Manuel's politics run deep as watering hole turns 50

Jim Tharpe writes in the ajc:

It's the kind of place where they don't just know your name --- they know your drink. And they probably have a pretty good idea about your politics.

Manuel's Tavern, the well-worn political watering hole on North Highland Avenue, turned 50 this week, and a swarm of Democratic office-seekers and party faithful showed up Tuesday to raise a glass to a half-century of memories.

The spacious tavern was opened by Manuel Maloof in 1956 and has been run by his son, Brian, since his father's death two years ago. Maloof, who served as DeKalb County's first chief executive officer in the 1970s, became a sort of unofficial godfather of Georgia Democratic politics as the years passed.

"Manuel was as close to a Yellow Dog Democrat as they come, so it became the watering hole for Democratic politicians and officials," said Angelo Fuster, who helped organize Tuesday's celebration.

For five decades the bar-restaurant has been a must-stop for any serious Democratic candidate --- or at least the winners.

Beneath the political patina, the saloon also maintains a distinct working-class edge. The air smells like spilled beer, and if you hang around more than a few minutes, your clothes smell like cigarette smoke.

"Manuel's is the kind of place where I've seen guys get punched out by their girlfriends," said Tom Crawford, editor of the Web site, Capitol Impact, and a Manuel's customer for 30 years.