Iconic Midtown bar The Highlander is closing

The Highlander, an iconic Midtown neighborhood bar acclaimed for its approachable food and rock ‘n’ roll environment, is closing today.

The closure comes as a shock to many, including staff. A manager who has worked at the establishment for the last 24 years confirmed the closing and expressed shock and grief at the news. Many have shared similar feelings on a Facebook post from the restaurant.

“Much love to y’all. Thanks for the many years of fond memories,” one user commented.

Another added, “It’s the end of an Era 😢 cheers to all the memories!!”

Since its opening in 1992, The Highlander has been an Atlanta institution. Sitting at 931 Monroe Dr. NE, it frequently kept its guests entertained late into the evening with live music, plenty of outdoor patio space, and events like bingo and karaoke. Some of its homemade staples have won national acclaim. In 2008, during the fourth season of Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives,” The Highlander’s pasta-rella sticks and Jamaican jerk chili were featured.

In April, the watering hole had celebrated its 30th birthday with a party, celebrating “30 years of good times and bad decisions.”

“It’s amazing that we’ve been here for 30 years,” Darby Yale, who had recently become part-owner along with his wife and kitchen manager, said to SaportaReport. “That’s a long time for a dive bar in a strip mall. It’s a pride to have a place to be open that long.”