Ranger Station
Cocktail bar · Atlanta
684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE Unit J, Atlanta, GA 30312
Highlights
Cozy ski lodge bar with inventive national park-themed cocktails
Cozy ski lodge bar with inventive national park-themed cocktails
"In O4W, on the patio of Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall sits an easy-to-miss wooden staircase that leads to Ranger Station. Your eyes aren't failing you. This speakeasy is f*cking dark inside (seriously bring your glasses and maybe a flashlight), and yes, it's giving mountain lodge circa 1970. They’ve got plaid couches, taxidermied ducks, and so many photos of birds the decorator must have monogrammed binos for bird watching. The fun and cozy decor puts us in an exploratory mood to break away from our go-to cocktails and try items like the fresh gin-based Thunderbolt or vodka-heavy Old Faithful. If one drink turns into four, only you can prevent a hangover—by devouring the not-so-little Lil’ Ranger Burger or the snack pack with standouts like smoked sausage and mushroom jerky." - juli horsford
"Starting on January 8, 2024, people can order alcohol-free versions of some of the most popular drinks on this moody bar-within-a-bar’s menu, including the bright, citrus-forward Arc of Visibility made with carrot juice, coconut cream, shiso, garam masala, and lime juice." - Laura Scholz
"This dark (emphasis on dark) and cozy cocktail lounge resides above Ladybird on the Eastside Beltline, and like its sister establishment carries a national parks theme in both its design and in its drinks. Expect cocktails inspired by a variety of recognizable American landmarks and natural wonders, like an herbaceous take on the gimlet called the El Capitan, dedicated to the vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, made with sage and cardamon-infused gin. There’s the Kalalau, a nod to the Kalalau trail along Nā Pali Coast on Kauai. This savory spin on the piña colada sees an herby blend of five spices infusing cachaca, which is then mixed with falernum and spearmint and aloe liqueur. The Thunderbolt on the menu is based on a Charles H. Baker cocktail and is akin to a peach julep, complete with pebbled ice. Sporting a record collection of over 300 vinyls, ranging from Aretha Franklin and Elvis to Muddy Waters and the Rolling Stones, you’ll likely need a reservation to get in here for now. Upon arrival, just head to the host stand in the back of Ladybird to check in and someone will lead you up to Ranger Station via a hidden staircase. Reservations highly encouraged." - Beth McKibben
"What better place in Atlanta to have a little apres ski action going on than at a bar centered on national parks, the great outdoors, and hunting lodge vibes? Ranger Station, located above Ladybird on the Beltline, is leaning way in this year with its holiday theme, which includes 1970s holiday decor, shotskis, fondue, festive cocktails, and even photo ops to create a holiday card. No reservations are necessary for this pop-up. Begins December 1." - Beth McKibben
"Located above Ladybird on the Eastside Beltline, expect cocktails inspired by a variety of recognizable American landmarks and natural wonders, like an herbaceous take on the gimlet called the El Capitan, dedicated to the vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, made with sage and cardamon-infused gin. There’s the Kalalau, a nod to the Kalalau trail along Nā Pali Coast on Kauai. This savory spin on the piña colada sees an herby blend of five spices infusing cachaca, which is then mixed with falernum and spearmint and aloe liqueur. The Thunderbolt on the menu is based on a Charles H. Baker cocktail and is akin to a peach julep, complete with pebbled ice. Sporting a record collection of over 300 vinyls, ranging from Aretha Franklin and Elvis to Muddy Waters and the Rolling Stones, you’ll likely need a reservation to get in here." - Beth McKibben
