There’s far more to a good hotel than clean sheets and working A/C.
You want to feel like you’re in the middle of the coolest part of town, a short walk or Uber from bars, restaurants, and trendy yet classy hangout spots. But what if you could find all of those and more right in the lobby or on the roof of where you’re staying?
That’s what these hotels nail. Whether you’re spending the night or just an hour or two there, these hotel bars have a lot to love, especially their food and drinks.
Here are our favorite hotel bars in Atlanta.
Tessarae at Thompson Buckhead
The Thompson in Buckhead already boasts Dirty Rascal, one of the city’s hottest Italian eateries. But on its rooftop sits Tessarae, a sexy bar with a breathtaking panoramic view of Buckhead and beyond. In addition to the view and the robust bar program, they have a stacked lineup of Shareables, though you may not want to share them at all. Check out Scott’s Hot Smoked Salmon Chips, the Southern Chicken Sliders, and the Korean BBQ Cauliflower.
Trader Vic’s at Hilton Atlanta
Trader Vic’s has been an Atlanta icon for decades. The Hawaiian tiki vibes will make you feel like you’re on vacation even though you’re in downtown ATL. From Mai Tais to dishes prepared in woks and Chinese ovens (like Teriyaki Grilled Pork Chop, Oven-Smoked Rack of Lamb, and Beef Cho Cho), Trader Vic’s will have you saying “aloha” to a good time.
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Drawbar at the Bellyard
West Midtown has no shortage of hip spots to grab a bite and a drink. But maybe the hottest spot of them all is Drawbar, the rooftop bar of the Bellyard Hotel. They’ve got a killer co*cktail menu, not to mention delicious food, from the small plates (Pork Belly Mac and Cheese, Bourbon Molasses Wings) to the breakfast (Treat Yo’ Self Yogurt Bowl, Corned Beef Hash Bowl).
Drafting Table co*cktails & Kitchen at Hotel Indigo
Hotel Indigo is right in the heart of downtown, and so is its lobby bar Drafting Table co*cktails & Kitchen. They have food ranging from small plates like Lemon Pepper Wings (because Atlanta) and Herb Garlic Cheese Bread to mains like Salmon Puttanesca and the Indigo Burger. Pair those with one of their House co*cktails like the Pineapple Paradise or even the non-alcoholic Southern Refresher.
By George at Candler Hotel
The Candler Building has been an Atlanta landmark since 1906, originally as a bank. It was recently renovated as a hotel in 2019 and re-opened with the restaurant By George (named for the building’s initial two architects, George Stewart and George E. Murphy). By George offers breakfast, brunch (such as Tres Leches Brioche French Toast), lunch (Rigatoni Bolognese), and dinner (Tempura Fried Lobster Tail) so no matter when you show up, you won’t leave hungry. In addition to beers and wines, the co*cktail menu has a mix of classic options and signature house co*cktails.
Bar Margot at Four Seasons Hotel
Bar Margot, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown, has a chic and retro vibe with live music and, of course, a strong food menu. They serve lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch but are actually best known for two signature co*cktails. One is the Lady Victoria: a “fresh and garden-esque” vodka-based drink with Ketel One, cocchi Americano, rosemary, and lemon. The other is the Gin Margot: an elevated variation of a gin and tonic with Monkey 47 gin, preserved lime, salted lime, Thai basil, and Fever-Tree tonic.
Lantana at The Starling Hotel
Lantana is the classy yet laid-back restaurant at The Starling Hotel in Colony Square. While Colony Square rocks a mean food scene (anchored by the Politan Row food hall), Lantana has a wide variety of elevated dishes. While the menu changes seasonally, some mainstays include the Juicy Lucy Burger and Gemelli Pasta, which you can always wash down with the bright and refreshing Hibiscus Lemon Drop Martini. Kick back on a couch and enjoy yourself.
St. Regis Bar
There are few spots in Buckhead classier than the St. Regis bar. The wine list and co*cktail menu are absolutely stacked with something stiff, sweet, or both. If you’re hungry, you can snack on some small bites like Ahi Tuna Tacos or Devilled Eggs or bigger plates like the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich or Manhattan Strip Filet. If you’re craving something else, you’re a short walk from Atlas, Chops, Umi, and other top-tier restaurants.
Rooftop Bar at Hotel Clermont
The Clermont Hotel is one of Atlanta’s most iconic spots, as beloved for its classy French brasserie Tiny Lou’s as the perhaps less-than-classy Clermont Lounge. But if you’re looking for one of the most picturesque views in Atlanta, the rooftop bar is hard to beat. The view itself is far from a hidden gem, but did you know the rooftop now has a taco food truck? Add those bites to the usual daiquiris in the summer or hot toddies in the cooler weather and you’ve won your day.
