While Atlanta sees record high temps this summer, Johnny’s Hideaway continues to heat up the city’s nightlife more than six decades after opening in 1979. The Buckhead nightclub continues to welcome new guests and loyal customers to dance the night away, thanks to a few secrets that keep this hot spot rocking since the disco era.

Johnny’s lures the over-40 age group and Atlanta’s late-night 20- and 30-somethings to rock out to sounds that span the decades. The management at Johnny’s Hideaway has made only a few changes over the years that have boosted volume. One major change is the no-smoking policy which, says owner Chris D’Auria, is a game-changer.

“Even though our no-smoking policy went into effect Jan. 2, 2020, we didn’t see anything immediate because the pandemic was two months later,” he says. “This move has resulted in an increased flow of guests. A lot more people come in on weeknights now.” The most popular response from loyal guests is “I don’t smell like an ashtray in the morning, so I don’t have to get up an hour earlier to wash my hair before work.”

The nightclub’s ability to manage high-volume business, attention to detail, great music, loyal staff,and an abundance of food and drinks are only a few reasons why Johnny’s has stayed as Atlanta’s premier evening dance spot for so long. 

• Managing High Volume Business: Johnny’s has a capacity for 275 guests, and there is frequently a line of up to 100 guests at the door. It takes four bartenders, one service bartender, three barbacks, six servers, and up to six doormen between the front door and the dance floor working eight-hour shifts to handle the crowds on the weekends.

• Attention to Detail: Johnny’s pays attention to detail in all of its operations, making sure the storied nightclub works like a well-oiled party machine. Each opening day, preparations begin at 6:15 p.m., and staff members start by shaking every table to make sure none are wobbly. Out of the 33 tables at Johnny’s, 28 are usually reserved on the weekends. Before the crowds come, senior cocktail server Janette Sorbet spends 45 minutes every Friday and Saturday night mapping out where guests will be seated.

• Music in the Air: Music is an integral part of the Johnny’s Hideaway experience, and the club delivers with the city’s best DJs spinning hits from disco to funk, shag to dance and the best of the 50s up to current hits. Some of the most-requested songs are ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”

• Drinks and Food: With a menu of American favorites, there’s no shortage of food to fuel the dance party. Tater tots still reign supreme as the nightclub’s most popular food item, and vodka clocks in as the most popular drink. Johnny’s stays stocked up, with weekend numbers going a little something like this:

• 60 bottles of Tito’s vodka, two cases of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey, two cases of Jameson Irish whiskey, and five cases of Casamigos tequila

• 10 cases of Red Bull

• 2,000 pounds of ice

• 80 pounds of tater tots, 150 pounds of chicken wings, and 100 pounds of chicken tenders

• Loyal Staff: D’Auria employs loyal staff members to maintain the level of service that guests have come to expect. Mike Sorbet is the longest-serving employee with 26 years under his belt, and he plays a crucial role in making sure bar operations run smoothly. The largest tip that the staff at Johnny’s has ever received was $5,000, a testament to excellent customer service.

Thanks to Johnny’s Hideaway, guests have had a dependable place to gather and enjoy good times and great service. The retro nightclub’s timeless formula for success has Johnny’s poised to host the late-night scene for many decades to come.

Johnny’s Hideaway is located at 3771 Roswell Road, NE in Atlanta. For updates on the restaurant and upcoming events, follow Johnny’s Hideaway on Instagram and Facebook. For additional information, call 404-233-8026 or visit johnnyshideaway.com.