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Guac y Margys owners Troy Meyers, Sebastian Romano and David Barton.

Then AGAIN

Guac y Margys to open second location in former Amsterdam spot

PHOTO BY RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBLOOD

GUAC Y MARGYS, ATLANTA’S MARGARITA

bar on the Beltline, plans a second location in the spot that gay bar Amsterdam Atlanta called home for more than a decade.

Since opening doors on the Eastside trail three years ago, Guac y Margys made a reputation for LGBTQ events, fresh margaritas, homemade guacamole and a variety of tacos. “We couldn’t be more excited to open our second location,” said co-owner David Barton. “We feel so at home on the Beltline, so it just seems right to open our second location on the Beltline and right off Piedmont Park.”

“When the space became available, it felt like an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. We look forward to opening another gayowned bar and restaurant there.”

— David Barton, Guac y Margys co-owner

While the original location is recognizable for its cozy confines, the new location offers more than 6,700 square feet that define a new era for the gay-owned restaurant. “The larger space gives us so many options, especially with the covered patio,” co-owner Troy Meyers added. “We’re known for our fresh margaritas — no mix! — but we’ll also be able to offer draft beer at this location. The patio is the perfect place for a quick bite, after work drinks, brunch, a long dinner or somewhere to celebrate something special.” With some gay establishments closing because of the pandemic or to make way for high-rises, the Guac y Margys guys say they are bucking that trend. “Two of our three co-owners are gay men and long-term residents of Atlanta,” Barton said. “When the space became available, it felt like an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. “We look forward to opening another gay-owned bar and restaurant there,” he added. GyM’s popular events are back at the original location in the post-pandemic era. You can already find themed Wednesday Trivia Nights and Give Back Brunches raising funds for local non-profits. “Events have become a GyM staple,” Barton said. “And we can accommodate so many more

people in our new location.” With some payroll assistance from Congress and a lot of planning, the three owners — Meyers, Sebastian Romano and Barton — and the staff of their “lively, spirited fun” eatery got through a total shutdown for a time last year. They are used to making things work since their 2018 opening, so they weren’t down for long. Online ordering with delivery and curbside pickup came just before the official easing of state restrictions in May. Distanced seating on the patio came later, but summer hub of gay leisure time stayed ready the whole pandemic. “We missed our events — we hosted 172 events in 2019 — and giving our regulars a big ol’ hug,” Barton continued. “But we are making the best of the current situation and remain optimistic about the future.” With vaccines rolling out, the owners think the timing of the second location – July for the patio, and later for the back rooms – couldn’t be better. “This announcement feels like we’re over the hump after a tough year for the restaurant industry, Barton added. “The new location is really a thank you to our loyal customers who kept us going over the last three years and an exciting opportunity for all of the GyM FaM.” “We can’t wait to welcome people to our new location at Amsterdam Walk,” he said. Visit guacymargys.com. Amsterdam Walk location in 2017.