Best Drinks in Atlanta: Where to Sip Around the City

Atlanta is a city that takes its drinks seriously. Whether you’re into classic cocktails, creative mocktails, local craft beer, or carefully roasted coffee, you can find a neighborhood spot that fits your style. This guide focuses on where to get the best drinks in Atlanta, how different areas of the city compare, and what to know before you go.

How to Think About “Best Drinks” in Atlanta

“Best” in Atlanta usually comes down to a few factors:

• Quality and consistency of what’s in the glass
• Atmosphere: date night, game night, quiet catch-up, or big group outing
• Location and convenience: where you live, work, or are staying
• Price range: splurge-worthy vs. everyday spots
• Type of drink: cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine, coffee, tea, or specialty drinks

Below is a quick overview of where different types of drinks shine around the city.

At-a-Glance: Where to Go for Different Kinds of Drinks

Best Craft Cocktails in Atlanta

Atlanta’s cocktail bars lean into seasonal ingredients, Southern flavors, and creative spins on the classics.

Midtown & Old Fourth Ward: Great for Visitors and After-Work Drinks

These areas are packed with high-quality cocktail bars within walking distance of hotels, offices, and entertainment.

What to expect:

• Classic cocktails with modern riffs (Old Fashioneds, Negronis, martinis)
• Seasonal menus featuring local fruits and herbs
• Bartenders who can make off-menu drinks if you share your preferences

Tips:

• 🕒 Peak times: Thursday–Saturday nights can get crowded; consider earlier evenings for shorter waits.
• 💵 Price: Cocktail prices in central neighborhoods often run higher; ask for happy hour options if budget matters.

Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, and Decatur: Neighborhood Cocktail Gems

If you prefer a neighborhood feel over a high-energy scene, these areas often deliver:

• Smaller, more intimate bars
• Patio seating when the weather allows
• Menus that highlight Southern spirits like bourbon, rye, and regional ingredients

Good for:

• Low-key date nights
• Small groups that want to talk without shouting over loud music

Best Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Atlanta’s drink scene has become much more inclusive for people who don’t drink alcohol or want a lighter night.

Where to Look for Great Mocktails

Many cocktail-focused bars now offer house-designed zero-proof drinks, not just soda or juice. You’ll often find:

• Spirit-free versions of classics (e.g., “no-jito,” NA spritz)
• Complex drinks made with fresh juice, house syrups, and herbs
• Options clearly listed under a “Zero-Proof,” “Spirit-Free,” or “NA” section

You’re most likely to see thoughtful mocktail menus in:

• Midtown (near hotels, theaters, and event venues)
• West Midtown (near breweries and food halls)
• Decatur (strong restaurant and bar concentration)

How to order:

• If you don’t see mocktails listed, you can still ask for a “spirit-free cocktail that’s citrusy/herbal/sweet/bitter” based on your taste.
• Many bartenders in Atlanta are used to customizing non-alcoholic drinks on the spot.

Best Craft Beer in Atlanta

Atlanta’s craft beer scene is spread across several neighborhoods, with breweries, taprooms, and beer-focused bars.

West Midtown & Underwood Hills: Brewery Cluster

These areas have become a major brewery district with multiple taprooms and production facilities within a short drive. You’ll typically find:

• IPAs, lagers, sours, and seasonal releases
• Large indoor and outdoor seating areas
• Food trucks or nearby restaurants for snacks and meals

These spots are popular for:

• Weekend afternoons
• Casual group hangouts
• Events like trivia nights and live music (varies by location)

BeltLine & Old Fourth Ward: Drinks with a Walkable Vibe

Along or near the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, you’ll find:

• Taprooms with rotating local and regional drafts
• Bars that focus on craft beer flights and unique imports
• Easy access to multiple drinking spots without needing to drive between each

This is one of the easiest ways for a visitor to explore several bars in a single walk.

Decatur & Edgewood: Laid-Back Beer Culture

Decatur and Edgewood lean more relaxed, with:

• Neighborhood bars offering both local and classic beers
• Patios that stay busy in spring and fall
• A mix of craft beer and straightforward, no-fuss options

Best Wine Bars and Wine-Focused Spots

Wine culture in Atlanta ranges from casual to refined but rarely feels stuffy.

Virginia-Highland & Inman Park: Cozy Wine Evenings

Expect:

• By-the-glass lists that change regularly
• Staff who can guide you if you describe what you like (dry, fruity, bold, light)
• Light bites or full menus depending on the spot

These areas are ideal for:

• Small-group catch-ups
• First or second dates
• Quiet conversations over a bottle

Buckhead: Wine with a More Polished Atmosphere

Buckhead often features:

• Larger lists, including international bottles and older vintages
• More formal or business-friendly settings
• A mix of casual and upscale venues around Peachtree Road and nearby streets

If you’re staying in Buckhead hotels or visiting malls and shopping centers, it’s convenient to find a solid glass of wine nearby.

Best Coffee, Tea, and Daytime Drinks

Not every “best drink” in Atlanta has to be alcoholic. The city’s coffee and tea scene is especially useful if you work remotely or like afternoon meetups.

Intown Neighborhoods: Strong Coffee Culture

Good areas to start:

• Grant Park & Summerhill: Great for locals who want walkable coffee shops with plenty of seating.
• Old Fourth Ward & BeltLine: Coffee shops that are laptop-friendly in the daytime and sometimes shift to bar service at night.
• Midtown: Convenient for commuters, students, and visitors staying near Peachtree Street.

What you’ll typically find:

• Carefully brewed drip coffee and espresso drinks
• Seasonal lattes (e.g., spiced, floral, or fruit-infused)
• Non-dairy alternatives and some tea lattes (chai, matcha)

Decatur: Quiet, Study-Friendly Cafés

Decatur is known for a calmer pace, making it good for:

• Students
• Remote workers
• People who want a quieter place to read or meet

Expect a mix of:

• Traditional espresso drinks
• Loose-leaf tea options
• House-made syrups and rotating specialty drinks

Best Places for Late-Night Drinks

If you’re out after a show, a game, or a concert, your options will depend on the night of the week and the area.

Midtown and Downtown: After-Event Drinks

Close to:

• State Farm Arena (1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303)
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
• Theaters and concert venues

You can usually find:

• Bars that stay open later on event nights
• Spots that handle large crowds and quick orders
• Places that offer both beer and cocktails, sometimes with a full food menu

If you’re coming from a game or concert, expect:

• Heavier traffic and possible cover charges at certain nightlife spots on peak nights.

Edgewood & Old Fourth Ward: Livelier Nightlife

These areas tend to have:

• Louder, busier bars with DJs or lively music
• A younger crowd, especially on weekends
• More casual dress codes and quick-serve drinks

If you want a higher-energy night with lots of bar options on the same street or within a few blocks, these neighborhoods are common go-tos.

Finding the Right Spot Based on Your Situation

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

You may want places that are:

• Easy to reach from your hotel
• Close to attractions and transit

Areas to prioritize:

• Midtown for a mix of cocktails, beer, and coffee within walking distance
• Old Fourth Ward / BeltLine for a “sample a little of everything” experience
• Downtown if you’re attending conventions, games, or concerts

To navigate:

• Many visitors rely on rideshare services, especially at night.
• Plan for extra time on weekends and event days.

If You Live in Atlanta

You can think more in terms of:

• Your neighborhood bar or café: somewhere that feels comfortable on a random Tuesday
• Special-occasion spots: nicer cocktail or wine bars you save for celebrations
• Functional spots: near your office, MARTA station, or regular commute routes

Atlanta residents often:

• Have a go-to coffee shop for weekday mornings
• Keep a shortlist of 2–3 favorite bars in different parts of town (near home, near work, near the BeltLine)
• Choose breweries or casual bars for larger groups or game days

Practical Tips for Enjoying Drinks in Atlanta

• Transportation:

  • For late nights or bar-hopping, many people rely on rideshares rather than driving.
  • MARTA rail stations in Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and Decatur give you a base to explore nearby drink spots on foot.

• Reservations vs. Walk-Ins:

  • Higher-end cocktail and wine bars may recommend or require reservations on weekends.
  • Breweries, casual bars, and coffee shops are usually walk-in friendly.

• Weather Considerations:

  • Patio and rooftop drinks are popular in spring and fall.
  • In summer, many people look for indoor, air-conditioned seating or shaded patios with fans.

• Dietary and Preference Needs:

  • Many Atlanta places offer gluten-free, vegan, or non-dairy options, especially on coffee and mocktail menus.
  • If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, it’s common and accepted to ask for zero-proof options at most cocktail-focused venues.

If You Need Official Information or Assistance

If you’re looking for information related to alcohol laws, licensing, or permits in Atlanta (for example, if you’re planning an event or opening a business that serves drinks), some key contacts include:

• City of Atlanta – Office of Revenue (Alcohol Licenses)

  • 55 Trinity Avenue SW, Suite 1350, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main Phone: 404-330-6270

• Georgia Department of Revenue – Alcohol & Tobacco Division

  • 1800 Century Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30345
  • Main Phone: 877-423-6711

These agencies handle official matters; they do not recommend specific bars or restaurants but are useful if you need to understand regulations, permits, or serving rules.

Focusing on the type of drink, neighborhood vibe, and your transportation plans will help you quickly narrow down the best drinks in Atlanta for your night out, weekend plans, or daily routine.