Sidebar Atlanta: What It Is, Where It Was, and What to Know Now

If you’re searching for “Sidebar Atlanta”, you’re most likely looking for information on the popular downtown bar and nightlife spot that used to sit just off Marietta Street, close to the heart of the city’s sports and entertainment district.

Because venues change quickly in Atlanta—especially around Downtown, the Gulch, and the CNN Center area—it helps to understand:

• What Sidebar Atlanta was known for
• Where it was located and what’s around there now
• How the area’s nightlife and bar scene currently works
• Nearby options if you’re trying to recreate that “Sidebar” vibe

This guide focuses on Atlanta-specific context, so you can get your bearings whether you’re a local, a visitor, or planning a night out near State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

What People Mean by “Sidebar Atlanta”

When Atlantans say “Sidebar Atlanta,” they’re usually referring to:

• A downtown bar and lounge that operated for years near the Five Points / CNN Center area
• A spot known for late-night drinks, DJ sets, and a casual party atmosphere
• A place people often hit before or after games, concerts, or big events downtown

Over time, ownership, branding, or operations may change, and some nightlife spots in that stretch of downtown have closed, rebranded, or relocated. If you’ve seen older references to Sidebar Atlanta on maps, social media, or event flyers, keep in mind that the current status may be different than what you remember.

Because nightlife can be fluid, the safest approach is to:

• 🔎 Search current listings and maps for “Sidebar Atlanta” or the exact street address
• 📱 Check recent reviews or social feeds to see if it’s open, renamed, or replaced
• 🗺️ Look at what’s currently operating around Marietta St NW, Luckie St NW, and the CNN Center / Centennial Olympic Park area

The Downtown Area Around Sidebar: What It’s Like

Even if the Sidebar you’re thinking of has changed or closed, the surrounding area is still one of Atlanta’s key nightlife and event hubs.

Key Nearby Landmarks

The former Sidebar zone sits within walking distance of:

• State Farm Arena – home of the Atlanta Hawks and major concerts
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium – Falcons, Atlanta United, large concerts and events
• CNN Center area / Centennial Olympic Park – heavy foot traffic, especially on event days
• Five Points MARTA Station – the central rail hub, useful if you’re not driving

Because of this cluster, pre‑game and post‑event bar traffic is common, and many visitors searching “Sidebar Atlanta” are just looking for a reliable place to grab drinks near these venues.

If You Liked Sidebar’s Vibe, Here’s What to Look For Nearby

Sidebar was known more for its social, energetic atmosphere than for being a quiet cocktail lounge. To find something similar downtown, focus on:

1. Bars and Lounges Around State Farm Arena & Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

You’ll find a rotating mix of:

• Sports bars with large TVs and game‑day crowds
• Music‑focused bars with DJs or curated playlists
• Casual lounges and pub‑style spots that stay open late on event nights

Look in and around:

• Marietta St NW
• Andrew Young International Blvd NW
• Luckie St NW
• The blocks between Centennial Olympic Park and the arenas

These areas often fill the role Sidebar used to play: a central, walkable drinking and hanging-out zone.

2. MARTA-Accessible Nightlife

One reason Sidebar was convenient: it was reachable by MARTA, which is still the smartest option for many late-night downtown outings.

• Five Points Station and GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station are the two key stops.
• From either station, you can walk to multiple bars and restaurants, depending on your comfort with walking downtown at night and current activity in the area.

If you’re staying in a hotel downtown and searching “Sidebar Atlanta” just to find “somewhere close with a similar feel,” it’s worth checking:

• The Hotel District near Peachtree St and Andrew Young International Blvd
• Any bar scenes inside or next to big hotels in that zone, which often function as de facto meeting spots before events

Practical Tips for a Night Out in the Former Sidebar Area

Because downtown crowds can swing from quiet to packed depending on events, it helps to plan with a bit of structure—especially if you were expecting a one‑stop spot like Sidebar.

Timing

• 🎫 Event nights (Hawks, Falcons, United, major concerts): expect lines, covers, and crowded sidewalks.
• 📆 Non‑event weeknights: some places may close earlier or be more low‑key than Midtown or Buckhead.
• 🌃 Late‑night hours: always double‑check closing times; they vary widely from place to place.

Transportation & Parking

Downtown can be confusing if you’re not used to it.

Parking options around the old Sidebar area commonly include:

• Large event decks near State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Smaller surface lots and private decks off Marietta St NW, Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, and nearby side streets

Because parking prices often spike for events, many Atlantans:

• Take MARTA into downtown
• Use rideshare to avoid navigating tight post‑event traffic

If your mental map still centers around Sidebar, it can help to search for State Farm Arena or Centennial Olympic Park instead, then choose bars within walking distance of those.

Safety & Awareness

Like many large city centers, downtown Atlanta can feel very different from day to night and from event days to off nights.

Common-sense habits locals often follow:

• Stay in well‑lit, populated areas, especially if you’re walking between bars late
• Keep an eye on personal belongings and drinks
• Use MARTA stations, hotel lobbies, or well‑known rideshare pickup points as rendezvous spots if your group separates

How “Sidebar Atlanta” Fits Into the Bigger Atlanta Nightlife Picture

If you’re disappointed that Sidebar itself may not be operating as you remember, it helps to zoom out to Atlanta’s broader nightlife neighborhoods, each offering a different version of that social, bar‑driven energy.

Here’s a simple comparison to understand your options if you originally planned around Sidebar:

If you liked Sidebar for:

• The loud, social vibe → Consider Midtown bars or Buckhead nightlife.
• Being central and convenient before events → Stick to downtown near the arenas.
• The casual, local feel more than location → Check out Edgewood or Old Fourth Ward.

How to Verify the Current Status of Sidebar Atlanta

Because bars and lounges can close, relocate, or rebrand without much fanfare, the best way to know what’s happening with Sidebar right now is to:

1. Search by name plus “Atlanta GA” in a current maps app.
2. Check if the address listing is marked “closed” or “permanently closed.”
3. Look for a new name or concept at the same address.
4. Scan recent reviews or photos to see what the spot is like if it has changed hands.

If you’re planning a group outing, it’s smart to:

• 📞 Call the venue if a phone number is listed
• 🕐 Confirm hours, cover charges, and dress code if applicable
• 📍 Pick a backup bar or meeting point in the same area in case things have changed

Using “Sidebar Atlanta” as a Starting Point for Your Plans

For locals who remember Sidebar, the name has become a kind of shorthand for “a downtown bar near the arenas where everyone meets up.” Even if the original venue isn’t operating the same way today, you can still plan effectively by:

• Centering your plans around State Farm Arena / Mercedes‑Benz Stadium / Centennial Olympic Park
• Choosing a current bar or lounge nearby with the vibe you want
• Using MARTA or rideshare to simplify the trip
• Double‑checking opening hours and current operations rather than relying on old memories or outdated listings

If you plug “Sidebar Atlanta” into your map as a reference point, just treat it as a general downtown nightlife zone, then build your actual plans from what’s open and active right now in that surrounding area.