Dante’s Down the Hatch Prepares to Sail Into the Sunset … Maybe to Return?

“It’s been a long run, with quality music,” says owner Dante Stephensen.

The nightclub opened 43 years ago in Atlanta, shortly after Stephensen moved to the area from his native Chicago.A legendary Atlanta venue in Buckhead is closing its doors. WABE's John Lorinc reports.

Despite its fake pirate crew and real-life crocodile, Dante’s Down the Hatch is best-known for the legendary jazz artists it has hosted over the decades.

“Gladys Knight, who lives in town, will come in one night and sing.  Isaac Hayes, when he was alive, would come in and play.  Freddie Cole, Nat King Cole’s brother comes in and plays once or twice a week.  Ramsey Lewis…..you name it, they’ve been here,” says Stephensen. 

He says high taxes from both the city and county are forcing him to close.

“I’m in my 70’s, so most people do try to retire then.  I’m from immigrant parents.  Retirement is not a word that’s used in my family,” says Stephensen.

Stephensen is looking for other locations and says there’s a chance Dante’s Down the Hatch will eventually re-open in a new location.