Dope spots to watch the World Cup matches in ATL!

 

LikeMinds is going to be fire on the Beltline! 

Whaddup?!

I have been asked where some dope spots are to watch the World Cup matches in ATL, and I just received a few strong options that are either new, expanded their venue to put up some big screens, or old staples that many continue to sleep on… until now! Here are some I received straight from the source (including the descriptions and photography) and I am all in! I am hitting the new LikeMinds on the Beltline and SKOL downtown for sure this weekend, and plan on visiting the rest asap! Here is all the info below.

You know I got you!

   

They Say:

Soccer is taking over the city beginning this weekend, and Atlanta's restaurants, bars and breweries are turning every match into an event. Be among the first to experience the BeltLine's newest gathering spot, LikeMinds, rally the crew for social darts and drinks at Flight Club, spark some friendly competition inside the new Valhalla Gaming Lounge at SKOL Brewing Company, or settle in at Sweet Auburn Barbecue, where $1 wings and game day energy keep fans fueled from kickoff through the final whistle. Whether you're backing your favorite team or just here for the vibes, these Atlanta hotspots are serving up some of the city's best game day revelry.

LikeMinds Welcomes Soccer Fans to Gather at the Same Frequency

LikeMinds is getting ready to welcome soccer fans looking for music, cocktails, food, and a new place to gather along the BeltLine. Opening Thursday, June 18, at The Krog District, the 120-day pop-up concept comes from the creative team behind Westside Motor Lounge, bringing match-day energy to a brand new space with live music, guest DJs, a curated vinyl program, billiards, bar games, and an upgraded audio/visual setup for sports-viewing parties of all kinds. The 14,700-square-foot venue will feature Frazie’s Meat + Market sandos, sharables, craft and draft cocktails, spirit-free options, beer, wine, and THC beverages. LikeMinds is located at 112 Krog Street NE, Atlanta, GA, in the former BrewDog space. For more information, visit LikeMindsATL.com. Follow along on Instagram @LikeMindsATL for progress updates and details on all our programming. 

SKOL, brother! - Earl Campbell, legendary RB commercial quote.

SKOL Brewing Co. Unveils 30,000-Square-Foot Gaming Lounge for Soccer Fans

As Atlanta welcomes soccer fans from around the world, SKOL Brewing Company is expanding the party. Beginning June 11, Valhalla Gaming Lounge officially opens as part of SKOL's newly expanded 30,000-square-foot entertainment destination inside downtown Atlanta's historic 200 Peachtree building. Located just four blocks from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Valhalla features more than 40 gaming and entertainment experiences, including soccer simulators, bocce, billiards, darts, arcade games, full-service dining, cocktails, and private event space. On Monday, June 15, Thursday, June 18 and Sunday, June 21, SKOL will kick off the action with a special game day brunch from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Perfect for fueling up before the noon matches, guests can get the party started early with favorites like the SKOL Breakfast Sandwich, Nordic French Toast and more. SKOL Brewing Company and Valhalla Gaming Lounge are located at 155 Carnegie Way NW, Atlanta, GA 30303.  Parking is conveniently located across the street for $6.00 with restaurant validation.

Soccer Watch Parties at Sweet Auburn Barbecue Start with $1 Wings

A longtime neighborhood staple known for smoked meats, stacked plates, and an easygoing, rock-and-roll spirit, Sweet Auburn Barbecue has always shown up for big sporting moments. As the world's biggest soccer tournament brings global attention to Atlanta, the fan favorite is turning every televised match into a watch party. Throughout the tournament, both the Poncey-Highland and McDonough locations will feature $1 wings, including a rotating wing flavor inspired by one of the tournament's marquee matches each week, and $3 house lagers, giving fans a reason to show up early, stay loud, and order another round. Hosting a watch party at home? Sweet Auburn's catering menu makes it easy to feed the whole crew, from party platters to crowd-pleasing barbecue packages. Pickup is available at both locations, so no one misses kickoff. Sweet Auburn Barbecue is located at 656 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, and at 1828 Jonesboro Rd., McDonough, GA 30253. Catering pickup is available at both locations. Orders can be placed at www.sweetauburnbbq.com or by calling (678) 515-3550. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook @sweetauburnbbq.

Tio Lucho's Serves Up Peruvian Flavors Throughout Atlanta's Soccer Summer

As Atlanta welcomes soccer fans from around the globe this summer, Tio Lucho's offers a natural stop between matches. Throughout the tournament, games will be shown at the bar while Chef Arnaldo Castillo serves the coastal Peruvian dishes that have made the Poncey-Highland restaurant one of Atlanta's favorite dining destinations. Whether the match falls over lunch, happy hour, or dinner, Tio Lucho's has it covered. Daytime games pair with ceviche, sandwiches, seafood, and pisco cocktails from Castillo's coastal Peruvian menu, while Low Tide Hour draws crowds Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. with $1 oysters, pisco cocktails, ceviche, fried yuca with huancaína, and other bar favorites. On Mondays, Hermanita takes over from 5 to 10 p.m. with Pollo a la Brasa, anticuchos, open-fire cooking, desserts, and cocktails. Select Monday matches will air during service, adding another reason to check out one of Atlanta's most talked-about weekly pop-ups. Tio Lucho's is located at 675 N. Highland Ave. NE, Suite 6000, Atlanta, GA 30306. For reservations and additional information, visit www.tioluchos.com or call (404) 343-0278. Follow along on Instagram at @tioluchos and @hermanita_atl.

 

Westside Motor Lounge is always poppin'!

Westside Motor Lounge and Echo Room Gear Up to Welcome the World to Atlanta

With the world on its doorstep and soccer fans heading to Atlanta, Westside Motor Lounge and Echo Room are preparing to meet the moment as an easy landing spot for the full World Cup run. Every match will stream across 12 screens, while the outdoor space invites fans to pass the time between matches playing shuffleboard, soaking up the sun, and easing into the kind of atmosphere that makes cheering from the West End a no-brainer. Guests can dig into fan-ready menu highlights like roast red pepper and spinach artichoke dip with fried wonton chips, Southern-fried catfish nuggets with Creole remoulade, and a double smash burger with American cheese, caramelized onions, and house secret sauce. As game days turn to night, Echo Room, the jazz kissa listening bar at the bottom of the hill, will keep the soundtrack going with all-vinyl weekly and monthly programming, special and guest DJs, and sounds of House, Soul, Classic Rock, Jazz, Latin, Hip Hop, and more. Westside Motor Lounge is located at 725 Echo Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. For more information, visit www.westsidemotorlounge.com and follow @westside_motor_lounge.

Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta Brings Elevated Match-Day Energy to Midtown

As global soccer fever arrives in Atlanta, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta is turning match days into a hotel-wide affair with spirited watch parties, late-night cocktails, elevated game-day bites and a few surprises along the way. At the center of it all, Bar Margot becomes the hotel’s go-to viewing destination, pairing the energy of a packed watch party with the kind of atmosphere that feels decidedly less sports bar, more Midtown mischief. Matches will air across screens throughout the space while specially crafted cocktails keep the celebrations going long after stoppage time. The culinary side follows suit with elevated game-day dining packages available both in-room and throughout the hotel, featuring Bar Margot favorites like chicken and caviar alongside golden fries and other indulgent takes on stadium classics. Executive Pastry Chef Eric Snow adds an extra layer of fun with unexpected sweet treats and dessert moments popping up throughout the tournament. For guests looking to reset between matches, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta offers specialty wellness treatments designed to slow the pace without missing the moment entirely. Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta is located at 75 Fourteenth Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309. Reservations and additional details are available at www.brasseriemargot.com, www.barmargot.com, and www.fourseasons.com/atlanta. Follow along on Instagram at @brasseriemargotatl, @barmargotatl and @fsatlanta.

Summer Soccer Watch Parties Hit the Bullseye at Flight Club Atlanta

Darts are flying, and international soccer fans have a new home base at Flight Club Atlanta. As fans tune in to the world’s biggest soccer tournament, the West Midtown hotspot is offering a high-energy way to catch the matches without navigating standing-room-only crowds or camping out for a table hours before kickoff. Guests can secure their oche, their server, and their squad for a watch party that blends match viewing with Flight Club’s signature tech-infused Social Darts. Matches will air across the venue, with sound on for select games, while groups can enjoy full-service hospitality, Guinness-inspired food and drink offerings, and the chance to step up to the throw line between matches or at halftime. Special offerings include the Guinness Matchday Board, featuring sliders with caramelized Guinness onions, wings with Guinness BBQ sauce, pretzels with Guinness beer cheese and mixed nuts, along with Guinness Espresso Martini Towers finished with Guinness foam. Flight Club Atlanta is located at Star Metals at 1055 Howell Mill Rd., Suite 140, Atlanta, GA 30318. Stay connected on Instagram at @flightclubdartsusa and on Facebook at @flightclubdarts.

 

Wylie & Rum brings those Jamaican vibes!

Wylie & Rum Brings Rum, Reggae, and Match-Day Energy to Reynoldstown

Some places were made for tournament season. Wylie & Rum is one of them. With rum cocktails flowing, Caribbean-inspired cooking coming out of the kitchen, and matches airing throughout the restaurant, the Reynoldstown favorite offers an easy place to post up between kickoffs, celebrations, and debates over who should have started. Guests can settle in with jerk chicken, guava barbecue ribs, Cuban sandwiches, and scratch-made specialties while working their way through one of Atlanta's most extensive rum selections. Tournament specials will roll out throughout the summer, including a complimentary beer whenever Team USA scores. The restaurant's roots run deep, too. Inspired by the legacy of Bridgetown Grill, the beloved Caribbean restaurant founded by Atlanta restaurateur Tony Lewis, Wylie & Rum carries that spirit forward with a fresh perspective, strong cocktails, and the belief that great meals are better when shared. Wylie & Rum is located at 45 Moreland Ave. SE, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30316. For more information, visit wylieandrum.com  and follow @wylieandrum on Instagram.

Kitty Dare in Inman Park Opens Early for Soccer Fans Arriving via MARTA

On Monday, June 15, Kitty Dare is making a small but strategic adjustment to its usual routine. The beloved Inman Park restaurant will open its bar at 2 p.m. with a limited menu and the day's match on screen, offering soccer fans an easy place to land after leaving the stadium. A short MARTA ride from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Kitty Dare is well-positioned for anyone looking to skip traffic and trade crowded downtown bars for a cocktail and a proper meal. Grab a seat at the bar, order a few Mediterranean-inspired plates, and settle in with a glass of wine, beer, or cocktail while the city settles into tournament mode. Known for its Mediterranean-inspired menu, fresh seafood, vegetables, grilled meats, and seasonal specialties, Kitty Dare will use June 15 as the first of what could become additional match-day gatherings throughout the summer. Follow along on Instagram for updates, future viewing opportunities, and special opening hours. Kitty Dare is located at 1029 Edgewood Ave. NE, Suite 121, Atlanta, GA 30307, just steps from the Inman Park MARTA Station. For more information, visit kittydare.com and follow @kittydareatl on Instagram.

ENZO Steakhouse & Bar Serves Italian Hospitality in America's New Soccer Backyard

This summer, soccer fans heading south of Atlanta will find themselves in one of the sport's newest epicenters. Located in Trilith, just minutes from the newly opened Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center and headquarters, ENZO Steakhouse & Bar offers a natural gathering place before, during, and after the day's matches. Games will air throughout the tournament, while Chef Andrea Montobbio's menu showcases the Northern Italian flavors that have made ENZO a destination in its own right. House-made pastas, fresh seafood, wood-fired specialties, handcrafted cocktails, and an extensive wine list create an experience that feels worlds away from crowded watch parties and packed stadium districts. ENZO Steakhouse & Bar is located in the Town at Trilith at 300 Trilith Pkwy, Suite 230, Fayetteville, GA 30214. For more information, visit enzo-itl.com or call (770) 756-9188. Stay connected on Facebook and Instagram at @enzoitl.  

Score Big and Sip Better this Summer at TWO urban licks

With global soccer fever hitting Atlanta this summer, TWO urban licks is making sure fans stay refreshed and well-fueled for the revelry all summer long. Beginning June 15 and running through July 15, the BeltLine favorite will be pouring $10 cocktail specials every day with rotating options throughout each month. Perfect for pairing with a pre-match patio hang or a dinner to celebrate a big win, TWO urban licks is here for whatever the game day itinerary may look like. Guests dining in can enjoy wood-fired favorites and signature menu items like a spring lamb loin and trofie pasta, a wood-grilled 16-ounce prime New York strip, and whole fried market fish finished with habanero-ramp butter and charred lemon. Book a table inside or on the expansive dog-friendly patio. TWO urban licks is located at 820 Ralph McGill Blvd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. For more information or reservations, visit twourbanlicks.com or call (404) 522-4622. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook at @twourbanlicks.

On The Reel: Power Ballad

 

By L.K. Byron

Power Ballad sang its way into theaters with a nationwide expansion on Friday, June 5, and has not missed a note. The film tells the story of Rick Power, a wedding singer played by Paul Rudd. Rick appears to have fallen on hard times, as his dreams of earning recognition for his vocals and songwriting talents continue to run into frustrating roadblocks. For now, performing alongside his band at wedding receptions barely pays the bills, leaving him to wonder how much longer he can keep chasing his musical ambitions.

Fortunately, Rick has the support of his wife and daughter, who stand by his side as he pursues a career in music. However, beneath their encouragement, their lingering doubts about his chances of success are beginning to surface.

Following another successful wedding performance, Rick crosses paths with Danny, a famous pop star portrayed by Nick Jonas, who happens to be attending the event as a guest. Their chance encounter leads to a night filled with humor, camaraderie, and the fine-tuning of their musical gifts. Feeling a rare sense of comfort and inspiration, Rick shares a heartfelt song he wrote years earlier. After the unexpected jam session, he leaves rejuvenated, optimistic, and more determined than ever to achieve his dreams of stardom.

Months later, Rick is stunned when he hears the lyrics to that deeply personal song in a public setting. To his disbelief, Danny is performing the very song Rick had shared in confidence, and it has become a massive hit, racking up millions of views and widespread acclaim. Faced with the realization that his work has been taken from him, Rick sets out to build a case against Danny and fight for the recognition and authenticity that rightfully belong to him.

With the support of his former ride-or-die bandmate, Sandy, Rick embarks on an arduous journey for justice. Along the way, Power Ballad delivers a satisfying blend of humor, drama, and heartfelt emotion. The film unfolds through a solid storyline that ultimately paves the way for an entertaining feature-length experience.

Power Ballad is Rated R.
Running Time: 98 minutes
Written By: John Carney and Peter McDonald
Review by: L.K. Byron

Tio Lucho’s hosts a Wine Vs. Beer Dinner Battle on Thursday, May 28, at 7 p.m.!

 

Cheers Y’all!

Throughout all the beer dinners I have hosted over the years, I have successfully found ways to have the perfect ale or lager ideally use the fundamental three C’s of food pairing: cut, contrast, and complement. Well, it looks like my Poncey-Highlands neighborhood restaurant in ATL, Tio Lucho’s, is serving up a “friendly” competition between wine educator and A Cork in the Road founder Kelly Cornett and my homie Blasian Bon Vivant Toni Williams. They are doing a Wine vs. Beer duel alongside James Beard semifinalist Chef Arnaldo Castillo’s Peruvian American cuisine. It goes down on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 7 p.m., and all the info is below straight from the source. This sounds like hella fun set at $100 per person, and reservations can be made here.

As always, I try to keep you up on all the cool things happening especially in Georgia’s capital, and this promises not to disappoint.

Enjoy!

  

Tio Lucho’s Serves Up A Wine Vs. Beer Dinner Battle With A Cork In The Road

A Five-Course Peruvian Dinner Featuring Dual Pairings and a Little Friendly Competition

Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 7 p.m.

Tio Lucho’s is bringing back its spirited Wine vs. Beer showdown on Thursday, May 28, with a one-night-only pairing dinner hosted with the award-winning podcast A Cork in the Road. Beginning at 7 p.m., James Beard semifinalist Chef Arnaldo Castillo will serve five Peruvian American courses, each paired with both wine and beer for a dinner that invites guests to sip and vote for their favorite match along the way. Chef Castillo’s Peruvian menu gives both sides plenty to work with, letting crisp whites, bold reds, cold beers, and unexpected pairings make their case course by course. Wine educator and A Cork in the Road founder Kelly Cornett will lead the wine pairings, while Blasian Bon Vivant Toni Williams will take on beer, adding personality, some good-natured debate, and a few unexpected matchups to the evening. Tickets are $100 per person and include five dishes, ten pairings, and gratuity. Seating is limited, and tickets are available now via OpenTable. Tio Lucho’s is located at 675 N. Highland Ave. NE #6000, Atlanta, GA 30306. For more information, visit www.tioluchos.com and follow @tioluchos on Instagram and Facebook.

WHAT:  Wine vs. Beer with A Cork in the Road at Tio Lucho’s

WHEN:  Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 7 p.m.

WHERE:  Tio Lucho’s 

675 N. Highland Ave. NE  

Atlanta, GA 30306

WEBSITE:  www.tioluchos.com

TICKETS:  $100 per person. Reservations can be made here.

the second annual Good Luck Smoke Show is this Wednesday, May 20th!

 

Cheers Y’all!

Now you know I love me some chef events because they go all out to justify why they are featured, plus you get the opportunity to meet them front and center. It is a lot more close and personal when they are remotely set up and serve you plates of banging dishes they are proud of during major events. Well, I’ve got a dope one on deck for you to hit up in ATL celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

This Wednesday is a culinary muscle-flexing experience thanks to the second annual Good Luck Smoke Show hosted by my homies Anita and Howard Hsu of Sweet Auburn Barbeque at their Poncey-Highland location (656 N. Highland Avenue NE) this Wednesday, May 20^th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Coming straight from the source, there will be more than 15 chef tasting stations, music, and straight vibes. Below is all the info and tickets are limited and include unlimited select food and beverage. Pull up!

 

SWEET AUBURN BARBECUE BRINGS BACK GOOD LUCK SMOKE SHOW THIS WEEK WITH AN AWARD-WINNING LINEUP OF CHEFS WORTH TRAVELING FOR!

The Second Annual Street Party Meets Tasting Event Returns to Poncey-Highland with an Expanded Chef Lineup, Cocktails, and Live Entertainment

Limited Tickets Available for Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Atlanta-based Sweet Auburn Barbecue brings back Good Luck Smoke Show this Wednesday, May 20, a one-night celebration timed with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month that brings together an award-winning mix of chefs for an evening of food, music, culture, and block party energy.

Now in its second year, Good Luck Smoke Show expands with more than 15 chef tasting stations, alongside cocktails from Minhwa Spirits, plus beer and wine, with lion dancers, live music, a rooftop DJ, and local artists shaping the night into a food-driven block party. A portion of proceeds benefits We Love BuHi, supporting small businesses and cultural vibrancy along Buford Highway, one of Atlanta’s most diverse corridors.

Led by Anita and Howard Hsu, the siblings behind Sweet Auburn Barbecue, Tio Lucho’s, Gezzo’s and Lazy Betty, who have built their reputation by approaching Southern barbecue through the lens of their Chinese American upbringing. Good Luck Smoke Show continues that approach, bringing together a dynamic lineup of chefs whose work reflects their own backgrounds and experiences.

The 2026 lineup includes Michelin-recognized and James Beard–nominated chefs, alongside a mix of local and visiting talent. Eric Huang (Pecking House, New York, NY), Doron Wong (Cha Cha Tang, New York, NY), and Vish Mayekar (ELEM, Vancouver, BC) are joined by Ron Hsu (Lazy Betty) and Howard Hsu (Sweet Auburn Barbecue, Tio Lucho’s, Lazy Betty), as well as Brian So (Spring, Marietta, GA), Viv Lee (Leftie Lee’s), and Jiyeon Lee and Cody Taylor (Heirloom Market BBQ), alongside Jay Patel (Dhaba BBQ), Pete Amadhanirundr (Puma Yu’s, Athens, GA), Parnass Savang (Talat Market), Henryk Kumar (Dank’s Deli), Zheng Li (Concept Luna), Andy Xia (Xi’an Gourmet House), and GULA Indonesian Desserts & Snacks. Minhwa Spirits will feature food tastings led by Lino Yi, paired with cocktails from James Sung.

“Food has always been how we tell our story,” says Howard Hsu. “For a lot of us, it’s tied to family, culture, and where we come from, but it’s also about where we are now. Good Luck Smoke Show is about bringing those voices together, chefs cooking from experience, not expectation, and giving them a place to share that in Atlanta.”

Good Luck Smoke Show takes place Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sweet Auburn Barbecue, 656 N. Highland Avenue NE. General admission tickets start at $85, with VIP options up to $115, including a signed copy of Chef Ron Hsu’s new cookbook, DOWN SOUTH + EAST. All tickets include unlimited select food and beverages. Tickets are available for purchase at sweetauburnbbq.com. For updates, stay connected on Instagram at @sweetauburnbbq. 

THE ROOF AT PONCE CITY MARKET steps its game up!

Whoa! 19-hole mini golf on The Roof?! What will they think of next?

Cheers Y’all!

I love showing off the Atlanta skyline when I bring visiting friends, business partners, and family to The Roof at Ponce City Market. And now, I just got the news that they stepped their game up with a new, 18-hole miniature golf course! Based 10 stories above the historic Ponce City Market, the roof already boasts boardwalk games and rides at Skyline Park, the upscale 9 Mile Station dining destination, 12 Cocktail Bar’s elevated sips, RFD Social, and dope roller skating rink, SK8 The Roof. With the new 18-hole golf course, I need to get back up there and see what they did with once of my favorite locations to kick it in Georgia’s capital. Below is additional info straight from the source.

See you there!

 

THE ROOF AT PONCE CITY MARKET UNVEILS ALL-NEW MINIATURE GOLF COURSE, PLUS REIMAGINED GUEST EXPERIENCE

Adventures Await with The Roof’s 18-Hole Mini Golf Course, Weekday Tee Time Happy Hour, SK8 The Roof, Nightly Laser Show, Boardwalk Games & Rides, & More

The Roof at Ponce City Market announced today the opening of its new, 18-hole miniature golf course, plus new ticket options, allowing guests general admission access with the chance to “choose your experience” by adding mini golf. Opened in 2016, The Roof at Ponce City Market sits 10 stories above the iconic community hub’s historic main building and features classic boardwalk games and rides at Skyline Park, elevated American dining at 9 Mile Station, world-class cocktails at 12 Cocktail Bar, a multi-tiered bar, gaming parlor, and private events space at RFD Social, and a rooftop roller skating rink, SK8 The Roof.

Set against the iconic Atlanta skyline, The Roof continues to offer a one-of-a-kind destination for dining, drinks, play, and events. The new mini golf experience was completely redesigned from the ground up by legendary golf course architect Bobby Cupp, known for his work on iconic Atlanta courses like Druid Hills Golf Club and Bobby Jones Golf Course, and brings the same thoughtful design principles to a playful, rooftop setting. The course introduces a more dynamic, elevated style of play with enhanced contours, new challenges, and a modern aesthetic inspired by today’s most engaging golf experiences. Whether guests are visiting for a casual round, a competitive group outing, or a date night with a view, the new course delivers a fresh take on a classic favorite. 

New this season, The Roof is also introducing Tee Time, a weekday happy hour. Offered Monday through Friday from 3-5pm, Tee Time features half-price mini golf and three-dollar Lucky One Lemonade or Tea, creating the perfect midweek moment to step away from the day, grab a cocktail, and get a round in with friends, coworkers, or out-of-town guests. 

Guests can pair their visit to The Roof with food and beverage offerings at 9 Mile Station or stop by 12 Cocktail Bar, which now hosts a monthly dinner series, Speakeasy Supper Club. The experience begins with cocktails at 12 Cocktail Bar before moving to the Roebuck Room for a family-style dinner. Plus, RFD Social, a 16,000-square-foot multi-level destination equal parts speakeasy, parlor, and rooftop hideaway, offers cocktails poured with precision, parlor games, and gatherings full of vintage glamour.

Back again this spring and summer is SK8 The Roof, the rooftop roller rink with high-energy vibes and skyline views with a nostalgic twist, and the nightly, high-energy Laser Light Show at 9:15pm. This unforgettable visual experience under the stars is projected directly onto Ponce City Market’s iconic tower and paired with lively music for the ultimate vibes. The show is included with admission to The Roof, so every guest can get a view of the action.

Alongside the mini golf renovation, The Roof has introduced “choose your experience” ticket options, allowing all guests to enjoy general admission access ($15+ for adults, $7+ for kids 12 and under) to The Roof’s boardwalk games, rides, and SK8 The Roof, with the option to add mini golf ($12 for adults, $7 for kids 12 and under). Kids ages three and under are free to visit The Roof and play mini golf, and The Roof is open to all ages all the time. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets and more information about admission to The Roof are available here.

“We’ve always believed The Roof should feel like a place you can come back to again and again,” said Mandy Slater, owner of Slater Hospitality. “Not every visit looks the same, and now it doesn’t have to with our new flexible tickets. You can come up for the views, grab a drink, meet friends, and when you’re ready, jump into a round of mini golf that feels new each time you play it.”

About The Roof at Ponce City Market – Owned and operated by Slater Hospitality, The Roof is Atlanta’s go-to destination for fun, featuring Skyline Park’s classic games and rides, elevated American dining at 9 Mile Station, world-class cocktails at 12 Cocktail Bar, and now, SK8 The Roof – a rooftop roller rink taking summer play to new heights. 

About Ponce City Market – Ponce City Market is a five-building, three-million-square-foot community hub in Atlanta, Georgia. The mixed-use property, located along Ponce de Leon Avenue in the Old Fourth Ward, features a dynamic blend of local and world-class food and retail offerings, Class A office space, and suite of residential and hospitality living options. With public green space and direct access to the Atlanta Beltline, Ponce City Market has become a defining marker of place in Atlanta’s urban landscape and iconic destination for area residents and visitors. Reflecting Atlanta's evolving identity, Ponce City Market brings together the old and new in one integrated community – with a buzzing food hall at its core. The property includes the adaptive reuse of an historic Sears, Roebuck, and Co. store and distribution center, as well as a series of newly constructed buildings with modern amenities and design features. For more information, visit: poncecitymarket.com. 

SKYLINE PARK & MINI GOLF HOURS:

Monday-Thursday: 3pm –10pm

Friday: 3pm – Midnight 

Saturday: 11am – Midnight

Sunday: 11am – 9pm

TEE TIME HAPPY HOUR

Monday–Friday: 3-5pm

www.poncecityroof.com

@poncecityroof

675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

 Atlanta, GA 30308

 

Creature Comforts turns 12!

We kicked it hard at Creature Comfort's 11th birthday,
and this year should be even more of a blast!

It’s no secret that Creature Comforts is one of my favorite breweries and I have a rich history with them including  me choosing them to collaborate with me to make this year’s Piano Keys chocolate and vanilla imperial stout. Needless to say, we crushed it! Well, they are turning 12 next weekend—Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2—at its Athens Taproom (271 W. Hancock Ave) and it will be a helluva weekend judging from all their past birthday celebrations. Hopefully there will be some more Keys left to pour from the taps in case you haven’t had it plus merch to cop, but regardless, there are so many one-off brews, cocktails, special concoctions to enjoy during the festive vibes.

Below is all the information straight from the source.

Cheers!

Cheers! Creature Comforts Celebrates 12^th Anniversary May 1-2

State’s largest independent craft brewery to showcase its spirits lineup alongside live music, DJs, food trucks, glassware and more

Creature Comforts, an award-winning, purpose-driven craft brewery, is hosting a community-wide 12^th anniversary celebration on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2 at its Athens Taproom (271 W. Hancock Ave.). The weekend festivities are free to attend and include specialty beer and spirit releases, live music, DJs, food trucks, and limited-edition merchandise.

“Creature Comforts exists to foster human connection, and great drinks help bring people together,” said Creature Comforts Co-Founder and CEO Adam Beauchamp. “We want to meet our passionate fans in different areas of the bar menu. And, we’re excited to showcase the full range of Creature’s beverage offerings, including some surprises from our expanding spirits portfolio.”

Specialty Tropicalias + Limited Release Beers

Guests can enjoy core and seasonal drafts alongside limited releases, including new variations of the brewery’s flagship Tropicália IPA. Highlights include versions dry-hopped with New Zealand Riwaka and Krush hops, each designed to showcase distinct flavor profiles.

Additional releases include:

●      Creature XII – an Imperial West Coast IPA brewed with experimental hops

●      12-Year Anniversary Stout – aged 24–58 months in select bourbon barrels

●      One-off drafts like Summer Grapefruit Radler and Orange Creamsicle

Expanding Spirits Lineup + Sneak Peeks

The weekend also spotlights Creature Comforts’ growing spirits lineup, including unreleased offerings available throughout the taproom and at Cura, the brand’s cocktail bar located next to the brewery.

The brand’s spirits lineup includes Sun Glow, a ready-to-drink vodka seltzer made with 7x distilled American vodka, real fruit juice and no added sugar, available in Cherry Lime, Peach, Citrus and Tropical. Full-bottled house spirits include London Dry Gin, Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and Coffee Liqueur.

Featured cocktails include:

●      Moscow Mule, Finnish Long Drink, Matcha Honey Bourbon Highball

●      Frozen favorites like Bee’s Knees, Blueberry Daiquiri, and Paloma

●      Cura exclusives such as a Peach Julep and Revolver (featuring house coffee liqueur and small-batch bourbon)

●      Saturday highlights include creative cocktails like a Strawberry Basil Bee’s Knees and Spicy Pineapple Margarita made with infused spirits.

DJs, Bands + Food Onsite

Entertainment spans both days, with DJs and live bands including Athens All Stars, Night Fever, The Four Fathers, Funk Brotherhood, Karma Kat, Cicada Rhythm, and Thee Lo-Fills. Food trucks include Punta Cana Latin Grill (Friday) and Cafe Racer (Saturday).

Award-Winning Beers + Growing Presence

Known for its wide range of highly rated and award-winning beers, Creature Comforts offers year-round and seasonal offerings such as Tropicália (American IPA), Classic City Lager (Lager), and Flash Cat (Hazy Imperial IPA). Classic City Lager earned Gold Medals at the Great American Beer Festival in 2022 and 2024.

Since its founding, Creature Comforts has grown into the 29th largest craft brewery in the U.S. In 2023, it was named the Official Taproom and Craft Beer of University of Georgia Athletics. Earlier this month, the Creature Comforts Beer Garden opened in Chattanooga, Tenn.

For more information about Creature Comforts, please visit www.creaturecomfortsbeer.com.

 

The SweetWater 420 Fest Is this weekend!

Cheers Y'all!

It's about to be on this weekend in ATL regarding one of my favorite music and beer festival combos, the annual SweetWater 420 Fest! Below is all the info direct from the source celebrating its 21st birthday! The direct link for the tickets is here.
I hope to see you there. 

SweetWater 420 Fest Announces New Artists, Sustainability Efforts, Experiences and Ticket Giveaway Coming for 21st Year

The festival kicks off in one month at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park

 

SweetWater Brewing Company (“SweetWater Brewing” or “SweetWater”), the leading craft beer brand in the Southeast by Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY and TSX: TLRY), today announced additional musicians and experiences coming to Sweetwater 420 Fest 2026 taking place April 17-18. 

The festival, held for the first time this year at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park, features incredible headliners over Friday and Saturday, including Umphrey’s McGee, Thievery Corporation and Chromeo, alongside sets from The Moss, lespecial, Cimafunk, Watchhouse and more. Bluegrass jam band Clay Street Unit has also been added to the line-up, playing a set on Saturday and the winners (TBA) of SweetWater’s Battle of the Bands will be performing on Friday. 

The 21st iteration of 420 Fest continues the festival and the brewery’s commitment to sustainability. Clean water advocacy nonprofits Waterkeeper Alliance and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper will be on the festival grounds, promoting their conservation efforts and highlighting their partnership with SweetWater Brewing Company. One dollar from each beer sale will be donated to Waterkeeper Alliance to support this important work, and attendees can also choose to make an additional donation at the time of ticket purchase. 

“We deeply value our longstanding partnership with SweetWater Brewing Company and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper to protect and restore waterways across the Southeast,” said Marc Yaggi, CEO of Waterkeeper Alliance. “Through this collaboration, we advance our global mission to defend the right to clean water by mobilizing local action and stewardship in the greater Atlanta area and beyond. We’re grateful for partners who help turn that mission into impact on the Chattahoochee River and surrounding communities.”

SweetWater Brewing Company and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper have worked to protect Georgia’s waterways, primarily through the “Save Our Water” program for over 20 years. The Chattahoochee River not only provides drinking water for over 5 million Atlantans, but also is a primary ingredient in SweetWater’s brews. Additionally the Bellwood Quarry, located in Shirley Clarke Franklin Park and visible from the ground of this year’s 420 Fest, stores much of the city’s emergency drinking water, an accomplishment attributed to the park’s namesake. 

“The Chattahoochee River is the lifeline of clean drinking water in Atlanta and partners like SweetWater allow us to bring awareness to the conservation issues the river faces each and every year,” said Jason Ulseth, Riverkeeper and Executive Director of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. “We’re looking forward to being back at the festival, educating festival go-ers about the importance and the impact of Shirley Clarke Franklin Park and getting them involved with the great work and clean-ups we have coming this year with SweetWater.”

SweetWater has also announced another way for fans to snag tickets to 420 Fest 2026. Through the end of the month, fans who buy two 12-packs of SweetWater’s craft classic 420 Extra Pale Ale will receive a free 1-day general admission ticket for 420 Fest. 

“We’re officially a month out from 420 Fest 2026 and can’t wait for fans to experience both our 21st festival, but also what we expect to be one of our best 420 Fests yet,” said Mike Boudreaux, South East Events and Brand Activation Manager for SweetWater. “Each year, the DNA of our festival remains the same, but with these bands, these partners, this location and new, affordable ways for fans to join us, we’re ready to get the party started!”

To purchase tickets and/or get updates on the festival, please sweetwater420fest.com. 

Introducing the 'Velvet Cake Hop Blend' partnership!

Cheers Everyone!

I am happy to present the Velvet Cake Hop Blend partnership between Roy Farms and my National Association of Black Brewers (NB2A) team, This is a historic collaboration. In a nutshell, the official press release states, "The partnership marks a historic philanthropic initiative that provides both access to educational resources and capital for underserved and underutilized small businesses and brewers within the Black diaspora in the United States. A portion of the sales of this specialty hop blend will benefit the efforts of the National Black Brewers Association."

I proudly had a hand in the conception of the Velvet Cake Hops alongside the NB2A and Roy Farms, by conceptualizing and designing the logo for it. You know how I love the creative side of whatever a project needs. I am excited to see this collaboration come into fruition and work alongside brewers across the world. Cheers again to Roy Farms for understanding the importance of diversity and equity within the industry. 

Read on below for a more informative explanation direct from the source. 

Holler!

The properties of the new Velvet Cake Hops. 

Roy Farms of Moxee, Washington Launches Premium ‘Velvet Cake Hop Blend’ in Partnership with the National Black Brewers Association 

Roy Farms, a multi-generational farm located in Moxee, WA, announces the launch of the Velvet Cake hop blend, a new premium hop blend created in partnership with the National Black Brewers Association nonprofit 501(c)(6) and members' support network. With oversight from Roy Farms leadership, Master Brewers from the National Black Brewers Association hand-selected the blend to add to Roy Farms' world-class portfolio of hops. The blend will be released for purchase From Roy Farms and partners for the first time at the 2026 Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America that will be hosted in the city of Philadelphia — April 20-22, 2026.

Members of the National Black Brewers Association visited Roy Farms during 2025 Harvest to hand-select their favorite varieties and create the first-ever Velvet Cake Hop Blend. The group collectively agreed upon a blend consisting of 40% Cashmere, 30% Azacca, 15% Chinook and 15% Amarillo, imparting desirable notes of Sweet Candy-like, Citrus and Tropical with hints of Resin & Spice.

Roy Farms has been at the forefront of agriculture and sustainability since the family’s first harvest in 1907. As a leader in both conventional and organic hop growing, Roy Farms is a fully integrated hop grower and processor, ensuring the highest quality from field to pellet. Additionally, Roy Farms serves as the managing partner of Latitude 46°, a Pacific Northwest breeding company dedicated to discovering innovative and sustainable hop varieties for future brewers.

The partnership marks a historic philanthropic initiative that provides both access to educational resources and capital for underserved and underutilized small businesses and brewers within the Black diaspora in the United States.  A portion of the sales of this specialty hop blend will benefit the efforts of the National Black Brewers Association.  

“This partnership is a vital example of leadership working together in the food and beverage sector to build and foster community.  The Velvet Cake hop blend is a very phenomenal product that embodies the best attributes of collaboration, fellowship, and STEM research.  We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this milestone occasion will bring forth.”

- Jon Renthrope, President, National Black Brewers Association

“Roy Farms is beyond grateful to collaborate with NB2A on this exciting new blend.  Life is layered much like this blend with opportunities and surprises around every corner. We hope to be a partner for good alongside the enthusiastic and driven people associated with the NB2A, while adding a dash of fun as well.  This blend has familiar, favorite notes with a unique twist.”

- Michael Roy, President, Roy Farms

My bro and NB2A member Rodney with Mertier Brewing Co. literally working hands-on with the Velvet Cake Hops, 

 For more details please email sales@royfarms.com