The best bars in Atlanta right now

What is it? An extensive wine bar with enticing light snacks, this Poncey Highland newcomer has quickly become a neighborhood favorite.

Why we love it: Atlanta isn’t exactly known for its wine bars, so the opening of Medeira Park on North Highland Ave brings a new flavor to the east side. Madeira Park has a little bit of something for every level of wine connoisseur. Casual consumers will find the house red, an Italian blend or the house white, a French Cuvée Harmonie, satisfying. Those who like to imbibe in more knowledge of their vino can time visits to Madeira Park’s regular events, where winemakers from across the country come in and discuss their ethos and do a daily “takeover” of the menu, which means their wines will be on special for the day. Grab a chair at the 14-seat bar inside, or head outside to a table on the covered patio. No matter what, you’re in for a treat.

Time Out tip: Other than a small paid parking lot a few feet away, parking is limited. Rideshare may be your best bet to and from.

Address: 640 North Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Opening hours: Tues-Fri 3-10pm; Sat 12-11pm; Sun 12-9pm

Expect to pay: $60

What is it? Once a gas-station, Northside Tavern is now a quintessential Westside dive to grab a cheap drink and listen to live blues.

Why we love it: Located on Howell Mill Road just steps from Atlanta’s burgeoning design and residential districts, Northside Tavern might appear to be a dilapidated eyesore in the midst of renovated industrial splendor. And honestly, it is, which makes it a true Atlanta experience. The famed blues destination draws a crowd for live music seven nights a week and is a must-visit. There’s no food, but plenty of cheap drinks, pool tables and great music—all we could ever ask for in a classic Atlanta bar.

Time Out tip: There’s no cover charge on weekdays. Friday nights, Saturday nights and special events are the exception, with the cover being $10.

Address: 1058 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 12pm-2am

Expect to pay: $20

What is it? A popular rooftop bar in the Poncey Highland neighborhood with a fun, new cocktail menu and plenty of rooftop views and good vibes.

Why we love it: Atlanta has a decent number of rooftop bars, but the one at Hotel Clermont is particularly lovely. The rooftop tends to fill up a bit, so you might need to wait for space (Tiny Lou’s and the lobby bar are options if you just can’t wait), but the wait is well worth it. The Rooftop recently launched a new drink menu, with simple cocktails like the Forget About It, an apple and melon liqueur concoction that’s a sweet and light spin on an appletini, as well as rum-based drinks infused with citrus and fruit. The drinks and decor are new, but the iconic astroturf is still there, plus the taco truck to fulfill snack cravings.

Time Out tip: Hotel Clermont offers valet parking for a fee, but on less busy nights, it’s not too difficult to find nearby street parking. Bonus: It’s free!

Address: 789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Rooftop, Atlanta, GA 30306

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 5pm-12am; Fri 5pm-1am; Sat 12pm-1am; Sun 12pm-10pm 

Expect to pay: $40

What is it? An Edgewood bar with eclectic decor that has everything you need in a late-night bar (or anytime, really).

Why we love it: The owner of Head to Church, as it’s affectionately known, is a former seminary student who decided that heading a church wasn’t in his cards. What we got from his seminary past is a unique combination of those elements mixed with a liquor license. Grab a cheap beer or a so-called spiritual sangria and find a couch upstairs, then check out the walls packed with wacky art and bits of advice from namesake Sister Louisa. Of course a ping pong match is a must, as is Church Organ Karaoke. Sister Louisa’s is a prime spot when you want to roll in for one last drink or two.

Time Out tip: Don’t come hungry. While many Atlanta bars have small food menus, Sister Louisa’s  is one of the few bar-only establishments in the city that doesn’t have one.

Address: 466 Edgewood Ave SE Atlanta, GA

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 5pm-3am; Sun 5pm-12am

Expect to pay: $20

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What is it? Located in the Four Seasons Midtown, Bar Margot is an upscale bar named after Margot of The Royal Tenenbaums.

Why we love it: The vibe is retro with an eclectic elegance reminiscent of the movie. The dim lighting and leather couches exude cool, as does the library of more than 10,000 vinyl records (a DJ spins on Friday and Saturday nights). The innovative cocktail offerings include the Gin Margot with preserved lime and Thai basil. The zero-proof offerings are equally notable. New American dishes are available for lunch and dinner, and snacks include the likes of deviled eggs and charcuterie boards. If you’re looking for a swanky bar with an extensive list of cocktails and wines, this is a great place to explore vintage gins and scotch, as well as rare bourbon pours.

Time Out tip: Bar Margot validates parking for a discounted valet rate of $5 before 4 pm and $12 after 4pm at the hotel.

Address: 75 14th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 3-11pm; Fri-Sat 3pm-12am

Expect to pay: $75

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What is it? A divey bar that delivers on all the vibes of an old school arcade.

Why we love it: Filled with pinball machines, overstuffed recliners and table lamps, Joystick Gamebar resembles the set of Stranger Things, and it is oddly comforting. Well drinks and cheap beer are plentiful to reminisce about your summers spent in a late 80’s arcade (or imagine it if you didn’t grow up in this immaculate era). If a relaxed night out with friends, finger foods, boozy slushies and an endless array of old-school video games sounds exciting, you’ve found your place.

Time Out tip: Joystick is right down the street from Church, another favorite that made our Best Bars list, so you could easily hit both if you’re up for it. Metered street parking is the only parking option, and it’s in effect from Monday through Saturday, 7am to midnight.

Address: 427 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-2:30am; Sat 12pm-2:30am; Sun 12pm-12am

Expect to pay: $25

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What is it? A rooftop bar and kitchen on top of Ponce City Market, 9 Mile Station combines great drinks, bites and unforgettable skyline views.

Why we love it: Designated Atlanta’s 'elevated beer garden, 9 Mile Station earns that label honestly. For one, it’s more like dining in al fresco sophistication than in brewski bliss. For another, it’s quite literally elevated. The venue sits atop Ponce City Market, a former Sears building-turned-food hall and shopping district, and delivers on a robust beer menu. Can’t decide? Order a flight to sample multiple varieties.

Time Out tip: Reservations? Unusual, but in this case, yes, it’s best to plan ahead to make sure there’s space for you and your crew.

Address: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 5-10pm; Thurs 5-11pm; Fri 5pm-12am; Sat 11-12am; Sun 11am-10pm

Expect to pay: $30

What is it? A come-as-you-are sports bar located right next to Atlanta’s biggest venue for sporting events.

Why we love it: Whether you’re pre-gaming ahead of an Atlanta Falcons or Atlanta United game, or looking for dozens of TVs to catch all your teams at once, the sports bar on the 4th floor of Hilton’s Signia Hotel will get you ready for ballwatching. The hotel is a short walk from Mercedes Benz Stadium, giving fans quick access to brews and views before and after a game. Even if you plan to perch at this sports bar for the whole game (or several), you won’t miss any of the action thanks to their 360 TV Halo, which makes a ring in the center of the dining room. The Signia Hotel also has a fantastic cocktail program, but you can get local faves like Creature Comfort and Wildheaven here, too.

Time Out tip: You don’t have to stay at the hotel to enjoy its restaurants, including Nest on Four. Head to the fourth floor to take part in the action, but use rideshare if you want to avoid the hotel’s mandatory valet. 

Address: 159 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 11am-11pm

Expect to pay: $60 for food and drink.

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What is it? An Atlanta music institution, Eddie’s Attic has been bringing tunes to ATLiens’ ears since 1991. 

Why we love it: After helping to launch the careers of Atlanta greats like John Mayer and Jennifer Nettles, Eddie’s Attic will always make the list for top places to grab a cold one while listening to some tunes. The drinks are standard, with mostly draft and bottled beers, and a handful of cocktails unique to the bar. If time allows, plan your visit on a Monday to experience the bar’s weekly, competitive open mic nights for aspiring musicians and songwriters. The winner receives a coveted spot in the bi-annual shootout, which is no small victory.

Time Out Tip: Parking in downtown Decatur can be a little tricky, especially on weekend nights. There are two small paid lots (with patrolling parking enforcement) on each side of Eddie’s Attic, with some street parking on N. McDonough Street.

Address: 515 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030

Opening hours: Sat-Wed 10:30-2am; Thurs-Fri 10:30-12am

Expect to pay: $30

What is it? A relaxed hangout spot along the BeltLine offering an excellent selection of beers, from hoppy IPAs to sours and classic lager-style brews.

Why we love it: Monday Night Brewing takes its beers seriously. They’ve been rewarded for their brew labor and swept national beer competitions with awards like Best Barrel-Aged Sour and Best Strong Stout. When the weather is good, angle for a spot on the back porch facing the BeltLine trail, or on the small patio—there are a few umbrellas to shade you from the sun rays while you enjoy a berry- and lemon-flavored sour.

Time Out tip: Lucky for us, Monday Night Garage also serves delicious wood-fired pizza. The 12” Peppadew is chock full with the sweet peppers, grilled onions and beef sausage on a thin, chewy crust.

Address: 933 Lee St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Opening hours: Mon-Tues 12-9pm; Wed 12-9:30pm; Thurs & Sat 12-10pm; Fri 12pm-12am; Sun 12-8pm

Expect to pay: $40