Best Bars in Atlanta: Where to Drink Right Now

Atlanta’s bar scene is as diverse as the city itself—sleek rooftop lounges, low-key neighborhood dives, cocktail labs, and everything in between. Whether you live here or you’re visiting for a weekend, you’ll find a bar in Atlanta that fits your taste, your budget, and your neighborhood.

Below is a practical guide to some of the best bars in Atlanta, organized by vibe and area, plus tips on what to know before you go.

Quick Snapshot: Top Atlanta Bar Picks by Vibe

Understanding Atlanta’s Bar Scene

Atlanta is spread out, so where you stay or live matters a lot for choosing bars:

• Intown neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Midtown, and Virginia-Highland are walkable and bar-dense.
• Buckhead leans a bit dressier, with rooftop bars and nightlife clusters.
• West Midtown has a strong brewery and restaurant-bar scene.
• Decatur feels more small-town and walkable, with excellent beer and cocktail spots.
• East Atlanta Village and Edgewood lean grittier and more late-night.

Most bars are 21+, and many check IDs at the door—bring a valid government-issued ID. Parking can be tricky in dense areas, so consider rideshare if you’re planning to drink.

Best Cocktail Bars in Atlanta

If you’re looking for thoughtful, well-made cocktails, Atlanta has quite a few standout spots, especially around Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Midtown.

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

These connected neighborhoods are some of the strongest areas for creative drinks and walkable bar-hopping.

• Expect:
  • Inventive house cocktails and updated classics
  • Bars tucked into historic buildings or along the Atlanta BeltLine
  • Crowds that include both locals and visitors, especially on weekends

Most of these cocktail bars are within a short ride of Downtown and Midtown and are easy to combine with dinner in the area.

Midtown

Midtown bars tend to be a bit more polished and centrally located, convenient if you’re staying near Peachtree Street NE or around 10th St NE.

• Expect:
  • Hotel bars with serious cocktail programs
  • Lounges that shift from quiet early evening to busier late nights
  • Easy access to MARTA stations like Midtown Station and Arts Center Station

If you’re catching a show at the Fox Theatre (660 Peachtree St NE), there are several cocktail-focused bars within a short walk or quick ride.

Best Rooftop Bars in Atlanta for Skyline Views

Atlanta does rooftop bars well, especially around Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead. You’ll trade some quiet for views, but if you want to see the skyline, these are good categories to look for.

Downtown & Centennial Park Area

If you’re near Centennial Olympic Park, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or the Georgia World Congress Center, rooftop bars in this area are ideal before or after events.

• Why go:
  • Panoramic city views of downtown towers and stadiums
  • Close to major hotels and attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola
  • Easy access from major streets like Marietta St NW and Baker St NW

Expect dress codes at some rooftop bars—smart-casual clothes generally work. Many are attached to hotels, which tend to keep fairly regular hours.

Midtown & Buckhead Rooftops

• Midtown rooftops: Good for skyline photos, pre-dinner drinks, and nights out near Piedmont Park and the Midtown Mile (along Peachtree).
• Buckhead rooftops: Often a bit glossier, with bottle service or lounge-style seating more common, especially around Peachtree Rd NE and Lenox Rd NE.

Tip: 🌃 Sunset reservations (where available) are prime time. If you’re coming on a weekend, it’s smart to call ahead or check same-day availability before heading over.

Neighborhood Bars and Local Hangouts

If you want somewhere that feels more like a local’s bar than a destination lounge, Atlanta has plenty of welcoming neighborhood spots.

Virginia-Highland

Around Highland Ave NE and Virginia Ave NE, this area is popular with long-time residents and younger professionals.

• What you’ll find:
  • Classic pub-style bars with solid beer and cocktail options
  • Casual patios and porches
  • Walkable strip with restaurants and dessert spots to round out the night

It’s a good pick if you want somewhere social but not rowdy, especially on weeknights.

Grant Park & Summerhill

Close to Zoo Atlanta and Georgia State Stadium area:

• Expect:
  • Calm, cozy bars with a residential feel
  • Spots that work well for small groups and conversation
  • Easier street parking than some intown neighborhoods

If you’re staying in an Airbnb around Grant Park or Ormond St SE, there are several bars you can often reach with a short walk or quick ride.

East Atlanta Village (EAV)

Centering roughly around Flat Shoals Ave SE and Glenwood Ave SE, EAV is a longtime nightlife area.

• What you’ll find:
  • Dive bars, music venues, and patios
  • Later hours and louder atmospheres
  • A mix of regulars and visitors, especially on weekends

If you want something relaxed but still distinctly “Atlanta,” East Atlanta is worth the trip.

Best Areas for Bar-Hopping

Because Atlanta is spread out, “bar-hopping” is usually neighborhood-based rather than across the city in one night. These are the top areas where you can reasonably walk from bar to bar.

Old Fourth Ward & BeltLine Eastside Trail

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, especially near Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE) and down toward Krog Street Market (99 Krog St NE), is one of the easiest places to spend an entire evening without driving.

• Why it’s great for bar-hopping:
  • Multiple bars, breweries, and patios steps from the trail
  • Food halls at Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market for snacks or full meals
  • A mix of craft cocktails, casual beer spots, and wine-friendly bars

This is a good choice if some of your group prefers cocktails while others want beer and simple mixed drinks.

Edgewood Avenue

Stretching along Edgewood Ave SE east of Downtown:

• Expect:
  • A strip of bars and music venues close together
  • High-energy nights, especially Thursday–Saturday
  • A younger crowd, lines at popular spots late night

If you’re staying near Downtown or the King Memorial MARTA Station, Edgewood is a quick ride or short drive away.

Buckhead Village

Around Peachtree Rd NE, Pharr Rd NE, and Buckhead Ave NE, this pocket of Buckhead has several bars and lounges close together.

• Good for:
  • Groups looking for a dressier night out
  • Spots that feel more like lounges or clubs after a certain hour
  • Proximity to hotels and shopping (Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza nearby)

Parking is a mix of decks and valet; rideshare is common here, especially late night.

Beer Bars, Breweries, and Taprooms

Atlanta has a strong craft beer and brewery scene, with many taprooms acting as de facto bars—often with food trucks, patios, and games.

West Midtown & Upper Westside

Near streets like Howell Mill Rd NW, Marietta St NW, and Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW:

• What to expect:
  • Large brewery taprooms pouring IPAs, lagers, sours, and seasonal releases
  • Casual, dog-friendly patios
  • Industrial-chic warehouse settings

This area is especially good for afternoon or early evening hangs, and many spots are family-friendly earlier in the day (age policies vary).

Decatur

The City of Decatur, centered around Decatur Square (E Ponce de Leon Ave, N McDonough St), is one of the most walkable areas in metro Atlanta.

• Highlights:
  • Bars and restaurants with serious beer lists
  • Cozy spots ideal for conversation or low-key nights
  • Easy access via Decatur MARTA Station

If you’re staying in-town but want a slightly quieter, more small-town feel with excellent drinks, Decatur is a strong option.

Wine Bars and Relaxed Date Spots

For a quieter evening, there are several parts of Atlanta that work well for wine-focused bars and date nights.

Inman Park & Old Fourth Ward

• Expect:
  • Intimate spaces with well-curated wine lists
  • Bars that double as good first-date spots
  • Access to the BeltLine and plenty of restaurants nearby

This area works well if you want to start with a glass of wine, move to dinner, and then end the night with a cocktail bar all within a short walk.

Buckhead & Brookhaven

Around Peachtree Rd NE, Roswell Rd NE, and Dresden Dr NE:

• What you’ll find:
  • Wine bars with by-the-glass and bottle options
  • Bars attached to upscale or mid-range restaurants
  • Lounges that stay fairly low-key on weeknights

These neighborhoods are popular with locals for weeknight drinks after work.

Practical Tips for Going Out in Atlanta

1. Getting Around Safely

• Rideshare is widely used across the city, especially for nights out.
• MARTA rail and bus:
  • Useful if you’re near Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, Decatur, or near a station.
  • Main rail lines (Red and Gold along Peachtree corridor; Blue and Green east-west) can get you close to several bar-heavy areas.
• Parking:
  • Many intown neighborhoods rely on street parking and small paid lots.
  • Always check signage; some residential streets require permits or have time limits.

For MARTA trip planning, you can contact:

• Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
  Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  Customer Information: (404) 848-5000

2. ID and Entry

• Most bars are strict about 21+.
• Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID).
• Some higher-end or rooftop bars may have:
  • Dress codes (avoid athletic wear, flip-flops, or hats in certain spots)
  • Lines and cover charges on busy weekends

If you’re unsure, calling the bar earlier in the day to ask about dress and cover can save time.

3. Typical Hours

• Many neighborhood bars open by late afternoon and go until midnight–2 a.m., especially Thursday–Saturday.
• Rooftop and hotel bars sometimes open earlier for daytime drinks or brunch, but hours vary widely.
• Sunday hours can be shorter; if you’re going out on Sunday evening, check current hours ahead of time.

4. Weather and Patios

Atlanta’s climate makes patio and rooftop seating popular most of the year.

• Summers are hot and humid—outdoor bars often have fans and misters, but lightweight clothes are helpful.
• Even in winter, many patios use heaters, especially in busy neighborhoods like Midtown, West Midtown, and Old Fourth Ward.

How to Choose the Right Bar in Atlanta for You

When you’re deciding where to go, focus on:

1. Location

   • Are you staying near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or another area?
   • Do you want to walk, or are you fine with a rideshare across town?

2. Vibe

   • Quiet vs. lively: Do you want conversation or loud music?
   • Dressy vs. casual: Are you in jeans and sneakers or planning a more polished look?

3. Drinks priority

   • Craft cocktails: Look to Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Midtown.
   • Beer and breweries: Focus on West Midtown, Decatur, East Atlanta.
   • Rooftops and views: Check Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead.

4. Timing

   • Weeknights are more relaxed almost everywhere.
   • Thursdays through Saturdays bring the biggest crowds, especially in Edgewood, Buckhead, Midtown, and BeltLine areas.

If you keep these four points in mind—location, vibe, drinks, and timing—you can narrow down Atlanta’s many options to the best bars for your specific night out, whether you’re a local exploring a new neighborhood or a visitor trying to experience the city after dark.