Atlanta has hidden gems around every corner, including diverse dining, top attractions, incredible arts and entertainment, so you can expect the city’s bars to be on the same level.
Atlanta isn’t just another big city; it’s an urban landscape made up of nearly 45 in-town neighbourhoods, so each bar has its own unique vibe. From classic dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges, you’re pretty much guaranteed a great night out.
Here’s our top pick of the best bars in ATL – go forth and cheers to that Southern Hospitality…
Come for Tiki Tuesday ($9 gets you a tropical cocktail and a kitschy glass to keep) and stay for the hip Twin Peaks vibe from every aspect of the bar. There’s a great list of beers and cocktails – especially whiskey cocktails! – plus an outdoor patio for summer boozing.
You’ll find this great craft beer gastro pub in a late Victorian building that was once a home, a church, a dance studio, and an architectural salvage store. It’s in its best reincarnation now as a top notch beer haven and restaurant.
Brewing in-house, Master Brewman Neal Engleman has developed a beer program that focuses on perfecting classic styles such as Kolsch, Pilsner, ESB, IPA, barrel aged strong beer and session styles. T
The rooftop bar at trendy Hotel Clermont is a popular hangout for locals and visitors alike, and for good reason. Go wild on street food, frosé in the summer, hot toddies in the fall. With its skyline views for days and Instagrammable neon lights, you’ll find yourself staying here late into the night.
The Local is what all dive bars should strive to be – pitchers of Belgian beer, weekly trivia nights and the best karaoke evening in town, this is a bar that’s standing the test of time.
They also happen to do the best chicken wings in the city that are fall-off-the-bone delicious, so you’ve no excuse not to pop in.
Kimball House is a stylish restaurant-bar that serves up great food (think blue crab risotto) and a range of cocktails inspired by the seasons and local produce. It’s also home to a great Oyster Happy Hour where you can get the tasty things for about $1.50 a piece between 5pm and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Order some artisan absinthe to go with and enjoy the vibe.
With an eye-catching magnolia tree growing in the middle of the bar and a jukebox playing rock n roll tunes, this is a dive bar with a difference. There’s a decent range of local beers on tap and delicious juicy turkey melts.
A super Instagrammable bar that looks straight outta Blade Runner, this funky Asian bar pays tribute to the sci-fi movie in its decor and drinks, with bites to eat on the side.
Order the Split Personality cocktail, with rye, pineapple rum, Campari, mango, mint and lemon for a drink that a replicant would approve of, or try unusual sakes and Japanese whiskeys.
Co-founder of Big 7 Travel, Sarah created the company through her passion for championing the world's best food and travel experiences. Before her career in digital media, where she previously held roles such as Editor of Food&Wine Ireland, Sarah worked in the hospitality industry in Dublin and New York. Contact [email protected]
