Where To Play Darts in Atlanta: Best Spots, Leagues, and Local Tips

Atlanta has a surprisingly active darts scene, from casual bar boards to organized steel-tip leagues. Whether you live in the city, are here for a weekend, or just want to understand where people actually play darts in Atlanta, there are plenty of options across the metro area.

Below is a practical guide to where to play darts in Atlanta, what types of boards you’ll find, and how to get plugged into local leagues.

Quick Guide: Types of Places to Play Darts in Atlanta

Type of VenueBest ForTypical Board Type
Neighborhood bars & pubsCasual games, social nightsSteel-tip & soft-tip
Dart-focused barsSerious practice, regular competitionMostly steel-tip
Pool halls & game barsMixed groups, larger partiesSoft-tip & some steel
Dart leagues & clubsRegular matches, improving your gameSteel-tip (league play)
Private & social clubsOrganized events, members & guestsSteel-tip

Popular Neighborhoods and Areas for Playing Darts

Midtown and Downtown Atlanta

These central neighborhoods are good if you’re staying near major hotels, Georgia Tech, or working in the business district.

Common features you’ll find:

  • Sports bars with a dart corner or a couple of boards
  • Mix of steel-tip and electronic soft-tip machines
  • Busy on game nights and weekends

If you’re downtown or in Midtown, you can usually:

  • Look for Irish- or British-style pubs for more traditional steel-tip boards
  • Check with larger sports bars for electronic dart boards alongside pool tables and arcade games

Because bar lineups change, it’s wise to call ahead and ask:

  • “Do you have dart boards?”
  • “Are they steel-tip or soft-tip?”
  • “Do you run any dart leagues or weekly tournaments?”

Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and Eastside

The eastside neighborhoods often have cozy pubs and neighborhood spots where you can actually get time on a board without long waits.

What to expect:

  • Smaller, more relaxed pubs with 1–3 boards
  • Friendly regulars and pickup games
  • Occasional bar-run mini-leagues or informal competitions

Buckhead and North Atlanta

Buckhead and nearby north Atlanta suburbs (like Sandy Springs and Brookhaven) are good if you’re staying or living north of Midtown.

Here you’ll often find:

  • Larger sports bars with multiple games (pool, darts, shuffleboard)
  • Mix of young professionals and long-time locals
  • Some bars host company or social-league dart nights

Suburbs With Strong Dart Communities

Many Atlanta-area dart players are based in the suburbs, and a lot of league play happens there, including:

  • Marietta / Kennesaw / Smyrna
  • Roswell / Alpharetta / Johns Creek
  • Lawrenceville / Duluth / Norcross
  • Decatur / Tucker / Stone Mountain

Suburban pubs and sports bars often:

  • Host organized dart leagues on weeknights
  • Have better board setups (proper throw lines, lighting, and spacing)
  • Draw a consistent group of players you’ll see week after week

Types of Darts Venues in Atlanta

1. Traditional Pubs and Bars

Many people in Atlanta are first introduced to darts at a local pub.

Typical setup:

  • 1–4 boards, often near the back of the bar
  • House darts available, though bringing your own is common
  • Games of Cricket, 501, and Around the World are standard

Tips:

  • 🎯 Ask about dart etiquette if you’re new—most regulars are happy to explain how turns work and how to score.
  • Try to avoid blocking the throwing lane, especially when the bar is crowded.

2. Dart-Focused Bars and Game Bars

Some Atlanta venues put more emphasis on darts and bar games than others.

You’re more likely to find:

  • Multiple well-maintained steel-tip boards
  • Clear oche/throw lines and proper distance
  • Regulars practicing for league or tournament play

Many of these spots also have:

  • Pool tables, shuffleboard, and arcades for mixed groups
  • Designated league nights, which can be busier but also a great way to meet players

3. Pool Halls and Family Game Centers

Several large game centers and pool halls around metro Atlanta include darts as part of their lineup.

Good for:

  • Groups with mixed interests (some playing darts, others shooting pool)
  • Casual players who want a low-pressure environment
  • Families or early-evening visits (depending on the venue’s atmosphere)

These places often use electronic soft-tip boards, which:

  • Keep score for you
  • Allow different game options
  • Are friendlier to complete beginners

Dart Leagues and Clubs in Atlanta

If you’re serious about darts—or just want a consistent reason to get out and play—Atlanta has organized dart leagues that meet at local bars and pubs.

Local League Structure

Most Atlanta-area leagues:

  • Use steel-tip boards
  • Play once a week on a set night (for example, Tuesdays or Thursdays)
  • Rotate between home and away matches at different bars
  • Offer divisions for different skill levels

You’ll typically find:

  • Team-based formats (4–8 players per team)
  • A mix of singles, doubles, and team games
  • Seasonal schedules (spring, summer, fall, sometimes winter)

How to Find a League

To join a league in Atlanta, you can:

  • Ask bartenders or bar managers if they sponsor dart teams or host league nights
  • Talk to regulars who you see playing often—many are already in a league
  • Search for Atlanta-area dart leagues and associations online, which often list:
    • Current seasons
    • Home bars
    • Contact information for captains or coordinators

Many leagues are happy to place new players:

  • Some teams actively look for beginners
  • Substitutes are often needed if someone can’t make a match

Steel-Tip vs. Soft-Tip Darts in Atlanta

You’ll see both steel-tip and soft-tip darts in the Atlanta area, and it helps to know the difference before you head out.

Steel-Tip Darts

Common in:

  • Traditional pubs
  • Dart leagues
  • More serious-play venues

Characteristics:

  • Use bristle boards
  • Require more careful handling (sharper points)
  • Preferred for league and tournament play

If you want to join a league or get serious about darts in Atlanta, it’s smart to practice on steel-tip when you can.

Soft-Tip Darts

Common in:

  • Sports bars with electronic boards
  • Game centers and family-friendly spots

Characteristics:

  • Use plastic-tipped darts and electronic boards
  • Automatically keep score
  • Often charge by game or by time

These are great if:

  • You’re new and don’t want to worry about scoring
  • You’re out with friends who just want to play a few casual games

What to Expect When You Go Play Darts in Atlanta

Typical Costs

Costs vary by venue, but you may encounter:

  • Free play: Many pubs let you use the board for free if you’re buying food or drinks.
  • Coin- or card-operated boards: Often $0.50–$1 per game for soft-tip machines.
  • League fees: Usually a seasonal fee per player or per team, plus weekly bar tabs.

Always check:

  • Whether there’s a waitlist during peak times
  • If they take cash or cards for coin-op and machines

Atmosphere and Crowd

In most Atlanta spots:

  • Early evenings are more relaxed and open
  • Weekends and late nights can be crowded and loud
  • League nights bring in regulars who take their games more seriously, but most are friendly to newcomers

If you prefer a quieter practice session, try:

  • Weeknights early (before 8 p.m.)
  • Sunday afternoons, when some venues are slower

How to Get the Most Out of Atlanta’s Darts Scene

A few practical tips if you’re trying to dive in locally:

  • Bring your own darts if you plan to play regularly. House darts are fine for learning but often worn down.
  • Ask about league nights at your favorite bar; that’s the easiest way to find structured play.
  • Rotate where you play—you’ll discover different styles of boards, different skill levels, and new darts partners.
  • Respect board etiquette: stay behind the oche when someone is throwing, and don’t walk across someone’s lane.
  • If you’re visiting and staying near Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, start with bars within walking or rideshare distance, then branch out if you want more competitive spots in the suburbs.

Finding Specific Places and Contact Info

Because bar lineups and games can change over time, the most reliable way to find current dart locations is to:

  • Use a map app to search terms like “darts,” “dart boards,” “pub with darts,” or “sports bar darts” near:
    • Your hotel or short-term rental
    • Major hubs like Downtown Atlanta (30303), Midtown (30308/30309), or Buckhead (30305)
  • Call ahead using the listed phone number and ask:
    • “Do you have dart boards?”
    • “How many boards do you have?”
    • “Do you host dart leagues or regular tournaments?”
  • If you’re outside the city center, search near:
    • Marietta Square (Marietta, GA 30060)
    • Alpharetta city center (Alpharetta, GA 30009)
    • Decatur Square (Decatur, GA 30030)

For league-level play, look up Atlanta-area dart associations and leagues online and use their posted contact forms, phone numbers, or league coordinators’ emails to join or watch a match.

By focusing on these neighborhoods, venue types, and league options, you can quickly find where to play darts in Atlanta, whether you want a casual game with friends or a regular competitive schedule.