We all love a carefully concocted beverage. For me, it was always beer, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve appreciated the art of mixology even more. Atlanta has a surprising cocktail culture for being the land of sweet tea and Coca-Cola. I made it my mission to check out some of the city’s best cocktail bars and while there are still some I haven’t yet made it to, here are my picks for Atlanta’s best cocktail bars.
Ticonderoga Club, Cabbagetown
A new addition to the scene, Ticonderoga Club opened up recently at Krog Street Market, a food hall in Cabbagetown. The small bar has a funky interior and helpful bartenders. Named for Fort Ticonderoga, they’re open for lunch and dinner and, in addition to the cocktails, have a beloved sandwich called the Spiedie. I enjoyed the Long Henry cocktail, pictured above, and the Fisherman’s Friend for dinner, a green dish of seafood. Many of these bartenders have worked in the city’s best bars, so ask for advice when choosing the right beverage for you.
Kimball House, Decatur
Kimball House is perhaps the most well-known now for its cocktail program, taking the crown from Holeman & Finch a few years ago. I first visited last year for my sister’s birthday weekend and Atlanta staycation. Everything, from the food to the service to the drinks to the decor, is top-notch. If you’re an oyster lover, order them here, or even their absinthe service. You really can’t go wrong with anything.
Grain, Midtown
I met a friend for drinks at Grain recently, a small bar in Midtown you might easily walk past without noticing. Order small bites with their seasonal cocktails, like The Dawdler, the cocktail that could have been named for me, pictured above. They also have $1 oysters during happy hour.
Little Trouble, Westside
I’ve now been to Night Rider-themed Little Trouble a handful of times. It’s located underneath a shopping plaza on the Westside and has moody interiors dotted with neon light. I like their gin and tequila cocktails as well as Asian-inspired bites. Ramen is delicious, as are the pork belly buns.
The Mercury, Old Fourth Ward
The Mercury is a new addition to Ponce City Market, which allows you to take your cocktails to go to enjoy in the food hall. The interior reminds me of Mad Men, with teal seats and 1970s decor. Libations include classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and whiskey sour as well as modern takes like the Hummingbird, pictured above. Share cocktails between friends with tableside service of martinis. This is the place to indulge in your inner Don Draper.
The Lawrence, Midtown
The Lawrence is much nicer than my sad iPhone photo shows, tucked away behind the chaos of Peachtree Street. Hipster bartenders in hats and vests create your drink of choice based on your preferred flavor profile. Named for St. Lawrence, the bar has a full brunch, lunch and dinner menu. I enjoyed a nightcap of the Honey Cardamom Paloma, pictured above.
Holeman & Finch Public House, Buckhead
Holeman & Finch Public House was the OG of Atlanta’s cocktail scene. The restaurant is known for their famous burger and brunch, but the cocktail program is certainly worthy of acclaim. I’d never seen so many obscure liquors until my visit. The menu is appropriately separated into separated and stirred. Watch the masters at work by grabbing a seat at the bar.
The Optimist, Westside
The Optimist is more of a restaurant that has fantastic cocktails than anything else. All have oceanic names like the Jolly Rodger and the Scurvy Scoundrel, pictured above. Be sure to order oysters, seafood gumbo, and mahi mahi.
Miller Union, Westside
Miller Union falls into the same category as it surprised me how good the cocktails were. In addition to the sustainable Southern fare, you’ll find beverages like the Miller Thyme, pictured above, a gin, lemon and thyme mixture.
Which cocktail looks best to you? Do you have any Atlanta cocktail bars to add?
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