’80s babies and lovers of all things retro, don your neon! We are returning to the past with this list of nostalgic amusements and old-school activities! From roller skating to a prohibition-style speakeasy, these five Georgia venues present priceless fun in a timeless fashion.
- Marietta Diner
Location: 306 Cobb Pkwy SE South | Marietta
Featured on television for its classic look and desirable dishes, the Marietta Diner is a portal to the past that is worth all the hype! Open 24 hours a day every day, this neon landmark offers traditional diner fare in the most impressive fashions. From tall milkshakes to hot pastrami sandwiches, the Marietta Diner is a beacon of good food, fun, and great fries! - Plaza Theatre
Location: 1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE | Atlanta
Any fan of cinema knows about Atlanta’s oldest operating independent movie theater. From cult classics to community events with exclusive guests and revivals, Plaza Theatre plays it all! Since the late 1930s, Plaza Theatre has existed as a hub of diversity and culture, featuring films outside the ordinary. A place where you can catch a three-hour documentary one week and participate in The Rocky Horror Picture Show the next, Plaza Theatre persists in its mission of enlightening and inspiring film lovers of all creative styles and creeds. - Sparkles Family Fun Center
Location: 1104 Grayson Hwy | Lawrenceville
Fondly known as one of the best skate floors in Metro Atlanta, Sparkles Family Fun Center has been a staple in every ‘90s kid’s colorful childhood. What began in 1962 as a small-scale community space has now blossomed into an affordable environment where exercise, good music, and friends come together. With neon murals, black lights abound, confetti carpet, and a healthy dose of retro music playing, the rink captures the look and feel of any roller boogie! - Joystick Game Bar
Location: 427 Edgewood Ave SE | Atlanta
After catching a film at the Plaza Theatre, swing on down to a retro arcade bar not even 10 minutes away! Joystick Game Bar, a more modern installation, boasts games spanning the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, as well as a fine selection of drinks, snacks, tabletop games, and more. At Joystick, the employees and patrons alike embrace the odd, so crack a PBR, gather your tokens, and allow the chirps of Centipede and Mrs. Pac-Man to surround you on your nerdy night out! - Red Phone Booth
Location: 17 Andrew Young International Blvd NE | Atlanta
Just in case the ’80s weren’t retro enough for you, I also wanted to include this prohibition-themed speakeasy found in the heart of Atlanta. Class, culture, and careful curation spawned this window into the artistry of illegal bars during prohibition. With a secret member code, an entrance hidden inside a phone booth (can it get more retro than that?), and a dress code from the 1920s itself, Red Phone Booth is an immersive cocktail and cigar lounge with the look, taste, and feel of a prohibition party room!