Red Phone Booth in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to This Classic Speakeasy Experience

If you’re looking for one of Atlanta’s most distinctive craft cocktail and speakeasy bars, Red Phone Booth almost always comes up. It’s known for its Prohibition-era atmosphere, strict attention to detail, and a “secret” way to get in that locals love to talk about.

This guide walks you through how it works in Atlanta, Georgia specifically—what to expect, how to get in, how to dress, and how to make the most of a night there.

Where Is Red Phone Booth in Atlanta?

Red Phone Booth’s original Atlanta location is in the heart of Downtown:

• Red Phone Booth – Downtown Atlanta
  17 Andrew Young International Blvd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30303

It sits just off Peachtree Street, close to:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coke
• CNN Center
• State Farm Arena

For Atlanta residents, it’s a convenient spot before or after a show, game, or downtown event. For visitors staying in the central business district, it’s typically within walking distance of major hotels.

What Makes Red Phone Booth a Speakeasy?

Red Phone Booth is designed around a 1920s Prohibition speakeasy concept, with several elements that set it apart from a typical bar:

• Hidden-style entrance through a classic British red phone box
• Password-only access (you dial a code on the phone inside the booth)
• Dim, atmospheric lighting and vintage décor
• Focus on classic and craft cocktails rather than fast, high-volume service

The result feels intentionally old-fashioned and immersive. Many Atlanta locals use it for:

• Date nights
• Client or colleague meetups
• Special occasions
• A “show-off Atlanta” stop for out-of-town guests

How to Get In: The Password & Entry Process

One of the main questions Atlanta visitors and new residents have is:
“How do I actually get into Red Phone Booth?”

The Phone Booth Entrance

When you arrive at the Downtown location, you’ll see the iconic red telephone box near the entrance. The basic process:

1. Step inside the phone booth.
2. Pick up the receiver.
3. Dial the current access code.
4. If the code is correct and the bar has capacity, the “hidden” door will open and a host will greet you.

How Do People Get the Code in Atlanta?

While the specific methods can change, people in Atlanta commonly get the access code by:

• Being invited by a member (members share the code with guests)
• Learning it from some partner hotels or concierges near Downtown
• Receiving it from business contacts or regulars who frequent the bar

The venue typically expects guests to keep the entry code semi-private to preserve the speakeasy feel. It’s part of the experience rather than a strict gatekeeping move.

If you’re visiting Atlanta:

• Ask your hotel concierge if they work with Red Phone Booth.
• If you’re here for a conference or event, sometimes local hosts share the code with attendees.

If you live in Atlanta:

• Many locals first experience Red Phone Booth as a guest of a member, then later learn the process and return on their own once they know how it works.

Atmosphere: What It’s Like Inside

Once you’re in, the environment is very different from a typical Peachtree Street bar. Expect:

• Low, warm lighting
• Leather seating, dark woods, and vintage details
• A long bar where bartenders build cocktails in a more deliberate, craft style
• A generally quieter, more conversational vibe than club-style venues

Noise levels can still get lively on busy nights, but the overall tone leans more toward cocktail lounge than party bar.

Cocktails & Drinks: What to Expect

Red Phone Booth is grouped under craft cocktail and speakeasy bars for good reason. The focus is on:

• Classic cocktails (old fashioneds, Manhattans, martinis, Negronis, etc.)
• House specialty drinks that build on traditional recipes
• A broad whiskey and bourbon selection that appeals to Atlanta’s strong whiskey crowd

Things to keep in mind:

• Drinks are typically made to order, one by one, so you may wait a bit longer than at a high-volume bar.
• The style leans toward spirit-forward cocktails; if you prefer lighter, fruitier, or low-ABV drinks, you can still ask the bartender for recommendations.
• Bartenders are usually comfortable with off-menu classics if you know what you like.

If you’re planning a visit, it helps to:

• Arrive with at least a general idea of your taste (whiskey, gin, tequila, citrusy, bitter, sweet, etc.).
• Be open to suggestions; part of the Atlanta craft cocktail scene is taking advice from the bar team.

Food & Small Plates

Red Phone Booth functions primarily as a cocktail lounge, but many Atlanta guests like to order:

• Small plates or light bites to go with their drinks
• Some shareable items suited for groups

If you want a full dinner, many locals:

• Eat at a nearby restaurant in Downtown first, then head to Red Phone Booth for after-dinner drinks.
• Or reverse it: start with cocktails, then walk to a late-night spot on or near Peachtree or in nearby neighborhoods.

Treat Red Phone Booth primarily as a drinks-focused stop in your evening plan, not a full-scale dinner destination.

Dress Code: How to Show Up in Atlanta

Red Phone Booth is known for a clear and enforced dress code, which is something Atlanta visitors often underestimate. Expect standards such as:

• Business casual or better for most guests
• Typically no athletic wear, excessively ripped clothing, or very casual items
• More polished outfits on weekend nights

Locals often treat a visit like they would a nice Midtown or Buckhead dinner, opting for:

• Collared shirts, blouses, or stylish tops
• Long pants, dresses, or skirts
• Clean shoes that align with the overall upscale vibe

When in doubt, err on the slightly dressier side, especially if you’re pairing it with a show at the Fox Theatre or a special event downtown.

When to Go: Timing & Crowds

Atlanta’s Red Phone Booth tends to follow a pattern familiar to many in-town cocktail bars:

• Weeknights (Mon–Thu):

  • Better for conversation-focused outings
  • Easier to find seating
  • Good if you want to talk with the bartenders about cocktails

• Weekends (Fri–Sat):

  • Higher energy, more crowded
  • Can be tougher to get in during peak evening hours
  • Good for a “night out in Atlanta” feel

• Earlier in the night vs. late:

  • Going earlier in the evening often means a shorter wait and a calmer environment.
  • Later hours can be busier, especially after downtown events let out.

If you’re pairing Red Phone Booth with a game at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium, many locals:

• Stop in before the event for one or two cocktails.
• Or wait until a bit later after the event to let the initial post-game rush pass.

Getting There: Transportation Tips for Atlanta

Because Red Phone Booth is in Downtown Atlanta, you have multiple transportation options:

MARTA

• The bar is generally accessible from Peachtree Center MARTA Station on the Red/Gold line.
• From the station, it’s typically a short walk through the downtown street grid.

This is often useful for:

• Visitors staying along the MARTA rail line
• Locals who want to avoid downtown parking and traffic

Driving & Parking

Downtown Atlanta can be busy, especially during:

• Large conventions
• Sports games and concerts
• Weekend events

Common strategies locals use:

• Paid parking decks or surface lots near Peachtree Street and Andrew Young International Blvd NE
• Pre-checking event schedules at State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium to anticipate traffic

If you’re not used to downtown driving, give yourself extra time to park and walk.

Rideshare

Many Atlanta residents choose rideshare to avoid:

• Navigating one-way streets
• Designated driver concerns if they plan to drink
• Dealing with late-night parking garages

If you use rideshare, it’s usually easiest to set your pickup and drop-off near the Andrew Young International Blvd NE area and follow pedestrian signs from there.

Who Enjoys Red Phone Booth Most in Atlanta?

Red Phone Booth tends to appeal to people who:

• Appreciate well-made, craft cocktails
• Enjoy a speakeasy-style setting and a bit of ceremony around entry
• Prefer conversation-friendly environments rather than loud, club-style spaces
• Are willing to dress up a bit and make a night of it

It’s especially popular in Atlanta for:

• Business travelers staying downtown
• Locals from Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Inman Park who want to switch up their typical neighborhood bars
• Couples planning a more intentional date night
• Small groups celebrating a birthday, promotion, or special occasion

Practical Tips for an Atlanta Visit to Red Phone Booth

Here’s a quick reference to help you plan:

How Red Phone Booth Fits into Atlanta’s Bar Scene

Atlanta’s bar scene is diverse, with everything from BeltLine patios to rooftop lounges. Red Phone Booth fills a specific niche:

• A downtown, password-style speakeasy with a strong focus on classic cocktails
• An option that’s more polished than a casual sports bar, but less formal than a fine-dining restaurant
• A memorable experience to introduce visiting friends, family, or colleagues to “something uniquely Atlanta”

If you’re local, it can become a go-to spot for special evenings in the city core.
If you’re visiting, it’s a way to see a different side of Downtown beyond the big attractions, while still staying within comfortable reach of hotels, MARTA, and major venues.

Planning around the password, dress code, and timing is usually all you need to make your Red Phone Booth night in Atlanta smooth and enjoyable.