20 Best Bars in Atlanta (Where to Drink Right Now)

Best Bars in Atlanta

Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in Georgia. There are like a zillion establishments in Atlanta that serve booze. So rounding up the best of the best is no easy task, but we tried! From cool dive bars to mysterious speakeasies, fantastic breweries, fun tiki bars and upscale wine and cocktail lounges, Atlanta delivers on the drinking scene. Here’s our take on the best bars in Atlanta right now!

20 Best Atlanta Bars

Mary Mac’s Tea Room

View of a woman eating fried chicken

πŸ“ Address: 224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 876-1800
πŸ• Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Mon-Sun

If there is one thing that the Mary Mac specializes in, it is warm Southern Hospitality. This place first opened its doors in 1945!

Back in the day, Mary MacKenzie opened Mary Mac’s Tea Room after the Second World War because things were a little tight. Women were not allowed to open restaurants back then( I know right, booo!). But they found a way around by naming them β€œtearooms”. This is one of the very few that remain.

Their drink menu is not extensive, but it is good. Specialty drinks, wine and beers feature in the bar menu. The ambience is casual and inviting, in tune with true Southern Hospitality.

Soak yourself in the food, hospitality and history!

Two Urban Licks

View of three different cocktails in a bar

πŸ“ Address: 820 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 522-4622
πŸ• Hours: 5 pm – 10 pm Mon-Thurs, 5 pm – 11 pm Fri, 11 am – 3 pm & 5 pm – 11 pm Sat, 11 am – 3 pm & 5 pm – 10 pm Sun

This is such a delightful place with a potpourri of interesting and appealing elements that all come together to offer a great experience. Let’s start with the ambience and decor. The atmosphere here is classy and trendy. A 26-foot wine on tap barrel wall towers over you, and if that doesn’t overwhelm you (in a positive way), there is a Tood Murphy painting lit by a gas lamp wall that runs from floor to ceiling! The place also offers a stunning view of Downtown Skyline, if you manage to take your eyes of the interior decor that is!

The wine list is extensive, and the bar also boasts of 4 draft cocktails and a state-of-the-art beer program. Funky live music is there if you stick around. If you have a birthday coming up or you’re looking someplace nice to take an out of towner, Two Urban Licks suits the bill perfectly.

JCT Kitchen & Bar

πŸ“ Address: 1198 Howell Mill Rd #18, Atlanta, GA 30318 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 355-2252
πŸ• Hours: 5 pm – 10 pm Mon-Fri, 5 pm – 11 pm Sat, Closed on Sun

I love fried chicken, but the JCT Kitchen & Bar probably has some of the most flavorful and delicious fried chicken imaginable. A JCT special indeed!

They have an extensive selection of craft cocktails, beer and wine to enjoy in this trendy and classy place. They offer delivery and takeout as well.

Get a spot on the roof if you can. You can gaze at the mesmerizing Atlanta skyline for as long as you are seated to dine. But that’s just me, I love looking at the open skies. If you are a sky-gazer too, great! JCT is a good spot for a date night, a place to hang out with friends or celebrate a special occasion.

The Vortex Bar And Grill – Midtown

View of burgers with fries and a glass of cocktail

πŸ“ Address: 878 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 875-1667
πŸ• Hours: 11 am – 10:30 pm Sun-Thurs, 11 am – 12 am Fri & Sat

The Vortex has a great beer selection. It is massive! They have a nice, big selection of spirits and some wine too. They have some unique cocktail concoctions as well. Did you know that the Vortex is referred to as the β€œGodfather” of Atlanta’s burger scene? Well, know you do! Try out their burgers to see what the hype is all about!

The wait staff is friendly and attentive. The decors are interesting, to say the least. Skull chandeliers, anyone? It’s pretty swell!

And more such β€œinteresting” decors which are definitely not for the light-hearted and easily offended. It can be shocking, LOL.

Vortex Bar & Grill

πŸ“ Address: 438 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 688-1828
πŸ• Hours: 11 am – 10:30 pm Sun-Thurs, 11 am – 11:30 pm Fri & Sat

Didn’t we just feature a Vortex above? This one is just as good, so keep your patience and read on!

The ambience is hipster, classy and casual. This place specializes in craft beer and great food. Vintage posters and collectibles line the wall. The lighting is rather dim, and it can get pretty loud and lively in here.

The Porter Beer Bar

A bowl of popcorn and a pint of beer

πŸ“ Address: 1156 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 223-0393
πŸ• Hours: 4 pm – 12 am Mon-Thurs, 12 pm – 12 am Fri & Sat, 12 pm – 10 pm Sun

This place is located in the heart of Little Five Points. They have more than 400 beers on their menu. Can you even imagine it! The mind boggles! They also have some wines, cocktails and plenty of whiskeys, so choose anything you fancy at the moment you dine there.

No craft beer pub would be complete without a great beer menu! The food is great too, and on Sunday there’s the special β€œHair of the Dog” brunch menu that you should defo try!

Hand-crafted wooden booths and exposed brick wall make this a nice, cozy place to dine at. The wait staff is professional and knowledgeable. This is just that kind of place that you will keep coming back to!

BeetleCat

View of burgers with fried shrimp

πŸ“ Address: 299 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (678) 732-0360
πŸ• Hours: 4 pm – 10 pm Mon-Thurs, 4 pm – 11 pm Fri, 10 am – 3pm & 4 pm – 11 pm Sat, 10 am – 3 pm & 4 pm – 9 pm Sun

Popular for its fresh seafood and drinks. The drink menu has several cocktails, some draft and bottled beer, spirits and plenty of wines by the glass and in bottles.

Sip some wine, share some oysters in the trendy and classy ambience that the BeetleCat offers. They have takeout and delivery too. The lobster roll is one of the best things on the menu. If you have a sweet tooth like I do, you will enjoy the coconut pie. It is to DIE for!

Steamhouse Lounge

View of oyster on a plate with lemon and ice on the middle

πŸ“ Address: 1051 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 233-7980
πŸ• Hours: 11:30 am – 10 pm Mon-Fri, 12 pm – 10 pm Sat & Sun

Another great place offering delicious seafood! Laidback and unpretentious, this is a wonderful spot to unwind with a great beer. They have some wine too. The outdoor seating is gorgeous with greenery and trees all around.

If you are a sucker for seafood, there are plenty of exciting options on the menu like lobster Roll, Oysters, Catfish, Fried Shrimp, Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos and many more. This isn’t one of those loud, in-your-face-places, it is rather subtle and low key, which is what you want for some days, you know?

Wrecking Bar Brewpub

πŸ“ Address: 292 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 221-2600
πŸ• Hours: 4 pm – 11 pm Sun-Thurs, 12 pm – 12 am Fri & Sat

I love old buildings that are renovated and created into something else. The Victorian building was once a home, church, dance studio and an architectural salvage store before being renovated and turned into a brewpub.

Their excellent and extensive beers are crafted in house. The spirits and beverages list is MASSIVE! The menu runs to pages, LOL. The beers are not just delicious, but unique varieties that you may not find elsewhere. The cocktails are good too.

The servers are friendly and helpful with recommendations. The food is outstanding. The ambience is a mix of classy and casual. It is housed in the basement of a stately old house with great stone and brickwork that accents the exposed wooden beams of the ceiling above, that adds to the charm of the place and the cozy vibes it evokes.

If you love craft beers, you MUST visit!

The Lawrence

View of a bartender preparing a cocktail

πŸ“ Address: 905 Juniper St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 961-7178
πŸ• Hours: 5 pm – 10 pm Mon-Thurs, 5 pm – 11 pm Fri, 11 am – 11 pm Sat, 11 am – 10 am Sun

Lawrence is located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta. They specialize in highly-crafted cocktails. They have over a dozen of those and each option is better than the next! Or, you could imbibe in some delicious wine by the glass/bottle.

The wait staff is warm and friendly. The ambience is trendy and classy. This is the kind of place that grows on you, and you will find yourself popping in and out fairly regularly.

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Bacchanalia

πŸ“ Address: 1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW Suite 1, Atlanta, GA 30318 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 365-0410
πŸ• Hours: 5 pm – 9:30 pm Tue-Sat, Closed on Sun & Mon

This is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta. The food menu is extensive, wide-ranging and well-crafted that will satisfy any palate. You may find the food to be a little pricey, but seeing how good it is, it is well worth it! There are a lot of delicious wine options, carefully selected to be the perfect accompaniment to items on the menu. More wins!

If you like to enjoy the whole dining experience, frills and all, in an upscale and sophisticated environment, the Bacchanalia should be your pick. The service is impeccable.

A special day like an anniversary or birthday deserves a place where you can splurge without regret. THAT place is the Bacchanalia!

Der Biergarten

A glass of cocktail with straw and and a plate of different foods

πŸ“ Address: 300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 521-2728
πŸ• Hours: 4 pm – 9 pm Wed-Fri, 12 pm – 9 pm Sat & Sun, Closed on Mon & Tue

This is the place for German beer with lots of varieties and options to choose from. There are also a half a dozen wines and a few cocktails if you are askance to the beer.

The food is great, and the Jagerschnitzel is the best thing on the menu! The outdoor set up is comfortable and cozy. The rooftop patio is spectacular. The place offers delivery and takeout as well. The kitschy photo opps throughout the restaurant is just plain fun. Take advantage of those for your social media.

Get a taste of German fare and beer in Atlanta at the Der Biergarten! This is just such a great fun spot that even if you come in surly, you will walk out with a smile. I guarantee it!

Local Three

View of a man pouring champagne on a glass

πŸ“ Address: 3290 Northside Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 968-2700
πŸ• Hours: 5 pm – 9 pm Mon-Thurs, 5 pm – 10 pm Fri & Sat, 10 am – 2 pm & 6 pm – 9 pm Sun

Fresh and delicious fare that is locally sourced in a trendy and upscale atmosphere is what’s on offer at the Local Three. Yup, you guessed it, the place was found by 3 locals. The bourbon list is monstrously huge! They have some cocktails, beer and plenty of wines. So, no matter what your poison, you will find something you’ll love!

The rustic vibes add character and charm to the place. The wait staff is warm, friendly and attentive. The food is consistently excellent. They offer delivery and takeout.

If you are looking for a place to organize a group party, maybe a birthday bash, I’d recommend the Local Three.

Park Bar

View of a man holding his burger

πŸ“ Address: 150 Walton St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 524-0444
πŸ• Hours: 11:30 am – 12 am Mon-Sun

This is a casual and laid back dining spot that has outdoor dining, takeout and delivery. This is kind of a low key bar with good draft beer selections and food options. The 3-2-1 drink deal is awesome. Swing by the park and 3 shots for the price of 2 in 1 cup. This deal, my friends, is a steal! Pumped, yet?

If you are looking for a casual place to grab a drink before or after a game, make Park bar your pitstop.

Industry Tavern

πŸ“ Address: 3280 Peachtree Rd NE #187, Atlanta, GA 30305 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 254-4468
πŸ• Hours: 11:30 am – 12 am Mon-Fri, 12 pm – 12 am Sat & Sun

Located in the heart of Buckhead, this neighborhood sports bar is an authentic β€œtavern”. The Tavern is a great spot for a business meeting, to gather and have some great food and drinks. They specialize in craft beer and vintage cocktails. There are 14 beers always on tap. They also have around two dozen wines if that’s your drink.

The ambience of the place is trendy, classy and casual with industrial vibes. Repurposed, exposed bricks just adds to the factory vibes. They offer delivery and takeout. This is a family-friendly establishment too.

Big-screen TVs at the place are great to catch the game. If you are looking for a girls night out, then the Industry Tavern will serve you well. This is a good place for the guys to hang out with their mates too.

Bon Ton

View of a man holding a glass of beer

πŸ“ Address: 674 Myrtle St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 996-6177
πŸ• Hours: 5 pm – 12 am Mon-Thurs, 12 pm – 1 am Fri & Sat, 12 pm – 12 am Sun

A Tiki bar to tickle your taste buds! Bon Ton specializes in delicious cocktails and Cajun seafood with a Vietnamese twist. The ambience is hipster, trendy and casual. The upbeat music will make you feel gung ho! The staff is friendly, and the food is comforting and satisfying.

Tom, Dick & Hank

πŸ“ Address: 191 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30312 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 343-3774
πŸ• Hours: 11 am – 12 am Tue-Sun, Closed on Mon

Tom, Dick & Hank is where you get delicious and refreshing cocktails and some great BBQ that will give you a dose of nostalgia.

The atmosphere is trendy, classy and casual. They have outdoor seating and rooftop seating with a great view of Downtown Atlanta. The patio is a lovely little oasis to chill and unwind with your loved ones.

They have a lot of other things that’ll make you happy like $5 Happy Hour deals on food and drinks, and flat-screen TVs allow you the option of watching sports or special events.

The Painted Pin

View of a man holding a moscow mule cocktail

πŸ“ Address: 737 Miami Cir NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 814-8736
πŸ• Hours: 5 pm – 12 am Mon-Thurs, 5 pm – 2 am Fri, 12 pm – 2 am Sat, 12 pm – 12 am Sun

Painted pins. Bowling. Bowling Alley? Yes! But this place is above your average bowling alley. There are so many games like Jenga, Ping Pong, Basketball, Skeeball, Table Tennis and many more. Red velvet curtains line the bowling lane, large velvet cushions are scattered throughout for you to lounge in, and the furniture and decors are old fashioned and charming.

The fare is definitely more than your average bar food. Comforting, but upscale food menu features fried pizzas, tacos, sandwiches, salads etc. They have almost a dozen classic cocktails, lots of wine, and a reasonable selection of draft beers as well as beers in bottles/cans.

Drinks, good food and bowling – this is a killer combination you just can’t get enough of! The bathroom is a surprise I’ll let you unravel. Key tip: look in the mirror!

Red Phone Booth

πŸ“ Address: 17 Andrew Young International Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 228-7528
πŸ• Hours: 12 am – 12 pm & 5 pm – 12 am Mon, 5 pm – 12 am Tue-Wed & Sun, 5 pm – 1 am Thurs-Sat

This is one of the very few speakeasies in the Downtown area. The ambience is upscale, classy and intimate. There’s a dress code in place, so just be mindful of that when you intend to give this place a taste. The process of getting in is fun, and will leave you longing to get a dose of what’s on the other side!

The cocktails are every bit as incredible as the ambience and vibe. Just a little heads up, it can get a bit smokey in here being a Cigar bar and all. Try the Red Phone Booth for an experience slightly offbeat from that of your routine hangouts.

Torched Hop Brewing

A bartender decorating a cocktail

πŸ“ Address: 249 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (404) 835-2040
πŸ• Hours: 11:30 am – 11 pm Wed-Sat, 11:30 am – 9:30 pm Sun, Closed on Mon & Tue

This dynamic and upbeat brewpub serves fresh, hand-crafted beer and delicious food you can’t get enough of. The relaxed and laid back West Coast vibe is unmissable.

Mondays are Burger Mondays, and they give you a double cheeseburger, fries and a draft beer for just $10! That’s something I wouldn’t wanna miss! The cocktails are incredibly innovative.

The ambience is trendy, classy and casual, and the wait staff is enthusiastic and friendly. There are TVs for watching your favorite sports and then comes my favorite part: bocce ball/gaming part of Torched Hop that is super fun and entertaining. Board games, Video games- Nintendo 64 with 4 controllers and many games to choose from, shuffleboard, Jenga, and more.

If you are a gamer, you have to check in here. That is a given!

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There are just way too many places and not enough time, eh! I get it. But when you do have the time and means, check one or as many as you can. They are all pretty awesome!