I wanted to open a bar that I’d want to go to.
-Tony Sylvester
About Tony'sThe man. The myth. The legend. The Tony behind Tony's has been running the bar since 1982 making it one of the oldest continuously run locally owned bars in Athens. Dating back to 1829 the building originally started out as a sundries store on one side and hardware store on the other. If you've ever been inside Tony's and noticed the pole in the center of the room, that marks the split of the building from back in the day. Prior to it becoming the beloved Tony's Tavern, this landmark was once operated as bar called Mary Johnson’s Inn and had it's own legendary reputation known for opening as early as 8am, serving 40 cent beers, and a classic country jukebox.
Fast forward to 1982, after managing Ponderosa Tony purchased the bar with one leading goal, to create a bar he’d want to go to. Over the last 40+ years he's worked hard to create a special culture of community with a unique blend of local regulars mixed in with college students and alumni alike. In addition to loyal customers Tony's is proud to have a dedicated, professional staff, some of which have been working here for decades. As Tony has put it, “It’s not just a college bar, but the town bar that has a college in it.” And so the Tony's we all know and love was born. A place where everyone is welcome and where everyone knows your name. This bar is only as good as the people that walk through the door, I’ve always had that philosophy. So you try to get good people to walk through the door, and everyone gets along. |
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