Little Spirit (Edgewood): A Neighborhood Craft Cocktail Bar in Atlanta
Little Spirit in Edgewood is a compact, creative cocktail bar that feels like a neighborhood hangout with speakeasy-level drinks. If you spend time around the Edgewood Avenue bar corridor in Atlanta and want something a little more intimate than the big party spots, this is the kind of bar you look for.
Below is a practical guide to what Little Spirit is like, how it fits into Atlanta’s cocktail scene, and what to know before you go.
Where Little Spirit Fits in Atlanta’s Bar Scene
Atlanta has several pockets known for cocktails and nightlife: Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, and BeltLine-adjacent neighborhoods. Edgewood Avenue bridges a lot of that energy, and Little Spirit sits right in the mix.
Instead of feeling like a hidden speakeasy behind a secret door, Little Spirit is:
- Small and cozy, with limited seating
- Cocktail-focused, rather than a general sports bar or nightclub
- Casual in vibe, but serious about drink quality
If you like the idea of a speakeasy but don’t necessarily want the drama of passwords or long waits, Little Spirit offers a middle ground: craft cocktails in a relaxed, walk-in-friendly setting.
Location, Access, and Practical Details
Little Spirit is in the Edgewood area of Atlanta, near other nightlife staples and restaurants. It’s convenient if you’re:
- Bar hopping along Edgewood Avenue
- Coming from Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Inman Park
- Walking from nearby spots like local restaurants or BeltLine access points
Because it’s in a busy nightlife district:
- Parking: Expect a mix of paid lots, small private lots, and limited street parking. Many Atlantans opt for rideshare here, especially at night.
- Transit: The Inman Park/Reynoldstown MARTA station and King Memorial MARTA station are the closest rail options, though you’ll likely still walk or rideshare a short distance.
If you’re planning a visit from the suburbs (Decatur, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, etc.), consider timing your arrival to avoid the peak late-night traffic on Edgewood.
Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside
Little Spirit leans into the “intimate cocktail bar” feel:
- Size: It’s on the smaller side, which makes it ideal for solo drinkers, pairs, and small groups. Large groups may find it harder to sit together at peak times.
- Lighting & mood: Dim, comfortable lighting typical of craft cocktail bars, more conversation-focused than club-like.
- Music: Expect background music that adds to the vibe without overpowering conversation.
It’s a good fit if you want:
- A date-night spot that isn’t overly formal
- A quieter stop as part of an Edgewood bar crawl
- A place to talk, not shout, over drinks (though it can get livelier on weekends)
Drinks: Craft Cocktails at the Center
Little Spirit is best known for its cocktail-forward menu. While lineups can change over time, the bar generally offers:
- Signature cocktails
- Reworked classics (think updated Old Fashioneds, martinis, sours)
- A selection of spirits, wine, and beer, but the focus is clearly on mixed drinks
Common patterns you’ll see in drinks here:
- Fresh ingredients and house-made syrups or infusions
- Thoughtful garnishes and glassware
- A balance of spirit-forward drinks and lighter, fruitier options
If you’re new to craft cocktails:
- You can usually tell the bartender what flavors you like (citrusy, bitter, herbal, smoky, etc.), and they may suggest something that fits.
- Don’t hesitate to ask about spirit strength or whether a drink is on the sweeter or drier side.
If you typically go to more casual bars on Edgewood, Little Spirit can be a good intro to Atlanta’s more focused cocktail scene without feeling intimidating.
Food Options: What to Expect
Little Spirit is a cocktail bar first, so food is not the main draw. Depending on the time and current menu, you might find:
- Light snacks or small bites
- A focus on pairing drinks with simple, shareable items (if offered)
Because the Edgewood/Old Fourth Ward area has many restaurants, a common Atlanta approach is:
- Eat nearby (for example, at a neighborhood restaurant)
- Then head to Little Spirit for drinks before or after dinner
If you’re planning an evening here, it’s wise not to rely on this bar as your primary dinner stop unless you’ve confirmed the current food offerings.
When to Go: Timing and Crowd Patterns
Like many Atlanta bar district spots, Little Spirit sees a shift throughout the evening:
Earlier evening (weeknights or early weekends)
- More relaxed, easier to get a seat
- Better for conversation-heavy outings
Later evening / weekend nights
- More crowded, especially as Edgewood heats up
- Ideal if you’re pairing it with a night of bar hopping
If you dislike crowded, loud bars, aim for:
- Weeknights
- Earlier night hours on Fridays and Saturdays
If you enjoy the energy of the Edgewood bar scene, rolling in later and treating Little Spirit as one stop of several will fit right in.
Dress Code and Vibe Expectations
Little Spirit is casual but stylish by Atlanta standards:
- No strict dress code
- Typical outfits range from jeans and sneakers to more dressed-up “night out” looks
- You won’t need formal attire, but it’s the kind of place where people often put a bit more effort into their look than they might at a sports bar
This makes it flexible for:
- Date nights
- Pre-dinner or post-dinner drinks
- Out-of-town visitors who want to experience a “real Atlanta bar” without feeling out of place
How Little Spirit Compares to Other Atlanta Cocktail Spots
If you’re mapping your Atlanta bar experiences, Little Spirit fits into a specific niche:
| Feature | Little Spirit (Edgewood) | Typical Speakeasy-Style Bar in Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Entry style | Standard streetfront bar | Sometimes hidden doors or extra steps |
| Vibe | Intimate but casual | Often more theme-heavy or theatrical |
| Focus | Creative craft cocktails | Craft cocktails, sometimes with strict rules |
| Ideal group size | 1–4 people | Often 2–4, reservations needed at some spots |
| Neighborhood feel | Edgewood bar corridor, lively and walkable | Varies: Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Westside |
If you like Little Spirit, you’ll probably enjoy exploring other Atlanta neighborhoods with solid cocktail programs, such as:
- Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park for walkable drink options
- Midtown for hotel-adjacent and rooftop cocktail bars
- West Midtown / Westside for more industrial-chic bar settings
But Little Spirit’s strength is its combination of neighborhood warmth and big-city cocktail know-how, right in the middle of one of Atlanta’s most active nightlife streets.
Tips for Locals and Visitors
A few practical pointers if you’re planning a night at Little Spirit:
Use rideshare when possible 🚗
Edgewood gets congested, and parking can be limited or pricey, especially late.Plan your food strategy
Treat Little Spirit primarily as a drink destination, and anchor your meal at a nearby restaurant.Time your visit
- Early evening for conversation and seating
- Later night if you want more buzz and energy
Be flexible with your order
If you’re unsure what to choose, describe what you usually like. Cocktail-focused bars in Atlanta often excel at steering guests toward something they’ll enjoy.
For anyone living in Atlanta, visiting from out of town, or just exploring the Edgewood nightlife for the first time, Little Spirit offers a focused, intimate place to experience Atlanta’s craft cocktail culture without the formality or fuss of a full speakeasy setup.