Community Corner

Manuel's Tavern Celebrates 55th Anniversary

Manuel's Tavern has long been a place for social commentary and political discussion. In light of the bar's 55th anniversary, a few Manuel's regulars talk about their relationship with the neighborhood hot spot.

The place where Jimmy Carter first announced his intentions to run for governor; where Emory theologian Tom Altizer first talked about his theory that God was dead; where national sports and political figures alike have dropped in to meet patrons and fans and discuss events; the place that is arguably America's best-known neighborhood watering hole, recently marked its 55th anniversary.

In 1956 Manuel Maloof bought Harry's Delicatessen, a sandwich and beer joint on the corner of North and North Highland avenues. Maloof wanted to create a neighborhood tavern along the style of the old country taverns he had seen in Europe during World War II. Since then,  in Virginia Highlands has helped launch many a political career, and has served as a conversation point for some of the nation's most important issues.

Over time, the tavern expanded. Maloof himself had a long and colorful political career in DeKalb County politics, eventually becoming the county's first CEO.

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Maloof passed away in August 2004, but his family still operates the establishment.


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