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Atlanta’s nightlife scene is hot. There are plenty of trendy clubs that provide stiff drinks, high-energy dancing, and a beautiful crowd to mingle with. On the flipside, there are also many friendly, low-key neighborhood pubs, where one can relax and have a conversation, and maybe listen to a live acoustic musical act. And of course, Atlanta has quite a reputation for its adult entertainment venues!
For trendy clubbing in Atlanta, head to Compound in West Midtown. This hidden gem in the middle of the warehouse district offers multi-level and multi-themed club action. Live DJ’s and special promotions make this club one of the most popular in the Atlanta. Eleven50 is another “see and be seen” nightclub destination. Located amidst the Crescent Avenue nightclub district in Midtown Atlanta, they offer a great sound system and well-known DJ’s to keep the beats going well into the night. Just up the street from Eleven50 is Vision, home to Atlanta’s hottest hip hop music social scene. This is where local rappers Ludacris and OutKast come to hang out. MJQ Concourse has long been a local’s favorite for dancing the night away. The Mark is Downtown Atlanta’s coolest club, with a gorgeous interior and beautiful people to match. In Buckhead, veteran nightclub Tongue & Groove continues to draw the hip partygoers of Atlanta. Aiko offers an Asian spin on the clubbing scene. Here one can order sushi and then shimmy on the dance floor all night long. The Havana Club offers steamier dancing, with sexy salsa music taking the main stage.
Friendly neighborhood pubs and bars abound in Atlanta. Manuel’s Tavern is a local landmark, a watering hole for local politicians, law enforcement, and journalists. Star Community Bar is a vintage dive bar, with a host of regulars and a cheeky shrine to Elvis. Atkins Park is Atlanta’s oldest tavern. The original in Virginia Highlands is a neighborhood institution, and the newer one in Smyrna is quickly becoming a neighborhood destination. Fado in Buckhead brings a touch of Irish fellowship to Atlanta. It’s a great place to grab a Guinness and a plate of fish and chips. For more Irish spirit, the James Joyce Irish Pub in Avondale Estates is a great off the beaten path destination. Neighbor’s Pub and Hand in Hand in the Virginia Highland neighborhood of Atlanta offers a relaxed atmosphere and a friendly, laid-back crowd. Prince of Wales is a great place to grab a pint after going to Piedmont Park. Brewhouse Café in Little Five Points is where soccer fans gather. Also in L5P, Euclid Avenue Yacht Club draws a bevy of pierced and tattooed regulars. For neighborhood pubs in Decatur, Thinking Man Tavern, Universal Joint, and Brick Store Pub are great choices.
Atlanta has the best gay and lesbian club scene in the Southeastern U.S. The non-smoking Red Chair Lounge attracts a mixed crowd, and offers a full-service restaurant as well. Wetbar is all about dancing for the guys, and Blake’s is a more relaxed gay bar located near Piedmont Park. Burkhart’s is a great gay neighborhood pub next to Ansley Mall in Midtown Atlanta. For the ladies, venture just outside Atlanta to Decatur, where My Sister’s Room offers a low-key mingle of like-minded women. For gay sports fans, there’s Woof’s, with several big screen TV’s to catch your favorite team on game day. Hoedown’s is where gay men and women two-step to their hearts content.
Atlanta’s adult entertainment options are considered to be world-class. The Cheetah is one of Atlanta’s most popular gentlemen’s clubs, and even has a gourmet restaurant, Alluvia, inside of the club. Maxim Cabaret in the northern part of Atlanta also offers classy gentlemen’s club entertainment. Other popular adult entertainment clubs include the Pink Pony, 24K Club, Flashers, Goldrush Show Bar, Jazzy T’s, and Tattletale Lounge.
There are several great live music venues in Atlanta. Eddie’s Attic in Decatur is known as the spot where pop superstar John Mayer first began to perform. Other well-known acts that have played at the intimate acoustic venue include the Indigo Girls, Shawn Mullins, and Michelle Malone. The Red Light Café features folk and bluegrass acts. Smith’s Olde Bar showcases the best in Americana music. Apache Café has a popular spoken word night. Blind Willie’s and Northside Tavern offer the best in blues music. Churchill Grounds is a classy jazz club with a retro feel. It is located conveniently next to the Fox Theatre. Sambuca Jazz Café offers smooth grooves and good food in Buckhead. For the best in indie rock, The Earl in the East Atlanta Village has you covered. The Loft, formerly Vinyl, next to Earthlink Live is a state-of-the art music venue, featuring a diverse set of music acts, from electronica to rock. Variety Playhouse is a cool renovated movie theatre offering the best in mid-sized touring acts. The Tabernacle is a former church in Downtown Atlanta that has been converted into one of the most unique live music venues in the city.
For sports fanatics, there are plenty of places in Atlanta to cheer on your favorite team. ESPN Zone in Buckhead offers several big screen televisions as well as a high-tech game area. Jock’s and Jill’s, with several locations throughout the metro Atlanta area, are always crowded with loudly cheering fans. Bus service to Atlanta Braves games is also provided. Frankie’s in North Atlanta is a great neighborhood sports bar. Bleachers Sports Bar and Billiards offers plenty of pool table action. Five Paces Inn is where rugby fans gather to watch matches.
Regardless of one’s entertainment preferences, Atlanta can rightfully boast of a wide selection of nightlife options, with plenty of bars and clubs to keep partygoers happy until dawn. |