Best Bars in Atlanta (2025)

A cornerstone of Atlanta’s cocktail renaissance from Greg Best and Paul Calvert, this Krog Street Market tavern blends irreverence with precision. Regularly praised by Eater Atlanta and The Infatuation, it’s beloved for seasonal drinks, sherries, and the signature Ticonderoga Cup.

Set in an 1891 train depot, Kimball House couples stellar oysters with an award-winning bar program. The Michelin Guide named beverage director Miles Macquarrie its 2024 Exceptional Cocktails Award winner, while AJC touts its martini ritual and absinthe service.

A temple to beer culture since 1997, Brick Store’s cellar and upstairs Belgian Bar draw serious enthusiasts. Frequently lauded by Atlanta Magazine and The Infatuation, its staff curates cask ales, vintage bottles, and style-specific glassware with uncommon care.

Little Five Points’ beloved beer hall returned with 60 taps and 800+ vintage bottles. Celebrated by Craft Beer & Brewing and Eater Atlanta, it matches deep beer knowledge with excellent pub fare, from goat cheese fritters to cellar treasures.

A joyous, rum-forward tiki bar from Atlanta industry vets, with lava lamps, flaming garnishes, and serious technique. Frequently featured by Condé Nast Traveler, Atlanta Magazine, and Eater Atlanta, it channels classic Polynesian cocktails through a modern, neighborhood lens.

Arcade nostalgia meets legit cocktails on Edgewood. Condé Nast Traveler highlights its quarter-fed pinball and house drinks, while Eater Atlanta notes chef pop-ups and community events—proof that this is more than games; it’s a neighborhood hangout with heart.

Local artist Grant Henry’s ever-evolving art bar defined Edgewood’s playful spirit—organ karaoke, ping-pong, and cheeky religious kitsch. Frommer’s and Creative Loafing have long documented its cultural imprint; the official calendar shows it’s still buzzing nightly.

Summerhill’s lager-focused brewery offers a rooftop Dak Bar and Berlin-style biergarten. Eater Atlanta and Southern Living spotlight its neighborhood role and meticulous European styles; the brewery now pours cocktails and wine alongside its nuanced pilsners and helles.

Part rock club, part neighborhood bar, The EARL anchors East Atlanta Village with great shows, strong pours, and late-night burgers. Its active 2025 calendar confirms the beat goes on, while Creative Loafing keeps tabs on the scene around it.

Equal parts neighborhood bar and chef-driven hangout in East Lake. Michelin lists it among Atlanta’s recommended restaurants, and Atlanta Magazine praises its clever small plates; locals come for balanced cocktails, creative snacks, and a friendly, first-come-first-served vibe.