Best Cocktail Bars in Atlanta: Where to Drink Right Now

Atlanta’s cocktail scene has grown into one of the most interesting in the Southeast. Whether you’re a local looking for a new regular spot, visiting for a weekend, or planning a special night out, the city has speakeasies, rooftop lounges, neighborhood bars, and destination cocktail dens worth knowing about.

Below is a practical guide to some of the best cocktail bars in Atlanta, what they’re known for, and how to choose the right place for your night.

Quick Snapshot: Top Cocktail Bars by Vibe

Names and offerings can evolve, so always check current hours and policies before you go.

What Makes a “Best” Cocktail Bar in Atlanta?

When locals talk about the best cocktail bars in Atlanta, they usually mean spots that combine:

• Thoughtful drinks (fresh ingredients, balance, consistency)
• Comfortable atmosphere (not just “fancy,” but welcoming)
• Reliable service (knowledgeable bartenders, good pacing)
• Reasonable access (parking, MARTA proximity, walkability for intown neighborhoods)

Because Atlanta is so neighborhood-driven, choosing a bar often starts with picking an area of town. Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Decatur, Buckhead, and Westside each have their own style and typical crowd.

Downtown & Surrounding Areas

Downtown is popular for pre- and post-event cocktails, especially if you’re headed to State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or the Georgia World Congress Center.

Red Phone Booth (Downtown)

• Address: 17 Andrew Young International Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Style: Classic speakeasy with a “secret” entrance through a red phone booth
• Why people go: Dark, intimate, old-school bar vibe with a focus on classic cocktails, cigars, and a dressier crowd than many casual spots.

Things to know:

• Expect reservations or access codes to matter here; many visitors get in through hotel concierges or private membership connections.
• Works well for date nights, business drinks, or pre-event cocktails.

SkyLounge (Downtown)

• Address: 110 Marietta St NW (on top of the Glenn Hotel), Atlanta, GA 30303
• Style: Rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city skyline
• Why people go: The view is the main event, with cocktails that lean toward approachable and crowd-pleasing.

Good for:

• Sunset drinks before a show or game
• Out-of-town visitors who want a “this is Atlanta” skyline moment

Midtown: Classic Atlanta Cocktail Territory

Midtown is one of the city’s most bar-dense neighborhoods, close to MARTA, hotels, and venues like the Fox Theatre. It’s a smart area if you want to bar-hop or keep transportation simple.

The Lawrence (Midtown)

• Address: 905 Juniper St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Style: Upscale but relaxed; a long-time favorite for serious cocktails
• Why people go: Inventive drinks, good classics, and a reliable kitchen if you want to pair cocktails with food.

Highlights:

• Suits dates, small groups, or pre-Fox Theatre plans.
• Bartenders are often comfortable making off-menu classics if asked.

Bon Ton (Midtown)

• Address: 674 Myrtle St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Style: Loud, fun, seafood-focused restaurant with a strong cocktail program
• Why people go: Creative, often tropical-leaning cocktails and a casual, energetic atmosphere.

Best if you:

• Prefer a vibrant, social vibe over something quiet
• Want to mix cocktails with a full meal in one spot

Old Fourth Ward & Ponce City Market

The BeltLine Eastside Trail has become a central hub for going out in Atlanta, and Ponce City Market is an anchor for both food and drinks.

9 Mile Station (Ponce City Market Rooftop)

• Address: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 (Rooftop)
• Style: Rooftop beer garden and cocktail bar with city views
• Why people go: Good cocktails paired with skyline views, games, and a lively crowd.

Ideal for:

• Groups who want upscale casual drinks with a view
• Visitors who want to combine shopping, food hall snacks, and rooftop drinks in one outing

The Tavern at Ponce City Market

• Address: Inside Ponce City Market, ground level
• Style: Cozy, more intimate than the rooftop, with a focus on cocktails and spirits
• Why people go: Controlled, indoor environment with a bar-forward focus, close to everything else in the complex.

Good if you:

• Want to stay inside but still be in the middle of the BeltLine energy
• Prefer something less windy and more low-key than the rooftop

Inman Park, Krog Street, & Eastside Gems

Inman Park and the surrounding Eastside neighborhoods are known for walkable streets and high-quality food and drink.

Ticonderoga Club (Krog Street Market Area)

• Address: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 (inside Krog Street Market)
• Style: Cocktail bar and restaurant with a quirky, comfortable feel
• Why people go: Excellent, often inventive cocktails alongside a well-regarded food menu.

Best for:

• Cocktail lovers who care about balanced drinks and good ingredients
• People who want to sit down and make a night of it rather than hop quickly

Little Spirit (Inman Park)

• Address: 670 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Style: Intimate neighborhood cocktail bar
• Why people go: Strong seasonal menus and a cozy, slightly hidden feel.

Works well for:

• Small groups and dates
• Locals who want a regular spot with thoughtful drinks

Decatur: Craft-Forward and Laid-Back

Decatur, just east of downtown, feels like its own small town with a serious cocktail reputation.

Kimball House (Decatur)

• Address: 303 E Howard Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
• Style: Historic train depot setting with a high-level cocktail and oyster program
• Why people go: Often cited as one of Atlanta’s benchmark cocktail bars, with meticulous technique and a deep spirit selection.

Strong points:

• Ideal for special occasions, anniversaries, or serious cocktail outings
• Known for both classic cocktails and thoughtful house recipes

Victory Sandwich Bar (Decatur)

• Address: 340 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030
• Style: Casual sandwich spot with a playful bar program
• Why people go: Simple but fun cocktails and frozen drinks at approachable prices, plus a relaxed, sometimes late-night vibe.

Great for:

• Post-work drinks
• Starting (or ending) a night of bar hopping around Decatur Square

Buckhead: Polished & Night-Out Ready

Buckhead leans more upscale and nightlife-focused, with many hotel bars and lounges that specialize in cocktails.

The James Room (Buckhead Village)

• Address: 280 Buckhead Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Style: Stylish, dimly lit lounge along Buckhead Village
• Why people go: A date-friendly, polished setting with photo-ready cocktails and music-forward nights.

Good fit if you:

• Want something that feels dressed up without being a full nightclub
• Prefer reservations and planning to wandering between bars

Garden & Gun Club (The Battery Atlanta – nearby but often part of “greater Buckhead” plans)

• Address: 2605 Circle 75 Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
• Style: Southern-inspired cocktail bar connected to Truist Park’s Battery complex
• Why people go: Refined takes on Southern flavors and classic cocktails, convenient for game days or concerts.

Best for:

• Pre- or post-Braves game drinks
• Visitors staying around Cumberland / Cobb Galleria who still want a cocktail-forward bar

West Midtown & Westside Provisions

This area blends industrial-chic buildings with some of Atlanta’s more design-focused dining and drinking rooms.

Drawbar at Bellyard (West Midtown)

• Address: 1 Interlock Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Style: Hotel bar with a modern feel and terrace overlooking the area
• Why people go: Elevated cocktails in a bright, contemporary space, often with hotel guests and locals mixed together.

Works for:

• Business travelers staying nearby
• Locals wanting a cocktail before or after dinner in Westside Provisions

Choosing the Right Bar for Your Night

Because Atlanta is spread out, it helps to think about what matters most for your evening:

1. Location & Transportation

• Intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Decatur) are walkable once you arrive, but driving or rideshares are common.
• MARTA is useful if you’re near stations in Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or Decatur.
• Parking rules and pricing vary widely; some venues use valet, especially in Buckhead and Downtown.

2. Atmosphere

Ask yourself:

• Do you want quiet conversation (Kimball House, Little Spirit, The Lawrence)?
• A social, upbeat scene (Bon Ton, 9 Mile Station, Ponce City Market rooftop)?
• A romantic or special-occasion spot (Red Phone Booth, The James Room, Kimball House)?

3. Drinks Style

Atlanta’s better bars typically offer:

• Well-made classics (Old Fashioned, Negroni, Daiquiri, etc.)
• House signatures with seasonal ingredients or local references
• Increasing attention to zero-proof / low-ABV options for non-drinkers or lighter nights

You can usually:

• Ask bartenders for a recommendation based on your spirit preference
• Request a classic cocktail not on the printed menu, as long as they have the ingredients

Practical Tips for Enjoying Cocktail Bars in Atlanta 🍸

• Check hours and reservations: Many of the best cocktail bars in Atlanta recommend or require reservations, especially Thursday–Saturday and for larger groups.
• Dress codes vary: Speakeasy-style spots and some Buckhead venues may lean toward business casual or dressy casual, while Eastside and Decatur bars are generally more relaxed.
• Plan for traffic: Peak travel times can significantly affect how long it takes to cross town; building in extra time helps you arrive relaxed and able to enjoy your first drink.
• Be mindful of closing times: Some neighborhoods wind down earlier than others; Decatur and some Eastside areas can be quieter late at night compared with Midtown or Buckhead.

If You’re New to Atlanta (or Visiting)

A few easy, well-rounded itineraries that show off the city’s cocktail side:

• BeltLine Night Out: Start at Ponce City Market (Tavern or 9 Mile Station), walk the BeltLine toward Inman Park, and finish at Little Spirit or Krog Street Market-area spots like Ticonderoga Club.
• Midtown Evening: Have dinner near Piedmont Park, then head to The Lawrence or Bon Ton for cocktails, with the option to walk or rideshare to other Midtown bars.
• Decatur Date Night: Begin with cocktails and oysters at Kimball House, then stroll around Decatur Square and, if you want something more casual afterward, stop by Victory Sandwich Bar.

Each of these gives you a sense of how different Atlanta neighborhoods feel, while still keeping cocktails front and center.

Atlanta’s best cocktail bars reflect the city itself: spread out, neighborhood-focused, and full of personality. Whether you’re chasing rooftop views, a hidden speakeasy, or a laid-back neighborhood gem, you’ll find a bar that fits your night somewhere between Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Decatur, Buckhead, and Westside.