Atlanta’s Coolest Cocktail Bars
You can SHAKE UP your weekend plans with a fabulous cocktail at some of Atlanta’s TOP SHELF cocktail bars. We think you’ll find our recommendations to be very NEAT. So take a look at our list and let the drinking be GIN!
1. Banshee
1271 Glenwood Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
This East Atlanta outfit has an industrial cool covered patio and excellent cocktails to boot. They’re also selling hot dogs Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at lunch time and in the afternoons.
2. Bar Margot
Atlanta, GA 30309
Want to feel extra swanky? Pop in for a drink at Bar Margot in the Four Seasons Atlanta. Their drinks are totally worth it for a fun splurge. There’s breakfast, dinner and lunch service as well, or just order up some dessert with your bevvy!
3. Bar Vegan
675 Ponce De Leon Ave
Atlanta, GA 30308
Bar Vegan, the brainchild of Atlanta legend Pinky Cole, has just opened up on the second floor of Ponce City Market. The interiors are a gorgeous, sexy, verdant green, the perfect respite from PCM’s hustle and bustle. The music is loud, and contributes to a great and fun party atmosphere. Beverage manager Rina Maye does some great stuff at Bar Vegan. Order the KokoMo from their signature cocktail menu–it’s tropical, sweet but not at all cloying, and sooo damn good!
4. The Blind Pig
Atlanta, GA 30305
We love, love, love the speakeasy vibes at The Blind Pig. It’s tucked in the back of Chido & Padre’s. You will love the swanky seating, their excellent cocktail menu, and the live music on Thursdays. It’s a great place to have an intimate conversation with a date or catching up with the girls.
5. Burle’s Bar
505 N Angier Ave NE Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30308
This elegant lounge on the Beltline, right above the Victorian Atlanta plant shop, is a relaxed green oasis that’s the perfect place to enjoy a great cocktail or a shot and beer with friends. Everything on the menu pays special homage to classic cocktails, and the menu rotates seasonally.
6. The Cigar Cellar
2500 Cobb Pkwy NW Suite B3
Kennesaw, GA 30152
OTP folks rejoice! The Cigar Cellar in Kennesaw is a top-notch establishment that can totally compete with the rest of the in-town spots. And as you can guess by their name, The Cigar Cellar is a place where you can enjoy not only top shelf spirits, but a fine cigar in a super sexy, Mad Men-esque venue filled with beautiful hardwood paneling and floors and plush leather seating.
7. The Establishment
Atlanta, GA 30305
This Midtown spot on the corner of Colony Square can sometimes be hard to miss as you’re strolling down Peachtree, but don’t make that mistake. This really is the best place to visit in Midtown for a stiff and delicious drink. The interiors are stunning, and they also have a huge patio.
8. Fellaship
Atlanta, GA 30313
Fellaship can best be described as grown and sexy. It’s a cigar lounge owned by Atlanta native Cam Newton with some really fantastic food in addition to cocktails that pair oh so well with a great cigar. There’s swanky leather seating, TVs for catching the game, and a sexy moody library feel all around. Try the Brown Derby if you’re a bourbon cocktail fan, with grapefruit, honey, lemon, and torched cinnamon. And the Fellaship is a spin on an Old Fashioned with Crème de Peach and a trio of bitters that’s bringing some new flavor to an old classic.
9. The Garden Room
Atlanta, GA 30305
This is probably the most breathtaking and beautiful place to grab a cocktail in Atlanta (and you can see that evidenced in the way that they are booked out for reservations three months in advance!) To make the night really spectacular, enjoy a few cocktails at the Garden Room first then pop-in for the best of fine dining at neighboring Atlas, Umi, or Chops Lobster Bar.
10. Gypsy Kitchen
3035 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
You’ll love the patio at Buckhead staple Gypsy Kitchen! It’s a great place to enjoy some fantastic sangria with the girls, and there is live music on Sunday evenings as well. They’ve recently revamped their tapas menu, and the patatas bravas are truly something special!
11. Hotel Clermont Rooftop
Atlanta, GA 30306
This has got to be one of the best rooftops in Atlanta. Sip on a cocktail while overlooking Ponce on the top of this historic building—it feels especially magical in the evening or at night.
12. The James Room
Atlanta, GA 30312
Blink and you might miss the James Room on the Beltline, but that’s a mistake you don’t want to make! This “café” has not only pastries and coffee, but a hidden speakeasy in the back that opens up in the evening. Enjoy a great cocktail on their patio or indoors.
13. Kimball House
303 E Howard Ave
Decatur, GA 30030
It may be a bit of a hike from the rest of ATL, but Decatur has the coolest spots. Named for an old historic hotel in Atlanta, the Kimball House serves up seasonally driven food and drinks in.
14. Little Spirit
Atlanta, GA 30307
So many great nights in Inman Park start or end with a drink at Little Spirit, a cozy little bar that’s hip and full of life. You’ll love the Tupac and Biggie paintings, and in the winter they do Christmas-themed spirits.
15. The Third Door
Marietta, GA 30060
Speakeasies are always fun, and the Third Door is no exception! Enjoy inventive cocktails in a beautifully restored 1920s gas station. There are special vintage touches all around, with rich velvet curtains, antique paintings, and 14-foot polished wood bars. It’s the perfect place to stop by before dinner in Marietta Square.
16. Ticonderoga Club
Atlanta, GA 30307
Locals rave about Ticonderoga Club, one of the most beloved bars and restaurants in the city. The kitschy tavern inspired decor is also a nice touch, and the menu they’re cooking up is inspired. Credited with heralding in the craft cocktail movement in Atlanta, this place is a must visit.
17. Vesper
This cozy, dark green bar is the perfect neighborhood spot to hang out and enjoy an espresso martini or two. Be sure to also try the Vesper while you’re there, their namesake drink!
18. The Waiting Room
674 Myrtle St NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
The 70s are alive and well at this ultra cool retro cocktail bar right upstairs Bon Ton. From orange shag carpet booths to a rotating disco ball and mirrored piano, this place has all the fun retro details. Be aware that there is a cover charge for the DJ most nights.
Editor’s Note: This article was first published March 19, 2021 and last updated July 28, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites for the most up-to-date information.
Use our map below to find a cocktail bar near you!
Biltong Bar might be one of Atlanta’s best cocktail bars for true cocktail lovers! They’ve always got something interesting and inventive going on, as well as yummy South African and American bites for you to sample. Order up the colorfully named “Unfuck Your Day” made with Rye, Brandy, Passionfruit, Mint, Lime, and Absinthe for something really boozy.
Biltong Bar might be one of Atlanta’s best cocktail bars for true cocktail lovers! They’ve always got something interesting and inventive going on, as well as yummy South African and American bites for you to sample. Order up the colorfully named “Unfuck Your Day” made with Rye, Brandy, Passionfruit, Mint, Lime, and Absinthe for something really boozy.
Biltong Bar might be one of Atlanta’s best cocktail bars for true cocktail lovers! They’ve always got something interesting and inventive going on, as well as yummy South African and American bites for you to sample. Order up the colorfully named “Unfuck Your Day” made with Rye, Brandy, Passionfruit, Mint, Lime, and Absinthe for something really boozy.
This East Atlanta outfit has an industrial cool covered patio and excellent cocktails to boot. They’re also selling hot dogs Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at lunch time and in the afternoons. Dine-in is closed in the main dining room but they have patio seating available.
It’s Atlanta’s newest hot spot! Bar Vegan, the brainchild of Atlanta legend Pinky Cole, has just opened up on the second floor of Ponce City Market. The menu is small at the moment but the vegan philly cheesesteak that they do have is phenomenal. The music is loud and contributes to a great and fun party atmosphere. True to Pinky Cole, the hype is real and you can expect a wait.
Want to feel extra swanky? Pop in for a drink at Bar Margot in the Four Seasons Atlanta. At $16 or $17 a pop, it is a little pricey but worth it for a fun splurge. There’s breakfast, dinner and lunch service as well, or just order up some dessert with your drink. Pastry Chef Erica Lee is a total artist.
We love, love, love the speakeasy vibes at The Blind Pig. It’s tucked in the back of Chido & Padre’s. You will love the swanky seating, their excellent cocktail menu, and the live music on Thursdays. It’s a great place to have an intimate conversation with a date or catching up with the girls.
Totally slammin’ cocktails + mouthwatering Viet-cajun food is just the perfect combo that we didn’t know we needed. Bonton delivers both in the coolest of atmospheres. It’s a small little spot that’s great for a date or catch-up with a friend. You can also get Bonton for delivery.
OTP folks rejoice! The Cigar Cellar in Kennesaw is a top-notch establishment that can totally compete with the rest of the in-town spots. And as you can guess by their name, The Cigar Cellar is a place where you can enjoy not only top shelf spirits, but a fine cigar in a super sexy, Mad Men-esque venue filled with beautiful hardwood paneling and floors and plush leather seating.
This Midtown spot on the corner of Colony Square can sometimes be hard to miss as you’re strolling down Peachtree, but don’t make that mistake. This really is the best place to visit in Midtown for a stiff and delicious drank. The interiors are stunning, and they also have a huge patio.
Fellaship can best be described as grown and sexy. It’s a cigar lounge owned by Atlanta native Cam Newton with some really fantastic food in addition to cocktails that pair oh so well with a great cigar. There’s swanky leather seating, TVs for catching the game, and a sexy moody library feel all around. Try the Brown Derby if you’re a bourbon cocktail fan, with grapefruit, honey, lemon, and torched cinnamon. And the Fellaship is a spin on an Old Fashioned with Crème de Peach and a trio of bitters that’s bringing some new flavor to an old classic.
This is probably the most breathtaking and beautiful place to grab a cocktail in Atlanta (and you can see that evidenced in the way that they are booked out for reservations three months in advance!) To make the night really spectacular, enjoy a few cocktails at the Garden Room first then pop-in for the best of fine dining at neighboring Atlas, Umi, or Chops Lobster Bar.
Golden Eagle is another moody, sexy space to grab a cocktail in the heart of Reynoldstown. With leather and velvet touches everywhere, moody lighting from gorgeous chandeliers, every visit feels special even if you’re just popping in for a weeknight libation.
You’ll love the patio at Buckhead staple Gypsy Kitchen! It’s a great place to enjoy some fantastic sangria with the girls and there is live music on Sunday evenings as well.
Blink and you might miss the James Room on the Beltline, but that’s a mistake you don’t want to make! This “café” has not only pastries and coffee, but a hidden speakeasy in the back that opens up in the evening. Enjoy a great cocktail on their patio or indoors.
Futuristic drinks den with a moody, industrial look serving creative cocktails & Asian street food.
Colonial era–inspired tavern serving seafood, sandwiches & craft cocktails at Krog Street Market.
