not to mention surrounded by people who are desperate to be seen and perhaps publicly groped by their drunk Strokes-reject boyfriend, this is probably where you want to go. Otherwise, I'd say don't bother.
(2)David B.
Albeit its in a somewhat sketchy part of town that I really didn't feel safe driving through late at night, once we got in the parking lot and inside, the fear diminished immediately. Music playing, bit loud, but good stuff, and the overall smoky "clutched" atmosphere reminded me of a place back home I miss hanging out in back in Memphis. Friend of mine had a burger and the sweet potato fries. I had the jerk chicken burrito. I sampled the fries, and they're worth the trip... The burrito was perfectly seasoned, and oddly enough, wrapped perfectly as well, it didn't fall apart when trying to munch down on it. Portions were perfect, didn't leave you hungry, but didn't make you stuffed either. Another plus for me... HUGE SODA GLASSES!!! Granted they're the hard plastic clear ones you see at almost every restaurant, but these are the big fat mammas that hold about 48oz, no need for refills every 5 minutes... Being able to sit in a place, enjoy music, enjoy food, AND have a cigarette, priceless...
(5)Reba Jean B.
I must have been drunk when I gave this place 4 stars. I mean really, the women's toilet has been broken since 2002 and they have terrible food. Three stars go to friendly people and cool spot in C-town with a great deck to drink beer.
(3)Jada G.
Who knew... they have food here. i swear I didn't know this until reading the reviews. I think I'll go back. I've only been here in the winter. it was fairly cold outside, before all the beer, and they had to garage door open. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and if I get too drunk, it's in walking distance to home. Nothing really special...but i never knew they had food
(3)Tom S.
They have a really great fake meat BBQ rib sandwich. It makes me really pleased.
(4)Melonie T.
This place is hit or miss. It does have that nice hipster feel in the evenings and can be a great place to grab a drink. I was a huge fan of the food but recently I have noticed it can be a little off- not sure what the deal is, sometimes they are packed and its bad, sometimes they are dead and its bad. I went a while back for brunch and was surprised at the very good and creative fried chicken biscuit with sausage gravy-very good if you haven't had it! All in all, good for a drink, nice neighborhood place, not too shabby on the food.
(3)Aaron R.
I've lived in Cabbagetown for a while so by proxy I end up going to Estoria a lot. I've tried most of the dishes on the menu and, to me, the best bang for your buck is the friend pimento cheese sandwich and a pitcher of PBR. The great thing about the pimento cheese is that you can kind of scoop up the extra stuff with the fries. In fact, I kind of want just a plate of fries covered in their melted pimento cheese. The other dishes are fine if kind of pricey. The hummus plate rocks and is huge--definitely orderable as an entree itself.
(4)Bugster D.
As a LA transplant in Atlanta, this place is the closest thing you'll find to a "hipster" bar with equal part hipster, dive and punk. Skinny jeans preferred. Food here is AWESOME. Try the Chicken and Brie. Tucked away in the corner of Wylie and Dekalb, under the graffiti tunnel
(5)Ain H D.
I got to know this spot through an amazing photographer who suggested shooting me there. She mentioned that it had a 70s artsy feel that would go well with the image we needed to capture. I fell in love (No, not with the photographer). The plain layout, the Goodwill-worthy green couch in the back, and the way it's tucked in Cabbage Town right next to the Krog Street Bridge was perfectly suited for a low key non-socialite like myself. Not many people were there (it was a bright Sunday afternoon), and the folks who sat at the bar were very cool. There aren't too many places I can go for an impromptu photo shoot and be completely comfortable. Aside from the friendly staff and laid back setting, they had the most delicious vegan nuggets. If a place can actually feed me something other than a salad, they automatically get two stars. Based on my first visit, I decided to go again. This time I was hipped to the fact that many of the vegan items listed on the menu had been removed. "Ah well, vegan nuggets it is!" I exclaimed to our waitress. This time the pub was "popping" as the kids would say. Some drunken gal pranced around for my entertainment and it was much more of a Cheers type of feel this go 'round. So, I can say that 97 Estoria is the neighborhood bar that I wish were in my neighborhood. It delivers a good balance of two worlds. Depending on the day or night, I know where I can go to chill and relax, or throw back a few drinks and have a good time with friends. The music blows... though I can only blame that on the patrons.
(3)Strixx V.
My husband and I went here to try the vegan riblet sandwich. It was so smoky he couldn't go inside (asthma). I was going to order take out, but they were no longer offering the riblet sandwich. By the time I got back outside I was coughing. I used to smoke; I don't mind a bit of smoke, but this place needs to invest in an air filtration system.
(1)steven c.
I would like to belong at a bar. Not in the alcoholic sense, but more for the community. I've never achieved this, but Estoria wouldn't be a bad choice if I were so inclined. It doesn't try to be too much. It has a hipster crowd, but mainly because of proximity. I appreciate that this fact doesn't deter them from showing sports on good sized tv. They have big buck hunter, which is key for me if a night is getting boring. And the food is more than passable and served late.
(4)Isaiah D.
97 Estoria... so I was a little skeptical about this place before I got there, based on all the mixed reviews, but lets lay it all out. I had a great time last night. I think not knowing what to expect helped out. I think you really can't go too wrong with a place that spins The Smiths and has pitchers of PBR on tap. I think I saw a fair mix of people last night, from hipsters, scene kids, to locals. The corner with the couches offers a low key spot, where you can kill some pitchers and hang with your friends. We even moved the table out and broke out a game of twister. You can find said game in the record player in the corner. The patio is spacious and the location can't be beat. Very laid back atmosphere, the bartenders last night were all over their game. I can't really find anything bad about this place.
(4)Arthur Y.
Trendy, hipsterish place in Cabbagetown with good music, friendly bartenders, and surprisingly tasty food. The thing I like best about Estoria is that it always seems to have the perfect balance of people--never empty, but never so crowded as to be obnoxious. Good atmosphere and a good mix of folks. Hipster, hip-hop, punk, artists, deejays, young office-type folks, graff writers, etc. It can get loud when it's busy but if you're looking for peace and quiet then this probably isn't your scene to begin with. I've been there about 100 times and only eaten there about five, but it's always been good. The jerk chicken burrito is very tasty, as are the wings. Of course, as with most places in Atlanta, this isn't really walking distance to anything outside of Cabbagetown, and probably not the best idea to walk around there too late at night anyways unless you're with a big group and/or you've got a pistol.
(4)Justin H.
Bad food, bad service, but cheap beer. apparently you have to wear the lamest hats possible to get in. so, if you don't have a douchie fedora, don't expect to get any decent service.
(2)Hambri Enta M.
I came for my monthly "one whiskey, one bourbon and one beer" night. Not a bad place if you are feeling adventurous and wish to have a drink with very alternative-y fellow drinkers. I came to this joint 3 weeks ago while having a "solo" night. I wanted to fill out the crossword puzzle on the Creative Loafing. I sat at the bar, inhaled some second hand smoke from the three fellow drinkers near me. I sure was the odd one, because I did not have any sleeve tattos, pink or green hair, nor was I wearing skinny jeans (note: you need to be skinny to be able to look halfway decent in skinny jeans, guys AND girls!) and that is just not me...not so much. The bathroom was an atrocity. Forget about looking in the mirror. Well, I guess no mirror is needed when most of the patrons are covered in metal studs, lip/nose/forehead rings and mega tattos up their necks! who needs to look attractive when you have stainless steel bling! I did not eat but was given a very nice portion of bourbon (or whiskey) and a nice cold Cider (I count it as beer) since I was out here on my monthly "one whiskey, one bourbon and one beer" night.
(2)Leslie W.
97 Estoria seems like an unlikely place to go for relaxation, but every time I'm here, the world gets a little softer. Maybe I'm looking through rose-colored beer goggles. In the Spring and Summer, the patio is just delightful. Trees block the sun's rays just enough to keep you cool as does the soft breeze. I can picture myself there now, lounging in a chair, sunglasses on, draft beer in hand. The food is pretty decent, too. Good hummus and other snacky type foods. But, my favorite entree is the vegan riblet sandwich. Normally, I wouldn't go for something like that, but I had a Scoutmob the first time I tried it so I figured it was worth the gamble. And boy was it! A great place to stop if you're pub crawling in Cabbagetown. Or maybe you're crawling home from the annual Cabbagetown Chomp & Stomp. Either way, 97 Estoria should definitely be on your list of things to do in Atlanta when you want to unwind!
(4)Bree Elle S.
Arrived during lunch on Friday(!) with a small group. Despite the restaurant being nearly empty, we waited a half hour for orders to be taken, and another full hour for the food to arrive - with each order coming about 10 minutes after the other, and with most of the orders wrong. The food was *okay* (aside from being served the wrong sides, plain balsamic vinegar being passed off as balsamic dressing, etc.), but absolutely not worth an hour wait. Avoid.
(1)duane m.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the atmosphere in this place. It is like you are stepping back in time to a swank 60-70's lounge, and the vintage furniture and ambiance is a huge welcoming feature. Where it loses a star for me, is sadly the food. I have had a few things there, and some of them are awesome (the vegan nuggets rock my face off, but when they come out... that is a different story. Probably because they are vegan?), and others are just okay. It isn't that they are bad, they are just okay. Interestingly enough, I ordered the Thai green beans as a side once, because I was trying to be all "healthy", only to find out that those are breaded and friend green beans. So watch out for that. They were really good though... I guess I wasn't that healthy after all. Either way, this place is totally cool. AND the drinks are completely reasonable; I got trashed there for $20!
(4)Jeff M.
I like the beer. I like the patio. The food is good. I like this more as a place to meet-up or hangout if the weather's nice.
(3)Melissa B.
Nice bar pretty tucked away. Yummy yummy burritos! Nice front patio when the weather is nice and it's pet friendly which is a plus. Not that I have a dog to bring along, but hey, I like dogs. And hello, they have photo hunt! And the naked photo hunt;) Nice, low key spot to hang out.
(4)Demarco G.
My home away from home. My little piece of the South. Whatever you wanna call it, this is my favorite bar in Atlanta. The atmosphere is great, the food is scrumptious and a bit different then typical bar fair (although that is here as well) and the prices are great. I can get tipsy and full for about $20, not bad in my book. I have had many-a-intellectual conversations here and my only knock on this place is that its in Atlanta and I live way out here in California.
(4)Liz M.
Estoria used to be my first choice (after my regular Friday night bar). The beer prices aren't outrageous, and if you get there early enough, you can snag a table on the patio outside. The lingering problems are still there: some of the slowest service in Atlanta, no ventilation indoors (I'm a smoker, and even I can't stand to sit inside) and items from the menu are either an amazing hit or a colossal failure (honey mustard made from apple sauce and mustard? are you kidding?). These combined weren't enough to keep me away, but the crowd has been shifting slowly and steadily. It's now completely overcrowded any weekend night, more and more by Buckhead overflow, the atmosphere is less relaxed and the music is trending more toward hits of the 90s. No, seriously. Sublime, followed by Red Hot Chili Peppers, followed by Dave Matthews Band. That's a deal breaker in my book. It's a damn shame. I might still go on a weeknight, but never on a Friday or Saturday night.
(2)Daniel N.
Average-to-decent food. My gal especially likes the appetizer that's an amalgamation of blue cheese and potatoes. Good beer selection, but expect to wait a good while for service (bar or table) when it gets busy. The patio is nice in the spring and fall but the service back there flat-out blows. Great jukebox. In my opinion, best in town. My advice: get there about 5pm, get shit-housed on Hoegaarden and play Silver Strike Bowling before the masses roll in. Thank me later.
(3)Jeff G.
I like Estoria when no one is there. Can take the dog out on the patio early on a Sunday afternoon and just enjoy oneself, with a cheap drink. Vegan menu items fair pretty well for bar food. The Vegan Riblet and Vegan Chicken Nuggets are decent. Throw those chicken nuggets on a House Salad and you have a power meal. Jukebox has some rad offerings. Then the hipsters show up, and they try hard to scene out, down to deliberately dropping their coke bag, for attention, upon exit from the bathroom. I won't get into that much more.. Great for sloppy drunk watching come 10pm. All in all, I love Estoria... until people show up.
(4)Sarah M.
This place is so yummy. And yes, it's very hipstery and cool. It might be a tad intimidating for the yuppy at heart -- you'd almost think it'd be a pre-req to have a tattoo before stepping into this place -- but the food is delicious, the beer is cold, and the waitstaff is so nice. And I'm sure my boyfriend would like me to note: they have pitchers of PBR. I always get the chicken and brie sandwich when I go here. It's so freaking good. I mean, really. Even now, after thinking about it, I want to go over there and get a sammy to go. They also serve potato chips with blue cheese on top. That's quite delicious too, although I couldn't see making a whole meal out of it, and it's a gigantic serving. But a good idea if you have a group. One final thought: this place is hella smoky. Don't plan on wearing anything that can't easily be washed.
(4)Marisa F.
The food is a best kept secret. I don't know who's in the kitchen, but once I had the special which was beggar's purse ricotta and spice pasta with a honey pear sauce. I was blown away, it was so good. The soup that day was also 'lick the plate' good. The bbq chicken quesadilla is my favorite drunk food. . I think they have veggie friendly items and yummy fried goodness too. They have a good beer selection. I get an Oatmeal Stout about as often as the traditional PBR tallboy. Or pear cider, gosh those are good.
(4)Kevin P.
I could say some really good things about Estoria. Their artwork is really well-chosen, their menu is consistently good, and the people-watching is fun. I could say all those things. Instead, the awful awful awful service is the only thing that ever comes to mind when I think about Estoria, and there's nothing that frustrates me more. When I went last week, our server was the worst yet. We never saw her, but since she was wearing jacked-up booty shorts with strategic peepshow rips and no visible underwear, I was actually glad not to see her! Estoria, fix the server problem! Maybe then I'll return to appreciate all the good things about this little hipster hangout.
(2)Nich G.
I can't even rate this place... Food, not to terribly bad Crowd, ugly as hell Service, SUCKS!
(1)Marcel C.
Great scene and some decent food. Good jukebox and community Simpson's Trivia top it off. Hummus - great! and it comes with cucumbers and toasted pita Chicken breast sandwich ... with remoulade!
(4)Lindsay P.
Living down the street from here, I thought I would go there much more often. While I enjoy sitting on the large patio, I walk away if there isn't anywhere to sit outside largely because the interior is dark and filled with so much cigarette smoke. I have nothing against people who want to smoke but in 97 Estoria, the air is a bit stagnant and the smoke kind of just hangs in the air or clings to your clothes. If you like greasy food, their chips with blue cheese dressing hit the spot, though I always ask for the dressing on the side. They really like that dressing and too often, the chips end up all soggy before you can finish. Otherwise, the food can be hit or miss. Sometimes the lamb gyro is good, other times it's dried out and tough. There also isn't a great selection of beer, just the basics. All in all, though, if you can snag a place on the patio, it's just a chill place to wind down over a few beers and some greasy chips and hang out. Really not a bad way to spend a summer evening.
(3)Kim G.
Great bartenders, great food, a decent jukebox, and fun games, 97 Estoria is like a second home to myself and many of my more heavily-drinking friends. I always hated the idea of being a 'regular' somewhere. To me, the term connotes an old, tobacco-stained man who drinks far too many of the exact same beverage every time and flirts inappropriately with young waitresses. But Estoria regulars are young, fun, and easy to be around. While Friday and Saturday evenings can be a bit of a trendfest, the usual customers are fully content with their non-hipster status, and even trendfests can provide some great (though unintentional) entertainment. If you're looking for an escape from the pricey-ness of the highlands and the uber-cool that pervades lil' five, Estoria is your destination.
(4)Beth B.
This is a great little neighborhood bar with a great patio.
(4)Oscar G.
Neat little bar that gets some interesting traffic. pack your skinny jeans. a staple of the cabbagetown nightlife.
(3)Vincent V.
A neighborhood bar in every sense of the term, 97 Estoria is one of the best bars in Atlanta, hand down. Even though there's plenty of room for a crowd, 97 Estoria manages to feel small and intimate. Maybe it's the old wood and stone, the cigarette burns on the tables, or the well-worn leather couches, the way the staff treats you...it feels like you're in someone's home rather than a big bar. As far as the food goes, they have one of my favorite sandwiches of all time (one that I would discreetly make for myself several times a week back in my days of working as a cook): grilled cheese with turkey, tomatoes, and mushrooms. I practically danced on the bar the first time I saw it on the menu. And it's cheap...The fries and the home made potato chips are great too, crispy and wonderful with some malt vinegar. I could go on and on, but that would only delay the inevitable advice to seek this place out immediately and take some friends with you.
(5)Steve H.
Surprisingly great fish tacos, much better than Taquiera's. Odds are pretty good of finding room enough for four or five people if you show up before 10PM. Something about the place seems to keep people in an unfailingly good mood. Update: It's now a crowded and loud. Great place to take a date you're trying to get rid of.
(3)Katie C.
good for having beers with your friends. the patio is awesome when the weather is nice and the wait staff is really great- fast and accurate. when they have bands in the larger room i'd stay in the smaller side room- it can get really loud in there. this is my go to place at night after hanging out in east atlanta
(4)Stephen B.
I guess this place could pass if it were your neighborhood bar. Everything here is just average.
(2)Jayce U.
Hipsters and stuff. Cool place, but I cannot stay inside for more than 15 seconds. The place is so full of cigarette smoke that I find my eyes swelling up, my throat constricting and myself gasping for air. If it were smoke free I would be here a lot. As it is, never again.
(2)Lisa K.
97 estoria gets my vote for non-pretentious place to hang. This is a bar like a bar should be a bar. Sometimes it it smoky, loud, and crowded, but I almost never feel cramped or unhappy here. Mostly people seem pretty chill and happy to let you drink your drink in peace. The food isn't bad bar food- try the club sandwich on wheat.
(4)Yovel J.
I remember going here back in 2007 and thinking it was a lot more fun. Last night (a Saturday night), my partner and I decided to check it out and see if it was all I remembered. While I appreciated not having to fight to get to the bar to order our drinks, the music was too loud and the crowd too self-consciously hip. It's a place that wants to be a dive bar but doesn't have enough washed-up drunken regulars and dirt to make it work.
(2)Ginny N.
Like a old pair of jeans, 97E is casual and comfortable in an unpretentious way (I love Cabbagetown for this very reason). Good beer list, nice bartenders, and great bar food (I had some kind of funky blue cheese nachos last time I was there, but they were pretty darn tasty for a late night snack).
(4)Coley W.
Reasons not to go to 97 Estoria: 1. It's smoky. Really smoky. 2. It's all hipsters and if your jeans aren't tight enough of your eyeliner dark enough you might feel a little square in comparison. Reasons to go to 97 Estoria: 1. It's comfortable, casual and cool. One corner has couches, the far wall has booths, in the middle there are tables and up front there's a bar. Plus, during warmer weather, there's a great patio. Every kind of seating you could ask for short of bean bag chairs. 2. The food is decent and there are ample vegetarian options. The fried green beans with Thai dipping sauce are fantastic. 3. It's in Cabbagetown, the coolest of intown neighborhoods.
(4)Tiffany H.
It's hard not to have great things to say about the bar within walking distance of your inhabitants. It is a shame that I have not visited in my time living in Atlanta until now. It has a great neighborhood vibe. I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed (that's a lot of love) the Sweet Potato Appetizer. It was super delicious. Bite sized sweet potato bites glazed with a small amount of buffalo sauce and a creamy garlicky sauce. YUM YUM YUM... I also had the pleasure of eating the Arugula Salad, although the waitress told me that she hates Arugula and couldn't recommend it, I found it to be quite delicious with it's dried cranberries and jalapeno cucumber dressing (it was not a spicy dressing, just a little extra flavor). As for the beer, normal beer, cheaply priced. Good Stuff. We sat out on the patio and enjoyed the spring evening. My only complaint would be that they probably need one more server to help take care of the patio when the weather gets as nice as it has been. The service was a little slow, but nothing to keep me from coming back... again, and again, and again. Also, the patio is dog friendly, for well behaved dogs. :-)
(4)Russ G.
Can't go wrong with 97 Estoria. I mean, dang, they have pinball machines. Add to it a great selection of food, some vegan and really good (coming from a meat lover), lots of good beers on tap and in bottle, and a relaxed vibe. Plenty of seating on even a busy night, but large groups may have to go outdoors.
(4)Skape Z.
Estoria has this perfect non chalant hole in the wall vibe that I love. I've walked out of there sideways many of times. It's kind of oddly decorated... it reminds me of a place that Beck would hang out at. Artsy but not pretentous, strange artwork, and a great Juke Box. I went there yesterday and I ordered the fish tacos because Estoria has some of the best in the city. They were out so I tried the Salmon BLT - it was really good! i definitely reccomend it. The fried pickles are good too. Just one thing - the used to have the best fries, they were all crunchy and flavorful. Their new fries are totally lame and tasteless in comparison. Why they changed them, the world may never know.
(4)Ben R.
One word.....Terrible!!! Terrible food, terrible service, terrible attitudes. They obviously fall into some catergory where you can smoke inside. I myself am not a smoker and dont like leaving a place where I have just eaten smelling like an ashtray. Having dirty hipster kids wait tables is quite nasty. This place obviously doesnt require their waiters to take showers, cut their hair or have manners. Needless to say I will not be back and I am thinking about calling the health department to go check this place out. It can't be sanitary!
(1)stan g.
As long as your open minded about the people your around, you should have no problem at Estoria. Its a very laid back place with a lot of interesting people. The location is unique and people are friendly. It easy to bash hippsters for thinking themselves as high and mighty, but in my experience, the Atlanta ones are genuinely nice. No need to dress up to any extent (at least on a Saturday night). Just make sure that if your walking in the neighborhood around the bar, you have your hands firmly clasped to your shiv.
(3)Margo R.
Looking for a reason to go to Cabbagetown? Here you go: The delicious menu at 97 Estoria satisfies many tastes, with a range from Philly steaks to vegan riblets. The extensive drink menu is equally impressive and has standard prices. I recommend the tilapia tacos and a cold pint of Sweetwater. In addition to tasty food, the atmosphere is relaxed and hip (as in hipster). You may feel out of place if you walk in wearing a pink Lacoste polo, but I doubt anyone cares. The vibe at this bar/restaurant is very laid back. Estoria is the ideal place to have a drink and unwind with some friends.
(4)s thomas d.
Making Out On Monday. Chicken & brie folkartshea (focaccia) tasty enough to inspire an expletive or two served by wait staff laid back enough not to mind your foul mouth. By midnight the music is making folk rub their bums on their chairs and on each other when convenient. PBR pitchers for 6 bucks or so. A good Guinness pour. Service can get slow. Did I mention the music on Monday night? Good. Best thing about the place is all the proud, shiney freaks who come out in every color and covering imaginable. This kind of thing only happens at very special global coordinate points. And Cabbagetown's got 97 stories still to tell.
(5)josie p.
I never fail to have a good time at Estoria, & the food definitely deserves a nod, especially since their menu acknowledges the eclectic preferences people have these days. As many others have said however, the whole hipster thing gets a little tired here. I think 75% of the under-25-year-old patrons are high & I don't mean on life. I can't count the number of times there has been a residual white powder in the bathrooms & no offense, but have you seen the bathrooms here?!?! Can't even imagine the amount of bacteria festering in some of their noses, but more importantly, it seems to make these folks feel "cool." Perhaps that's where the "holier than thou" attitude stems from? Despite the judgmental hipster scene, the drinks here are cheap & the food is reasonable too. It's not a life-changing experience, but fun nevertheless, especially with a solid group of friends. I love the location & the large deck patio is one of the best in town! Estoria is definitely worth checking out as long as you have your own crowd in tow!
(3)Lori F.
I love the low-key vibe of this place. The staff is great, there aren't any attitudes, and they have a good mix of regulars and first timers that are sure to come back. It's pretty big, which is great for groups and on busy nights. There's a large patio out back, and a little nook full of couches inside. Good beer selection, great prices.
(5)Miss S.
So it's a hipster bar and I'm not a hipster, who cares? This is one of my favorite bars in town. Even when it's super crowded and a bit loud, it isn't rowdy like bars in the Highlands and it's not a meat market-- just a laid back place to hear good music and drink beer. I've never eaten there. My only complaint is that there is only one ladies bathroom-- this can be a problem...
(5)Jesse Z.
Very cool bar - extremely quiet and laid back, great beers on tap, hopefully it will stay as quiet as it was for me.
(4)