Best Bars in Downtown Atlanta: Where to Drink, Snack, and Hang Out

Downtown Atlanta has a bar for almost every kind of night out—whether you’re catching a game, looking for a rooftop view, or just want a laid-back place near your hotel or office. This guide walks through popular types of bars in Downtown Atlanta, what to expect in each pocket of the neighborhood, and practical tips for getting around safely and smoothly.

Getting Oriented: Downtown Atlanta’s Main Bar Areas

When people say “bars in Downtown Atlanta,” they’re usually talking about a few overlapping zones:

• Centennial Olympic Park / State Farm Arena & Mercedes‑Benz Stadium – heavy on sports bars and pre‑game spots
• Fairlie-Poplar & Broad Street – walkable, more local feel, mix of pubs and casual cocktail bars
• Peachtree Street corridor – hotel bars, lounges, and higher-end options
• Near Georgia State University – student-friendly, lower-key and often more budget-conscious

All of these areas are MARTA-accessible, mainly via Five Points Station and Peachtree Center Station, which is useful if you’d rather not drive or deal with event traffic.

Types of Bars You’ll Find in Downtown Atlanta

1. Sports Bars and Game-Day Hangouts

If you’re heading to a Falcons, Hawks, United, or big college game, Downtown is the natural place to start.

Common features you’ll find at Downtown sports bars:

• Multiple large TVs and big game sound
• Beer-heavy menus with some cocktails and basic wine
• Bar food like wings, burgers, and fries
• Crowds that swell before and after events at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena

These bars cluster around:

• Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
• Marietta St NW
• The blocks between CNN Center and the stadiums

👉 Tip: On major game or concert nights, plan for longer waits and sometimes limited menus. Arrive 60–90 minutes early if you want a table.

2. Rooftop and View-Focused Bars

Downtown Atlanta’s skyline makes rooftop bars especially appealing when the weather is good. These spots are popular with locals and visitors who want a city-view drink without going far from hotels or attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola.

What to expect:

• Skyline views of the Downtown and Midtown towers
• Cocktail-focused menus, often with seasonal options
• Dress codes that can be a bit more polished than casual sports bars
• Heavier crowds on weekends and warm evenings

Many rooftop bars sit atop Peachtree Street–area hotels and mixed-use buildings. While the specific venues can change over time, you’ll typically find them:

• Near Peachtree Center
• Around Centennial Olympic Park
• In and around the Hotel District on Peachtree St NW

👉 Tip: Some rooftops are 21+ in the evenings and may have cover charges or ID checks at the elevator or lobby level. Always bring a valid ID.

3. Cocktail Bars and Lounges

If you’re more interested in craft cocktails than pitchers of beer, look around the Fairlie-Poplar and Peachtree Street corridors.

Typical features:

• Signature cocktails and twists on classics
• Smaller, more intimate interiors
• Table service and bar seating
• Music that allows for conversation, especially on weeknights

These bars are popular with:

• People staying in Downtown hotels who want a nicer drink close to home base
• Office workers winding down after work
• Locals coming in for dinner and a show at the Fox Theatre or Downtown venues (even though the Fox is in Midtown, many people still choose to stay Downtown)

👉 Tip: Cocktail bars often have smaller food menus. If you want a full dinner, plan to eat nearby or check menus ahead of time.

4. Pubs, Dive Bars, and Laid-Back Spots

Downtown is not just polished lounges and event-night crowds. You can also find casual pubs and timeworn neighborhood bars, particularly around:

• The Broad Street area (near Georgia State University and Fairlie-Poplar)
• Smaller side streets off Peachtree St NW

Common traits:

• Relaxed dress code (jeans and sneakers are typical)
• Beer and basic mixed drinks, sometimes a few local brews
• Jukeboxes, darts, or pool tables in some spots
• A mix of locals, students, and workers from nearby offices

These are good choices if you:

• Want cheaper drinks than hotel bars or rooftops
• Prefer a low-key environment that doesn’t require reservations
• Are bar-hopping and want a break from loud event crowds

5. Hotel Bars Worth Visiting Even If You’re Local

Downtown Atlanta has a dense cluster of hotels, and many of them have bars that feel like standalone destinations—not just lobby afterthoughts.

Why locals and visitors alike use hotel bars:

• Consistent hours and service
• Central locations along Peachtree St NW and Andrew Young International Blvd
• A predictable environment that’s often a bit calmer than game-day sports bars
• Easy place to meet friends who are staying in different parts of the city

Some hotels in the core Downtown bar zone include:

👉 Tip: If you’re bar-hopping, hotel bars can be a great “reset” stop—clean restrooms, space to sit, and a more controlled vibe before moving onto the next spot.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Downtown Atlanta Bars

How to Get Around Safely

Public transit and walking are often easier than driving between bars in Downtown.

• MARTA Rail:
  • Five Points Station – central hub that connects most MARTA lines; good for bars near Broad St, Fairlie-Poplar, and Georgia State University
  • Peachtree Center Station – close to many Peachtree Street bars, hotel bars, and some rooftop spots
• Walking: Many Downtown bars are within a 10–15-minute walk of each other. Sidewalks are busy around Centennial Olympic Park, especially on event nights.
• Rideshare: Widely used, but expect higher prices and slower pickups right as games or concerts end near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena.

👉 Safety reminders:

• Stick to well-lit, active streets when walking at night.
• Travel with a group when possible, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
• Have your return plan (MARTA schedule, rideshare, or designated driver) set before you start drinking.

Parking Near Bars in Downtown Atlanta

If you do drive, know that Downtown parking can be expensive and competitive, especially during events.

Options to consider:

• Public parking garages and decks near Peachtree Center, Centennial Olympic Park, and the convention centers
• Surface lots around Marietta St NW and Andrew Young International Blvd
• Hotel garages (sometimes offer paid parking even if you’re not a guest)

Tips for avoiding issues:

• Always pay attention to posted signs and time limits; some areas tow aggressively.
• On event nights, consider parking a little farther from stadiums and walking to your bar to avoid the most congested zones.
• Keep valuables out of sight and lock your car—standard city precautions.

Common Hours and Last Call in Downtown

Bar hours can vary, but a few patterns are common in Downtown Atlanta:

• Many bars open by late afternoon on weekdays; earlier on weekends and game days.
• Weeknights may be quieter, with bars slowing down by midnight or 1 a.m.
• Weekends and big event nights often go later, with last call closer to 2 a.m., depending on the venue and city regulations.

Always check the specific bar’s current hours, especially for:

• Rooftop bars (may close for weather or private events)
• Bars connected to convention traffic, which can adjust hours around major events

Pairing Bars With Nearby Downtown Attractions

If you’re planning a full day or evening out, it can help to match your bar choice to nearby attractions:

• Georgia Aquarium / World of Coca-Cola / National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • Look to bars around Centennial Olympic Park – this is the most convenient cluster.
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
  • Pre- and post-game, sports bars along Marietta St NW and surrounding streets are packed and lively.
• Georgia State University area
  • Expect more casual, budget-friendly bars and pubs; good for younger crowds and weekday evenings.
• Peachtree Street hotels and offices
  • Ideal zone for cocktail lounges, rooftop bars, and hotel bars where you can sit and talk.

Basic Safety and Responsible Drinking Considerations

While Downtown Atlanta is heavily trafficked and well-patrolled, it’s still important to be thoughtful:

• Keep your ID on you; most bars card, especially at night.
• Watch your drinks and stay aware of your surroundings.
• If you feel unwell or unsafe, seek help from bar staff, hotel staff, or law enforcement as needed.
• For emergencies, you can contact Atlanta Police Department via 911. For non-emergencies in the City of Atlanta, the general police line is 404-658-6666.

Quick Planning Checklist for Bars in Downtown Atlanta

Use this as a simple guide when choosing where to go:

• 🎯 Purpose of your night:

  • Game day? → Look near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium / State Farm Arena
  • Scenic drinks? → Rooftops in the Peachtree/Hotel District
  • Casual meet-up? → Broad Street / Fairlie-Poplar pubs and bars
  • Work trip wind-down? → Hotel bars along Peachtree St NW

• 🕒 Timing:

  • Weeknights: Quieter, easier to get seats
  • Weekends & events: More energy, longer waits

• 🚆 Getting there & back:

  • MARTA stations: Five Points or Peachtree Center
  • Rideshare or designated driver if you plan to drink

• 👔 Dress & vibe:

  • Sports bar or dive: Casual
  • Rooftop or cocktail lounge: Smart casual often works best

By matching your plans with the right pocket of Downtown, you can find a bar that fits your mood—whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting for a few days, or are just getting to know the city’s core nightlife.