We’re starting a new series here on Atlanta’s About site called “Inside Atlanta.” Get excited—each week, we’ll be sitting down with influential locals to talk about what Atlanta means to them.

To be fair, I went first. But to truly kick things off, today we’re chatting with Marshall Chiles, owner and self-proclaimed “dudeman” of Midtown’s intimate comedy club, The Laughing Skull Lounge. This likely isn’t the first time you’ve heard of Chiles—he’s been working the comedy circuit for the past 15 years performing around the world—you may recognize him from The Regular Guys radio show or Last Comic Standing—and he was recently one of the opening acts on the Oddball Comedy Tour when it came to Atlanta.


Today, we get a tour of The Big Peach with Chiles himself.

I live in… “‘Smynings’ because of how close it is to Midtown, while not having to pay city of Atlanta property taxes,” says the native Atlantan. “I love Atlanta because of its people—I honestly believe that if this city had a beach it would be the best city in Georgia.”

I Wish People Knew… “Atlanta has some amazing outdoor activities that are literally right in the city limits, like White Water River Park and Fourth Ward Skatepark.”

You Can Find Me… “at The Vortex in Midtown. My offices are in the back of The Vortex and it is definitely one of the coolest bars in the city filled with so many of my friends.”

It’s Dinner Time, I’m headed to… “Ecco or Empire State South—both great restaurants within walking distance of the club. But when it comes to comfort food, I love Eats and World of Beer—I go for their kale salad.”

Clock strikes 5 o’clock, I’m drinking… “a Laughing Skull Beer [by Red Brick] that has recently become my favorite once they put them in cans.

But then sometimes I like Don Julio reposado on the rocks with lime. A great place to go and have fun for the whole night is East Andrews District. I go up there to see shows at The Improv Comedy Club and end up hanging out at Stout and Prohibition.”

Atlanta’s Best Kept Secret Is… “Eleanor's in Smynings. It’s in back of Muss and Turners and you have to know about it to get into it. Great food, drinks and atmosphere.”

If I Had to Stay in a Hotel, I’d check into… “The W Midtown. They have an amazing hotel that always makes me feel like I am going to some rock star's party.”

When I’m Playing Tourist, I go to… “The Georgia Aquarium, hiking at the river park and to the High Museum of Art. Atlanta really has a lot more to offer than disappointing sports teams.”

I Get My Sweat On… “running at Cochran Shoals river park. It is hard to believe that it is in city limits.”

I Love Spending My Money At... "Love Street in Smyrna and Heart and Sole." 

by Kate Parham Kordsmeier