Edgewood Speakeasy: Your Guide to Atlanta’s Hidden Craft Cocktail Bar

If you’ve heard people in Atlanta whisper about a “secret” bar on Edgewood Avenue, they’re almost definitely talking about Edgewood Speakeasy. Tucked inside one of the busiest nightlife corridors in the city, this hidden cocktail bar offers a different pace from the loud clubs and party bars nearby.

This guide walks you through what Edgewood Speakeasy is like, how to find it, what to expect when you’re there, and how to fit it into a night out in Atlanta, Georgia.

What Is Edgewood Speakeasy?

Edgewood Speakeasy is a craft cocktail and speakeasy-style bar hidden behind an unmarked entrance along Edgewood Avenue in the Old Fourth Ward area of Atlanta.

Instead of big signs and flashing lights, it leans into a “hidden bar” vibe:

• Discreet entrance, often through or behind another business
• Low lighting and cozy seating
• Focus on made-to-order cocktails rather than quick mixed drinks
• Music that’s lively but usually not as loud as the street

It’s designed for people who want to hang out, talk, and sip well-made drinks in the middle of one of Atlanta’s rowdiest nightlife strips.

Nearby, Edgewood Avenue is home to bars, clubs, and late-night food spots, so Edgewood Speakeasy fits right into an Atlanta evening where you might bar-hop, grab food, and walk between places.

Where It Fits in Atlanta’s Bar Scene

Atlanta has a growing list of speakeasy-style and craft cocktail bars, especially in neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, East Atlanta, Midtown, and Buckhead. Edgewood Speakeasy stands out because:

• It’s in the heart of Edgewood Avenue’s nightlife, not off in a quiet corner.
• It caters to people who like cocktail quality, but also want to be in the middle of the action.
• It works well as a “second stop” once you’ve warmed up at a louder bar or grabbed dinner nearby.

If you live in Atlanta, it can feel like a go-to spot to take out-of-town visitors who want something “very Atlanta” but a little more unique than a standard club. If you’re visiting the city, it’s an easy addition to a night out because it’s walkable from so many other bars and restaurants.

How to Find Edgewood Speakeasy on Edgewood Avenue

Part of the fun of a speakeasy is the hunt, and Edgewood Speakeasy plays into that. While specifics can change over time, here’s what Atlantans usually experience:

• It’s located along Edgewood Avenue SE in Old Fourth Ward, near a cluster of popular bars.
• The entrance is often inside or behind another public-facing business (commonly a bar or pizza place), with no huge signage calling attention to it.
• People typically walk through the front business, then look for a discrete doorway or passage to get to the speakeasy area.

Because exact setups can shift (especially if the front business rebrands or the space updates its layout), the most practical approach is:

• Ask the staff at the front bar or counter, “Hey, is the speakeasy open tonight?”
• Look for subtle visual cues: a less obvious door, dimly lit hallway, or a staff member pointing you in the right direction.

If you’re using a rideshare, you can set your drop-off for Edgewood Avenue SE near the main nightlife strip. From there, it’s usually a short walk along the street to find the correct entrance.

What to Expect Inside: Atmosphere & Crowd

Once you make it inside, Edgewood Speakeasy typically offers:

• Low lighting and intimate seating – Think booths, small tables, and bar seating.
• A mix of groups and couples – Friend groups starting or ending their night, dates looking for a cozier spot, and locals who know the bar by reputation.
• Music and conversation – It’s not silent by any means, but generally more conversational than the louder bars on the street.
• Nightlife energy without the chaos – You’re steps away from Edgewood’s clubs, but it feels more controlled and curated.

It tends to attract:

• Young professionals and nightlife regulars who live in Atlanta
• Visitors who got a recommendation from locals or hotel staff
• People specifically seeking better cocktails than they’ll get from a high-volume club bar

On busy weekend nights, expect it to feel snug and lively; on weeknights, you might get a more relaxed, date-night vibe.

Drinks: Craft Cocktails at a Speakeasy Pace

As a craft cocktail and speakeasy bar, Edgewood Speakeasy puts most of its energy into thoughtfully made drinks rather than volume.

Typical Drink Experience

You can usually expect:

• Classic cocktails – Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, martinis, sours, and other familiar standards.
• House creations – Drinks that use infused spirits, house-made syrups, fresh juices, or unexpected flavor combinations.
• Neat pours and simple mixes – If you just want whiskey neat, a gin and tonic, or something straightforward, that’s usually available too.

Because the bar focuses on craft cocktails, service can be more deliberate than at a high-speed club bar. Drinks are often:

• Shaken or stirred to order
• Garnished thoughtfully
• Balanced for taste, not just strength

How to Order Smart

To get the most out of a visit:

• Ask the bartender about specialty cocktails or their favorite drink to make.
• Mention your spirit preference (e.g., “I like gin and citrus, nothing too sweet”) and see if they suggest something tailored.
• If you’re with a group, consider everyone ordering different drinks and sampling to discover favorites.

🍸 Tip: If the bar is packed, keep your order fairly simple or be ready to wait a bit longer for more complex drinks.

Getting In: Reservations, Lines, and Timing

Policies can change, but many Atlanta speakeasy-style bars, including Edgewood Speakeasy, generally operate with:

• Mostly walk-ins – People usually just show up as part of their Edgewood bar crawl.
• Peak crowds on Friday and Saturday nights, especially after 10 p.m.
• Possible waiting at the entrance if the bar is at capacity.

Best Times to Go

• Early evening (before 9 p.m.) – Good for date night, conversations, or if you prefer less crowding.
• Later (10 p.m. to 1 a.m.) – Busier, more energy, more of an “in the middle of the scene” feel.
• Weeknights – Often easier to get in, with a calmer experience.

If you’re planning a larger group outing, it can help to:

• Arrive earlier in the night.
• Have a backup bar on Edgewood in mind in case there’s a wait.

Dress Code and What to Wear on Edgewood Avenue

Edgewood Avenue in general is casual but stylish, and Edgewood Speakeasy tends to follow that norm.

Common approaches:

• Smart casual: Jeans, nice shirts, casual dresses, comfortable shoes.
• Night-out attire: Trendy outfits that work for both craft cocktails and nearby clubs.

Typically avoid:

• Clothing that’s too beachy (swimwear, very casual flip-flops).
• Anything that might be turned away at other nearby bars (overly ripped clothing, very informal gym wear).

If you’re bar-hopping the strip, dress for walking and standing. Many locals combine sneakers or low heels with a more polished outfit.

Safety, Transportation, and Parking

Edgewood Avenue is a major nightlife spot, so it’s smart to plan your transportation and safety like you would for any busy bar district.

Getting There

Options that Atlanta locals commonly use:

• Rideshare (Uber, Lyft): Most convenient for nights out; drivers are very familiar with the Edgewood strip.
• MARTA:
  • Nearest rail stations are generally in the Downtown area; many people still connect from MARTA to a rideshare for the final stretch.
• Driving and parking:
  • There are paid parking lots and decks near Edgewood Avenue SE.
  • Street parking can be limited and tightly enforced; watch for signs.

Safety Tips

• Stay on the main, well-lit sections of Edgewood Avenue when walking.
• Stick with your group, especially late at night.
• Use rideshare pickup points along the main strip so drivers can easily spot you.
• As with any bar area, keep an eye on your drink and belongings.

For official local safety or transportation information, Atlantans often refer to:

• Atlanta Police Department Zone 5 (which covers some central city nightlife zones)
• City of Atlanta Department of Transportation for parking and street rules

Planning a Night Out Around Edgewood Speakeasy

Because it’s right in the middle of one of Atlanta’s busiest nightlife corridors, Edgewood Speakeasy is easy to combine with other activities.

Before You Go

Consider:

• Dinner nearby – Old Fourth Ward and neighboring Inman Park have a wide range of restaurants, from casual to more upscale.
• Daytime activity – If you’re visiting, you might start your day at nearby attractions like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park or walk along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, then head to Edgewood for the evening.

During the Night

A typical Atlanta-night-out flow might look like:

1. Dinner in Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, or Downtown.
2. A first drink at a more open, casual bar on Edgewood Avenue.
3. Move into Edgewood Speakeasy for craft cocktails and conversation.
4. If you want more energy, step back out to explore the louder clubs, sports bars, or late-night food spots on the strip.

Who Edgewood Speakeasy Is Best For

While almost any adult who enjoys bars can appreciate it, Edgewood Speakeasy tends to be a great fit if you:

• Like thoughtfully made cocktails more than basic mixed drinks.
• Enjoy the idea of a “hidden” bar experience.
• Want to be in the center of Atlanta nightlife but still able to have a real conversation.
• Are hosting visitors and want to show them something distinctively local and a bit unexpected.

If you prefer a very quiet, lounge-style experience far from crowds, you may want to visit earlier in the evening or explore other neighborhoods as well. But if you enjoy mixing craft cocktails with a high-energy street scene, Edgewood Speakeasy is one of the more memorable options in Atlanta.

Quick Reference: Edgewood Speakeasy at a Glance

If you’re spending an evening out in Atlanta and want a hidden-feeling bar with serious cocktails right in the middle of the action, Edgewood Speakeasy is a strong choice to put on your Edgewood Avenue list.