Buddy Buddy Planning to Open Near Midtown Art Cinema

ATLANTA, GA – A familiar Midtown space is getting a new permanent resident this fall. Buddy Buddy will open at 931 Monroe Dr NE C-106, Atlanta, GA 30308, transforming the former Tapa Tapa and Miracle holiday pop-up location into a cozy neighborhood bar and restaurant. Owner Nick Chaivarlis told Business Debut the concept will focus on comfort, approachability, and a touch of quirky charm, with plans to open this late September. We came across the news initially in Beth McKibben's write up for RoughDraft Atlanta.

For years, the space was best known for Miracle, one of Atlanta’s first Christmas pop-up bars. “I’ve been running Miracle for too many years,” Chaivarlis said. “But now we’re taking over the space permanently. It's gonna be its own thing now.”

Buddy Buddy’s design is laid-back and welcoming, featuring bar seating, dining tables, and a cozy lounge area with couches. The eclectic décor with mismatched furniture and quirky knick-knacks is intended to create a “good living room” atmosphere. “It’s not flashy,” Chaivarlis said. “Very comfortable, very approachable, and very chill. It’s a come-as-you-are kind of vibe.” The space will seat over 50 guests.

Menu: Greek Comfort Food & Craft Cocktails

The menu will highlight Greek comfort dishes that are rare to find in local menus, such as pastitsio (Greek lasagna), yemista (stuffed peppers), shrimp & lahanas, burgers, roasted lamb, alongside more familiar Mediterranean fare. You can check the full menu out on the official website. “I’m 100% Greek,” Chaivarlis shared. “I wanted to try some traditional Greek comfort foods that don't get a lot of placement.”

On the beverage side, Chaivarlis’s bartending experience will shape a cocktail program that balances classics with creative twists. Expect foundation cocktails like martinis and whiskey sours, elevated with house infusions. “At the end of the day, I like to stick to the formalities but get a little squirrely with it,” he said.

The Team Behind Buddy Buddy

Chaivarlis has spent over 15 years in Atlanta’s bar and restaurant scene. He has a long-running partnership with local restaurateur Andy Alibakhsh. The duo has worked together on the Miracle holiday pop-up, where Chaivarlis led the bar program and Alibakhsh provided the venue and operational support. Alibakhsh is also known for Apres Diem in the same development. Alibakhsh owns the space that Buddy Buddy is moving into and is continuing to work with Chaivarlis to bring the new concept to life.

Chef Joshua Moss, a longtime collaborator of Chaivarlis’s, will be the chef for the concept.

Opening Hours

Once open, the restaurant plans to serve guests seven days a week, with final hours to be announced closer to launch.

Follow for More

Follow Buddy Buddy on Instagram and their website for opening updates, sneak peeks of the menu, and behind-the-scenes progress before they officially open.