30 Facts About Park Tavern

A Glimpse into Park Tavern's History

Park Tavern in Atlanta, Georgia, boasts a rich history that spans over a century. From its origins as horse stables to its current status as a beloved restaurant and event venue, Park Tavern has seen many transformations.

1. Historical Background: Built in 1905, the original Stone Mountain granite structure served as horse stables for local racing enthusiasts.
2. Transformation: By 1928, the building had been transformed into the Men’s Club and golf clubhouse.
3. Renovation: Significant renovations in 1990 turned the building into a restaurant and special events facility.
4. Ownership: Paul and Angela Smith purchased the building in June 1999, renaming it Park Tavern.

Evolution of Event Hosting

Park Tavern has become a premier venue for various events, from weddings to concerts. Its facilities cater to diverse needs, making it a popular choice for many.

5. Event Hosting: The Piedmont Room, an upstairs event space overlooking Piedmont Park, began hosting weddings, corporate, and private events in 2001.
6. Outdoor Venue: The Piedmont Garden Tent, added in 2004, offers a unique outdoor garden-style venue for events.
7. Wedding Venue: Park Tavern's special events team produces nearly 200 weddings annually, along with numerous corporate and social events.
8. Fundraising Events: The venue has hosted large fundraising events and annual festivals like the Oyster-Crawfish Festival and Lucky Day.
9. Concerts: Musical talents such as Bon Jovi, Collective Soul, and Maroon 5 have performed at Park Tavern.

Commitment to Sustainability

Park Tavern is dedicated to sustainability, implementing various measures to reduce waste and conserve water. Their efforts reflect a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.

10. Sustainability Efforts: Park Tavern actively works to reduce waste and conserve water through its Single Stream Recycling program.
11. Recycling Program: This program allows staff to place all recyclables into the same collection receptacle without sorting by material type.
12. Recycling Process: Collected materials are sorted at a privately owned Material Recovery system and then reprocessed into new products.
13. Water Conservation: Covered receptacles collect empty plastic water bottles, beer bottles, aluminum cans, and plastic cups for recycling.
14. Rainwater Collection: Rainwater is collected for watering the Beltline, reducing water usage from the Chattahoochee water basin.
15. Water Usage: Water is only offered to guests upon request, minimizing unnecessary consumption.
16. Water Storage: Unconsumed water is stored for dog consumption or landscape watering, reducing waste.
17. Bottled Water: Bottled water served at Park Tavern is sourced from basins other than the Chattahoochee, including Ocala, FL, and West Virginia.
18. Filtered Tap Water: Guests preferring filtered tap water can enjoy spa water with fresh herbs and fruits, available daily at the screened-in-porch and cabanas area.
19. Waterless Urinals: Waterless urinals save an estimated 150,000 gallons of water annually.
20. Tap Water Reputation: Despite tap water's bad reputation, Atlanta’s water utilities are generally safe, though some prefer additional filtration.
21. Hydration and Convenience: Over 900,000 guests are offered both spa water and bottled water to meet hydration needs.

Park Tavern's Original Location and Expansion

The original Park Tavern location has a storied past, and plans for expansion continue to shape its future.

22. Original Location: The first Park Tavern in Atlanta opened in 1996 at 931 11th Avenue in a 1970s-era building.
23. Facelift: Despite major renovations, Park Tavern remains a Capitol Hill standby with a comfortable and affordable atmosphere.
24. Expansion Plans: Future plans include a 3,000-square foot enclosed beer garden.

Menu Innovation and Historical Significance

Park Tavern's menu is both innovative and approachable, attracting a diverse clientele. Its historical significance adds to its charm.

25. Menu Innovation: The menu attracts a wide range of patrons, from young to old, artistic to business-minded.
26. Historical Significance in St. Louis Park: The original Park Tavern in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, was located at 7201 Minnetonka Blvd, possibly built in 1906.
27. Prohibition Era: During Prohibition, many confectioneries became taverns, welcoming women and better-behaved men. This became Art and Esther’s Tavern in 1938 and ’39.
28. Ownership Changes: The bar’s liquor license changed hands several times, eventually becoming Park Tavern in 1952.
29. Renovation and Relocation: In 1979, the City relocated Park Tavern due to road widening. The original building was demolished in 1981, but the new Park Tavern thrived and expanded to include bowling.
30. Modern Amenities: A 1999 remodel added automatic scoring, 20 lanes with bumpers for children, a cosmic sound and light show, and new seating, making Park Tavern one of the city’s most popular venues today.

Park Tavern: A Blend of History and Sustainability

Park Tavern stands out as a unique venue in Atlanta, blending rich history with modern sustainability efforts. From its origins as horse stables in 1905 to becoming a bustling restaurant and event space, Park Tavern has evolved while maintaining its charm. Hosting nearly 200 weddings annually, along with concerts and festivals, it’s a hub for memorable events. The commitment to sustainability is evident through their Single Stream Recycling program, rainwater collection, and water conservation practices. These efforts not only reduce waste but also support the local environment. Whether you're enjoying a meal, attending an event, or simply soaking in the history, Park Tavern offers a distinctive experience. Its innovative menu, historical significance, and eco-friendly initiatives make it a standout destination. Park Tavern isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to create lasting memories.