Atlanta’s Best Cocktail Bars

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.

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 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?