Joystick Gamebar is planning a fall 2026 move to East Atlanta Village, bringing its long-running arcade-bar concept from Edgewood Avenue to 485 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, the former East Side Lounge space across from The Earl.
Rough Draft Atlanta reported on July 20 that Joystick will leave Edgewood after 14 years and reopen in the heart of EAV later this fall. The report says the new location will keep the bar’s mix of classic arcade and pinball games while adding new games, an updated food menu, and a third business partner.
What Is Moving To EAV?
Joystick is known in Atlanta for old-school arcade cabinets, pinball machines, cocktails, and gaming events. Rough Draft says the bar will take over the former East Side Lounge address on Flat Shoals, giving East Atlanta Village another nightlife anchor in one of the neighborhood’s busiest stretches.
Why The Move Matters In EAV
For EAV readers, this is more than a business relocation. Joystick arrives with an established following and a recognizable identity, which could add more evening foot traffic to Flat Shoals while reinforcing the Village’s mix of bars, restaurants, music venues, and destination spots. Because the new location sits across from The Earl, the move also places the business in one of the neighborhood’s best-known nightlife clusters.
What Joystick Says Changed
According to Rough Draft, co-owner Johnny Martinez said the decision to leave Edgewood was shaped by several years of pressure, including pandemic disruptions, rising costs, a smaller occupancy cap, and the economics of operating a compact bar space. The report also says Martinez and partner Brandon Ley are adding Kysha Cyrus as a partner, with Cyrus helping oversee food at the new EAV bar.
What To Expect At Opening
Rough Draft reported that Joystick expects to open as quickly as possible, but not everything will be in place on day one. The story says a permanent grease trap will come later, so the opening menu will start smaller before expanding. Anticipated hours reported by Rough Draft are Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., Saturday from noon to 2:30 a.m., and Sunday from noon to midnight.
What Is Still Unknown
An exact opening date has not been publicly confirmed beyond fall 2026. Final buildout details, the full food menu, and the timing for the expanded kitchen setup also have not been publicly detailed yet.
Source Attribution: Based on reporting by Rough Draft Atlanta, published July 20, 2026, with additional business reference from Joystick Gamebar.
Source URL: Joystick Gamebar’s next chapter begins this fall in East Atlanta Village
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