Fun Places To Go Out in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Going Out in the A

Atlanta has a nightlife and social scene that’s as diverse as its neighborhoods. Whether you want high-energy clubs, laid-back patios, artsy hangouts, or late-night eats, you can usually find it within a short drive (or MARTA ride).

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to fun places to go out in Atlanta, organized by vibe and area so you can plan a night that actually fits what you like to do.

Downtown & Midtown: Classic Night Out in the Heart of the City

Downtown and Midtown are where many visitors start and where locals head for big-city energy, skyline views, and a mix of bars, clubs, and venues.

Midtown Bar & Lounge Scene

Midtown is walkable, busy on weekends, and packed with bars, lounges, and clubs that stay lively late into the night.

Popular types of spots in Midtown include:

• Rooftop bars with skyline views and cocktails
• Dance clubs with DJs and themed nights
• Upscale lounges for date nights and celebrations
• Gay bars and LGBTQ+ clubs, especially around the Midtown “gayborhood” area

You’ll find the thickest cluster of nightlife around:

• Peachtree St NE & 10th St NE – close to MARTA Arts Center and Midtown stations
• Side streets like Crescent Ave NE, which are lined with bars and late-night spots

🚆 Getting there: Midtown is easy to reach on MARTA via Midtown Station and Arts Center Station, both on the Red/Gold lines.

Downtown: Sports, Concerts, and Post-Game Drinks

Downtown is great if you’re pairing a night out with an event:

• State Farm Arena – for NBA games and concerts
  • 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – for NFL games, soccer, and major events
  • 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Tabernacle – historic concert venue near Centennial Olympic Park
  • 152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Pre- and post-event, you’ll find sports bars, hotel bars, and casual restaurants within walking distance, especially around Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Marietta St NW, and Luckie St NW.

Buckhead: Upscale Bars, Clubs, and Late-Night Energy

Buckhead is known for a more upscale, dressy night out, especially in and around the Buckhead Village and Peachtree Road corridor.

Buckhead Village & Peachtree Road

The Buckhead area around:

• Peachtree Rd NE & Pharr Rd NE
• Buckhead Ave NE and surrounding blocks

is packed with:

• Trendy cocktail bars and lounges
• Rooftop bars on or near Peachtree
• Bottle-service clubs with DJs and dancing
• High-end restaurants that transition to late-night scenes

Expect a more “going-out” dress code here compared with casual neighborhoods.

🚆 Getting there: Buckhead is served by Buckhead Station, Lenox Station, and Lindbergh Center Station (all on MARTA’s Red/Gold lines), with many places a short rideshare away from the stations.

Edgewood & Old Fourth Ward: Laid-Back, Artsy, and Bar-Hopping Friendly

If you want something more casual and creative, Edgewood Avenue and Old Fourth Ward (O4W) are popular for bar-hopping and local flavor.

Edgewood Avenue Corridor

Along Edgewood Ave SE, especially near:

• Edgewood Ave SE & Boulevard SE
• Edgewood Ave SE & Hillard St NE

you’ll find:

• Dive bars and neighborhood spots
• Music-forward bars with DJs or live performers
• Patio bars and casual hangouts
• Affordable drinks and relaxed dress codes

This area has a more local, hip, and sometimes rowdy feel on weekends, with many bars close together so you can walk between them.

Old Fourth Ward & BeltLine Eastside Trail

Old Fourth Ward is walkable and popular with locals, especially near:

• Ponce City Market – 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• BeltLine Eastside Trail – pedestrian/bike trail lined with bars, patios, and breweries

Fun ways to go out here include:

• Grabbing drinks at BeltLine-side patios
• Exploring food halls and rooftop spots at or near Ponce City Market
• Hopping between craft breweries and casual bars within walking distance

This is a good choice if you want a social night without intense club energy.

West Midtown & The Upper Westside: Breweries, Patios, and Creative Spaces

West Midtown (sometimes called the Westside) blends industrial-chic warehouses, breweries, and newer mixed-use developments.

Breweries and Beer Gardens

The area around Howell Mill Rd NW and Marietta St NW features:

• Craft breweries with taprooms and outdoor seating
• Beer gardens with yard games and picnic tables
• Food-truck-friendly spots on weekends

These are great for group outings, casual dates, or afternoon-into-evening hangs.

Dining + Drinks in West Midtown

You’ll also find:

• Chef-driven restaurants that transition into lively bars later
• Art-forward venues and multi-use spaces that host events, DJs, or pop-ups
• Music and comedy nights at certain local venues

West Midtown is a strong pick if you care as much about food and atmosphere as you do about drinks.

East Atlanta Village (EAV): Indie, Eclectic, and Very Atlanta

East Atlanta Village, centered around Flat Shoals Ave SE & Glenwood Ave SE, has one of the most distinct vibes in the city.

Here you’ll find:

• Indie music venues and small stages
• Dive bars with character
• Neighborhood patios with a regular local crowd
• Tattoo shops, vintage stores, and late-night eats all in a compact area

EAV is a solid choice if you:

• Prefer casual dress and no-frills spots
• Like alternative, rock, or punk-leaning music scenes
• Want to walk from bar to bar without driving

Little Five Points & Inman Park: Alternative, Artsy, and Walkable

Little Five Points (L5P)

Centered around Euclid Ave NE & Moreland Ave NE, Little Five Points is known for:

• Alternative bars and neighborhood pubs
• Live music and performance spaces
• Record shops, thrift stores, and street art

Nightlife here is often more chill and quirky, with people bar-hopping or grabbing drinks before or after shows.

Inman Park

Just down the road, Inman Park offers:

• Wine bars and cocktail spots
• Cozy restaurants with bar seating
• Easy access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail for after-dinner or after-drinks walks

This area is ideal if you like a slower-paced, walkable night that still feels social and urban.

Live Music, Comedy, and Performance Venues

Atlanta has a strong live entertainment scene, and many locals plan nights out around a show.

Major Music Venues In and Near the City

Some of the best-known venues for concerts and shows include:

• Fox Theatre (Midtown) – historic theater with concerts, Broadway tours, and special events
  • 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Tabernacle (Downtown) – mid-sized venue in a historic church building
  • 152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Coca-Cola Roxy (The Battery Atlanta, near Truist Park in Cobb County) – modern concert venue
  • 800 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

These are excellent options if you like making your “going out” plans revolve around a show, with food and drinks nearby.

Comedy Clubs and Improv

Atlanta’s comedy scene gives you another way to go out that isn’t just bars:

• Laughing Skull Lounge (Midtown area) – stand-up comedy in an intimate setting
• Dad’s Garage Theatre Company (Old Fourth Ward/Reynoldstown area) – improv and original comedy shows
  • 569 Ezzard St SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

These spots often have multiple shows per night on weekends, so you can pair a show with dinner or drinks nearby.

Sports Bars, Watch Parties, and Game-Day Hubs

If your idea of fun is catching a game with friends, Atlanta has sports-focused areas that make it easy.

Downtown & The Battery Atlanta

• Around State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium you’ll find sports bars catering to fans before and after games.
• The Battery Atlanta (next to Truist Park in Cobb County), while technically outside the city limits, is a major destination for:
  • Sports bars and restaurants
  • Live music and events on the plaza
  • Game-day energy during Atlanta Braves season

Address for orientation:

• Truist Park & The Battery – 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

Neighborhood Sports Bars

Most neighborhoods—Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Grant Park, West Midtown, and Buckhead—have local sports bars where Atlantans watch Falcons, Hawks, United, Braves, and college games. If you prefer a regular “home bar” feel, choosing one near where you’re staying or living can be more comfortable than heading downtown.

Day-to-Night Spots: BeltLine, Parks, and Mixed-Use Districts

One of the best ways to go out in Atlanta is to start in the afternoon and roll into the evening.

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail runs from roughly Midtown/Old Fourth Ward down toward Reynoldstown, and is lined with:

• Patio bars and restaurants
• Ice cream and coffee shops
• Breweries and beer gardens
• Outdoor spaces where people gather, walk dogs, or ride bikes

Common stops are near:

• Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE)
• The section running through Old Fourth Ward and into Inman Park

Many Atlantans plan a BeltLine crawl, starting with a late afternoon walk, then stopping for drinks and small bites as the sun sets.

Mixed-Use Districts

Several newer developments combine shopping, dining, and nightlife in one walkable area:

• Ponce City Market – food hall, rooftop amusement-style attractions, bars, and shops
• Atlantic Station – retail, restaurants, and a central green space
  • 1380 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30363

These are good if you’re going out with a mixed group (some want food, some want drinks, some just want to walk and people-watch).

Late-Night Eats: Where to Go After the Bars

Atlanta has a reputation for strong late-night food options, especially for:

• Wings and fried chicken
• Burgers and diner-style meals
• Tacos and comfort food

Look for:

• 24-hour or late-closing diners near Midtown and Downtown
• Takeout-heavy spots in busy nightlife areas like Midtown, Edgewood, and Buckhead
• Neighborhood restaurants that explicitly advertise late-night menus on weekends

Many locals plan their night around where they want to eat at 1 or 2 a.m., then work backwards.

Quick Overview: Choosing the Right Area for Your Night Out

Here’s a simplified comparison to help you decide where to go:

Practical Tips for Going Out in Atlanta

To make your night smoother:

• Plan your transportation:

  • MARTA rail and buses are useful for Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and some West Midtown spots.
  • Rideshare is often preferred late at night, especially in areas with limited parking.

• Check hours and dress codes:

  • Buckhead and some Midtown clubs may expect dressier attire.
  • Casual spots in EAV, Edgewood, and L5P are generally more flexible.

• Be weather-aware:

  • Atlanta is hot and humid in summer, so rooftops and patios can be great but may be crowded.
  • In cooler months, many places use heaters and covered patios, but indoor space fills up fast.

• Consider weekday vs weekend:

  • Weeknights can be ideal for quieter drinks, date nights, or smaller shows.
  • Fridays and Saturdays are best for high-energy bar-hopping and clubs, but also mean more crowds and waits.

From rooftop cocktails in Midtown to indie bars in East Atlanta Village, Atlanta offers nearly every kind of night out you can imagine. If you match the neighborhood to the vibe you’re looking for, you’ll usually find a spot that feels like your kind of fun—whether you’re living here, visiting, or just getting to know the city.