Top Rated Nightlife in Atlanta

Find this place by following the row of Harley-Davidsons along the curb. Popular with both bikers and locals, perhaps the hand-drawn sign in the window best expresses this establishment's laid-back attitude: Help wanted. No wimps. No bozos. Inquire within. The bar area is a deliberate dive decorated with biker paraphernalia, road signs, and a stuffed fish. The dining room is tavern-like, with large tables frequented by families. Barbecue features large on the menu and is reinforced by an admirable listing of sandwiches, burgers, and daily blue plate specials.

Located a few blocks from the old City Hall, this traditional corner bar was known as the hub of Atlanta's political scuttlebutt for more than 50 years but is now a homier, neighborhood-type place. The row of cozy booths opposite the room-length bar is a great spot to catch a pint and a Braves game. Several dining rooms set off from the bar make the place much more family-friendly than in years past, and the kitchen serves up a surprisingly diverse grille menu. Try the grilled tuna steak with black bean nachos at Manuel's Tavern, and you will surely return for more.

Since its opening, Wrecking Bar Brewpub has never disappointed its beer-loving patrons. Its casual atmosphere and wide variety of beers have made it the Best Brewpub in Atlanta for two consecutive years in 2011 and 2012. The warm and knowledgeable staff will help you select the beer to suit your taste buds. You can also opt for a Hot Pastrami Sandwich or a Pan Seared Shrimp to accompany your drink. Every Saturday, the pub hosts brewery tours in case you wish to watch the making process of your favorite beverage.

The Red Phone Booth, located in downtown Atlanta, is a spectacular venue that guarantees its guests a distinctive party experience. This speakeasy from the Prohibition era is a fantastic place to relive the best of the 1920s. This luxury establishment, which specializes in handcrafted cocktails like Macallan Rare Cask, Reflexion, and No. 6, is also well recognized for selling a broad variety of cigars that are proudly sourced from different regions of the world. The mouthwatering selection of pub fare offered here includes pizzas made in the Neapolitan manner, seafood, carpaccio, and more. The Red Phone Booth is a stylish location for fun and a must-visit among the variety of party spots across the city.

Affectionately known as a "barcade," Joystick Gamebar specializes in serving up great drinks alongside vintage video games. The bar is home to a number of old-school gaming machines, including Ms. Pac-Man, Mortal Kombat, Rampage World Tour, X-Men, Metal Slug, Terminator 2 Judgement Day, Operation Wolf, Lethal Enforcers, Big Guns, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, Galaga, Street Fighter II, NBA Jam, Turtles in Time, and Centipede. Joystick is also home to what they call a "kitchen incubation" program where chefs and other restaurateurs are invited to work out of the bar's kitchen for a year or two, cooking and serving whatever they are most passionate about. The idea behind "kitchen incubation" is to provide aspiring local chefs and cooks with a chance to build up a menu and a reputation. So, though the menu changes frequently, all the food served at Joystick is delicious! This little spot has an intense local following and can get busy on certain nights of the week, but the overall fun atmosphere and delectable drinks more than make up for any wait.

Bar Margot is tucked within the Four Seasons Hotel and serves as the perfect evening getaway. The kitchen presents creative sandwiches and soups that feature bold seasonal flavors and artistic presentations. A menu with handmade pasta and charcuterie is available to perfectly satisfy your hunger pangs. You can pair your appetizing meals with some delicious craft cocktails like Lady Victoria and Gin Margot. Enjoy the upscale ambiance as the DJ spins beloved retro melodies or breathe the air of nostalgia listening to melodious live music. Whether you come alone or bring along some friends, you are sure to have a great time at Bar Margot.