While Kids Hit the Books, Atlanta’s Iconic Nightclub for Grown-Ups gets Top Marks for Entertainment
Back-to-school might be in full swing for the kids, but Atlanta’s original nightclub for big kids is still open for play. Johnny’s Hideaway embraces just about any opportunity to celebrate and has welcomed the over-40 age group since 1979, while 20- and 30-somethings flow through the doors during later hours. While the youngest set heads back to school, Johnny’s Hideaway gets an A+ for effort in good times.
Here are five subjects that keep it at the top of the class.
- History – Guests might know that no drinks are allowed on the dance floor at Johnny’s Hideaway, but they might not know why. Back in the day, Johnny’s was originally a shag, swing, and ballroom dance club, and none of these dances could be done with a drink in hand.
- Social Studies – The legendary nightclub has a family of long-standing employees who make the atmosphere fun. The club’s longest-serving employee is Mike Sorbet, who has worked here for 27 years. The nightclub’s continued success is undoubtedly a result of the great longtime staff members.
- Music – Music is always playing at Johnny’s thanks to a DJ spinning tunes from the 1950s to today, shag and disco. The most-requested songs at Johnny’s Hideaway are “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston and “Dancing Queen” by ABBA. Two signature spaces are devoted to legendary singers: The Sinatra Room, an ode to the famed crooner Frank Sinatra, and King’s Corner, dedicated to Elvis Presley.
- Film – Johnny’s Hideaway was featured on the silver screen in the 2011 film “Hall Pass” starring Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis. While everyone entering Johnny’s is treated like a VIP, many Hollywood celebrities have wandered in. Well-known actors include High Jackman, Jon Hamm, Jenna Fischer, George Clooney, Christina Applegate and Olivia Wilde. Among the sports personalities are former baseball player Roger Clemens, Los Angeles Dodger (and former Atlanta Braves MVP) Freddie Freeman, former NBA player Scottie Pippen, NFL quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Matthew Stafford, boxing champ Evander Holyfield, and Venezuelan soccer player Josef Martinez. Comedians Chelsea Handler and Kumail Nanjiani have spent time here, as well as Steve Martin, Dave Bautista, Miles Teller, Gerard Butler, Jason Hehir, Brittany Snow, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jim Carrey, and J.K. Simmons.
- Culinary Arts – The most popular late-night menu item is tater tots, showing what might be good for school-aged kids is also suitable for those who are kids at heart. Despite offering a full menu for both lunch and dinner, the kitchen turns out more tots than any other food during the late hours. Thirsty? The most popular is vodka, usually mixed with Red Bull or soda.
At Johnny’s Hideaway, guests can reminisce about their school days as the stories get better and better as the night goes on. It has always marched to the beat of its own drum, but its reliability on excellent service and late-night fun make top marks in all the books.
About Johnny’s Hideaway
Johnny’s Hideaway is located at 3771 Roswell Road, NE, in Atlanta and is open until 3 a.m. Monday through Saturday and until midnight on Sunday. For updates on the restaurant and upcoming events, follow Johnny’s Hideaway on Instagram and Facebook. For additional information, call 404-233-8026 or visit johnnyshideaway.com.
