ATLANTA — Manuel’s Tavern is celebrating 70 years in business this week, marking seven decades as both a local restaurant and a gathering place for Georgia’s political community.

Manuel Maloof opened the tavern on North Highland Avenue in 1956. Over the years, it became known as a hub for political conversation, welcoming candidates ranging from local office seekers to future presidents, including Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama.

“It’s like coming home, if there’s a big election going there are a lot of people that want to be at Manuel’s when it’s happening. They want to be among family and they want to be among friends,” Georgia Democratic Party Chair Charlie Bailey said.

Megan Maloof, the granddaughter of founder Manuel Maloof, says the tavern has remained successful because of the community that has supported it through the years.

“Two immigrants created this business that is still alive today because of the people. If it weren’t for the community around this place we would have died in the pandemic,” Maloof said.

The anniversary celebration included live music, food and drink specials, commemorative merchandise and the presentation of an Atlanta City Council proclamation recognizing the milestone.

Along with founding Manuel’s Tavern, Manuel Maloof later served as DeKalb County’s first CEO and is credited with developing the interchange now known as Spaghetti Junction.

WSB Radio’s Graham Carroll contributed to this story.