We’ve poked around for spots of Cocktail bars Atlanta with cool menus, bartenders who actually know their stuff, and a vibe that makes you want to stick around. Sometimes we want a chill little hideout; other times, we’re after somewhere lively to catch up with friends. Either way, the right cocktail bar can really set the mood for the whole night.
1) The Blind Pig Parlour Bar
If we’re talking about Atlanta’s best cocktail bars, The Blind Pig Parlour Bar jumps to mind instantly. You’ll find it tucked behind a pink door near Chido & Padre’s, and it always feels like you’ve discovered something only locals know about. The Prohibition-inspired décor and dim lighting give it this cozy, almost secretive vibe that’s hard to beat.
This spring, they’re running The Blooming Pig, a pop-up that’s honestly bursting with Southern charm and a bit of playful energy. There are fresh flowers everywhere, and the seasonal touches nod to everything from St. Patrick’s Day to the Kentucky Derby. It’s the kind of place where every detail seems intentional.
The Southern-style menu leans into bold flavors—sweet, savory, a little bit of everything. We’re big fans of their inventive spring cocktails, which just taste like the season. The bartenders? Super friendly and up for chatting about what to try next if you’re feeling indecisive.
You can book a reservation up to 30 days ahead, but we’ve lucked out with walk-ins too (as long as it’s not slammed). Bar seats go fast, so it pays to show up early. We like to head over Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m.—the energy really picks up as the evening rolls on.
Rating: 4.7 (1314 reviews)
Location: 128 E Andrews Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
Contact: (470) 748-6527
Website: Visit Website
2) Bar Margot
Bar Margot, tucked inside the Four Seasons in Midtown, is one of those places we just keep coming back to. It’s got this easygoing but upscale feel—soft lighting, comfy seats, the kind of place you could settle into for a long night of catching up.
Their craft cocktails are always a highlight. The menu puts clever spins on classics, using top-shelf spirits and house-made garnishes. Drinks like the Lady Victoria or Gin Margot really show off the bartenders’ creativity—you can taste how fresh everything is.
But it’s not just about the drinks. The food menu is solid, too—small plates, New American entrees, all clearly made with care. On weekends, a DJ spins vinyl, and it adds a fun, unexpected twist to the already cool vibe.
Honestly, Bar Margot nails that balance between classy and fun, and the drink menu alone makes it a must for our top five.
Rating: 4.5 (629 reviews)
Location: 75 14th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Contact: (404) 881-5913
Website: Visit Website
3) 12 Cocktail Bar
Let’s talk about 12 Cocktail Bar. This spot just feels special—maybe it’s the sweeping skyline views or the way the space manages to feel both exclusive and genuinely welcoming at the same time.
The cocktails here? Always a conversation starter. The bartenders don’t just pour—they really craft unique cocktails with rare spirits and a creative twist. If you’re not sure what to order, just ask—they’ll steer you to something new.
Food’s not the main focus, but the meat and cheese boards are perfect for sharing. There are a few small snacks, too, if you’re just looking for a nibble with your drink.
Reservations are an option, but we’ve had good luck just walking in on quieter nights. Heads up: there’s a 20% gratuity on every check, and they don’t split checks or take cash. If you’re hungry for more, you can always check out the rooftop restaurant next door.
Rating: 4.7 (432 reviews)
Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Contact: (404) 919-6970
Website: Visit Website
4) Jojo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge
Jojo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge is one of those places that just feels different the second you walk in. There’s this retro energy that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled on a secret from another era—definitely one of Midtown’s hidden gems.
It’s tucked away inside Colony Square, far from the usual crowds. The high ceilings add a little drama, and the moody lighting makes it feel like you’re in your own world. The all-vinyl playlist? It’s disco, glam, and pure nostalgia.
Drinks here are all about old-school classics and retro favorites. The menu leans into sweet, bold, sometimes forgotten cocktails that just fit the whole throwback vibe. It’s the kind of place where you want to try something you’ve never had before.
You can tell there’s real thought behind everything—style, music, drinks. Jojo’s isn’t just a bar; it’s a little time machine to late nights and roller skates.
Rating: 4.1 (463 reviews)
Location: 1197 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Contact: (404) 236-9455
Website: Visit Website
5) Red Phone Booth – Buckhead
If you’re into cocktail bars that feel like an adventure, Red Phone Booth – Buckhead is a must. You literally enter through a secret antique red phone booth—how cool is that? It’s got this movie-scene energy that just makes the night feel special.
Inside, it’s all Prohibition-era vibes. The bartenders make classic cocktails with hand-chipped ice and fresh juices, and the house-smoked cocktails are a real standout—the smell of hickory or mesquite just hangs in the air.
There’s a huge cigar selection (over 100 options!), but thanks to a fancy air system, it doesn’t get smoky. Big leather sofas and high ceilings make it a great spot to kick back and relax.
The food’s worth mentioning, too—Italian-inspired plates and Neapolitan pizzas that actually go well with the drinks. If you’re a member or snag the secret code, you get access to private spaces with big screens, pool and poker tables, and some really rare whiskeys. It’s next-level.
Rating: 4.7 (627 reviews)
Location: 3242 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Contact: (678) 732-3757
Website: Visit Website
What Sets Atlanta’s Cocktail Bars Apart
There’s just something about Atlanta’s cocktail bars—they’re always pushing boundaries, mixing up bold flavors, or coming up with wild new spaces that make you rethink what a “night out” even means. It’s rare we leave without stumbling on something unexpected.
Innovative Mixology Trends
Bartenders here aren’t afraid to experiment—fresh infusions, house-made syrups, whatever’s in season, you name it. Places like Blind Pig Parlour Bar love to roll out creative drink menus loaded with offbeat pairings and flavors you probably haven’t tasted before. There’s a real emphasis on quality, too, with lots of small-batch spirits and local mixers.
Menus change a lot—some bars rotate their cocktails every month, or throw in themed specials for holidays. At Bar Margot, the mixologists are always tinkering with classics, so even familiar drinks feel new.
A few trends we keep noticing:
- Barrel-aged cocktails
- Botanical, herbal flavors
- Low-proof and zero-proof options
It’s this kind of detail and creativity that keeps us coming back for more.
Ambiance and Design Influences
Let’s be real—the space itself can make or break a bar. Atlanta’s cocktail spots go all-in on atmosphere, from quirky themes to unexpected design choices.
Some, like Kimball House or Ticonderoga Club, lean into vintage coziness with plush chairs and moody lighting. Others are bold and modern, making every visit feel like an event. Blind Pig even has that hidden-door thing going on, which just adds to the fun.
It’s the little stuff—decor, music, lighting—that makes Atlanta’s cocktail bars stand out. Those details turn a regular night out into something you’ll actually remember.
Planning Your Visit
If you want to make the most of what Atlanta’s cocktail bars have to offer, timing and location are everything. Nobody likes waiting in line, and the right neighborhood can totally change the feel of your night.
Best Times for Cocktail Experiences
Most bars hit their stride after work and on weekends, but each one has its own peak. Things usually start getting busy around 7 p.m., and by 10, it’s packed. If it’s Friday or Saturday, definitely book ahead or show up early—otherwise, you might be stuck waiting.
Happy hour (typically 4–7 p.m.) is a great time for deals on drinks and snacks. For a quieter scene, try a weekday—Monday through Wednesday nights are usually pretty mellow.
Always worth checking a bar’s website or socials for special events, live music, or new seasonal menus. Dress codes are pretty relaxed, though some of the fancier spots might expect smart attire. Just something to keep in mind!
Navigating Atlanta’s Nightlife Districts
Atlanta’s cocktail scene? It’s honestly all over the map—in a good way. Midtown’s got those sleek, stylish bars and walkable blocks that just invite you to hop from one spot to the next. If you wander over to East Atlanta Village, things chill out; you’ll find laid-back bars, quirky drinks, and patios that somehow always seem lively, even on a random Tuesday.
Virginia Highlands has its own charm, with classic bars that somehow manage to feel both local and welcoming to out-of-towners. And if you’re after a rooftop with a view, The Rooftop at Clermont is pretty unbeatable for sipping something good with the city skyline as your backdrop. Getting around’s not much trouble either—ride-shares are everywhere, and MARTA light rail is a solid option, especially if you’re planning to bounce between neighborhoods (which, let’s be honest, you probably are).
If you want to dig deeper, there’s no shortage of best cocktail bars in Atlanta lists or handpicked guides to the top bars in Atlanta right now. Sometimes it’s just fun to scroll and see what catches your eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
Atlanta’s cocktail bar scene really doesn’t hold back. We’ve checked out spots with creative drinks, epic rooftops, and just the right amount of buzz—so no matter the vibe you’re after, there’s a place for you.
What are the top cocktail bars in Midtown Atlanta well known for their mixology?
Bar Margot’s one of those places that just gets mixology right. The bartenders? Super knowledgeable, and they’re not afraid to get bold with flavors. The drinks put a fresh spin on the classics, and you can tell they actually care about the ingredients. It’s got a lively crowd, too, and the staff will steer you toward something you’ll actually like.
Can you recommend some trendy rooftop bars in Atlanta with a great drinks menu?
12 Cocktail Bar, perched up on Ponce City Market, is a must for anyone who loves a good view with their drink. The vibe’s stylish, the cocktails are creative, and honestly, it’s tough to have a bad night there. There are a few other rooftop gems, too—here’s a handy list of Atlanta cocktail bars if you want to keep exploring.
Where can I find a sophisticated cocktail scene for young adults in Atlanta?
Jojo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge is a go-to for the younger crowd. It’s got this retro, almost nostalgic feel, but the drinks are anything but old-fashioned. Add some upbeat music and a cozy setup, and you’ve got a solid place to catch up with friends or just unwind.
Which establishments are considered the best bars in Buckhead for crafted cocktails?
Red Phone Booth is kind of legendary in Buckhead for its speakeasy vibes. The bartenders are pros, and the cocktails are made with fresh stuff—no shortcuts. If you’re after a classic, well-made drink in Buckhead, this is the spot people keep coming back to.
Are there any notable cocktail lounges in Downtown Atlanta that offer a unique experience?
The Blind Pig Parlour Bar is a little hidden (in a good way). It’s got that speakeasy coziness and a menu that’s always changing with the seasons. The drinks are inventive, and the whole place just feels special—like you’ve stumbled onto something not everyone knows about. Regulars seem to agree: it’s worth coming back for whatever’s new.
Which restaurants in Atlanta are recognized for having an exceptional selection of cocktails?
Atlanta’s got no shortage of places serving up great cocktails, but honestly, spots like Bar Margot and 12 Cocktail Bar tend to get a lot of love in reviews. The folks behind the bar at these restaurants really seem to care about what they’re mixing—there’s a real focus on creative, flavorful drinks, and you can usually count on finding something a little unexpected to go with your meal.
