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Restaurant list

The Best Places to Grab a Drink in Atlanta This Summer

A photo of Red logo
by Su-Jit Lin
Updated June 10, 2022
Though you won’t catch a local calling this city “Hotlanta,” there’s a good reason it earned that nickname—and it’s not just because of the muggy weather. Atlanta is a hotbed of exciting bars, consisting of laidback dens and sceney haunts. From lounges with award-winning cocktail programs and wine lists to taprooms with beers brewed on the premises, here are some of the bars most beloved by Atlantans.
4.7 (4512)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Sandy Springs

For all things chic and sophisticated, it’s hard to beat this Art Deco-style restaurant. Inspired by the brasserie Le Select in Paris, this Sandy Springs staple is a surefire scene. The best seat in the house is in the conservatory-esque bar, where lush seasonal decor hangs from the ceiling so spectacularly that it makes local news every time it changes. To complete the photo op, order the signature Dragon Bird, a heady blend of lemongrass vodka, dragonfruit, elderflower, and rose cordial served in a bird-shaped glass.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 4 days ago
Monday night dinner and drinks was PERFECT here with the ambiance, happy hour specials, and live band. We will definitely be coming back!

For all things chic and sophisticated, it’s hard to beat this Art Deco-style restaurant. Inspired by the brasserie Le Select in Paris, this Sandy Springs staple is a surefire scene. The best seat in the house is in the conservatory-esque bar, where lush seasonal decor hangs from the ceiling so spectacularly that it makes local news every time it changes. To complete the photo op, order the signature Dragon Bird, a heady blend of lemongrass vodka, dragonfruit, elderflower, and rose cordial served in a bird-shaped glass.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 4 days ago
Monday night dinner and drinks was PERFECT here with the ambiance, happy hour specials, and live band. We will definitely be coming back!
4.6 (1877)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Brookhaven

One of Atlanta’s greatest treasures is nested in an oversized Brookhaven shopping center. A covered, plant-strewn and temperature-controlled back patio or plush leather seats at the stately bar provide the perfect setting to sip wines from around the world: sommelier Chris Driollet and executive chef Charles Zeran, who together have won more than 20 Wine Spectator awards, urge you to pick between each of their curated by-the-glass lists (which change weekly).

Top review
Mary
Dined 4 days ago
We celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary there and could not have had a better meal and service was great. The patio is beautiful.

One of Atlanta’s greatest treasures is nested in an oversized Brookhaven shopping center. A covered, plant-strewn and temperature-controlled back patio or plush leather seats at the stately bar provide the perfect setting to sip wines from around the world: sommelier Chris Driollet and executive chef Charles Zeran, who together have won more than 20 Wine Spectator awards, urge you to pick between each of their curated by-the-glass lists (which change weekly).

Top review
Mary
Dined 4 days ago
We celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary there and could not have had a better meal and service was great. The patio is beautiful.
4.8 (2105)
$31 to $50
Global, International
Midtown

Named one of the sexiest restaurants and bars in Atlanta by Zagat when it opened in 2016, this swanky spot—and its cobalt blue bar, accented by sleek seating and glittering curios—continues to hold that title with cosmopolitan flair. A truly global influence has a lot to do with it: the “Visa” section of the menu is determined by a spin of the restaurant’s globe by a lucky guest, challenging chef Mei Lin and crew to take taste buds on a thoughtful journey. Like the food menu, the craft cocktail selection changes with the cuisine every 90 days.

Top review
SaundraVIP
Dined 6 days ago
I need to start by saying that the restaurant needs better signage if you've never been there before… Once the parking garage was located, it was still not clear where the restaurant was located… For people with any type of mobility issues, knowing there would be steps and looking for alternative ways to get there is highly recommended… That being said the dining experience was wonderful… It was my birthday celebration and I ordered the red snapper… We also ordered as an appetizer the potato dish (I can't recall the name) but I wish I could get the recipe… I loved it.… I would go back again and I hope to go back again before the menu changes so I can get that red Snapper… It is a wonderful dining experience and the ambience is equally delightful along with the explanation of their rotating menu… I've given it five stars in all categories and it deserved it…

Named one of the sexiest restaurants and bars in Atlanta by Zagat when it opened in 2016, this swanky spot—and its cobalt blue bar, accented by sleek seating and glittering curios—continues to hold that title with cosmopolitan flair. A truly global influence has a lot to do with it: the “Visa” section of the menu is determined by a spin of the restaurant’s globe by a lucky guest, challenging chef Mei Lin and crew to take taste buds on a thoughtful journey. Like the food menu, the craft cocktail selection changes with the cuisine every 90 days.

Top review
SaundraVIP
Dined 6 days ago
I need to start by saying that the restaurant needs better signage if you've never been there before… Once the parking garage was located, it was still not clear where the restaurant was located… For people with any type of mobility issues, knowing there would be steps and looking for alternative ways to get there is highly recommended… That being said the dining experience was wonderful… It was my birthday celebration and I ordered the red snapper… We also ordered as an appetizer the potato dish (I can't recall the name) but I wish I could get the recipe… I loved it.… I would go back again and I hope to go back again before the menu changes so I can get that red Snapper… It is a wonderful dining experience and the ambience is equally delightful along with the explanation of their rotating menu… I've given it five stars in all categories and it deserved it…
4.5 (2132)
$30 and under
Comfort Food
Decatur

Industrial and minimalist best describe the look of this farm-to-table restaurant in Decatur. The pastoral vibes are strong, thanks to touches of reclaimed barn wood. For more warmth, sample one of the over 550 bourbons they pour at the large zinc bar. In fact, this is the largest selection in all of Atlanta, perfect for slow sipping for when you need a change of pace from the many local beers Sprig offers on tap. Either option is designed to go well with their seasonal menu (the majority of which is readily available gluten-free for a nominal charge).

Top review
RussellCVIP
Dined on Jun 11, 2024
Sprig is always a "go-to" restaurant when I'm dining with friends or clients. To have this restaurant in my neighborhood is such a gift.

Industrial and minimalist best describe the look of this farm-to-table restaurant in Decatur. The pastoral vibes are strong, thanks to touches of reclaimed barn wood. For more warmth, sample one of the over 550 bourbons they pour at the large zinc bar. In fact, this is the largest selection in all of Atlanta, perfect for slow sipping for when you need a change of pace from the many local beers Sprig offers on tap. Either option is designed to go well with their seasonal menu (the majority of which is readily available gluten-free for a nominal charge).

Top review
RussellCVIP
Dined on Jun 11, 2024
Sprig is always a "go-to" restaurant when I'm dining with friends or clients. To have this restaurant in my neighborhood is such a gift.
4.7 (16500)
$50 and over
Steak
Sandy Springs

When you start with an expertly crafted specialty cocktail menu then add charming river views and gorgeous patio spaces, the result is an indisputable classic. It’s a combo that has fueled this Sandy Springs spot since 1984. Sip on drinks with Southern accents, laced with peachy flavors and shots of bourbon. There are also walls lined with wine bottles—an acclaimed selection that has made this fine-dining institution a sought-after choice for oenophiles.

Top review
Florida
Dined 1 day ago
Delicious meal and good service…always enjoy dining at Ray’s on the River!

When you start with an expertly crafted specialty cocktail menu then add charming river views and gorgeous patio spaces, the result is an indisputable classic. It’s a combo that has fueled this Sandy Springs spot since 1984. Sip on drinks with Southern accents, laced with peachy flavors and shots of bourbon. There are also walls lined with wine bottles—an acclaimed selection that has made this fine-dining institution a sought-after choice for oenophiles.

Top review
Florida
Dined 1 day ago
Delicious meal and good service…always enjoy dining at Ray’s on the River!
4.5 (743)
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar
Midtown

One wouldn’t expect anything less than elegance from a venue at the Four Seasons Hotel, but Bar Margot raises even that bar. French-inspired, sophisticated, and gorgeous, its cozy velvet-trimmed banquettes and tufted leather armchairs were made for lounging. You’ll want to take your time with the cocktails, developed by Greg Best and Paul Calvert, two leading barmen in the city. The signature Gin Margot is a favorite, with lime cordial and Thai basil, while the Private Eyes Report, an espresso drink with bourbon and maple vanilla, has become a favorite pick-me-up for late nights.

Top review
NicoleVIP
Dined on Feb 16, 2025
We had such a wonderful time celebrating our daughter's 21st birthday at Club Margot. The service was terrific, and the food was good. The drinks were great. Our group had a really special time.

One wouldn’t expect anything less than elegance from a venue at the Four Seasons Hotel, but Bar Margot raises even that bar. French-inspired, sophisticated, and gorgeous, its cozy velvet-trimmed banquettes and tufted leather armchairs were made for lounging. You’ll want to take your time with the cocktails, developed by Greg Best and Paul Calvert, two leading barmen in the city. The signature Gin Margot is a favorite, with lime cordial and Thai basil, while the Private Eyes Report, an espresso drink with bourbon and maple vanilla, has become a favorite pick-me-up for late nights.

Top review
NicoleVIP
Dined on Feb 16, 2025
We had such a wonderful time celebrating our daughter's 21st birthday at Club Margot. The service was terrific, and the food was good. The drinks were great. Our group had a really special time.
4.7 (2939)
$30 and under
Contemporary Southern
Buckhead

While this airy and spacious bar was designed by New York-based architects, The Southern Gentleman has no identity crisis. Devoted to the artistry and history of classic Southern cuisine and cocktails, it prides itself on offering the perfect mint julep to go with such favorites as deviled eggs and buttermilk fried chicken. Cocktails on tap, wines, and craft beers are also on the menu, best savored from the top-floor patio that overlooks Buckhead Village.

Top review
JulianneVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Table of 6. Great food Appetizers were amazing as well as the smoked old fashions. Excellent service!

While this airy and spacious bar was designed by New York-based architects, The Southern Gentleman has no identity crisis. Devoted to the artistry and history of classic Southern cuisine and cocktails, it prides itself on offering the perfect mint julep to go with such favorites as deviled eggs and buttermilk fried chicken. Cocktails on tap, wines, and craft beers are also on the menu, best savored from the top-floor patio that overlooks Buckhead Village.

Top review
JulianneVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Table of 6. Great food Appetizers were amazing as well as the smoked old fashions. Excellent service!
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Midtown

This Midtown bastion has a menu that’s as expansive as its bar. The Lawrence boasts a progressive wine list and award-winning cocktail program, both of which stretch late into the night. It’s worth stopping in at least quarterly for seasonal cocktails, especially as the bar embraces the flavors of Spain. Sherry-centric drinks such as the Oloroso Rebujito with house-made cardamom tincture and riffs of gin and tonics—practically the national cocktail of Spain—are headlining this summer. However, house classics, like the Lady Lawrence with lavender mint tea vodka, ginger, and cassis make worthy companions to the contemporary Southern plates here.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Jan 1, 2023
The meal and service was amazing - Ty our waiter is awesome very attentive even in the midst of an atmosphere that was short staffed that day- Great Experience!

This Midtown bastion has a menu that’s as expansive as its bar. The Lawrence boasts a progressive wine list and award-winning cocktail program, both of which stretch late into the night. It’s worth stopping in at least quarterly for seasonal cocktails, especially as the bar embraces the flavors of Spain. Sherry-centric drinks such as the Oloroso Rebujito with house-made cardamom tincture and riffs of gin and tonics—practically the national cocktail of Spain—are headlining this summer. However, house classics, like the Lady Lawrence with lavender mint tea vodka, ginger, and cassis make worthy companions to the contemporary Southern plates here.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Jan 1, 2023
The meal and service was amazing - Ty our waiter is awesome very attentive even in the midst of an atmosphere that was short staffed that day- Great Experience!
$30 and under
Tapas / Small Plates
Marietta

Nothing pairs better with great drinks than music, and this East Cobb establishment mixes the two expertly. Not only does the group-friendly tapas bar host live music multiple times a week, but the pianos are permanent fixtures in the crimson space. Cocktails in dessert-like flavors—think pineapple upside-down cake and double chocolate—go well with the sweet tunes. If you’re eating, consider the diverse small plates menu, where decadent highlights include fries with cheddar duck gravy and lobster, roasted corn dip, and scallop goat cheese risotto.

Top review
HustonKVIP
Dined on Sep 10, 2022
We are very sad that Red Sky has closed. We really enjoyed the food and the dueling pianos were great!! We will really miss going there.

Nothing pairs better with great drinks than music, and this East Cobb establishment mixes the two expertly. Not only does the group-friendly tapas bar host live music multiple times a week, but the pianos are permanent fixtures in the crimson space. Cocktails in dessert-like flavors—think pineapple upside-down cake and double chocolate—go well with the sweet tunes. If you’re eating, consider the diverse small plates menu, where decadent highlights include fries with cheddar duck gravy and lobster, roasted corn dip, and scallop goat cheese risotto.

Top review
HustonKVIP
Dined on Sep 10, 2022
We are very sad that Red Sky has closed. We really enjoyed the food and the dueling pianos were great!! We will really miss going there.
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