While the city around it seems to be constantly changing, Johnny’s Hideaway has endured by remaining uniquely itself. The Buckhead landmark, which first opened its doors in April 1979, has survived—and thrived—for 44 years in a competitive nightlife industry that has seen many establishments come and go. Through it all, Johnny’s continues to attract a loyal clientele of over-40 patrons, 20- and 30-something bar hoppers and the occasional celebrity. 

The secret of that success? Some regulars point to its one-of-a-kind atmosphere, an appealing mix of red décor, dim lighting, and retro design, which extends to spaces dedicated to Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. Others rave about the late-night menu anchored by the club’s most popular food offering, tater tots. And many are drawn to the iconic dance floor, where customers shake their booties to timeless rock, pop, disco, and old-school funk, from ABBA, the B-52s and Kool & the Gang to Kenny Loggins, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Village People.

For owner Chris D’Auria, it all boils down to impeccable customer service. “Our number-one goal is making sure everyone who comes through these doors has a good time,” he says. “Part of that is serving customers as quickly as possible. We don’t offer draft beer because opening bottles is faster for our bartenders. And for our loyal regulars, we make sure to stock their preferred spirits. Even if you’re the only customer who ever orders Cutty Sark scotch, we make it a point to have it here waiting for you.”

That dedication to giving guests the VIP treatment has drawn some actual VIPs over the years including actors Scott Eastwood and Nathalie Emmanuel (in town filming “Fate of the Furious”); Jim Carrey (“Dumb & Dumber To”); boxer Evander Holyfield; NBA legend Julius “Dr. J.” Erving; two-time World Series champion Roger Clemens; and directors Bobby and Peter Farrelly, who even filmed a scene for their 2011 comedy “Hall Pass” at the club with stars Jason Sudeikis and Owen Wilson.

“It doesn’t matter who you are,” D’Auria says. “When you come to Johnny’s, we want you to feel like you had the time of your life. We’ve had so many people who came in and loved the experience so much that they just keep coming back. We have many regulars who’ve been coming for years and have become dear friends. We’ve had people meet here and get married. It really is a community, and it starts with treating people well and giving them an experience they can’t get anywhere else. That’s what Johnny’s is all about, and as long as we keep doing that, we’ll continue to be here for at least another 44 years.”