AJC > Sandy Springs > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 10 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBye, bye American Pie
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For such a young city, we’ve lost a landmark.
American Pie, a Sandy Springs staple, has quietly gone away, leaving behind memories of alcohol-abetted debauchery and hook ups for generations of pub crawlers.
I remember when the building that housed American Pie was one of those steakhouse chains that popular during the ‘70s. I can’t recall if it had the fiberglass steer parked out front, or if the steer was on the neon sign but it was the place in town to go for all things beef.
After the bovine business slowed, the building became American Pie and young Sandy Springsteens had a place of their place own to drink and hook up. I don’t have the exact dates but suffice it to say that the Pie was around during the “your place or mine” era of sexual freedom.
This, of course, was a time when an STD could be cured by some penicillin and the HIV virus was beyond our imagination. Casual sex was a good thing back then.
I only went to the Pie once with dubious intent. I was divorced, wanted to see what the fuss was about and perhaps try my luck. As I sat at the bar 10 feet away I saw a guy in a glittering silver suit, heavily moussed hair and wrap-around sunglasses hit on a woman in a black latex mini skirt. They left together five minutes before I realized I was in the wrong place and made my own exit.
I was no saint, but I sure didn’t belong at the Pie, either.
Later the place became know for all sorts of quirky events, as well as the home for expatriate Pittsburgh Steeler fans to watch their team via satellite and chug Iron City beer. They even made the official sandwich of the Steeler fan - white bread with a fried egg, french fries and some kind of meat. God knows how many future heart bypass procedures are out there from those things.
Part of what did the Pie in was the city’s decision to roll back the time for last call, but I also wonder if it hadn’t run its course.
Years ago in midtown there was a place named Harrison’s, which was as much a landmark as Stone Mountain. It was a place to see local celebrities and suck down pricey booze, not to mention make a new one-night friend.
At its height the place was packed. Then other bars opened and the hordes went elsewhere for their alcohol and assignations. We can be a fickle city.
And I’ve never run a bar, but I suspect it’s hard to be the hip and happening place for years on end. In any event, a colorful chapter in Sandy Springs’ folklore has gone away.
Bye-bye, American Pie.
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By jess
December 10, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this
GOOD RIDDANCE
SANDY SPRINGS NEEDS MORE PARKING SPACE AND VACANT BUILDINGS. GIVES THE PLACE A MORE URBAN LOOK.
By MP
December 10, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this
Can we make it a Western Sizzlin again? Loved that place.
By Collins
December 10, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
You forgot that place was alson known as Bruiser’s Pub. It was laid back place where a you could sip onn a beer and hear a guy on an acoustic guitar place James Taylor and Gordon Lightfoot songs. You could meet some pretty nice women there, too. Ahhh, those were the days!!
ck
By Jack
December 10, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
That steakhouse was called Western Sizzlin. My Dad used to take us there every Sunday after church and then we would go across the road to KMART. I must say, I have memories of both places but American Pie was at it’s best in the early to mid 90’s. Of course, politicians would always be a thorn in the nightclubs’ side. I remember one politician who was kissing everyone’s backside with a greater than thou attitude. Skandalakis I think was his name. Isn’t he in prison? Sandy Springs becoming it’s own city is as dumb as The Atlanta City Council. Like the United Nations, a huge waste of people and space.
By mayretter local
December 10, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
Jim, it’s funny how you write this column about losing landmark, yet you only went there once, for a few minutes?
and please remember that the Good Old Days (r.i.p.) across the street was there long before the (Hair)Pie. Remember when it had the tree facade?
By Anon
December 10, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this
Harrisons … Billy’s in Buckhead … The Place on Paces … Every new generation of partiers has its own place/s to hook up … time moves on!
By ww
December 10, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
American Pie… I feel like the end of an era has passed. I met many good friends there with whom I am still close with. It will be remembered fondly.
By Dave III
December 10, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
I certainly don’t lament having to avoid running over drunken yuppies wobbling across Roswell Road all night. I hope the replacemnt is another open air restaurant, ideally a local business, not a chain. Sandy Springs needs more individual color, now more than ever.
By Jack
December 10, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
Well said Anon. The only other way to last is to be multi-generational. No easy trick.
By Anon
December 10, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
Maybe now we can get rid of the Ohio State fans that pollute the area during football season!
By TB
December 10, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
I was there. I think. I was banned from there. I think. I was only having fun. I think.
By David Lee
December 10, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
Billy’s and Harrison’s ……. love the memories ………
By Heady
December 10, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
the ditsy waitresses and their skanky tanks will be missed.
By Casey
December 10, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this
I just passed by American Pie the other day with my wife and commented to her how I was impressed that the place was still there considering the typical life span of these type establishments. I told her it was a meat market during the days I roamed Buckhead/Sandy Springs as an eligible bachelor. She sorta looked at me funny.
By otis
December 10, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
Any bar that has a 20+ year run is a staple and not a fad (or run its course)! Rolling back the hours is SSprings attempt to run the less desirable establishments out of business, the Pie was an unfortunate casualty. Kind of like a plea bargain, we’ll give up the Pie if the other places are gone!
Another part of my youth ruined by people coming along after and messing up a good thing!
Back in the day it was a great little corner: Taco Mac, Pie, Good ‘Ol Days, and Cabo Wabo Cantina!
By Jack
December 10, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
TB Get back to us when you know something…….Ha Ha
By john
December 10, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
Now that the night life scene in both Buckhead and Sandy Springs is gone, I am curious where everyone goes?
By buster
December 10, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
The pie rocked!
By otis
December 10, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
There were many watering holes in Atlanta way back when, some of the most fanous were The Brave-Falcon Lounge, The General Apartment Company’s main Clubhouse, (where you did not need to be a resident to enter) The Tree on Peachtree, the Chalet, just to name a few. these watering holes is started everything. Back in these times, the ratio from women to men was 23:1. Man had no problem with who to choose from.
OL
By Ohio State Fan
December 10, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
You will never get rid of us! Muahahaha!
Ok that was dumb…need more coffee.
By Stan
December 10, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
I can remember Riverwood, Ridgeview, North Springs and Crestwood all trying to steal the cow mascot from Western Sizzlin for their high school senior prank. Whoever got it first won….those were the days.
By Jeremy
December 10, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
The pie certainly was a dump but i met my wife there so I will miss the place.
By Dunwoody1
December 10, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
I met my wife at American Pie in 1987. My buddy MrBob picked up a girl and left to go to another bar leaving me with her friend. MrBob’s relationship lasted maybe three days but my wife and I have been married for 19 years now with two great kids. I still haven’t forgiven him, LOL.
By MP
December 10, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
Otis is at least 60! The Brave-Falcon went out in the mid 70’s. Good Ole Days was a good one also.
By The Future
December 10, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
And the point to the story is.. Be more concerened about real histroic places being demolished not some bar - you can always replace the watering hole with another and cry into ur beer there.
By RV
December 10, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
Dear Eva and the Gang: Thank you soooo much for enforcing your moral agenda on us heathen Sandy Springs citizens. If it were not for your divine guidence to rid the city of sin, we would surely have continued on our self destructive path to an afterlife of hellfire and damnation. Your gracious ordinances have allowed at least a dozen bar owners in your city to close their establishments in less than 2yrs, and for that we are now able to arrive home at a Godly time on Sat. night in order to awake early morning Sunday and visit you in your correct house of worship.
Thank you thank you thank you for allowing us, mere mindless drones, to see the wicked error of our ways!
By Stephanie
December 10, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
I don’t remember ever going to American Pie, as it just seemed too cheesy, but I had some great times at Good Ol’ Days right across the street in the mid to late 90’s…
By Jack
December 10, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
Good Ole Days, less complicated and just as much fun.
By Sandy Springs Suzy
December 10, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
Um, so did you just completely copy this news AND headline from the Sandy Springs Reporter newspaper? They had it as their front page story in their Friday paper. Seriously, your headline is exactly the same. Do your research and get a little creative.
By Pi Hi
December 10, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
Does anybody remember “too much cologne guy” at the Pie in the early 90’s? He was an overly friendly “older” guy who would walk up to everyone and shake their hands - then your hand would smell like his cologne for the rest of the day.
By Memories late 80's
December 10, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
I moved to ATL in Oct 1986, 25 years old, and believe the Pie had just opened. What a wonderful place for our group of girls to go. Buckhead was a professionals hang out (Candide, Ptree Cafe, Ottos, Olivers, Alcapulco Bar) and hopping - the circuit was to go to B’Head, then to Confetti and then to the Pie. Where do we all go now? Have no idea, as we are now in our 40’s. Fado, Meehans, Trilogy, and the general pub thing is what we enjoy - when we sometimes go out :) I never thought the Pie would close, but every place has its day. Thanks for the memories….! Those were the 80’s!
By Al
December 10, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
Is anyone surprised? The illegals have moved in over Sandy Springs and screwed it all up. Back in the day when it was a white area, that place was great. As time has gone on, and the illegals/gangs moved in, that area went to hell. I wish they would just leave! They ruin everything just like the darky people ruined Buckhead. Thanks for the shootings down there losers.
By Dekalber
December 10, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
You want to know where they’re going? Welcome to DeKalb, home of the latest bar closing time in the Atlanta metro. Where thugs can party all they want, drive drunk and break bottles over people’s heads. It’s great!
Dekalb CEO Vernon Jones welcomes you with open arms.
By Jack
December 10, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
Memories late 80’s, very nice words. Thanks for being pleasant.
By ATL Native
December 10, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
Jim - I belive before American Pie, the location was home to a rock n’ roll club called Baker Street. Lots of local rockers like the Hellhounds and the Swingin’ Richards played there. Unfortunately the club had a short life span, but it was great while it lasted.
By Dave
December 10, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Grew up in SSprings. Riverwood grad.Good ole days across the street was the greatest in the early 80s. Pie has been a great stop in the last 5 years on Sunday for us bikers. Only went to Pie once in the mid-90s when peeps waited an hour to get in. Very cheezy crowd. Fact is, demographics on Roswell Road have changed. Look out for more fried chicken joints and carnacerias (that’s wet back grocery store).
By WTF
December 10, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Umm, SS Suzy, people read the AJC for news around Atlanta, not the Sandy Springs Reporter, or else most would have no idea that the Pie is closed.
By Mike
December 10, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
First the buckhead party district and now the Pie. I’m too old and conservative to particapte in those activities anymore, but I feel sorry for today’s 20’somethings who don’t have that environment for fun before moving on to the period of life with responsibilities. I had great times at the Pie. Early to mid-90’s was the best. Also, even in recent years, a nice spring Sunday afternoon with live music.
By Jack
December 10, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
Wasn’t that Hudgins? We sas the Sattelites there.
By Eva
December 10, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
I live on Roswell Rd; the Pie was a great place to hang out, usually on a Sunday afternoon.
There aren’t too many places like that left to hang at anymore; we could do the generic Taco Mac but that lacks atmosphere and ambiance.
I don’t do the club scene - which is just as well as there’s nothing around here anymore.
Before we know it, the powers that be will have managed to shut every bar and all that’s gonna be left are the chain restaurants. Everyone will be home in bed by 10pm and the world will be a better place for it. Forget the crime rate, the drug issues, the countless other issues that should take priority; focus on bars in the area and how they’re all dens of inequity.
Guide us, oh Moral Ones. I’m obviously not capable of making a rational decision for myself.
By Pi Hi
December 10, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
Hey, Dekalber - I’m a 48 year old guy who lives in Dekalb within a mile of ten watering holes and have never had a problem with any of them or their customers. Stop trying to impose your self-righteous limitations on the rest of us. Try to go out and have some fun for a change - maybe a drink or two would lighten you up.
By Diamond Girl
December 10, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
I was born and raised in Atlanta…the place that had the steer out on their lawn was called “7-Steers” and it was in B’head. I went to W.F.D** High and the seniors would steel that steer, as well as Shoney’s Big Boy, to put on the roof of the school. Things have changed, but as my great aunt used to say, “That’s progress, drive on”.
By joeybagodoghnuts
December 10, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
The Pie was great. I loved going to the 99x Sundays with Axel on the deck. Those Sundays in the sun were second to none, awsome! I met many great girls and had a lot of fun with my buds. Nothing but good times, you could bask in the sunlight all day and then once the sun went down the dance floor was rocking with some of the best looking people in Atlanta. What has happened to the night life, gone! Thanks to all the illegals and dregs that shut down buckhead and now have shut down another great hangout. Also thanks to the corrupt, moral finger waving politicos who claim they know what is best for their areas! Another great place has bit the dust!
By G-man
December 10, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this
Couldn’t they at least have had a farewell bash with the Producers playing. The Memorial Day and Labor Day bashes were legendary. Sundays won’t be the same. At least the Hideaway is still open…for now.
By Mike
December 10, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
Wasn’t Harrison’s the place that Lewis Grizzard and Ron Hudspeth talk about going to all the time?
Back before the Sexual Revolution, the habit of hanging around in bars downtown after work was called “waiting out the traffic.” I guess people don’t wait out the traffic on Roswell Road anymore…
By Ugh!
December 10, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
Gosh, now where will all the cheesy people go?
By JustMe
December 10, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
Wow - another Atlanta icon is gone. Only fond memories remain of so many places. Guess that’s what happens when you starting getting on up in years. Sad how things have changed so much, but glad for the good times I had at the Pie, and Buckhead too. What a hoot!
By cactus flower
December 10, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
I remember Good Old Days with the flowerpot sandwiches. they had live music. We brought a party home one night. A guitarist that played as long as we gave him beer and pot LOL
He was good! Or at least the 10 or so people thought so.
By Tom
December 10, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
Used to go the Pie on Saturdays and Sundays after flag football games when I first moved to Atlanta back in ‘97. I quickly wised up. Hadn’t darkened the door to the place in almost a decade because any establishment that has to look up to see Hooter’s isn’t anywhere I need to be. No great loss.
By Weather Man
December 10, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
*I LIKE TURTLES!!!!!!!!!
By Weather Man
December 10, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
*I LIKE TURTLES!!!!!!!!!
By Weather Man
December 10, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
*I LIKE TURTLES!!!!!!!!!
By Dunwoodynative
December 10, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
Hey…I met my wife there (a present from my sister who got us together there on a Saturday night) in the late 80’s….took her to church the next morning. The Pie will be missed only because I will have to drive by another establishment to tell my two little girls that their mommy and I used to go there when we dated..
By hellooooo
December 10, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
and what other headline WOULD you use to say goodbye to a place called “American Pie”
duh?
By JW
December 10, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
So… how come nobody’s crying over the loss of the late, great Limelight in Buckhead? Back then, you could be a celebrity for at least an hour if you dressed right, and nobody was any the wiser. I’d kill for those “seasons” they did, where snow would fall on the dance floor. Did the Pie ever do anything that sensational? I think NOT.
By JW
December 10, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
So… how come nobody’s crying over the loss of the late, great Limelight in Buckhead? Back then, you could be a celebrity for at least an hour if you dressed right, and nobody was any the wiser. I’d kill for those “seasons” they did, where snow would fall on the dance floor. Did the Pie ever do anything that sensational? I think NOT.
By guido
December 10, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
Ahh, the Pie. Friday afternoons on the deck with many 32oz drafts served up by “Stormy”.
By Janice
December 10, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
I wasn’t much of a Pie person… Anybody else remember Timothy John’s (TJ’s)? Usually had a great band playing, reasonably priced drinks, and lots people, often standing room only. My favorite group to listen to at TJ’s was Jerome Olds, singing with the Tom Gross Band. DJ Chuck Boozer would often cruise through… Great memories.
By DunwoodyGurl
December 10, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
Ahhh. Goodbye to the Pie. Many memories of getting in before I was 21 and legally could drink. Went there often with my older bro and sis when I was in highschool. Visited there after college (94) and the place had gone cheesy! One good thing about the Pie, never had to buy myself a drink. There was always some guy there sending pitchers to our table….
By Odeto80s
December 10, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
Places come, places die….Stooges, McNeely’s, Zasu’s, Clarence Foster’s….but through it all, 5 Paces remains….
By johndawg
December 10, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
I think Vick fought dawgs there back in 2002…
By Jack
December 10, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
That’s the point. They didn’t have to do anything that sensational and they lasted a longer time. It’s not always the bells and whistles.
By Bizezgrrrl
December 10, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
With the closing of The Pie, where will young white kids go to get crabs?
By ATLNative
December 10, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
I remember playing 99X’s “Hooked Up” game there… modeled after MTV’s Singled Out. I met the most fabulous woman, she thought I was 21, I thought she was a nurse - turned out I was 18 and she was an exotic dancer. That was the only time I’ve ever been to the Pie, but it will be missed.
By piel c
December 10, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
The pie, yup! what about TGIF in The Prado?
By DoubleRubber
December 10, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
Interestingly, I made a hookup with a woman when the building was still the Western Sizzlin’.
By Tea Party
December 10, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
Memories late ‘80’s God love ya! Those were exactly the places to go to.
Before that Beefeaters’ Fridays Place on Paces
Before that Harrisons
Now where???
By ALI
December 10, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this
OK - I have a question; to all of those who like me miss Good Ol’ Days’ is there a replacemnt? That place was the best even if it required a tetnus shot just to walk in the door.
By Grammaw Gah
December 10, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
I remember going there as a young-ish twenty-something back in the 70’s. It was fun, always packed, and the music loud and great. I’ll miss it. Since I am now 58, I had all but forgotten about until this article. Thanks for the memories!
By Grammaw Gah
December 10, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Someone mentioned the Brave-Falcon. Wow…what memories! It was a favorite place of mine and my friends. Every Friday and Saturday night would find us there! (And before we were old enough, we’d go to the “Electric Eye” on Clairmont, a teen club…which probably had more “secretive” drugs and booze than the legit businesses!
By who knows?
December 10, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
no more pie, but we still have FLASHERS, MARDIS GRAS AND TABOO II. WHAT GIVES?
By Jean
December 10, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
I remember the Limelight in B’head…we used to call it the “Slimelight”, but heck, it was fun and the place where you went to be seen. Anyone remember “2001” Disco at Limburgh? Great place to dance…four dance floors and always saw celebs there, too. And who remembers Lums Hotdogs on Piedmont Rd.?
By D.D.
December 10, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
THE BEST PIE WAS ON SUNDAY AND ANY HOLIDAY THAT FELL ON MONDAY . MANY PARKING LOT STORIES,BUT CANT TELL ON THE GIRLS…………
By missandie
December 10, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
Sandy Springs Suzy:
You’re joking, right??? It is a line straight out of the song, “American Pie”, duh?!?!?
Guess the Sandy Springs Reporter needs to get a bit more creative as well. How old are you anyway, SSS?
By Grammaw Gah
December 10, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
Oh, don’t get me started on Lum’s! That’s where we would either start or end our “clubbing” evenings!!!
By Huh
December 10, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
The article says “young Sandy Springs teens had a place of their place own to drink and hook up” and “This, of course, was a time when an STD could be cured by some penicillin and the HIV virus was beyond our imagination.”
THE PIE OPENED IN 1986!!!
THE DRINKING AGE WAS 21!!!
THE AIDS EPIDEMIC STARTED IN 1981!!!
GET A CLUE JIM OSTERMAN!!!
By sarah
December 10, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
It was a great place to people watch. Well that is until some drunk side-swipped my car, luckily the off-duty officer working the door saw the drunk hit my car & got his tag # and put a lookout on him. Not only did he get at DUI, but he got leaving a scene of an accident. But I did have some fun times there!
By KB
December 10, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
The only bar I’ve ever been thrown out of…….of course it wasn’t my fault!!!!
By JK
December 10, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
Bye, Bye Pie. You were the last link to wonderful, careless, exciting yester-years.
You will be missed! sniff,
By Gary
December 10, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
The drinks were good, but the one-night stands with Pat Benetar, Madonna and Jennifer Beals wannabes were better.
By David D
December 10, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
While most, including the owner of American Pie, acknowledge the role that the decreased hours played in their demise, the real killer for any after-hours drinking establishment in Sandy Springs is the very professional Sandy Springs Police Department with their goal of 100 DUI’s a month. When Fulton County policed Roswell Road, one might reasonably consider another round before very carefully driving home but you would be foolish to do so now that there is a very alert police force out there with monthly quotas, enforcement goals and state funding specifically targeted at DUI enforcement.
By Bingo
December 10, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
Grammaw Gah-Pie wasn’t open in the 70’s. Too many mind altering drugs?
Remember Dirty Als-great place to watch a Falcon’s game. Also miss Arthur Treacher’s Fish n Chips…emmmm…malt vinegar.Good ole days was the place in the late 70’s-early 80”s. Or just down by the hooch, drinkin beers and smokin some hooch. Or Columns drive, where the uninhabited road led to one thing, no houses, just the columns. Great parking spot. And there was Steverinos Subs down by Copeland Road, now Wetback/Crack Avenue. A Steak n Cheese sub from Steverinos was the bomb! Pizza Hut next door for post High School Football game fun. Then down to Chastain Park where a crowd of several hundred would gather to mingle. Then there was the famous Mehre Twins in their red Firebird.(Granddaughters of Georgia Bulldog’s Harry Mehre) Yes, Maryann and Susan broke alot of hearts. A-la the TBird girl in American Grafitti. They invented gold digging.Then there was the original Mellow Mushroom at Roswell Road and Johnson Ferry.Pizza cooks had long hair and no shoes, but the pizza was awsome. If you needed flowers for your girl there was Botney Bay. Jim Hall’s Gulf Station at the corner of Roswell and Hammond. Nobody messed with Tall Hall. Except for Eddy at the Union 76-still repairing cars in Sandy Springs some 35 years later.Perhaps the most excitement-our first Wendy’s across the street from Mellow Shroom. The burgers were big and square, on a round bun. Then there was Service Merchandise and Handy City. Handy City invented mass home repair well before Home Depot.Chinese food-Jimmy Chang’s Mandarin House-the bomb. Further North were the girls from North Springs High. Just as hot as Riverwood girls, just a bit looser.Down at Powers Ferry we had Carlos McGees, where I witnessed Steve Bartkowski hook up with two hotties and retire to Riverbend apartments for some innocent fun.I could go on and on.
By TCFATL
December 10, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
I remember Good Ol’ Days being across the street from American Pie, with a large outdoor patio.
One very hot Sunday afternoon in 1987, I went to Good Ol’ Days for the first time with friends. I had just moved to Atlanta. They sold plastic squirt guns filled with some type of shooter. They also put pitchers of water on the tables because it was so hot - and - floated glasses of ice in the beer pitchers to keep the beer cold.
Anyway, after a few beers and shooters, of course the empty squirt guns were filled with water, and Good Ol’ Days patrons started squirting one another. This escalated to pitchers of water being thrown on one another, and an unplanned virtual wet t-hsirt contest being one of the side benefits.
When nearly a hundred Good Ol’ Days patrons tired of attacking one another, someone floated the idea of attacking American Pie across the street. The result - five lanes of Roswell Road closed for nearly an hour as two bars held one of the largest, impromptu water fights on record.
It was all in good fun, and I don’t recall more than one or two police cars showing-up. They let things run their course - everyone was having too good of a time, and at the end of the day, it was all quite innocent.
It was definitely a different era twenty years ago. Can you imagine what would happen if something like that broke out here now? I can see it vividly - “Riots Break Out in Sandy Springs” - CNN and Fox would have their satellite trucks there in moments with “Breaking News” graphics across the screen.
There were other great moments from that late 1980’s / early 1990’s timeframe that affirmed move here twenty years ago as being one of the best decisions I ever made!
By Pi Hi
December 10, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
To Huh: The article didn’t say “Sandy Springs teens” it said “Sandy Springsteens”, a play on words (ever hear of a guy named Bruce Springsteen?). AIDS was first REPORTED in 1981, it wasn’t even identified as a virus until 1983 and certainly wasn’t an epidemic in heterosexuals in 1986. Not to lessen the importance of safe sex, but, my goodness, if you’re going to b*** about accuracy, at least be accurate yourself.
By Limelight Dancer
December 10, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
Never liked the Pie that much, even when it was new. All the places mentioned here I remember oh so well! Heck, I remember happy hour buffets loaded with feasts, 3 for 1, backgammon and, always, dancing! I’ve rocked at Carlos Magee’s, danced on speakers at Limelight (and wow, did Confetti & Elon jump on that trend, too), jammed at Moon Shadow Saloon…met my ex-hubby at Aunt Charleys! Where do single-again, over 45 folks inside the perimeter GO these days? And please, not Johnny’s! I don’t appreciate smelling like an ashtray after a rare visit there when girlfriends tell me, “it’s going to be fun!”
By TCFATL
December 10, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
One other memory of American Pie.
The second of two times I actually ever went there as a destination, in 1991, I met Brian Bosworth. Bosworth was the former University of Oklahoma linebacker and Seattle Seahawks flameout.
He was there promoting his “Stone Cold” action flick, arguably the worst movie ever made (well, the second worst movie ever made - the worst movie ever made was “Lone Wolf McQuade” starring Chuck Norris - Lone Wolf McQuade gets the nod over Stone Cold because it has an evil midget in it).
If there was anyone or anything that personified American Pie, it was Brian Bosworth. He had that spiked mullet hair, spray-on jeans, day-glo ripped t-shirt, and cowboy boots. Women were literally throwing themselves at him. He’d disappear into some back room a gal for 15 minutes or so, then come back, and disappear with another one.
Good work if you can get it. You could see a lot of Brian Bosworth wannabes there back in the day!
By stu
December 10, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
Even if you didn’t like the Pie, you should at least miss making fun of it. Anyone who was hitting the bar scene in the late 80s to mid 90s stretch went there at least once, even if they claim they never did. We’ve lost all those old Buckhead dives - and now the Pie. Those who were too cool to go to places like the Pie or the Odyssey, or Careys for margaritias and live Reggae music or Mike n’ Angelos for the late night pool and Grand Ma shorties, or the old Orchestra Pit (O Pit) or the old East Andrews before it caught fire, or the old Buckhead Amusement for a fried bologna sandwich, or the 99 cent breakfast at the East Andrews Grill - please give the rest of us a moment to quietly mourn the passing of our drunken memories. I used to go to the O-pit after close and give the secret word to Ghost, and then drink until long after the sun rose. Many others remember Martha at Aunt Charlies, or Warren Bruno,or Gruppo,or Mose, and many other people who make Buckhead the place to be. I am content thinking about enjoying live music at Chameleon Club and getting thrown out every week. Ahhhh, youth.
By Truthman
December 10, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
Bavarian Alpine Inn…Hofbrau House…The Beer Mug…Moes and Joes…The Place on Pace (Becky, I still love you)…Moonshadow…Harvest Moon…Ken’s Tavern…The Great Southeast Music Hall (whatever happened to Micah Levetan?)…The Agora Ballroom…Carlos McGee’s…The Bearded Clam…Troncalli Motors at P’Tree and Pharr…The World Bar…and Green’s on P’tree Ind.
By Dan
December 10, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
Westren Sizzlin’ had the best Hashbrowns. So we shouldn’t mourn wateringholes? WHY NOT? It’s the memories ,man. I still miss B.A.I. and Harrisons on Peachtree. JUST DONT EVER TEAR DOWN MANUALS TAVERN… They’ll hafta commit me.
By Dan
December 10, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
oops Western Sizzlin’
By Jim
December 10, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
“and please remember that the Good Old Days (r.i.p.) across the street was there long before the (Hair)Pie. Remember when it had the tree facade?”
I took a field trip to Good Old Days when it was a healthfood restaurant and had the tree facade. That was around 1977-78 I think. Growing up in SS I visited the Pie many times while in highschool at Riverwood and when I came home on the weekends from UGA. I have not lived in Atl since graduating in 1990. When I visit SS it is amazing how much things have changed. I still remember shutting down Roswell Road for the 4th of July parade.
By Bingo
December 10, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
Jim-I went to Riverwood also-Class of 80. Remember the Mehre Twins? Mary Ann and Susan…..Beautiful teasers they were.
By Capt. Caveman
December 10, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
I was the Head Bouncer at the PIE for a while and I had been going there for 15 years before that. I have seen it all and done it all from both sides and have to admit that there will never be another place like that for me. I met my fiance there and even though we didn’t get married I still think of her when I see the Palm Trees out front.
So Good-Bye PIE and thanks for the memories !!!
By Bingo
December 10, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
Captain Caveman-I never knew the bouncers @ Pie gave head. No wonder she didn’t marry you.
Head bouncer…thats like saying Head Bus Boy.
Ive been eating breakfast at McDonalds for 15 years. Now they want me as Head Ronald!
By DrexelGal
December 10, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this
Bingo:
Now a charity wants you as “head giver”.
By Dekalber
December 10, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this
That’s hilarious, PiHi. I could care less about morality. I love a good glass of wine, trust me. Why do those who can’t live without booze that late always assume it’s about morals? Just look at the first three letters of assume and you have the answer.
When a person can’t live without a beer at 3 a.m., there’s a problem. And when that “problem” is out driving drunk when others are coming home from work, etc., it becomes MY problem.
And when one of them t-bones YOU or one of your family while drunk one night, it will become YOUR problem, too. You might feel much differently then.
By Dekalber
December 10, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this
That’s hilarious, PiHi. I could care less about morality. I love a good glass of wine, trust me. Why do those who can’t live without booze that late always assume it’s about morals? Just look at the first three letters of assume and you have the answer.
When a person can’t live without a beer at 3 a.m., there’s a problem. And when that “problem” is out driving drunk when others are coming home from work, etc., it becomes MY problem.
And when one of them t-bones YOU or one of your family while drunk one night, it will become YOUR problem, too. You might feel much differently then.
By VEC
December 10, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this
This to Al at 10:25 a.m on 12/10. All i seem to remember in Sandy Springs at American Pie is a bunch of overly drunken caucasian people. I think you were one of them!
By gregocraker
December 10, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this
Harlows, Uncle Toms, Rusty Nail, Slimlight, and Billys.
Clermont Lounge-Blondie-heh heh
Getting old Stinks.
By kevin
December 10, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this
Every new atlantan’s first place to go.Many good times there.I remember seeing Rick Deringer there on a Sunday night,I think he was 80 then.Also the Rusty nail,Dirty Al’s and the official KC chiefs HQ Dr. Munchies.I always saw Justice and Gant up and down Roswell Rd when those Braves were the new and best thing in 91-93.Thanks Pie and thanks Atlanta!
By Not Disappointed
December 10, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
The American Pie and “Tacky Christmas Ride.” We donated four toys a piece to “Toys for Tots.” Any took a dumb ride through a nice neighborhood and saw Xmas lights. It wasn’t all bad. So, that’s all my Memories of American Pie.
By Not Disappointed
December 10, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this
The American Pie and “Tacky Christmas Ride.” We donated four toys a piece to “Toys for Tots.” Any took a dumb ride through a nice neighborhood and saw Xmas lights. It wasn’t all bad. So, that’s all my Memories of American Pie.
By david corr
December 10, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this
No more memorial day bash? I’m devestated.
By Dirty dave
December 10, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
And lets not forget the Wonderful “Uncle Sams” down behind Harrisons and then The Powers Ferry Landing crawl- Chris Morgan spinning oldies @ Charlie MacGrugers and lights out @ Copperfields and a safe drive over the bridge back to Riverbend, the best complex EVER.
By midtowngal
December 10, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this
Now, where am I to go on Christmas night after the gifts have been opened?
By sunshine
December 10, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
My memory is fading here but wasn’t Flynn’s located in the same spot?
By Sam I Am
December 10, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this
Lum’s on P’mont-schooners and kraut dogs. Uncle Sam’s-what a dive. Chalet for Friday happy-hour. THE RED DOG SALOON! Atlanta has gotten bigger, but not better, in the last 20 years.
By chris
December 11, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
hey DEKALBER!! you sould wake up! not everyone is in bed at 10pm with a glass of whitzin! there are plenty of folks in this town who are just getting off work when you and your wine spritzer are trying to sleep. let see there are police, firefighters, nurses, bartenders and waitresses just to name a few that might want to get a drink when they get off work. why don’t you head to florida where you can get to bed early bye bye American pie
By MaryAnne
December 11, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
One of my friends met 4 of her 7 husbands there. I met a guy with no teeth and another with a steel plate in his head. The Pie was one of a kind, it will be missed!
By EL
December 11, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
The pie was a great time to many generations and had a great patio during Summer Sunday nights. Hopefully they replace it with better bar and make the patio even better.
By CBL
December 11, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
I’m 25, so I was too young to enjoy the Pie in its heyday (the 90s), but I remember 99x was always doing a remote broadcast from there on what seemed liked every Saturday or Sunday afternoon between April and October. That’s also back when 99x was THE station to listen to.
I guess nowadays the 20s crowd has staked out the Trifecta/Triage/Triumvirate (aka Moondogs, Peachtree Tavern, Hole in the Wall) as the place to drink $1 drafts and find a random to hook up with. I’ve even moved beyond that area and wonder how long it will last.
By BiteMe
December 11, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this
Screw American Pie, bring back CABO WABO!
By mirandawasrobbed
December 11, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
I say see ya bye to American Pie. I never really liked that place. Even though I went there a few times for Ohio State games I found the customer service there to pretty bad. I went there some other times in the early to mid 90’s because I had a roomate who liked to go there but I never really liked it at all. The women were pretty snobby. Hopefully in the future we’ll be able to tell the difference between that part of Roswell Road and Buford Hwy. Right now they look pretty the same.
By dougcupp
December 12, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
How about the Brave-Falcon on Cheshire Bridge? Anybody?
By roofus
December 12, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
i guess the old sidelines is now a hip hop club… old sidelines