Smiley's Burger Club

Verdict

Don't come to Smiley's Burger Club expecting a cocktail bar with food on the side. This is a burger-forward neighborhood spot at 310 E Howard Ave in Decatur, and the name tells you exactly what you're getting. If you've been once and are wondering whether to return, the answer is yes — provided you're coming for the casual, drop-in format rather than a destination dining event. Walk-ins are easy here, and that low booking friction is part of the appeal.

The Space

The East Howard Avenue address puts Smiley's in the walkable core of Decatur, a short distance from the town square. The physical setup reads as a compact, informal room — the kind of place where counter seating and close tables create a communal energy that works in your favor during off-peak hours and feels crowded when the spot fills. If you're coming as a group of four or more, arriving early in the evening gives you the leading shot at a comfortable setup. For two people, the counter or smaller tables are the practical call. There's no dress expectation here , come as you are.

Drinks: What the Program Tells You

The venue name centers burgers, not cocktails, which is itself a signal about drink program ambition. Based on available information, Smiley's does not appear to be running the kind of layered, technique-driven cocktail program you'd find at Bar Leather Apron in Honolulu, Jewel of the South in New Orleans, or Julep in Houston , three bars where the drinks menu is the primary reason to visit. That's not a criticism; it's a calibration. At a burger club, what you want from the drink side is a cold beer, a simple mixed drink, or something that pairs without competing. If cocktail depth matters most to your evening, Brick Store Pub or Kimball House offer more developed drink programs and are both bookable in Decatur. Smiley's earns its place when the burger is the point and the drink is the complement.

Practical Details

Pricing and hours are not confirmed in Pearl's current data, so call ahead or check directly before making a special trip. The address at 310 E Howard Ave is accessible from the Decatur MARTA station on foot, which makes this a reasonable stop if you're coming in from Atlanta without a car. Booking difficulty is low , this is a walk-in friendly format, and you're unlikely to be turned away outside of peak weekend hours. For current seasonal hours or any recent menu changes, confirm directly with the venue before visiting.

Who Should Book

Smiley's makes most sense for regulars and locals who want a reliable, low-effort meal in walkable Decatur. If you've already been once and liked the format, the repeat visit is easy to justify , the booking friction is near zero and the format is consistent. If you're visiting Decatur for the first time and want to build an itinerary, pair Smiley's with a stop at Eddie's Attic for live music or Chai Pani Decatur if you want a full evening with more dining ambition. For Korean BBQ in the same area, 9292 Korean BBQ is worth knowing. Explore our full Decatur restaurants guide, our full Decatur bars guide, our full Decatur hotels guide, our full Decatur wineries guide, and our full Decatur experiences guide to plan the rest of your visit.