The very best 12 nightlife spots in Atlanta, United States

Welcome to the ATL, night owls! Prepare for a hair-raising adventure as we whisk you away to the best 12 nightlife spots in Atlanta. Get ready to twerk your worries away at The Jungle, where the music is bumpin' and the dance floor is hotter than a Georgia summer. Wanna feel like a VIP? Don your fanciest threads and strut your stuff at The Compound, where the cocktails flow like the Chattahoochee and the stars come out to play. Finally, wrap up your nocturnal escapade at The Clermont Lounge, a quirky gem that combines burlesque, live music, and a smorgasbord of bewitching characters. Atlanta nights: where memories are made and regrets are left in the rearview mirror!

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1. Prohibition

4.6 (24)

56 E Andrews Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA

Welcome to Atlanta, where once upon a time, Prohibition was the bee's knees! From 1920 to 1933, Atlanta was buzzing with excitement as it became a hotbed for secret speakeasies and roaring illegal parties. Just like a well-shaken cocktail, Atlanta's prohibition history packs a punch that will leave you thirsty for more. Take a stroll through the city's underground tunnels, where bootleggers and moonshiners weaved a clandestine network of hidden bars. Atlanta's speakeasies were like oases in a desert of sobriety, serving up bathtub gin and giggle water until the break of dawn. So, dust off your secret decoder ring, muster up some undercover charm, and prepare for a thrilling journey back to the intoxicating days of yore. Immerse yourself in the tales of famous Atlanta gangsters who filled the city's history with both danger and flair. Rumor has it that even Al Capone himself was smitten with the Atlanta's underground scene, sneaking into town to enjoy some sizzling jazz tunes and libations. Embark on this time-traveling adventure, unlocking the secrets of a bygone era, because what happens in Atlanta's prohibition past definitely won't stay there!

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2. The Vortex

4.5 (6289)

878 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

Welcome to The Vortex, Atlanta's ultimate haven for burger enthusiasts and reckless eaters! This charm of a restaurant takes the phrase "go big or go home" and promptly dunks it into a deep fryer. With a menu that could easily double as a weightlifting program, bellyaching your way through its offerings guarantees an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. Get ready to kiss your diet goodbye as The Vortex boasts burger creations that would make even the most seasoned glutton tremble with excitement. From the "Coronary Bypass" burger, piled high with a heart-stopping combination of bacon, cheese, and fried eggs, to the "Triple Coronary Bypass" which adds a 'holy cow' third patty, this place redefines the concept of indulgence. It's like stepping into the Hunger Games arena, but instead of fighting to the death, it’s a war against your belt buckle. Beyond the insanely gigantic burgers, The Vortex provides an atmosphere that is unabashedly quirky. You're greeted by an enormous skull-shaped entrance, a sight that only hints at the wild adventure awaiting you inside. With cheeky signs and walls adorned with wacky vintage artwork, you'll be hard-pressed to find a dull moment, even if your arteries are crying for mercy.

www.thevortexatl.com

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3. Joystick Gamebar

4.5 (1416)

427 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, USA

Welcome to Joystick Gamebar, the ultimate haven for gamers nestled in the heart of Atlanta. As you step inside, prepare to be transported to a realm where nostalgia meets cutting-edge gaming technology. With its cozy vintage décor and an array of classic arcade games, you'll feel fancier than Mario in his tuxedoed days as you challenge your friends to a lively bout of Pac-Man or Mario Kart. Don't forget to fuel up on their mouthwatering food offerings because, let's face it, gaming is an intense sport and you'll need sustenance to power through those virtual battles.

joystickgamebar.com

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4. The Sound Table

4.4 (671)

483 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, USA

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Atlanta, The Sound Table stands as a haven where the rhythmic beats sway souls and hips alike. Here, music aficionados and dance enthusiasts gather to indulge in a symphony of cocktails and delicious fusion cuisine, perfectly complemented by the eclectic tunes that set the atmosphere ablaze. So, whether you're an aficionado of funky fresh beats, or just yearning to have a boogie with strangers, this hip joint promises an unforgettable sensory experience that will leave you swaying and saying, 'Who knew Atlanta had moves like Jagger?'

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5. The Earl

4.6 (1424)

488 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, USA

Nestled in the bustling streets of Atlanta, The Earl stands tall with a distinct charm that could rival its locals' Southern charm. As you step into this quirky venue, prepare to be swept away by its eclectic mix of live music, mouthwatering pub grub, and a devil-may-care attitude that keeps the good times rolling. Explore its dimly lit interior with vintage vinyl records lining the walls, and if you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of some locals dancing like nobody's watching - a sight truly worth the cover charge!

www.badearl.com

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6. Paper Plane

4.3 (291)

816 S Central Ave, Atlanta, GA 30354, USA

Welcome to Paper Plane, the aviation-themed cocktail bar that will take you on a delightful journey through Atlanta's vibrant nightlife scene. This quirky establishment will have you flying high with its whimsical décor, complete with airplane model collections that are sure to ignite your wanderlust. The mixologists here redefine creativity by concocting innovative cocktails that will make your taste buds soar to new heights - just remember to buckle up before indulging in their merrily potent libations!

www.paperplanerestaurant.com

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7. Sister Louisa's Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium

4.5 (1351)

466 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, USA

Welcome to the quirky and offbeat wonderland of Sister Louisa's Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium! Nestled in Atlanta, this off-kilter establishment offers a peculiar blend of holy reverence and fierce competitive spirit. Take a break from traditional worship and prepare to bask in the glory of ping pong, while being surrounded by an eclectic mix of religious iconography and fervent devotion to the almighty paddle.

sisterlouisaschurch.com

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8. Holeman and Finch Public House

4.4 (660)

1201 Peachtree St NE Building 400, Suite #160, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

Welcome to Holeman and Finch Public House in Atlanta, where food and merriment collide to create a tantalizing experience for your taste buds and laughter muscles. This quirky pub magically transports you to a world where culinary excellence meets unbridled creativity, leaving you wondering if the chef secretly moonlights as a stand-up comedian. Just prepare yourself for a night of unforgettable bites, endless laughter, and the lurking temptation to shamelessly beg for the recipe of their divine burger.

www.holeman-finch.com

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9. The Porter Beer Bar

4.7 (2220)

1156 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA

Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, The Porter Beer Bar is an absolute hidden gem for beer enthusiasts and adventurers alike. With a selection of over 800 beers from around the globe, the bar offers an immersive experience where one can embark on a whimsical journey of hops and malts. The cozy atmosphere, reminiscent of a hobbit's hideout, invites visitors to escape the bustling city and embark on a deliciously intoxicating expedition.

www.theporterbeerbar.com

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10. Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall

4.4 (2596)

684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE Unit J, Atlanta, GA 30312, USA

Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall awaits adventurous souls seeking the perfect blend of nature and urban comfort. With its whimsical ambience and an outdoor patio that rivals even the coziest neighborhood campfire, this hidden gem is where wilderness meets Sunday brunch. Don't forget to try their renowned 'Campfire Delight Burger,' a mouthwatering concoction that will have your taste buds singing campfire songs of delight.

www.ladybirdatl.com

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11. The Bookhouse Pub

4.5 (802)

736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, USA

Nestled in the lively city of Atlanta, The Bookhouse Pub stands as a delightful oasis for weary travelers seeking both literary refuge and liquid libations. Step into this whimsical establishment and be transported to a world where books and booze enthusiastically collide. With its walls adorned with shelves bursting with novels, this pub invites you to indulge in both intellectual stimulation and extraordinary spirits, ensuring an unforgettable experience for bookworms and barflies alike.

www.instagram.com

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12. Ormsby’s

4.4 (1653)

1170 Howell Mill Rd Ste P20, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA

Nestled within the vibrant city of Atlanta sits Ormsby’s, a delightful establishment where good times collide with great food and drinks. Aptly named, this hidden gem is known for its quirky charm and emphasis on fun. Step inside and be prepared to embark on a journey that seamlessly blends a cozy pub atmosphere with the wonder of an adult playground, complete with games like bocce ball and shuffleboard, ensuring that your visit is nothing short of a playful escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.

www.ormsbysatlanta.com

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Atlanta, United States by plane is to fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is the primary airport serving the city. Many major airlines offer direct flights to Atlanta from cities around the world.

Car

Driving to Atlanta is also a popular option, as the city is accessible from several major interstates, including I-75, I-85, and I-20. However, visitors should be prepared for heavy traffic, especially during rush hour.

Train

While there are no passenger train stations directly in Atlanta, the closest Amtrak station is in Birmingham, Alabama, which is about 150 miles away from Atlanta. From there, travelers can take a Greyhound bus or rent a car to drive to Atlanta.

Boat

While Atlanta is not a coastal city, visitors can take a riverboat cruise along the Chattahoochee River, which runs through the city. Cruises depart from several locations, including Paces Mill, Paces Ferry, and Chattahoochee Landing.

Bus

Taking a Greyhound bus is an affordable option for getting to Atlanta, with many bus routes from cities across the United States. The Greyhound station in Atlanta is located in downtown Atlanta at 232 Forsyth St SW.

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