Details are emerging about the Westside Motor Lounge, an indoor-outdoor bar and entertainment venue that will open on Echo Street West, in development along the Westside Beltline Connector Trail at the end of English Avenue. .
Westside Motor Lounge is part of STHRN Hospitality Co, founded in 2021 between George Banks and Elizabeth Feichter of real estate firm Revel (ex-Atlanta Food and Wine Festival) and Kelly Campbell of Southern Culinary and Creative (Gather ’round, Epicurean). is owned by . Atlanta).
The Westside Motor Lounge, which opened in early October on the corner of Northside Drive and Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, took over two former auto shops, four shipping containers, and a 1982 Mercedes wagon left there, turning this The location is spread over 3 acres with 3 different dining, drinking, and entertainment spaces.
restaurant and bar
Located in the old D&R Auto Shop, Westside Motor Lounge’s expansive bar and restaurant seats 150 between the dining room and patio, with additional seating in the courtyard.
Chef Jeffrey Peterson, formerly of Abbey Singer, has created a menu of Southern fare and light fare, including mac and cheese with bechamel sauce and a four-cheese blend, jalapeño cornbread crust, grilled pimento and bacon sandwiches, and meats. will be provided. -and- 3 dishes, including biscuits and gravy for weekend brunch. From the bar, enjoy classic cocktails and shake-hit drinks inspired by Atlanta’s West Side.
An event and retail space called Idlewild occupies another part of the building and features a dartboard and lounge area used for conferences, darts leagues and pop-up shops. The Plant Shop Tropical Express will be the first pop-up to be held in Idlewild.
Cocktail lounge and listening room
Cocktail Lounge and Listening Room West Bar is located in a separate building along the west side of the property and features a game room with table tennis, foosball and tabletop shuffleboard. Four garage doors lead to a courtyard on Echo Street.
Led by Bar Manager Kelsey Kenny (formerly The Painted Duck, Jo Jo’s Beloved, Rock Steady), the West Bar and Westside Motor Lounge’s cocktail menu was created by renowned Atlanta bartender Kellie Thorn. Earlier this year, he served as restaurant director for Hugh Acheson. Expect cocktails like the Georgia Gold Her Rush, made with bourbon, honey, and peach bitters, and the Pretty Thing, made with basil vodka, elderflower, and vanilla.
Beer garden and outdoor entertainment space
One of the four shipping containers on site has been transformed into a serving station with a draft system for the Westside Motor Lounge’s beer garden. This beer garden also includes a large-screen TV.
The stage was built from the remaining three shipping containers, and the courtyard across from the beer garden contained shuffleboard courts, cabanas, picnic tables, fire pits, Adirondack chairs, and space for food trucks. A 1982 Mercedes wagon features a mural by Atlanta artist Kyle “BlackCatTips” Brooks.
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Backed by real estate firm Lincoln Property Company, Echo Street West will eventually feature retail, offices, restaurant spaces, apartment complexes, an artist colony Guardian Studios, and a fully open hotel. The development occupies approximately 19 acres on the eastern edge of the historic black neighborhood of English Avenue, home to the historically black colleges Spelman College, Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta College, just north of Vine City and Atlanta University Center. covers.
Growing concerns about the region’s rapid gentrification due to recent redevelopment and rising rents and home prices, spurred by the arrival of the Beltline and its Westside Connector Trail, have encouraged developments like Echo Street West and its amenities have raised questions about the impact on these areas. and Legacy Resident. The Atlanta Area Commission considers English Avenue one of the city’s most vulnerable areas to gentrification, with median household income averaging about $36,500 annually.
To nurture relationships, work with and be part of the community, Lincoln Properties formed the Echo Street West Partnership. Donor-based funds support youth development organizations such as Good Samaritan Health Center, UrbanPerform, Metro Atlanta’s Boy and Girls Clubs, and organizations that provide job training and other needs in their neighborhoods. According to a statement provided to Eater, free events will be held regularly at Echo Street West, and the on-site Guardian Studios will host a public art gallery. At least 20% of Vibe’s apartments on Echo Street West are considered affordable housing and are reserved for people or families earning up to 80% of the median income in the area, according to Lincoln Property.
The Westside Motor Lounge also plans several free events, including weekly live entertainment and a variety of sports games on TV.
When asked how STHRN Hospitality would maintain access to the Westside Motor Lounge and make it affordable for residents living in the surrounding area, STHRN Hospitality said, “We will make menu prices competitive and affordable.” There have been concerted efforts to provide affordable pricing options.”
“Our menu is about the same or less when compared to nearby establishments,” continues STHRN Hospitality. “Our courtyards and amenities are here for everyone to enjoy. Live music, sports, shuffleboard, table tennis, foosball, ring games and more programming are all complimentary.”
Many of Westside Motor Lounge’s staff live on English Avenue and nearby areas, and offer employees a decent wage, paid time off, and a tipping share among benefits.
“[We] We are doing our part to address the problems in the hospitality industry amplified by the pandemic. ”
There are still a few vacancies left at the Westside Motor Lounge ahead of its October opening.
725 Echo Street, Atlanta. westsidemotorlounge.com.
Open early October. Expected hours: Wednesday-Thursday from 4pm to 11pm. Friday, 4pm to 2am. Saturday, 11am to 2am.Sunday, 11am to 12am
