After dark · Atlanta, United States

15 Best Bars & Nightlife Spots in Atlanta

Cypress Street Pint & Plate leads the night. The rest of Atlanta's best pours follow, by real review volume.

Ranked by traveler review volume across the bars and nightlife spots we track in Atlanta. Updated monthly.

  1. Cypress Street Pint & Plate

    Bar

    Cypress Street Pint & Plate is a cornerstone of Atlanta's Midtown dining scene, drawing locals and visitors alike with its relaxed yet energetic vibe.

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  2. Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall

    Bar

    Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall is a popular bar and restaurant located in Atlanta's historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood.

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  3. Whiskey Bird

    Bar

    Whiskey Bird is a beloved cocktail bar located on North Highland Avenue in Atlanta's trendy Virginia-Highland district.

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  4. Red Phone Booth

    Bar

    Red Phone Booth is a hidden gem in Atlanta's downtown area, offering a unique speakeasy experience.

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  5. Park Bar

    Bar

    Park Bar is a popular sports bar and gastropub located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, just steps from Centennial Olympic Park and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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  6. Meehan's Public House Downtown

    Bar

    Meehan's Public House Downtown is a beloved Atlanta institution located on Peachtree Street in the heart of the city.

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  7. Smith's Olde Bar

    BarFree entry

    Smith's Olde Bar is a legendary Atlanta institution located on Piedmont Avenue in the heart of Midtown.

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  8. Fado Irish Pub

    BarFree entry

    Fado Irish Pub brings a slice of the Emerald Isle to Atlanta's vibrant Midtown neighborhood.

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  9. Wicked Wolf Atlanta

    Bar

    Wicked Wolf Atlanta is a popular sports bar and gastropub located on Peachtree Street in the heart of Midtown Atlanta.

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  10. The EARL

    BarFree entry

    The EARL (East Atlanta Restaurant & Lounge) is an institution in Atlanta's nightlife scene, tucked away on Flat Shoals Avenue in the eclectic East Atlanta Village.

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  11. Fado Irish Pub

    Bar

    Fado Irish Pub in Buckhead brings a slice of Ireland to Atlanta, with authentic decor, a warm wood interior, and a lively pub atmosphere.

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  12. Northside Tavern

    BarFree entry

    Northside Tavern is a legendary dive bar in Atlanta's Home Park area, just off Howell Mill Road.

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  13. The Brewhouse Cafe

    Bar

    The Brewhouse Cafe is a staple of Atlanta's Virginia-Highland district, earning a solid 4.3 rating from nearly 1,200 reviews.

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  14. Eleventh Street Pub

    BarFree entry

    Eleventh Street Pub is a no-frills dive bar located in the heart of Atlanta, just off West Peachtree Street.

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  15. SkyLounge

    BarFree entry

    SkyLounge is a chic rooftop bar atop The Glenn hotel in Atlanta's Marietta Street district.

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How we pick these

Bars, pubs and nightlife in Atlanta ranked by how highly people rate them, drawn from the 124 places we track. Updated monthly.

Good to know

When it gets going

Most bars in Atlanta fill up later in the evening rather than right after work.

Dress codes

A few rooftop and cocktail spots have a smart-casual door policy.

Getting home

Check the last metro or line up a ride before a late night out.

Common questions

Where is the nightlife in Atlanta?+

This list ranks the best-rated bars and nightlife spots in Atlanta so you can find the right area for the night you want.

What time do bars close in Atlanta?+

Closing times vary by venue and neighborhood; late-night spots are noted where we have hours.

Is Atlanta good for a night out?+

Yes — from relaxed pubs to late bars, the highest-rated options are all here.

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