5 things to know about MJQ Concourse moving to Underground Atlanta

MJQ Concourse, a longtime staple of late nights along Ponce de Leon Avenue, announced Wednesday it will move to Underground Atlanta and open there, if all goes to plan, by the end of the year. It will open in the old historic home of original downtown’s Dante’s Down the Hatch, which has been dormant for nearly 25 years.

First reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the nightclub is taking over the space that’s laid dormant since Dante’s Down The Hatch closed nearly 25 years ago. MJQ will continue to operate its Ponce location, and its attached Drunken Unicorn music venue, through at least November 2023.

Here’s what you need to know about the relocation.

1. Party on Ponce

Since 1997, MJQ has operated its current location at 736 Ponce de Leon Ave., a buzzy nightlife hub now rapidly gentrifying.

Kenny Crucial takes in the dance scene at the MJQ Concourse on June 27, 2007. Photo to accompany a story written by Crucial about nightlife in Atlanta for the Ultimate Guide. (JESSICA MCGOWAN/Special)

2. Beltline boom

MJQ and its neighboring businesses had to find new locations after developer Portman Holdings acquired their Beltline-adjacent properties and announced a large mixed-use project with apartments and offices.

3. Underground scene

Dante’s Down The Hatch was a staple of the original Underground nightclub scene. It had two runs in its original location at Underground Atlanta, but closed its doors — and entryway hatch — for good in 1990.

Dante's Down the Hatch, restaurant and bar in Underground Atlanta.

4. Underground’s rise and fall

Underground was reborn in 1989 as a shopping mall and tourist attraction owned by the city. Though popular for a time, it faded and was sold.

MJQ is moving to the Dante's Down the Hatch space in Underground Atlanta sitting empty for 25 years, and the owners, Ryan Purcell, left, and Ryan Murphy, right, are touring the space and sharing a little of what is in the planning stages on Monday, Feb 27, 2023. (Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

5. Underground returns to late-night roots

MJQ joins Underground after multiple failed revitalization efforts, but new owner Shaneel Lalani is among multiple downtown stakeholders trying to reinvigorate the city center by adding additional housing options and bolstering entertainment spots.