Jojo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re looking for a craft cocktail and speakeasy-style bar in Atlanta that leans hard into nostalgia, Jojo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge in Buckhead is one of the city’s most distinctive options. It’s not just a place to grab a drink—it’s a full-on retro experience with an intentionally hidden feel, strong cocktail game, and a very specific vibe.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to help you decide if Jojo’s fits what you’re looking for, and how to make the most of a visit.

Where Jojo’s Beloved Fits in Atlanta’s Bar Scene

Atlanta has no shortage of craft cocktail bars and speakeasy-style concepts, especially in neighborhoods like Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Midtown. Jojo’s Beloved stands out because it:

  • Leans into a 1970s/1980s throwback theme
  • Operates with a speakeasy-style entrance and intimate layout
  • Focuses on cocktail-forward service, not a full restaurant environment
  • Sits inside a larger venue (Politan Row at Colony Square in Midtown), giving it a hidden, “bar-within-a-space” feel

If you live in Atlanta, think of Jojo’s as the kind of spot you’d choose for:

  • A date night with a fun, kitschy twist
  • A pre- or post-dinner drink after hanging out in Midtown
  • A place to bring out-of-town visitors who want something uniquely “Atlanta” but not tourist-trap cheesy

Location, Access, and Parking

Neighborhood: Midtown Atlanta (inside Colony Square’s Politan Row food hall area)

Jojo’s Beloved is tucked inside the Politan Row food hall at:

  • Address:
    Jojo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge
    1197 Peachtree St NE
    Atlanta, GA 30361
    (Inside Colony Square, near Politan Row)

Because it’s styled like a hidden cocktail lounge, first-timers often don’t see it right away. You typically:

  1. Enter Colony Square from Peachtree Street NE or from the parking deck.
  2. Head toward Politan Row (the food hall).
  3. Look for subtle signage or a tucked-away entrance that leads into Jojo’s—part of the fun is that it doesn’t shout its presence.

Parking and Transportation

Getting there in Atlanta terms:

  • 🚗 Parking: Colony Square has a parking deck with paid parking. Rates vary by time and day, but it’s typically straightforward—park, then follow signage into the complex.
  • 🚇 MARTA: The Arts Center Station on MARTA’s Red/Gold line is a short walk away, making Jojo’s a reasonable option if you want to avoid driving after drinks.
  • 🚕 Rideshare: Many Atlanta locals choose ride-hailing services for speakeasy and cocktail bar nights, especially in Midtown where evening enforcement and events can make parking tighter.

If you’re planning a late night or several rounds of cocktails, using MARTA or rideshare is a common, practical choice in this area.

Atmosphere and Vibe

Jojo’s Beloved is designed to feel like a time capsule, with a heavy retro 70s/80s lounge aesthetic. Locals often describe the vibe as:

  • Dimly lit and intimate – expect low lighting, glowing bar shelves, and cozy seating
  • Nostalgic and playful – think patterned decor, old-school details, and a deliberate vintage aesthetic
  • Music-forward – you’re likely to hear older tracks, disco, or throwback tunes that match the theme

Compared with some other Atlanta cocktail bars, Jojo’s tends to feel more like:

  • A set piece from a movie than a generic bar
  • A place that leans into theater and atmosphere, not just drinks

If you prefer bright, minimalist bars, this will feel very different. If you’re into themed spaces and curated playlists, it can be a hit.

Cocktails and Menu Style

Jojo’s is firmly in the craft cocktail lane. You’ll typically see:

  • House cocktails with playful names and layered flavors
  • Takes on classic cocktails (martinis, old fashioneds, daiquiris, etc.) with modern or nostalgic twists
  • A focus on strong presentation—glassware, garnishes, and visual details are part of the experience

Atlanta cocktail drinkers often appreciate Jojo’s for:

  • Balanced, bartender-crafted drinks vs. basic mixed drinks
  • A menu that’s curated rather than massive
  • The opportunity to ask bartenders for recommendations based on your taste (spirit-forward, light and citrusy, sweeter, etc.)

Food at Jojo’s is typically limited compared with a full restaurant. Because it’s located inside a complex with a food hall, many people will:

  • Eat in Politan Row (or nearby Midtown restaurants)
  • Then head into Jojo’s for drinks and conversation

If you’re planning a full evening, consider booking or planning dinner nearby first: Midtown spots along Peachtree, 14th, and around Colony Square give you many options.

Reservations, Lines, and When to Go

Like a lot of Atlanta speakeasy-style bars, capacity is limited and the atmosphere is partially built on keeping things from getting too crowded.

Patterns many Atlantans notice:

  • Weeknights (Mon–Thu): Often easier to get in and find a seat, especially earlier in the evening.
  • Weekends (Fri–Sat): Expect more of a crowd, possible wait times, and a louder, more energetic environment.
  • Earlier vs. Later:
    • Early evening tends to be better if you want a more relaxed, conversational vibe.
    • Later at night, it can feel more like a lively lounge.

Because specific reservation policies and hours can change, it’s smart to:

  • Check for current hours posted at Colony Square or via Jojo’s direct channels.
  • See if they’re currently taking reservations or operating mostly on a walk-in basis.

If you’re bringing a larger group, planning ahead matters more—Atlanta speakeasy-style lounges aren’t usually set up for big parties without prior coordination.

Dress Code and Expectations

Jojo’s doesn’t operate like a nightclub with strict dress enforcement, but the crowd tends to lean:

  • Smart casual at minimum
  • Trendy or slightly elevated on weekends, especially given the Midtown and Buckhead crossover crowd

Common Atlanta-style choices you’ll see here:

  • For many guests: jeans + nice top/button-down + boots or clean sneakers
  • For a date night or celebration: dresses, jumpsuits, blazers, heeled boots, or loafers

You generally won’t need formal wear, but athletic gear and very casual clothing can feel out of place in a themed cocktail lounge environment.

Cost and Budgeting

In line with other Atlanta craft cocktail bars, expect:

  • Cocktails to land in the mid-to-upper price range for the city
  • Drinks that emphasize quality ingredients, technique, and presentation

Ways Atlanta locals often manage the cost while still enjoying Jojo’s:

  • Meeting friends here for one or two cocktails, then moving on
  • Making it the “special” stop for the night—birthday toast, date night, “we got the job” drink
  • Visiting earlier in the night when you’re more likely to savor slower, fewer drinks

Because prices can shift over time, it’s best to plan for a premium cocktail experience rather than a budget bar tab.

Noise Level, Seating, and Group Fit

The layout and vibe are geared toward smaller groups and couples:

  • Best suited for:

    • Dates
    • Two to four people catching up
    • Small groups who enjoy themed spaces

  • Seating types may include:

    • Banquettes and low tables
    • Bar seating
    • Small lounge-style arrangements

Noise can range from comfortable conversation level on slower nights to lively and louder on weekends.

If you’re planning:

  • A first date – consider a weeknight or earlier-evening time slot for a more relaxed feel.
  • A group outing – know that seating for larger groups can be limited and sometimes split across different areas.

How Jojo’s Compares to Other Atlanta Speakeasy-Style Spots

Without ranking or endorsing, it helps to place Jojo’s in context with other speakeasy-like options around town:

  • Midtown / Buckhead: You’ll find a mix of high-energy rooftop bars and quieter lounges. Jojo’s leans toward immersive, retro, and cocktail-focused, rather than “see-and-be-seen” nightlife.
  • Eastside (Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Edgewood): Many bars here are more industrial, artsy, or neighborhood-driven. Jojo’s stands apart with its decidedly nostalgic decor and mall-like hidden location inside a modern complex.

If your priority is:

  • Creative cocktails + themed decor + Midtown convenience → Jojo’s fits well.
  • Big dance floor, DJ-driven party energy → You may want to combine Jojo’s with a different late-night spot afterward.

Practical Tips for Visiting Jojo’s Beloved in Atlanta

A quick checklist to make your visit smoother:

Before you go

  • ✅ Decide if you’re eating before or after at Politan Row or another Midtown restaurant.
  • ✅ Consider MARTA or rideshare, especially on weekends or if you plan to drink more than one cocktail.
  • ✅ Check current hours and any reservation options.

When you arrive

  • ✅ Give yourself time to navigate Colony Square and find the entrance.
  • ✅ Be prepared for a wait on busy nights.
  • ✅ Let the bartender know your flavor preferences—spirit-forward, citrusy, herbal, or dessert-like—to get the most out of the menu.

While you’re there

  • ✅ Pace yourself; craft cocktails are often stronger and more spirit-forward than standard bar mixed drinks.
  • ✅ Take in the decor and music—it’s a big part of the experience.
  • ✅ If you’re sensitive to sound, aim for earlier in the evening or a weeknight.

Is Jojo’s Beloved Right for You?

Jojo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge is a strong fit in Atlanta if you:

  • Enjoy themed, speakeasy-style bars with a clear personality
  • Prefer carefully made cocktails over simple mixed drinks
  • Like the idea of a retro, dimly lit lounge in the middle of Midtown’s modern development
  • Want a memorable stop before or after dinner at Colony Square or along Peachtree

If you’re looking for cheap drinks, sports on TV, or a high-energy dance floor, this probably isn’t your best match. But if you want a crafted cocktail experience with a nostalgic, hidden-lounge feel in Atlanta, Jojo’s Beloved is one of the city’s more distinctive choices.