Paul Kushner
Welcome to the heights of Atlanta’s vibrant nightlife! In this article, we’re raising our glasses to the city’s most alluring hangouts: the best rooftop bars in Atlanta that offer breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. From chic urban oases to swanky hotspots, we’ve scoured the city to bring you the ultimate guide for sipping cocktails under the stars. So, whether you’re a local seeking new heights or a visitor exploring the skyline, get ready to elevate your evenings in Atlanta!
Virtue Rooftop
1197 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30361
Phone: (404) 400-3669
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With a rotating roster of DJs and musicians, the Virtue rooftop cocktail club atop the 5 Church Midtown Restaurant is on the must-do list for downtown Atlanta. The atmosphere is very urban and contemporary, and the venue is often booked for private parties. Select from a small beer menu, a large assortment of wine by the glass, and even though the cocktail list is short, the drinks are all very unique. The Holy Water was impressive, concocted with Bulleit bourbon, sweet tea, lemon juice, crushed blackberries, mint, and blue agave.
St. Julep
374 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (470) 531-8902
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Overlooking East Paces Ferry Rd from nine stories up, the St. Julep offers an outstanding view of downtown Atlanta. The nighttime skyline is stunning and enjoyable from almost any of the tables lining the bar and patio. The upscale St. Julep is a hot drink spot, but the food selection is very limited. The vibe is an excellent atmosphere for a get-to-know-you date for a simple bite and selection from their cocktails, wine by the glass, or beer. The Belle of the Ball cocktail, concocted with Cathead honeysuckle vodka, peach, and lemon, is a refreshing way to soothe the summer heat.
SkyLounge
The Glenn, 110 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 521-2250
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Voted as one of the top 23 rooftop bars by ABC.com, the SkyLounge is a casually hip meeting place. Often reserved for private parties or cover charge-type events, always make sure to check public serving hours before heading over. The limited menu is very small, with a selection of small plates. Cocktails are also limited but generously proportioned and expertly crafted. Enjoy a mesmerizing view of the architecturally brilliant skyline while sipping a Skyline Sour made with Four Roses bourbon, sugar, lemon, splash, and orange juice.
Drawbar
1 Interlock Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 806-8333
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If an upscale, Southern bar is what you’re looking for, Drawbar is a popular destination for locals and travelers alike. Situated on Interlock Avenue, the bar is an easy commute from attractions such as Trap Music Museum and the Georgia Aquarium and a highlight of the downtown area. The sweet corn and shishito hushpuppies were an excellent pairing with a Bottle Service cocktail (Mexican Coke, Dissarono, Appleton, Meyers). Drinks are plentiful, with draft, bottled, or canned beers, craft cocktails, and wine by the glass.
Gypsy Kitchen
3035 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 939-9840
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Located in the Buckhead Village district, Gypsy Kitchen is a prize find and transports guests from Atlanta to Spain with decor, drinks, and food. The eclectic style and inviting vibe of the bar and patio lend themselves to this being a popular location for team meetings, a reprieve from a long day of sightseeing and shopping, or a night out with great friends. Expertly prepared seafood available as small and large plates, paella, and other specialties highlight the menu. A small beer selection, an extensive wine-by-the-bottle list, wine by the glass menu, and handcrafted cocktails are curated for every taste. For a cocktail you won’t find anywhere else in the city, give the Pear of Gypsies a go. Concocted with sotol pollinator, spiced pear liquor, lime juice, and honey, it’s both unique and refreshing.
O-Ku
1085 Howell Mill Rd A3, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 500-2383
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With the leadership of executive Masatomo Hamaya, O-Ku Atlanta presents contemporary sleekness with Japanese flair and delectable sushi amid the fresh air. Located a short distance from the Georgia Tech campus and the Bobby Dodd stadium, O-Ku offers impressive views of all that downtown Atlanta has to offer. The rooftop bar is perfect for a cozy date seated in a banquette or a casual business meet-up while enjoying one of the featured Japanese beers or a unique, handcrafted cocktail. The Saint Miyako, made with Koji sake, Watershed Four Peel gin, St. Germaine elderflower liqueur, mint, cucumber, lemon, and grapefruit bitters, is deliciously different.
Clermont Hotel and Rooftop Bar
789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: (470) 485-0485
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Skyline views for days is what the Clermont’s Rooftop Bar is all about as you enjoy the astroturf and casual feel of this beloved destination. The drinks and limited fare change with the season and never disappoint. A hot toddy under the tent on a brisk autumn evening is the perfect way to ease the chill. Even with a limited drink menu, there is something for everyone, and the bartenders are happy to whip up your favorite libation. Try the Marielita Rooftop’s spin on a margarita. Made with Ghost tequila, green chile vodka, lime, curacao, and agave, the Marielita hits the spot.
Estrella Rooftop
550 Somerset Terrace NE Suite 102, Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: (404) 795-8343
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Walking along the Beltline, shopping, sightseeing, and enjoying downtown Atlanta and deciding you’re hungry? Head to the open, brightly decorated Estrella Rooftop for excellent people-watching and Latin music. What else does this gem serve up? Casual Mexican fare and fabulous drinks. Pair tapas or tacos with fresh squeezed margaritas for a mouthwatering treat. The Lavender Margarita, made with 15 21 tequila silver, lavender blossom, fresh lime, and agave, is refreshing. If cocktails don’t tempt you, the wine and beer list certainly should.
Little 5 Corner Tavern
1174 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: (404) 521-0667
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Bottomless Mimosas, does anything else really need to be said? Locally owned and operated, Little 5 Corner Tavern is a popular spot with the locals with a menu that is full of American fare, brews, and good times. Close to Edgewood-Candler Park, the rooftop bar is small but mighty. There are an incredible amount of beer varieties on tap in the restaurant and available on the patio. Seasonal cocktails, such as an Apple Martini, open the drink menu, but the Bourbon Cowboy packs quite the thrill. Made with Redemption bourbon, Dr. McGillicuddy’s root beer liqueur, Angostura bitters, Peychaud bitters and topped with ginger ale and nutmeg – the flamed orange garnish just adds a twist.
New Realm Brewing Co.
550 Somerset Terrace NE #101, Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: (404) 968-2777
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You’ll find the New Realm Brewing Company along the East Beltline trail. Serving craft-brewed beer and American fare, this spot is rising to the top of everyone’s favorites list. The rooftop bar offers unparalleled views of the Atlanta skyline in a relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy 4oz tasters of any beer on tap, or ask the wait staff to suggest something based on your taste. New Realm canned cocktails are also featured on the menu and provide a cold, fruity thirst quencher. Did we mention the food? From appetizers to handhelds and pizza, there is much to choose from The Asian-style loaded fries accompanied each cold draft exquisitely.
Rosé & Rye
3377 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: (678) 500-3190
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If a sophisticated atmosphere with expertly handcrafted cocktails sounds like the perfect night, Rose & Rye is the spot to hit. Located in Lenox Square atop the Hotel Colee, Rose & Rye offers cocktails and food using locally sourced ingredients and locally brewed beer. The Lychee Martini created with Belvedere vodka, cinnamon lychee, and freshly squeezed lime juice tastes like no other. The list also has classic cocktails, unique cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, and bottle service. There is also a cigar list. Any of the three cigars, imported from the Dominican Republic, complement a Glendronach 18-year scotch.
Republic Social House
437 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: (404) 577-3997
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The Republic Social House is situated across the street from Oakland Cemetary in the Cabbagetown district and is quite the favorite spot for rooftop bars. Low-key and laid back, there are also special late night and Taco Tuesday menus as added enticements. A large selection of draft, domestic and craft bottled, and canned beer lines two pages of the drink menu, along with two pages of wine by the glass or bottle. If a cocktail would better wet your whistle, give the Start Your Engines a whirl. Made with Engine-Italian Organic Gin, Watermelon Redbull, fresh lime, cilantro, and soda water, this is a one-of-a-kind taste experience.
Der Biergarten
300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 521-2728
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The huge rooftop patio of this splendid German beer garden is the perfect place to enjoy downtown Atlanta while enjoying one of the German draft beers offered on their impressive beer menu. Seasonal selections are rotated, and your server can tell you about each of them. Sip wine by the glass or bottle, or try one of their cocktails as you sample a meat and cheese plate or an order of delicious Reuben rolls. Close to the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium, you can leave your car parked and head over after a day of fun on the town.
Grana
1835 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: (404) 231-9000
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Italian, Italian, Italian. The air is filled with the smell of wood-fired pizza pies and other Italian specialties created with the expert hand of Executive Chef Pat Pascarella. Located within an easy drive from the Bobby Jones Golf Course, the bright atmosphere is perfect for feasting and drinking after a round of golf, meeting with good friends, or enjoying a family meal. Seating on the rooftop bar at Grana is on a first-come, first-served basis but well worth any wait. Their wine list features a nice selection by the bottle or glass or try a classic cocktail. The beer list is limited, but all pair perfectly with a pie fresh from the fire.
The Roof at Ponce City Market
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (770) 999-1530
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Now this is a rooftop bar. Stretching from end to end of the Ponce City Market, this is a destination hotspot for everyone. Amusement park-style rides, food, and entertainment overflow the expansive roof with fun times guaranteed. Expect a grand adventure and a beautiful view of downtown Atlanta as you make your way upwards. For drinks in a classy, elevated atmosphere, head to the 12 Cocktail Bar. The cocktail menu steals the show. The Split Personality libation is concocted with Asw gin, Siete Misterios Mezcal, Violette, chartreuse, and lime and is a delightful taste combination.
Suite Food Lounge
375 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 577-2500
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Fox Theater, Mercedes-Benz Museum, and the Trap Music Museum are all close to the Suite Food Lounge and are the perfect way to wind down your day after work, shopping, or sightseeing. Chic, trendy, and sophisticated all describe this downtown hotspot with Taco Tuesdays and Karaoke. The fashionable drink menu has something for everyone, along with late-night menus for after-hours dates and a night out on the town. The view is impeccable.
HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern
804 Town Blvd A1010, Atlanta, GA 30319
Phone: (404) 464-8971
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The HobNob Tavern is where friends come to gather and is on everyone’s list of favorites. Walking through the doors, it’s easy to see why—the fun, laid-back atmosphere welcomes all who enter. Enjoy downtown Atlanta from the well-lit rooftop with music as you enjoy a frosty beverage and a burger that can’t be beaten. Locally brewed Georgia beers are a specialty here and rotate periodically. Ask the bartender for recommendations to find your new favorite. The margaritas are also plentiful, as is wine by the glass or bottle and a selection of other bottled and canned delights.
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