"El Malo is a beautiful cocktail lounge in the Atlanta Dairies with a Latin-Caribbean food and drink menu that’ll keep the party going after you catch a show next door at The Eastern. Giant art deco light pillars make the bar seem primed for a Charleston dance-off, but clubby hits played by weekend DJs and colorful neon lights make us feel comfortable trying out moves from this century. There are a handful of solid (but small) signature cocktails featuring rums, mezcals, and other Latin-Caribbean spirits. Make a reservation ahead of time if you want a plush lounger or be prepared to stand and sip." - nina reeder, juli horsford, jacinta howard