Welcome to The Regulars, where we explore what it means to be a frequent restaurant patron. In this series, we’ll introduce you to everyday Atlantans and local characters who have found a sense of belonging and community at restaurants and bars around town and what keeps these regulars coming back week after week.
When Jamie and Aaron Russell opened Poor Hendrix in 2016, they set out to create the ultimate Atlanta neighborhood restaurant. And the couple’s quirky East Lake gastropub—named for their late beloved pit bull rescue—has become just that to a group of loyal regulars who frequent the cozy dining spot for its laid-back vibe and compact menu of top-notch bar food.
“We wanted it to be affordable for people to be able to come here on the regular, and we care about the details of food and service and beverage in a way that’s very approachable without pretension,” Aaron Russell said as a veteran of Atlanta fine dining restaurants like the now-defunct Seeger’s and Restaurant Eugene.
One of those regulars is East Lake resident Sherry Boston, DeKalb County’s district attorney.
“My husband and I have lived over here for 20 years and have seen a lot of businesses come and go, but the very first time we went to Poor Hendrix, we knew it was going to be something special,” Boston said.
She’s been a regular since opening day. At least once or twice a week, she sits at the bar with a friend or her husband and orders dishes like chili-rubbed steak skewers, the popular spicy peanut cold noodles, and chicken liver paté.
Boston believes Poor Hendrix stands out not only for its food but its exceptional service.
On opening night, Boston ordered a Paper Plane (her favorite cocktail). The restaurant didn’t have Amaro Nonino, a key ingredient in the drink. The Russells made sure they purchased a bottle before Boston’s next visit.
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“It’s just a testament to the type of people they are and how hard they work to cultivate relationships with their customers,” said Boston.
Another Poor Hendrix regular is real estate executive Vic Marotta, who walks four miles almost every Friday from his home in Avondale Estates to the restaurant in East Lake. Sometimes, he arrives a few minutes early and helps the Russells with small tasks around the restaurant prior to service.
“Jamie and Aaron are wonderful people, and that’s part of the reason I’ve been such a frequent customer, because they treat their customers and staff really well,” Marotta said.
He and wife Ellen usually choose seats in the middle of the bar so they can watch the action in the kitchen. Marotta said he’s a regular because of the “inviting” space and Aaron’s sophisticated takes on classic small plates and bar snacks.
Jeff Hoffman, a bartender at The Local and a Monday night regular at Poor Hendrix, agrees with Marotta.
“My first visit to the restaurant really struck a chord with me because they serve really good, elevated food with no pretension whatsoever,” he said
Hoffman usually orders dishes like shrimp skewers with a shot of Old Forester bourbon.
“It’s always this beautiful mix of neighborhood people and restaurant people, and it’s the perfect restaurant for all situations, whether that’s a solo dinner, birthdays with my family, or just hanging out with friends,” Hoffman explained, noting that the kitchen remains open late on Mondays and serves more than just a “mediocre” burger.
Aaron Russell said his staff is key to the success and longevity of Poor Hendrix.
“A lot of our customers get to see the same faces every time they come in, which keeps our food and service consistent for our regulars,” he said.
That’s part of the enduring appeal for regulars and neighborhood fans like Boston.
“It’s like my ‘Cheers,’” Boston said. “The people that work there and come there feel like family because we genuinely care about each other.”
“How many people can say they have a restaurant like that, where you can walk there, be yourself, spend time with friends who are like family, and have an amazing dinner while you’re at it?”
Poor Hendrix, 2371 Hosea L Williams Dr., East Lake. Open Thursday – Monday, at 4 p.m. The Russells also own The Little Hippo sandwich shop in Avondale Estates.