Atlas

Atlas opened in 2021 in the Bishop Arts District, founded by the same team behind Krio, with a vision to blend global cocktail culture, a cozy neighborhood bar feel, and touches of mystery. Walking in, you enter a richly styled lounge: dark wood paneling, tapestry, chandeliers, velvet seating, large paintings, and a mood evocative of an old study or travel salon. The menu is segmented into “Well Traveled” (global classic cocktails), “Local Stops” (ingredients or spirit references closer to home), and a “Layover” section (shot + beer combos) that nods to Atlas’s travel motif. One of its signature features is a concealed back room — a Library Bar or secondary speakeasy — tucked behind a bookcase. On certain nights or for insiders, that panel opens and leads into a narrower, more secretive space of about 15 seats, where the bartenders rotate themes (e.g. Japan, tiki, others) and pour special cocktails distinct from the main area. Food is modest but global: small plates, snacks, global bites, and “bar food” that complements the drink list. Earlier reporting notes pretzel bites, Cuban sandwich, gyro, and cheesecake among the repertoire. The ambiance is intentionally moody and dim, with a balance of lounge relaxation and cocktail exploration. Thrillist describes Atlas as “moody vibes, good drinks, and a global food menu,” and notes that on select nights, the bookshelves open to a rotating “Library” behind the main bar. Thus, Atlas operates as a main cocktail lounge + a hidden back-library bar, appealing both to people seeking a stylish bar night and those who love exploration and surprise.