The restored RFD Social gives revelers a historic bar at Ponce City Market

STORY: Lia Picard
Photos: Amanda Greene

RFD Social, the latest and final installment of Ponce City Roof, opened in July, adding to the bustling food hall’s already impressive roster. The redeveloped bar isn’t reported to be haunted, but it is historic and has a cool story adding to its allure. (And are we sure it isn’t haunted?)

RFD Social welcomes guests to stay for a while with its cozy furnishings.

The bar takes up three floors in a tower on the 10th floor of Ponce City Market and used to be home to a 1920’s radio broadcast called the Dinner Bell R.F.D. (which stood for Radio Farmer’s Democracy). Listeners tuned in to hear a show hosted by Dewey Burnett with programming about farming and homemaking advice, and performances by local musicians.

Now the tower has been restored beyond its former glory with a design aesthetic that’s industrial meets bohemian. In the main room, known as the “Parlour,” the floors are a polished concrete that’s balanced by the shimmering tin ceiling, reminiscent of a New Orleans bar. Plenty of seating is found in the form of plush couches and chairs. The most striking feature is along the back exposed-brick wall, where shelves display antique radios that harken back to the inspiration for the bar’s name. Randy Hayden, beverage director of Slater Hospitality, says of the space, “We have old school games like bumper pool and poker. When you’re up there, it’s kind of like a throwback, like you went in a time machine a little bit.”

Guests can move between RFD Social and Skyline Park with ease.

If you’re worried that the space takes itself too seriously, don’t. Despite its homage to the prohibition area in terms of decor and design, it’s still very much a revelrous atmosphere. You can easily bounce between Skyline Park and RFD Social, especially when you need to cool off. The drinks at RFD Social are creative, sippable craft cocktails. Hayden says, “In fall and winter, we’ll have drinks that have a rustic feel to them and use more rustic flavors and a lot more bitters and darker spirits.” Besides craft cocktails, libations include local beer and a well-curated wine list.

The tower has more surprises, too. On the 11th floor is the Roebuck Room, a space parceled into small and large conference rooms as well as a larger event area. Those looking to host a throwback soirée will love the sweeping views over the city.

RFD Social and the tower it lives in may not be haunted, but with a storied past, it’s definitely worth a visit, especially during Halloween season when historic spots tend to seem a little spooky. While PCM certainly has plenty of places for those who seek libations, none offer the speakeasy vibe that RFD has.

RFD Social
675 Ponce de Leon Ave., 30308
770.999.1530
poncecityroof.com