Need a drink? Atlanta might be known as a driving city, but it's surprisingly easy to explore its coolest bars without a car. From craft cocktails to dog-friendly wine bars, there's a watering hole for everyone, whether you’re out solo, catching up with friends, or celebrating something special. No matter your vibe, these spots have you covered for an unforgettable day or night out on the town. Read on for our favorites.
Midtown Atlanta is home to an array of distinctive bars that offer unique experiences beyond the mainstream, and many are near Piedmont Park, which is a great place to spend a couple hours sunbathing or reading during the day. Midtown is a lively, walkable neighborhood catering to a mix of locals, tourists, and even corporate employees during the week.
MidCity is a stylish craft cocktail bar and listening lounge with a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Known for its innovative cocktails and sleek design, the bar has been around in some capacity for over a decade, but has recently had a fun facelift — they’ve even hosted a few in-demand cocktail popups from around the world. Head here for after-work drinks or a casual evening out. The bar serves signature cocktails like the “Cucumber” and the “Banana” as well as spicy margaritas, daiquiris, espresso martinis, and other classics.
A South American restaurant and wine bar, El Viñedo Local offers a distinctive ambiance with its warm, rustic décor and extensive wine list. Located near the heart of Midtown, not far from the High Museum and other sights, this all-day cafe is celebrated for its white sangria, mimosa flights, pisco sour flights, and wines from Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile.
Another wine and coffee bar, Larakin has plenty of outdoor space and a giant dog-friendly patio. This casual spot offers an array of drinks including wine, vermouth, and sherry, paired with European and American tinned fish. It’s an ideal setting for people-watching and relaxed conversation on a sunny day, and it’s just steps from the park.
East Atlanta Village is known for its eclectic nightlife, late-night menus, and live music scene. There are plenty of places to eat and drink in the area, but these are a few you won’t want to miss.
A cocktail-driven bar with local beers and a great wine selection, Banshee stays open late on the weekends so it’s a great place to start or end your evening, depending on what's on the itinerary. The Alpine Negroni is a crowd pleaser, but the Green Space (with basil-infused vermouth) is delicious, too.
Just down the street, Octopus Bar is a late-night bar and restaurant that flies under the radar because it opens at 10:30 pm. Pair your meal with sake or a beer on draft. The bar also has natural wines, bubbles, and cocktails on the menu, plus really great food.
An EAV staple, The Earl is celebrated for its grunge vibe, live music, and well-crafted cocktails. This long standing venue is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and while it’s usually not an issue to get them at the door, tickets are required to experience shows here.
A hip and beloved neighborhood known for its boutique and vintage shopping, Little Five Points is welcoming to everyone, especially artists and locals looking to party.
Whether it’s beers on draft or by the bottle you’re looking for, the Porter Beer Bar has one of the longest lists in the city and is a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts. Choose from 60-plus options on draft (they rotate frequently) from Atlanta and all over the world or ask about their beer cellar, which houses hundreds of different bottles, including some rare and vintage finds. The food menu pairs perfectly with a cold one, and there are also cocktails and wine available — the Lemon Gingerade is a Porter special.
Open daily, Euclid Avenue Yacht Club is loved for its quirky nautical-themed decor and chill vibe and has been in business for more than 30 years. With rotating slushies on the menu, in addition to beer, cocktails, and beer/shot combos, the recently revamped bar also has a food menu worth exploring when you need to soak up some of that alcohol. Expect to befriend locals here.
With its irreverent charm and iconic burgers and bar food, the Vortex has Atlanta’s (self-proclaimed) “best booze selection.” Here, there are draft beers, draft cocktails, and ciders, plus wine, shots, and some zero-proof options. Order the ATLien, which has coconut and spiced rums, melon liqueur, pineapple, and blue curaçao, or the ATL 75, which is an Atlanta riff on the classic, effervescent French 75.
Atlanta’s nightlife scene is brimming with hidden gems, offering unique experiences that go beyond well-trodden paths. Here are some of the city’s best-kept secrets:
Located in the heart of Atlanta, Stereo is a cafe during the day that turns into a hi-fi listening bar at night. Order a whiskey highball or a glass of orange wine and settle in for some tunes.
Tucked away in Avondale Estates, Commune is a newer wine bar and listening room that blends modern aesthetics with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended because it does tend to fill up especially on the weekends.
Eleanor’s is a hidden gem in Smyrna, offering a speakeasy experience that's both sophisticated and intimate. To access the bar, walk through the cooler door at the back of Muss & Turner’s and you’ll discover a secret room with vintage charm, dim lighting, plush seating, and prohibition-era decor. The cocktail menu is creative, featuring expertly crafted drinks that range from classic to contemporary, each with a fun and unique twist, like “the Rachel,” which has vodka, bergamot, aloe, and jalapeño agave.
Downtown Atlanta doesn’t always get the love it deserves, but there are some pretty cool bars in the area that are fun for both locals and tourists, alike. Coincidentally, many of the best bars downtown are inside hotels, which usually means they’ll also have some of the best views in the city.
Soar to new heights with a visit to Polaris, which is located at the top of Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Known for its mid-century modern design and stellar service, the rotating cocktail bar has been open since the 1960s and offers skyline views that can’t be found anywhere else in the city. Signature cocktails include the Pineapple on Peachtree, a Peanut Butter Cup Martini, and the Lemon Basil Sour.
Polaris isn’t the only sky-high bar in Atlanta. Inside the Westin Peachtree Plaza Atlanta, you’ll find the Sun Dial Restaurant & View, a tri-level complex with 360-degree city views that includes a restaurant, cocktail lounge, and observation deck from the 71st to 73rd floors. Both the food and drinks menus here prioritize farm-to-table ingredients so cocktail offerings may change seasonally. The upscale environment makes it the perfect place for a first date, anniversary, or a night out with friends.
Inside Signia by Hilton, Capolinea is not even a five-minute walk from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This is the perfect place to grab a pre- or post-concert or game-day drink, not to mention it’s also accessible via public transit. With an Italian-inspired food menu, drinks like an Adriatic Spritz and Espresso Corretto make up the cocktail list, but the fancy tableside martini service is not to be missed.
If you can only make it to one bar during your visit to Atlanta, we’d suggest checking out the Porter Beer Bar — it’s been a staple in the community for over 15 years, is conveniently located, and has drinks and bites for every palate. And no matter how long your stay, Placemakr has gorgeous, furnished one- or two-bedroom units available for you near Ponce City Market, with in-unit laundry, full kitchens or kitchenettes, and an outdoor rooftop pool, where you can work or play.