About Monks Meadery – Atlanta
Monks Meadery is Georgia’s first and oldest craft meadery, founded by long-time friends Martin Key and Justin Schoendorf who began brewing honey wine out of Athens, GA. Initially partnering with Terrapin and Southern breweries, the duo finally opened a brick-and-mortar Atlanta tasting room in Poncey-Highland in mid-2019 (www.ajc.com ) (www.ajc.com ). The Atlanta location is tucked behind Java Vino Coffee (579 N. Highland Ave NE) at ground level, and features a cozy, tavern-like interior with roughly 30 seats and a roll-up garage door opening onto a small outdoor patio (www.ajc.com ) (wanderlog.com ). Monks focuses on dry, carbonated meads with creative flavors – from floral hibiscus-rose (Stigmata) to buttery butterscotch (Butter Buzz) – and has won multiple awards (including golds at the Mazer Cup and Mead Madness competitions) for its products (monksmeadery.com ) (www.ajc.com ). The atmosphere is warm and fun, with dog-friendly seating (friendly patrons can sip mead on the outdoor patio with their pets) (www.bringfido.com ) (wanderlog.com ), and staff known for guiding first-timers through mead flights. Flights of all 12 house meads on tap are offered for about $15 (monksmeadery.com ), allowing visitors to sample a range of styles from light “Belgian Brut” farmhouse-style mead to fruit-infused session meads like Peachin’ to the Choir. As a small, community-focused venue, Monks Meadery celebrates local ingredients (even selling local honeys and related products in the shop (www.ajc.com )) and immerses guests in mead culture, from its fantasy-themed decor to its official partnerships with Dragon Con and the Georgia Renaissance Festival (monksmeadery.com ) (monksmeadery.com ).
Events and Programming
Beyond tastings, Monks Meadery–Atlanta is also a lively event venue. The tavern hosts regular themed nights – especially stand-up comedy and trivia – alongside occasional special events. For example, the “Peachin’ to the Choir” comedy show (produced by Peach Pit Comedy) runs monthly, showcasing top local comics in a karaoke-cabaret style set (creativeloafing.com ) (www.bigtickets.com ). Tributes to pop culture (costume-encouraged Halloween shows) and local arts (performers from Atlanta Fringe Festival have done stand-up sets here) are common. Trivia Tuesdays are a staple, where players can win mead shots or small prizes. One reviewer even noted, “I came in for trivia on Tuesday having no idea what mead is… Most of the meads] were amazing, it was cute inside” ([www.mapquest.com ).
Monks also hosts an ongoing hardcore wrestling series called the “Blood & Honey” deathmatch nights. These R-rated events feature barbed-wire and glass in the ring, with early-bird tickets around $18 and $25 at the door (monks-meadery.bigtickets.com ). Promotions explicitly warn “18+ show (ID at the door)” and stress that seating is general admission, first-come-only (monks-meadery.bigtickets.com ). In addition to these entertainment nights, Monks Meadery organizes special convention-related gatherings – it’s the official mead of Dragon Con, often debuting new flavors like Dragon’s Nectar and even running a free convention shuttle during Dragon Con events (monksmeadery.com ) (monksmeadery.com ). Fans have also seen Monks at fall festivals (e.g. sponsoring a “Fall Fling” party bus for the Georgia Renaissance Festival). In short, visitors are treated to a mix of craft beverage tasting and quirky local nightlife – one satisfied guest said “We loved this little place… I can’t wait to come back for some of their events!” (wanderlog.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Most events at Monks Meadery require advance tickets, which are sold online through popular ticketing platforms. Prices are very reasonable – for example, comedy shows often range $10–$20, while specialty events like the deathmatch wrestling run $18–$25. One comedy flyer noted tickets at $15 online and $20 at the door (creativeloafing.com ), and a wrestling event listed “Bloody Early Bird” specials for $18 (rising to $25 later) (monks-meadery.bigtickets.com ). There is no traditional box office at the venue, so plan to buy through the event’s official listing or website. Although walk-in tickets are sometimes available if a show isn’t sold out, patrons are encouraged to reserve early – several events explicitly warn that space is limited and seating is first-come, so buying ahead (and arriving on time) is the best strategy (monks-meadery.bigtickets.com ) (creativeloafing.com ). Note that some events are cashless: a promotional listing for an Atlanta Fringe comedy show even said “cards only” (creativeloafing.com ), so it’s safest to have your credit/debit card on hand. Advanced purchasers will receive either an email/mobile ticket; others may queue at the door (doors typically open ~30–60 minutes before showtime). In short: buy early online through the official event page, check the door policy (age limits, etc.), and arrive early for best choice of standing room or table seats.
Seating and Layout
The Meads and theater are intimate rather than stadium-style. The main room is a basement-level taproom: a compact bar with a few small tables is arranged under low ceilings, and a raised stage area sits at one end. Outside, a fenced patio holds a few picnic or two-top tables under cover. Because the space is small and casual, all seating is unreserved and general-admission. A typical wrestling event explicitly notes “Seats not guaranteed (first come first serve)” (monks-meadery.bigtickets.com ). For comedy nights, tables and stools are set up around the stage, but they can fill quickly; best vantage is at the front or near the roll-up door so sound carries clearly. For standing-room events (like wrestling), arriving early is crucial to claim a spot. One tip from visitors: for loud deathmatch shows stay toward the middle of the room (front rows get hit by flying debris!), while for sit-down comedy the middle of the crowd gives decent sight-lines. The thick concrete walls of the basement give it a boomy, lively acoustic – great for energetic performances but a bit echoey for quiet shows. In most cases however the performance area is small enough that you’re never too far from the action.
Getting There and Parking
Monks Meadery is at 579 N Highland Ave NE in the Poncey-Highland/Midtown area of Atlanta (www.ajc.com ). It’s easiest reached by car: street parking is available in the neighborhood, and a small lot behind the venue is often open to patrons. (Promotional materials for a comedy show even advertised “Free venue parking” for the night (creativeloafing.com ).) For those without a car, MARTA bus service runs along North Highland (for instance, the Route 816 bus stops at Highland & Ponce or Highland & St. Charles, both a short walk away). Cyclists and walkers can also use the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – the Highland Avenue section of the BeltLine passes right by Java Vino, with an access ramp at Highland & Los Angeles. Just look for the red “Monks Meadery” signs behind the coffee shop. During big events (like Dragon Con), Monks sometimes offers a free shuttle to and from downtown hotels (monksmeadery.com ). In the evening, ride-share (Uber/Lyft) is very common; there is a convenient drop-off point at the front door on North Highland. Note that the venue is tucked behind another building, so give yourself a couple extra minutes to find the stairdown or ramp entrance.
Inside the Venue
Once inside the tavern, expect a warm, festive vibe. A pair of friendly bartenders will greet you, often in medieval-themed garb, ready to pour flights or pints. A flight – six 2-oz pours of current meads – is a popular choice (shown on the black chalkboard menu) and costs about $15 (monksmeadery.com ). There’s also a modest snack menu: think hand-held tavern fare (cheese/meat boards, pretzels, light snacks), with vegan and gluten-free options noted (monksmeadery.com ). If you want a full meal, you can order from Java Vino upstairs and have it delivered downstairs to your table (www.ajc.com ). The bar stocks both mead on tap and some local craft beers; feel free to try a single 10-oz pour of any mead as a drink. After your tasting, bottles and 500ml cans of each mead can be purchased to-go at the counter (www.ajc.com ). Cash is generally accepted, but many events handle ticket/cover only via card (creativeloafing.com ), and the venue itself is mostly cashless. A small merchandise area stocks Monks-branded hats, shirts and mead-themed gifts – in recent years this has included limited Dragon Con collectables (e.g. “Mead Daddy” hats, mead-scented candles) and seasonal bundles (monksmeadery.com ).
The vibe is friendly and unpretentious: people call it “a warm, inviting atmosphere” (www.bringfido.com ) where fans of mead (and newbies alike) can chat with staff or each other. There is no coat check or cloakroom; coat hooks line the walls. Restrooms are located just off the bar area. The building is a walk-out basement but does have a short ramp at the main entrance, making it relatively accessible. (Wheelchair users may want to call ahead, but there is level access via the garage door doorway.) Most nights the light level is dim but adequate; larger events may bring in extra stage lighting. The music/sound system is basic bar-quality, fine for talk and acoustic sets but not concert-club loud: if you sit near the front row of a comedy or sports show you’ll hear announcements clearly with a little crowd noise. Photography is generally allowed (no large professional cameras), and you’ll often see patrons snapping selfies with their signature “horn” drinking glasses. Free Wi-Fi is not advertised, so plan to stay connected via your own data if needed.
Nearby Amenities
Monks Meadery sits in a lively Atlanta neighborhood. Directly above the tavern is Java Vino (a coffee/wine bar), which is itself a good spot for a beverage or small bites before or after your visit. A block east on Ponce de Leon Avenue you’ll find casual eateries like R. Thomas Deluxe Grill and Argosy (a trendy bar/tavern), as well as Vortex Pizza (famous local pie shop). Just a few minutes’ walk west brings you to the Atlanta BeltLine’s 5th Street access: from there you can stroll north into the Virginia-Highland dining district (with restaurants like Murphy’s, Highland Tap) or south toward Ponce City Market (a food hall with dozens of options). Other bars and shops dot the streets of Poncey-Highland: for example, The Highland Inn Pub and Taco Mac sports bar are a short walk away on North Avenue.
If you need a hotel, Midtown Atlanta’s lodging is nearby – places like the Highland Inn (in nearby Virginia-Highland), or Midtown/Uptown hotels (Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt House) are within 10-15 minutes by car or ride-share. Streetcar stop “Edgewood/Candler Park” is about a mile east; North Highland itself has MARTA bus stops (Routes 37/816). Late at night, Uber and Lyft drivers frequently circle the area. To plan a full evening, consider arriving 30–45 minutes early to grab a bite or walk the BeltLine trail. Many regulars make a night of it by combining a Monks visit with nearby attractions like Poncey-Highland’s nightlife, or one of the city’s theaters or concert halls (several are a short drive north on Highland or west on Ponce). In short, Monks Meadery’s location gives visitors flexible pre- and post-show options: it’s as easy to start your night with dinner at a nearby restaurant as it is to continue to a friend’s house or a late-night food truck after the mead taps have closed.
What Makes This Venue Special
Monks Meadery-Atlanta is much more than a neighborhood bar. Its unique focus on mead and geek culture sets it apart. It’s one of the only places in the U.S. where you can experience mead made fresh on-site, from honey sourced nearby and crafted into cutting-edge flavors. The owners have infused the place with Renaissance and science-fiction motifs (for example, they call one brew “Dragon Blaster” and serve it in a dragon-print horn cup). The tavern’s local ties enhance its character: Monks is the “Official Mead of Dragon Con & Georgia Renaissance Festival” (monksmeadery.com ), meaning they participate heavily in those events (including exclusive Dragons’ Tavern gatherings) and even create limited-edition meads for con attendees (monksmeadery.com ) (monksmeadery.com ). This fusion of history and pop culture (imagine a “monk-themed” mead pub with comic-con claptraps) makes visiting here a memorable experience for fans and artists alike.
In terms of ambiance, Monks stands out for its friendly community feel. Multiple reviewers note that entry feels like joining a club: the bartenders remember regulars, toasts “Huzzah!”, and even pose with costumed patrons. Online reviews rave about the “warm and inviting” atmosphere and knowledgeable staff who love talking about honey varieties and fermentation (www.bringfido.com ) (wanderlog.com ). Architecturally it’s quirky – a subterranean taproom with a garage door and communal wooden tables – so every visit feels like a small adventure. For the Atlanta area, it has also become a cultural destination: apple enthusiasts and travelers list Monks as a “must-visit” for its uniqueness. That reputation is reinforced by frequent TV and radio features (including local brewery tours highlighting it as the region’s first meadery). In sum, both artists and audiences love Monks Meadery for its one-of-a-kind combination of quality craft mead, quirky theming, and friendly neighborhood pub energy (monksmeadery.com ) (www.ajc.com ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Hours: The tasting room is closed Monday–Tuesday. Regular walk-in hours are Wed–Fri 5–9pm and Sat–Sun 1–7pm (www.ajc.com ). (Hours may be extended on special event nights.) During these hours you can sample meads by flight or glass without a ticket. For scheduled events, doors typically open 30–60 minutes before showtime – check the event listing for specifics.
Age Restrictions: The regular tasting room is 21+, as it is an alcohol-serving venue. Some family-friendly events (like early comedy shows) may allow minors accompanied by a guardian (creativeloafing.com ), but most live events are 18+ or older (especially the wrestling nights). Always bring a photo ID since it will be checked at the door for age-restricted events (monks-meadery.bigtickets.com ).
What to Bring: Bring valid ID, cash or card for drinks and tickets (note some events are card-only (creativeloafing.com )). You do not need extra stuff – the venue provides cups and ice. Towels or seat cushions are not needed (there is no formal seating line). Feel free to dress casually; for themed nights costumes are encouraged. Outside food and beverages are not allowed, but you can bring your own mead bottle purchased at the venue. There is no coat check, so plan to keep your coat with you.
Parking and Transport: If driving, allow a few minutes to find the upstairs entrance at the back of Java Vino; parking behind the building is free for guests (creativeloafing.com ). Ride-sharing apps drop off on Highland. By transit, take MARTA and transfer to bus #816 or walk via the BeltLine.
Tickets: Always buy event tickets in advance online when possible. Popular shows can sell out or have waitlists. You can usually show your ticket on your phone at the door. At the event, those with advance tickets will be seated/admitted first – latecomers take remaining seats or stand.
Accessibility: The venue has a short ramp entrance and level indoor layout, but it still feels like a small bar space. Wheelchair users and families with strollers may want to call the venue in advance to ensure access.
Pets: The outdoor patio is dog-friendly – well-behaved leashed dogs may accompany you at patio tables (www.bringfido.com ). (It’s not a formal dog park, so be polite to other guests.)
Policies: No ID, no entry. No smoking indoors (an outdoor area is available). Photography with phones is fine, but avoid flash during shows. The dress code is very casual, but if you want to fully enjoy local tradition, try stepping in a Viking helmet or medieval cloak – it’s all in good fun here.
Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is not advertised (cell signal is usually fine). Restrooms are inside. The building is small and can get loud during events, so if you need to take a call or quiet break, the patio provides a chill outdoor spot.
By keeping these tips in mind – and arriving early – you can smoothly navigate Monks Meadery. With your mead-soaked mug in hand, you’re set to enjoy what locals call one of Atlanta’s most unique drinking experiences.
How do I get tickets for events at Monks Meadery Atlanta?
Tickets are sold online through the event’s page (e.g. on platforms like Eventbrite or other ticketing sites). There is no traditional box office onsite. You should buy in advance to secure your spot; some events sell out or have limited space. Day-of tickets may be available at the door if the event isn’t sold out, but prices often rise (e.g. a comedy show might be $15 online, $20 at the door (creativeloafing.com )).
What is the capacity of the Monks Meadery Atlanta tavern?
The indoor space is quite small – roughly 30 seats/barside tables inside – plus a handful of tables on the outdoor patio. It’s an intimate setting, so for popular shows it fills up quickly. In practice, events are general admission: if you want a seat for a comedy night or ring-side spot for wrestling, plan to arrive early. (Wrestling nights note “seats not guaranteed – first come, first served” (monks-meadery.bigtickets.com ).)
Is there parking available, and is it free?
Yes – there is street parking in the neighborhood and a small parking lot behind the building at 579 N. Highland. For events, this lot is free for patrons (one event flyer even advertised “Free venue parking” (creativeloafing.com )). Otherwise, you may have to hunt for a legal street space, but many walk-ups park nearby without issue.
What public transportation options serve Monks Meadery Atlanta?
You can take MARTA to Downtown or Midtown and transfer to the local bus. The Route 816 bus runs along North Highland Ave (with stops at Highland & Ponce de Leon or Highland & St. Charles a short walk from the venue). The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside trail runs nearby as well, connecting to the food halls and attractions at Ponce City Market. There is no direct rail station at Monks – the nearest MARTA station is Midtown or North Ave (about 1.5 miles away) – so most people use bus or rideshare.
What should I wear to Monks Meadery events?
The venue is very casual. Jeans, T-shirts, and relaxed attire are common. On themed nights (for example Halloween comedy shows or Dragon Con weekend), costumes are often encouraged. There is no strict dress code: come in whatever makes you comfortable. Just be mindful that if you’re attending an “18+ event,” they may check ID, so avoid anything that might conceal your identity. Warm layers are helpful since the tavern can be chilly or crowded on busy nights.
Is Monks Meadery wheelchair accessible?
Monks Meadery is located in a walk-out basement, but the entrance has a short ramp, so it is generally accessible from street level. Once inside, the main area is mostly level without steps. For major events or questions about accessibility, it’s best to call ahead. Service animals and well-behaved pets on leash are welcome on the patio (www.bringfido.com ).
Can I bring my kids to Monks Meadery?
Monks Meadery is primarily an adults’ tasting room and bar. Some daytime or family-friendly events (like early comedy shows) may allow minors when accompanied by a parent or guardian (creativeloafing.com ). However, many performances (especially evenings and anything 18+ or R-rated) are strictly for adults. Always check the event description – if it’s “18+ ID required” enforceable – if you plan to bring children.
Does Monks Meadery have a food menu?
Yes. Although it’s primarily a mead bar, Monks runs a simple tavern menu with snacks and light fare (they advertise vegan and gluten-free options) (monksmeadery.com ). For full meals, you can order from the upstairs cafe (Java Vino) and have it delivered downstairs or take your mead upstairs. So in practice you can grab a cheese plate, pretzels, or other bar snacks on site, or enjoy a coffee or sandwich from their neighbor Java Vino.
What types of drinks does Monks Meadery serve?
Monks primarily serves its own house meads. You can get meads by the glass (10 oz pours), flights (six 2-oz samples for around $15 (monksmeadery.com )), or by the bottle/can to go. The tap list rotates 12 meads at a time. They also typically offer a few local craft beers on tap and some cider. Non-alcoholic beverages (water, soda) are available for designated drivers and minors.
Does Monks Meadery have a coat check or lockers?
No, Monks Meadery does not have a coat check. Space is very limited, so guests generally keep coats on their chairs and stools. During events you can hang a jacket on a nearby hook or drape it over a chair. If you're carrying extra bags or bulky items, it’s best to travel light.
Are photography and mobile devices allowed in the venue?
Photography with phones is generally allowed. Many guests take selfies or photos of their mead flights (the colorful meads are quite photogenic!). Flash photography during performances may be distracting, so it’s polite to use flash only sparingly. There is no strict camera ban, but professional video equipment is not allowed during shows. Mobile phones can be used, but common courtesy is expected (e.g. silencing phones during live acts).
Does Monks Meadery have free Wi-Fi or charging stations?
Monks Meadery does not advertise free Wi-Fi, so assume that you’ll need to use your own phone data network if you want internet access. As a small bar, it also does not have dedicated charging outlets for guests – you may see a USB port at the bar or a few wall outlets, but it’s not guaranteed. It’s best to arrive with your devices charged.
Is there any membership or loyalty program at Monks Meadery?
Yes. Monks Meadery offers a “Horn Club” membership for frequent fans. For example, you can buy a $100 Horn Club membership in-store (monksmeadery.com ) which comes with perks like discount meads and exclusive event invites. (A yearly renewal is available for $75.) This is more for locals or die-hard mead aficionados and would be arranged at the bar.
Can I purchase mead to take home?
Absolutely. Monks Meadery sells bottles and cans of their meads to-go. While you’re on-site you can order a pour or flight to sample; at the end you may buy 500ml bottles or canned meads to take home. The menu explicitly notes that flights and 10-oz pours are available, and that “to-go meads can be purchased in bottles and cans” (www.ajc.com ). You can even ring up cases if you want to stock up.
