Decatur's Trackside Tavern a landmark

Metro Atlanta

Photos of Trackside Tavern, which was destroyed by fire Jan. 20.

The Trackside Tavern, a landmark watering hole in Decatur on East College Avenue near Agnes Scott, was still Wednesday morning. An early morning fire destroyed the business but no injuries were reported.

The 5th Earl Market sandwich shop sustained smoke damage next door to the Trackside Tavern. The Decatur Fire Department responded at 5:25 a.m. to a blaze at East College Avenue and South Candler Street, and closed the intersection as the fire consumed the roof of the bar in the low-slung commercial strip.

One firefighter bruised his arm and leg when he slipped on ice while spraying water in the bitter cold, but the injuries were not serious enough for hospital treatment.

"We had heavy fire coming through the roof when the first engine pulled up, " said Fire Chief Jerry Malone.

The Trackside Tavern has been a favorite hangout for Agnes Scott students and other young Decatur residents since opening in 1982. Officials were still investigating the fire's cause Wednesday.

The tavern, known for inexpensive beer, hamburgers and billiards, gets its name from the nearby railroad tracks.

Team trivia competition was part of Trackside Tavern's draw also. In this 2002 photo, Bruce Launey gets ready to begin competition.

Walking distance from Decatur Square, the bar was popular for its late-night hours. Here, saxophonist Nick Longo and guitarist Jody Worrell join Harrison onstage in a 2008 concert.

In 1999, Trackside attracted regulars Greg Godwin, P.J. Miller and Robert Elrod. Its clientele was diverse: college coeds, karaoke enthusiasts and fun-loving Decaturites of all stripes.

Trivia players Doug Hastings, Mike Deluca and Alison Hastings (foreground) consider a trivia question.

Decatur's Trackside Tavern was destroyed by fire Tuesday. The bar at East College Avenue and South Candler Street was known for its live music, like the performance of singer/poet Kodac Harrison, who performed there last year.

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The Trackside Tavern, a landmark watering hole in Decatur on East College Avenue near Agnes Scott, was still Wednesday morning. An early morning fire destroyed the business but no injuries were reported.

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