Where to Drink in Atlanta

Wondering where to drink in Atlanta?

What are you in the mood for? If you're looking for where to drink in Atlanta, I've got you covered. From wine bars to dive bars, I've put together a list of my favorite spots in the city. Cheers, y'all!

My favorite drink: a martini with a twist.

Atlantans take their drinking so seriously, it’s almost a job.

There are no shortages of bars and clubs, from elegant cocktail lounges to gritty dive bars. Bars often reflect their neighborhoods, so the swankier the neighborhood, the higher end the bar.

But the good news, thankfully, is there are so many – maybe too many – bars in the city that you are bound to find one you like.

On this page you'll find recommendations for my favorite:

• Dive Bar
• Beer Bar
• Brewery
• Swanky Bar
• Hotel Bar
• Rooftop Bar
• Bar Stroll

Where to Drink in Atlanta - Favorite Dive Bar

Northside Tavern  is possibly the diviest dive bar I have ever been to – and I grew up in Florida, so I know what I’m talking about. But it is fantastic.

It’s been a fixture in the neighborhood for more than 70 years – and it looks pretty much like it. Don’t come before 11 pm, but then order a PBR and check out the nightly live blues and southern rock.

If you want to know where to drink in Atlanta to get the full dive experience, this is it.

Photo credit: Northside Tavern

Where to Drink in Atlanta - Favorite Beer Bar

Ormsby's is a great speakeasy pub with hundreds of hard-to-find beers both on tap and in bottles.

The basement features pool tables and bocce ball courts; you can also play board games at any time. The menu is solid, too, with elevated pub and bar food. It can get a little young and “clubby” on Saturday nights, but it’s worth a visit.

Where to Drink in Atlanta - Favorite Brewery

If you're looking for a cool place to hang out in Atlanta, look no further than Wild Heaven Brewery in the West End.

The beer is delicious, and they frequently have unique, topical releases.

The food options also are great and the space itself is really cool.

You can use the brewery as a starting point to explore the other breweries and distilleries in the area, or you can explore the West End of the Beltline. Either way, you're sure to have a good time.

Wild Heaven Beer is a great brewery on the West End of the BeltLine.

Looking for a fun and unique way to explore Atlanta's vibrant brewery scene? Then hop aboard an Atlanta Beer Bus guided tour!  This beer-lovers paradise provides includes round-trip transportation and tastings at some of the city's best breweries.

Where to Drink in Atlanta - Favorite Swanky Bar

The St. Regis Bar at The St. Regis Hotel is one the most elegant clubs in the city. It features an original mural of a Phoenix rising from the ashes – Atlanta’s symbol. Like other St. Regis bars, this features its own custom, signature Bloody Mary – called the “West Paces Mary” with a pickled green tomato garnish.

The best part is the nightly champagne ritual, which takes place every night at 6 pm outside the wine room. The bartender expertly opens a fine bottle of champagne with a saber and everyone gets a taste. It’s a great way to launch an evening.

Also check out The Garden Room that is a literal explosion of flowers in an almost fairyland setting. It makes for quite the Instagram photo! 

Photo credit: The Garden Room at The St. Regis Atlanta

The Garden Room at The St. Regis is a fairyland of floral design.

Where to Drink in Atlanta - Favorite Hotel Bar

If you're looking for a top-notch hotel bar in Atlanta, look no further than Bar Margot at The Four Seasons. 

This luxurious spot is perfect for enjoying a sophisticated cocktail or bite to eat before exploring Midtown or at the end of a long night out. You can also enjoy live music at Bar Margot, and you might even spy a celebrity or two. 

Photo Credit: Bar Margot The Four Seasons

Where to Drink in Atlanta - Favorite Rooftop Bar

Rooftop bars are a genre unto themselves, and I have never met one I didn't like.

My current favorite is cleverly enough called The Roof Top at the Hotel Cleremont.  This historic hotel spent literally decades known as one of the sleaziest places in Atlanta (albeit with a great dive bar itself).

After undergoing a fantastic renovation, it recently reopened and the rootop bar is a gem with skyline views and a nostalgic vibe. And unlike many bars, there’s no cover charge.

The Rooftop Bar at the Hotel Cleremont is my new favorite

If you're looking for a unique way to experience Atlanta, then you won't want to miss the Atlanta Beltline Food Street & Art History Walking Tour. This one-of-a-kind tour gives you the chance to explore the city's food scene while also learning about its rich history and vibrant art culture. And best of all, it's all accessible on foot!

Where to Drink in Atlanta - Favorite Bar Stroll

Another favorite drinking spot is not one bar per se but a stroll – or crawl – on the BeltLine.

Start at Krog Street Market and sample a few bites and drinks, especially craft beers at Hop City Beer and cocktails at the Ticonderoga Club.

Don’t have too much, though because then you want to walk on the BeltLine and stop at either Ladybird Grove and Mess Hall or Estrella  – which has, surprise, a great rooftop bar. If beer is more your thing, stop at New Realm Brewery  instead.

Finally, make your way to Ponce City Market  and go for a cocktail or beer at any of the excellent food stalls.

There is - surprise! - a spectacular and elaborate rooftop scene here but there are a few things to know.

There’s a fairly steep cover charge for the bar and Skyline Park  and it can be so crowded you may not get in. This can be avoided by eating at the restaurant, 9 Mile Station.  There are frequent events, from movies to skating, so make sure to check the calendar. 

Rosé all day on the BeltLine!

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