Johnny's Hideaway, Atlanta

New bathrooms since my last visit in 2007 were a much needed improvement. Strong cocktails were again poured by the same bartender as last year. After an hour or so wait for a bar stool, I was treated like he remembered me (even if he did not). Even if you aren't a dancer, you will recognize every song the DJ plays. I asked my bartender and was told the place is almost 30 years old. Waiting for a seat was not exactly a plus on a Wednesday and I could do without all the smoking but overall, a great experience.

I believe that Johnny's Hideaway could have a new lease on life, a resurrection experience but they need to work on three things: #1 - MOST IMPORTANT "Get good bands" The night I was there (May -4-2008) they had a musically dysfunctional group called the "American Flyers" - they were so horrible we left after one drink.. Johnny's Hideaway needs a MAMAGER who can pick best bands not just the cheapest ones. Then, #2. Its MONEY again - MINE... So Look, if Johnny's Hideaway is a happening place again then I don't mind paying the cover charge (and also having to pay a two drink minimum) but, when it is dead, or near dead, then the management needs bodies. So lighten up on the cover fee; and especially calm down your waitresses who are frantic because they thinks that because it is a bad night (which it is )they won't make enough tips, so they come around every 6 minutes Asking, "can I get you another drink baby?" - "No thanks this drink is near as full as it was 7 minutes ago" Finally #3 Get a Bouncer, you know a BIG BOY who wears a t-shirt that says RESPECT IS GOOD. Then sick him the two drunks that are stumbling around in a stupor bumping into people and asking that poor woman to dance for the sixth time. So end the end the buck needs to stop with management