Drawbar at the Bellyard Hotel: A Modern Rooftop Bar in Atlanta’s West Midtown

If you’re looking for a stylish rooftop bar in Atlanta, Georgia, Drawbar at the Bellyard Hotel in West Midtown is one of the area’s most recognizable spots. It blends skyline views, modern Southern flavors, and a laid-back hotel-lobby vibe that works for both after-work drinks and pre-dinner meetups.

Below is a practical guide to what to expect, how to plan a visit, and how Drawbar compares to other Atlanta rooftop options.

Where Drawbar Is and How to Get There

Location (Bellyard Hotel, West Midtown)

• Address: 1 Interlock Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Neighborhood: West Midtown / The Interlock development

Drawbar is located inside the Bellyard, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, on the elevated lobby level. Once you enter the hotel, you follow signs to the lobby bar—Drawbar opens out toward the terrace with partial Atlanta skyline views, especially toward Midtown and Downtown.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

• From Downtown Atlanta:
  Typically about 10–15 minutes by car in light traffic via Northside Dr NW or Marietta St NW.
• From Midtown:
  Often 5–10 minutes by car; West Midtown sits just west of Georgia Tech.
• Public Transit:
  • Closest MARTA rail stop is generally Midtown Station or Arts Center Station; from there you’ll likely need a short rideshare or bus connection toward West Midtown.
  • Several bus routes run near Howell Mill Rd and Marietta St, but most visitors use cars or rideshare due to limited direct rail access.
• Parking:
  The Interlock complex typically offers garage parking with elevator access up to the hotel. Check posted signs for current rates and validations; these may change with events and time of day.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like at Drawbar

Drawbar is designed as a modern, relaxed lounge rather than a rowdy nightlife rooftop.

General Vibe

• Style: Contemporary, with polished finishes, warm lighting, and indoor-outdoor seating.
• Crowd: Mix of hotel guests, West Midtown residents, tech and creative workers, and people meeting up before or after dinner in the area.
• Noise level: Often moderate—energetic but usually not club-like. On busy weekend evenings, it can be lively; earlier hours and weekdays tend to be quieter.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Seating

Drawbar includes:

• Indoor bar and lounge seating with large windows
• Outdoor terrace/patio that functions as its “rooftop” experience, overlooking parts of The Interlock and toward the city

While it’s not a high-rise skyscraper rooftop like some Downtown spots, it still offers elevated views and a more open-air feel than street-level bars.

Drinks: Cocktails, Beer, and Wine

Drawbar is known for cocktail-focused menus that often highlight regional ingredients and Southern-inspired flavors.

What You Can Typically Expect

• Craft cocktails:
  Rotating menus featuring:
  • Whiskey and bourbon-forward drinks (a nod to Southern spirits)
  • Gin, tequila, and vodka cocktails with fresh herbs, citrus, and house-made syrups
• Beer:
  • Mix of regional and national options
  • You can usually find at least a few Georgia or Atlanta-area beers on tap or in cans
• Wine:
  • Select by-the-glass and bottle list, often including sparkling, white, rosé, and a couple of red choices suitable for sipping or pairing with small plates
• Non-alcoholic options:
  • Mocktails or zero-proof cocktails
  • Standard soft drinks, juices, and sometimes flavored sodas or house lemonade

If you care about a particular spirit or style (for example, mezcal or local IPAs), it’s wise to glance at the menu or call ahead, as seasonal menus change.

Food: Small Plates and Modern Southern Bites

Drawbar operates as both a bar and a restaurant lounge, so it’s common for people to make a night of it with drinks and a few shared plates.

Typical Food Experience

Items may change, but you can often find:

• Shareables & bar bites:
  • Fries, wings, or sliders
  • Charcuterie or cheese boards
  • Light snacks that work with cocktails
• Modern Southern-inspired dishes:
  • Takes on classics like shrimp, fried or grilled items, and seasonal vegetables
  • Comfort-forward, but presented in a hotel-lounge style (plated and polished rather than casual pub food)
• Light meals:
  • Salads, sandwiches, or burgers
  • A few mains that can serve as a full dinner if you prefer not to go elsewhere

If you’re planning a special occasion dinner, many locals treat Drawbar as either:

• A pre-dinner drink spot before heading to another West Midtown restaurant, or
• A casual dinner with drinks when they want everything in one place without leaving the hotel.

When to Go: Best Times and Atmosphere by Hour

Rooftop bars in Atlanta feel different depending on time of day and season, and Drawbar is no exception.

Quick Timing Overview

Seasonal tip:

• Spring and fall are prime seasons for Atlanta rooftop bars—comfortable temperatures and clearer skies.
• Summer evenings can be hot and humid but still busy; outdoor fans and shaded seating help.
• Winter might push more people indoors, but the atmosphere can feel cozy and less crowded outdoors on milder nights.

Dress Code and What to Wear

Drawbar does not generally operate as a strict “nightclub” space, so the dress code is usually smart casual:

• Common choices:
  • Nice jeans or chinos with a collared shirt or blouse
  • Casual dresses or jumpsuits
  • Polished sneakers, sandals, or flats

People often dress slightly up, especially on weekends, since it’s a hotel bar that attracts dates and celebration groups. Extremely casual attire (gym wear, swimwear, or very worn clothing) may feel out of place even if it’s not formally prohibited.

Groups, Events, and Special Occasions

For Atlanta residents and visitors, Drawbar works well for small groups and informal celebrations.

Small Groups (2–8 People)

• Meeting for birthday drinks, a date, or a friends’ night out tends to work smoothly.
• On busier nights (Thursday–Saturday), it can help to:
  • Arrive on the earlier side
  • Be flexible about indoor vs. outdoor seating

Larger Groups and Events

For bigger gatherings:

• Contact Bellyard Hotel’s events or sales team via the hotel’s main phone number to inquire about:
  • Semi-private areas within the lounge or terrace
  • Food and beverage minimums
  • Event timing (off-peak hours can be easier to book)

Because Drawbar sits inside a hotel, there can also be options to pair lodging with events, which is useful for out-of-town guests, wedding weekends, or corporate retreats.

How Drawbar Fits into Atlanta’s Rooftop Bar Scene

Atlanta has several notable rooftop bars spread across Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, and West Midtown. Drawbar fills a particular niche in this landscape.

What Makes Drawbar Distinct in Atlanta

• Location in West Midtown:
  Many of Atlanta’s well-known rooftops are clustered in Midtown, Downtown, or near Ponce City Market. Drawbar gives West Midtown residents and visitors a closer option, especially those staying or dining within The Interlock.
• Hotel-lobby feel vs. nightlife club:
  Drawbar leans more upscale lounge than DJ-heavy club. This makes it appealing for:
  • Business travelers
  • Couples looking for a relaxed but polished atmosphere
  • Locals wanting a “nice night out” without a nightclub vibe
• Balanced food and drink:
  Rather than being only drinks-focused or only a restaurant, it aims to be both—so you can either snack lightly or build a full meal around cocktails.

If you are visiting Atlanta and only have time for one rooftop, you might choose based on:

• View height and skyline angle
• Neighborhood you’re already exploring (West Midtown versus Midtown or Downtown)
• Ambiance preference (chill hotel lounge vs. high-energy rooftop party)

Drawbar often appeals to people already planning to be in West Midtown for dining, shopping, or a stay at the Bellyard Hotel.

Practical Tips for Visiting Drawbar in Atlanta

A few Atlanta-specific pointers can help your visit go smoothly:

• Check hours before heading out:
  Hotel bars may adjust hours for private events, holidays, or slower weekdays.
• Consider traffic patterns:
  West Midtown can experience heavy traffic during rush hour and on weekend evenings, especially around major events at Georgia Tech, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, or State Farm Arena. Build in extra time if you have a reservation or plan to catch sunset.
• Weather backup plan:
  Atlanta storms can pop up quickly, especially in warm months. If you care about outdoor seating, ask the host on arrival or call ahead and be prepared to shift indoors if needed.
• ID and age requirements:
  Standard 21+ rules apply for alcohol service; bring valid ID. Families staying at the hotel may visit earlier in the day, but the vibe becomes more adult-focused later at night.
• Accessibility:
  Because Drawbar is part of a modern hotel, access is generally elevator-based and wheelchair-friendly. If you have specific accessibility needs, you can call the Bellyard Hotel’s front desk for details.

Key Takeaways for Atlantans and Visitors

• Drawbar at the Bellyard Hotel is a West Midtown rooftop-style bar with an emphasis on craft cocktails and a comfortable, modern lounge atmosphere.
• It offers indoor and outdoor seating with elevated views toward the city, making it a popular option for happy hour, date nights, and pre-dinner drinks.
• Being inside a hotel gives it a balanced feel—upscale but not overly formal, social without feeling like a nightclub.
• For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, especially near West Midtown or The Interlock, Drawbar is a convenient choice when you want a rooftop experience paired with reliable food, drinks, and easy access to nearby restaurants and activities.