Top Bars in Atlanta – Most Viewed (2025)

Nestled discreetly within the Politan Row food hall at Colony Square in Midtown Atlanta, Jojo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge is a stylish hideaway that transports you back to the decadence of the disco and glam eras. Cathedral-height ceilings, plush seating, and an all-vinyl soundtrack create a sensual, theatrical backdrop—a place where vintage aesthetic and modern flair converge. Upon entering, you sense the mood shift: retro lighting, moody tones, and curated vinyl hum in the background as you settle into a plush purple barstool. The cocktail menu leans into nostalgic creativity, with playful signature drinks like the “Bluetsy Collins” and “Sagittarius Sour.” Whether it’s a solo date or a group outing, the bar exudes intimacy and theatrical charm. Jojo’s Beloved is intimate by design—with reserved seating through RESY ideal for securing front-bar spots, though walk-ins are welcomed, especially during the “Roselight” hours. While the venue serves no food, being part of a food hall means you can grab a bite nearby before or after savoring your cocktails. Nightlife here follows a late-night rhythm—Monday through Thursday from 5 PM to midnight, stretching to 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays; closed on Sundays. Reviews praise the ambiance, nostalgia-inducing decor, and immersive vibe, while noting that cocktails lean pricey—typical for such a mood-driven, upscale lounge. Overall, Jojo’s Beloved delivers a theatrical, retro experience—cool, memorable, and effortlessly sophisticated.

Located on Edgewood Avenue in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward, Church—as locals affectionately call it—is a bar like no other. Created in 2010 by artist and former divinity student Grant Henry (aka Sister Louisa), it turns religious iconography into playful pop art that toes the line between satire and sincerity. Step inside and you'll find ping‑pong tables flanked by nativity lawn ornaments, walls plastered with faux-religious pop art, velvet portraits of Jesus, and cheeky neon signs like “Fuck Fear.” Wednesday nights feature church‑organ‑backed karaoke, complete with choir robes and live accompaniment—a glorious mashup of sacred ceremony and party energy. Beyond the theatrics, Church is unapologetically inclusive and queer‑affirming. Its environment is intentionally weird—Grant Henry envisioned a place where "people feel comfortable being here because it's more fucked up than they are." It’s a paradoxical haven that welcomes everyone, with LGBTQ+ patrons often finding solace and solidarity beneath its playful cross‑draped walls. The community aspect is strong too—Sunday nights bring Vicki Powell’s “Sunday Service” queer dance sessions, and the overall vibe is that of a warm, judgment-free zone where cocktails flow alongside self-expression and communal worship of all things delightful and absurd . In essence, Church isn’t just a bar—it's an interactive, emotional experience. It invites you to reflect, laugh, play ping‑pong, sing until your lungs ache, and perhaps, question whether you're in hallowed halls or just having way too much fun.

Red Phone Booth in Downtown Atlanta is a masterclass in immersive speakeasy chic. Hidden behind a restored London red phone booth, access is granted only via a nightly code dialed into an antique rotary—the kind of hush-hush ritual that makes every entry feel exclusive. Once inside, you're greeted by a luxurious, warmly lit lounge styled as a refined 1920s cocktail den. Think restored brick floors, honey onyx bar tops, plush Italian leather seating, and a glowing back‑lit ceiling that sets the mood for intimate conversation. The craft cocktail program is elevated—smoked Old Fashioneds, bourbon flights, and artisan drinks made using fresh‑squeezed juices, hand‑chipped double‑reverse osmosis ice, and rare liquors, all served with curated bitters and tinctures. Cigar lovers are well catered for as well—there’s a dedicated humidor with over a hundred premium blends, and ventilation designed to keep the air crisp. Guests can also enjoy small plates, Neapolitan pizzas, and house‑made desserts, making this not just a cocktail bar but a full experience. The venue also doubles as a stylish event space, with private event options and optional memberships offering perks like priority seating and VIP tastings. It's not just a night out—it’s a carefully curated journey into Atlanta’s glamorous past.

Tucked out of sight in Buckhead behind Chido & Padre’s, The Blind Pig Parlour Bar is a dynamic speakeasy-style cocktail bar known for its rotating themed pop-up transformations. One night it's the festive “Blind Elf,” decked out in twinkling lights and holiday cheer; next, it's the sultry “Playa Pig,” bringing jungle disco vibes and tiki-style cocktails to the fore. The setting is intimate and immersive: think Victorian-inspired interiors or lush tropical aesthetics depending on the theme, offering a sensory-rich escape from the everyday. It excels at surprise and delight—the decor, drink names, and menu items shift with each pop-up, keeping the experience fresh and Instagram-worthy. Cocktails are equally inventive—during the Playa Pig pop-up, the menu featured vivid offerings like the Jungle Revival, Ginger Watermelon Margarita, or Green Chile Michelada, paired with Yucatán-inspired bites like al pastor empanadas and tropical fruit parfaits. Under other themes, patrons have raved about creations like the La Vie En Rose, Blueberry French 75, and the Spicy Paloma Spritz. Despite its hidden door and exclusive vibes, The Blind Pig welcomes both reservations (via OpenTable, open 30 days in advance) and walk-ins (bar seats are first-come). The space seats up to around 80 guests and can be booked for private events—complete buyouts, private parlour nook, or U-booths are available, perfect for small gatherings or celebrations.

Hidden in the basement of the Clermont Motor Hotel on Ponce De Leon Avenue, The Clermont Lounge is an unmatched piece of Atlanta nightlife history. Opened in 1965, it’s the city’s oldest continuously operating strip club — but it also functions as a dive bar, live entertainment venue, and cultural landmark. Walk in and you feel the place: dim lighting, threadbare booths, an old-school horseshoe bar encircling the stage, and a raw edge everywhere. The dancers are unconventional, often older, and full of personality — part of the charm is watching them perform in ways and at times you won’t see elsewhere. It’s not polished; it leans into its grit. Drinks are cheap, service is casual, and there’s a strict no-cameras policy — privacy matters. The entertainment rotates: karaoke nights, occasional DJs, live performances. Many patrons come for the novelty, some for the raw energy, many come back because nothing else feels quite like it. Clermont isn’t about luxury or finesse; it's about realness. You won’t find much draft beer, and the place is cash-only. It’s especially alive late night — the hours are long, crowd very mixed (locals, tourists, curious souls), and the atmosphere electric in its oddball way. Clermont Lounge is more than a bar; it’s an institution for those wanting something bold, unusual, and completely its own in Atlanta’s nightlife scene.

Perched above Georgia Beer Garden along Atlanta’s lively Edgewood Avenue, Mambo Zombi is a gorgeously eerie oasis that marries vibrant global iconography with irresistible cocktails. Enter via a neon‑edged coffin and find yourself embraced by maximalist decor: skull chandeliers, mosaics, religious motifs, and Latin American cultural homages that honor life, death, and rebirth. Founded by the creative trio behind Joystick Gamebar and Georgia Beer Garden—Johnny Martinez, Brandon Ley, and bartender‑partner Kysha Cyrus—Mambo Zombi began as a pandemic pop‑up before blossoming into a permanent, soulful ritual. The space seats about 50 guests across cozy nooks, high-tops, and the copper‑topped bar, offering an immersive escape from the frenetic street energy below. Cocktails are where Cyrus really shines. Alongside tiki‑inspired drinks like the flaming Monkey Screwed (banana‑infused rum, coconut milk, banana syrup, lime, and 151 rum lit aflame), you’ll discover inventive creations such as the Elote (rum with homemade corn milk and condensed milk), Monkey See (rum, amaro, burnt orange peel), cachaça‑based Madam Gorgeous mixed with fresh sugarcane juice, and Mexican‑Andean non‑alcoholic options like tepache and chicha morada. It’s a space saturated in atmosphere—crowd-pleasing yet unconventional. Some bathrooms delve into unsettling territory (think “Island of the Dolls”), while the lighting and layout coerce lingering, conversations, and reconnection in a setting that’s neither sterile nor predictable.

Tucked discreetly behind sushi hot spot Umi in Buckhead, Himitsu (meaning “secret”) is Atlanta’s high-end, reservations-only cocktail den—designed by Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio to feel like a jewel box drenched in elegance and mystery. From the unmarked storefront, you're ushered through a scented reception area emanating Earth candles as you swipe past a sliding metal door into a soaring space dominated by a glowing copper bar. Rich textures of concrete, cork, and blackened wood envelop burgundy velvet and teal leather banquettes. Above, a school of Melt pendant lamps hovers like jellyfish, artfully illuminating the bar’s theatrical energy. A dramatic painting by Todd Murphy adds an enigmatic visual centerpiece. Behind the bar, the drinks unfold as performances. World-class mixologists including Shingo Gokan and T. Fable Jeon transform cocktails into moments of drama—smoke, flame, and precision-crafted artistry turn every sip into a memory. The menu features Japanese-influenced small plates and desserts created by Umi’s Fuyuhiko and Lisa Ito—perfect pairings for the elevated cocktails. Himitsu lives up to its name—a velvet rope experience brought to life. Reviewers describe it as “one of Atlanta’s best-kept secrets,” celebrating the immersive atmosphere, talent behind the bar, and unforgettable hospitality. Highlights range from the luxury of a Wagyu Old Fashioned to a Champagne Piña Colada and bespoke recommendations made with ease by attentive bartenders.