Atlanta’s bars are on standby and have a barstool with your name on it. There are plenty of recently opened bars to check out, too, offering style in spades. Here’s where to grab a drink in Atlanta.
LessWe don’t know who Jojo or their beloved is, but we do know that this recently opened cocktail lounge is the place to go for retro ‘70s and ‘80s vibes. From the music to the color palette of burgundy, pink, and orange. Expect to find drinks made with brightly hued spirits such as Midori. Disco attire not required but encouraged (by us).
Drawbar in located in the Bellyard Hotel's lobby, but the sweet spot is the terrace, which looks over 14th street and has a beautiful skyline view. Catch happy hour, a.k.a. “Recess,” from 4–7 pm, Monday through Thursday, for discounted drinks and snacks.
Sometimes you want to go where nobody knows your name and Lloyd’s hopes (or doesn’t hope) to be that place for you. It’s retro, but not necessarily sexy. Instead you’ll find lighting fixtures reminiscent of a Ruby Tuesday (before the remodels) and plenty of wood paneling. What we’re saying is it’s an excellent spot to post-up, drink a $5 martini (between 5–7 pm) and eat some pizza and pesto pillows.
A geek’s paradise known for its trivia night, Battle & Brew is a gaming meets bar venue in Sandy Springs. The dining room is open for business, as are the arcade games, but it’s also created an outdoor space that’s almost as fun. Known as BNB After Dark, the space is accessible 7pm to midnight Friday and Saturday. There are projectors and outdoor tables and plenty of drinks and snacks to order.
Set in a former 1920s gas station, this new retro bar in historic Marietta offers plenty of outdoor seating. Pull up and sip one of its 1920s-themed cocktails like the Daisy Buchanan with gin, white vermouth, peach, and rosewater.
There’s a little bit of everything at Suite Food Lounge. There’s a more subdued dining room and bar on the main floor, but head upstairs and you’ll find a Miami-inspired rooftop bar. This is the ideal spot to catch a big sports game or party late into the night with a DJ. Don’t miss its weekly Crablegs & Karaoke happy hour where martinis are just $5.
Muss & Turner’s is great for lunchtime sandwiches, but at night, head through the walk-in door in the back of the restaurant and you’ll be treated to a speakeasy surprise at Eleanor’s. The intimate bar features cocktails like the Brown Thrasher made with bourbon, smoked apple shrub, cynar, lemon, and maple syrup.
You can sit inside or on a shaded patio at this former gas station. Leon’s is the sibling to Brickstore Pub but the cocktails are seasonally driven and expertly crafted. Give the Tropical Americano a whirl if you want something on the lighter side (aromatized wine, passionfruit, pineapple, soda, and bitters). If you’re feeling snacky, order up some stuffed peppadew peppers and house-made ricotta served with grilled sourdough.
The tropical vibes are strong here. Whether you sit on the patio or the dining room, you’ll forget all your troubles after you’ve had one or two of their strong tiki drinks.
Sure, Manuel’s Tavern has delicious bar food (even on its current limited menu) and a cool old school bar vibe, but it’s the bar’s history that makes it so interesting. The original owner of the bar, Manuel Maloof, was known as the Godfather of Georgia Democratic politics and the tavern has played host to many political events and politicians in its lifetime.
Parlor is chic and inviting with teal mid-century-modern sofas, vibrant art, and a bathroom where you’ll want to snap a selfie. Sip one of their creative concoctions like the El Navegador with gin, St. Germain, tonic, lime, honey, and bitters. Small bites like Bavarian pretzels and chicken & peach skewers, are also available.
Head to the rooftop of Ponce City Market for a drink with a side of views. You can hit up Skyline Park first, and then grab a bite at 9 Mile Station, which serves up grilled fare, has craft beers on tap, and features plenty of cocktails to choose from.
Another excellent rooftop option, Hotel Clermont offers views of the city and beyond. Kick back on the astroturf and enjoy a tropical-inspired drink. Note that masks are required when moving throughout the building and, once you leave the rooftop, you won’t be allowed back in.
Both locations of Biltong Bar are open for dine-in service. This is the place to go when you’re craving casual South African eats, like the namesake biltong (beef jerky), and an expertly crafted drink.
Good news, y’all, Ticonderoga Club is back. As in, you can dine-in and drink your fancy cocktails in the cozy, New England-esque confines where Christmas lights twinkle all year long. But, you can also order Ticon-To-Go and just replicate the experience in your living room. If you do plan to eat there, a reservation is a must.
The edgiest bar can be found on the ground floor of Westside Provisions District -- just look for the neon glow. Little Trouble reopened in September and requires that groups remain seated and that masks be worn around the bar. You can enjoy cocktails and bites from the Mushi Ni pop-up (get the Tokyo fries) in the restaurant or order to go.
Kimball House is really more of a restaurant than a bar, but how could we leave off cocktails crafted by Miles Macquarrie? The dining room and patio is open for reservations. Make one and indulge in the city’s deepest oyster program paired with one (or two) of Kimball House’s tipples.
The Chastain is lovely for dinner…and breakfast…but shouldn’t be looked over as a happy hour spot, either. The expansive patio is an excellent spot to avoid rush hour. You can keep it light with their sangria (Albariño and vermouth) or go for something boozier like the Mare with vodka, sherry, and olive brine. While you’re there, you might as well order some snacks off of the menu — may we suggest some double fermented sourdough bread and crab fritters?
You don’t have to be a nerd to appreciate this barcade, but it probably doesn’t hurt. The funky space has plenty of classic arcade games and tabletop gaming, and, oh yeah, cocktails. Expect to find easy-to-sip drinks like boozy slushies (mmm, watermelon rum) and daiquiris.
Located in the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, Bar Margot is worth a visit for a sophisticated date night. The cocktails highlight fresh ingredients as much as possible, as seen in the Garnet Rose, made with bourbon, cassis, muddled mint, blackberries, and strawberries. If you stay for dinner, try a couple of their small plates with standouts like burrata with granny smith apple, and crab fried rice.
Pinky Cole won bellies over with her vegan burgers at Slutty Vegan, and now she’s looking to capture them again at Bar Vegan. Located in Ponce City Market, Cole’s new concept serves “theatrical” drinks made with fresh juices. She also partnered up with Derrick Hayes of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks to serve vegan Philly cheesesteaks that are pure indulgence.
When the Kimpton adapted a 1950s apartment building into the Sylvan Hotel they gave Atlantans not one, but two new watering holes. Willow Bar is ideal for day drinkers looking to soak up some rays along with their gin and tonic (there are a few to choose from but the Cypress G&T made with Malfy Gin Rosa is an irresistible grapefruit-laced tipple).