My Favorite Bars in Atlanta
Whenever I hear people say that Atlanta doesn’t have great food, it hurts my soul a bit. There are so many restaurants that I really enjoy here. However, this post isn’t about that. This is about the bar scene. What I have a hard time finding in Atlanta are great bars.
Don’t get me wrong, there is an abundance of really good ones in Atlanta. My criteria is a little different though. For me, I’m looking for places that are more bar than restaurant and have consistently great service, great food (not typical bar food), a great vibe (I need to find a way to explain vibe, but it’s just something that I feel and a place either has it or they don’t) and of course great cocktails.
Here’s my go-to list:
Golden Eagle - This is hands down my current favorite. The service is always great, the drinks are always great, and the dark sultry vibe keeps me wrapped up here for hours.
Bar Margot - There’s just something about a hotel bar that excites me (good ones). This bar is tucked into the second floor of the Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown. If I can have a great cocktail on a comfortable mid-century couch, I’m pretty much in heaven. Just skip the late-night dessert options. I really wish they’d just take them off the menu.
Vinoteca - This is technically not a bar. It’s a heavily curated wine store, but you can buy a bottle and drink it at one of the communal tables. They also have wine flights with offerings that change every few weeks. It’s a great way to try some esoteric stuff. It’s cozy and has a great vibe. They don’t have food, but there are so many restaurants to walk to on the Virginia Highlands strip, including Barcelona which owns this spot.
The Soundtable - This is where I really got into cocktails and one of the first places in Atlanta that I loved. I used to sit at the bar and watch Navarro Carr make stuff and ask about all the different bottles they had. I still pop in from time to time when there is a DJ that I like spinning. The food is also great.
Little Trouble - I always ALWAYS forget about this bar and I have no idea why. When I go, I feel like I’ve stepped into Bangkok or even Tokyo. The drinks are solid and there are enough bites. Hitting up Marcel’s for their late-night menu and then going down to Little Trouble is actually the perfect combo.
Here are a few others that might eventually make the cut, but I need to revisit them.
Buteco - This is a Brazilian bar that just opened in Grant Park. I’ve only been here once, but the street snacks were great and the caipirinhas were perfect. I wasn’t initially in love with the feel of the space and it’s why I haven’t gone back yet, but I’m going to give it another try soon.
Bookhouse Pub - I used to go here really often when Brandon was the barkeep. It felt divey, but the cocktails were fantastic and the food was equally great. It’s been close to two years since I’ve been back. Brandon left, but I’m willing to give it another shot.
I had a third one to add here, but I forgot. I’ll keep this list updated, so I’ll add it when I remember.