Guide to Nightlife in Atlanta

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If you’re a young college graduate moving to Atlanta, you may be looking ofr a bit more than a good book and an early bedtime to fill your evenings. Worry not – We here at Bellhop (your local Atlanta movers) have done the research on what you should know before moving to Atlanta.

Want to learn a bit more about your options in Atlanta? Check out some of our other guides to living in Atlanta:

Top Neighborhoods for Young College Graduates in Atlanta

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the percentage of people aged 18-39 in Atlanta is about 38.1%. Also, according to BestPlaces.net, approximately 70% of the city’s adult population is single. All this to say, Atlanta is a very welcoming city for young people looking to meet peers and potentially start a romantic relationship. Below are some of the best neighborhoods for young college graduates looking to land in Atlanta:

1) Midtown – This is a vibrant neighborhood with a lot of high-rise apartments, trendy shops, and restaurants. It is also home to Piedmont Park, which offers a lot of outdoor space for recreation.

2) Virginia Highland – This neighborhood has a mix of charming bungalows and modern apartments. It has a lot of independent shops and restaurants that appeal to young professionals.

3) Old Fourth Ward – This neighborhood has seen a lot of development in recent years, with new apartments, restaurants, and bars popping up. It is also home to the Atlanta Beltline, a popular trail for walking, running, and biking.

4) Inman Park – This is a trendy neighborhood with a lot of historic homes, popular restaurants, and bars that attract young professionals.

5) Buckhead – This is a more upscale neighborhood, with luxury apartments, high-end shopping, and fine dining. It is very popular among young professionals who enjoy the social scene.

Top Neighborhoods for Nightlife in Atlanta

Looking for a neighborhood that doesn’t sleep (or at least sleeps in?) Depending on what you’re looking for, these neighborhoods could be good options if you want a somewhat faster pace:

1. Buckhead – Buckhead is an affluent area of Atlanta that is well-known for its upscale bars, restaurants, and clubs. It’s particularly popular with young professionals and college students.

2. Midtown – Midtown Atlanta is home to a diverse range of bars, clubs, and music venues catering to a wide range of tastes. It’s known for its LGBTQ-friendly nightlife scene and is popular with the city’s creatives.

3. Edgewood – Edgewood Avenue is a historic district that has experienced a recent revival thanks to its trendy bars, clubs, and restaurants. It’s particularly popular with a younger, more hipster crowd.

4. East Atlanta Village – East Atlanta Village is a bohemian neighborhood that has a reputation for being quirky and offbeat. The area is home to a range of dive bars, music venues, and art galleries that are well-regarded among locals.

5. Virginia Highland – Virginia Highland is a relaxed residential area that has a thriving dining and bar scene. It’s particularly popular with locals who appreciate its laid-back, neighborhood feel.

What to know about your options for moving to Atlanta

Top Nightclubs in Atlanta

Atlanta is known for having a vibrant nightlife scene, buttressed by a history of world-class DJs and hip-hop, to mention nothing of the many famous bands who’ve emerged out of nearby Athens, GA. The following list gives some information about some of the best nightclubs in Atlanta.

1. Compound – Compound is a high-energy, upscale club with a large dance floor and VIP section. The club often features big-name DJs and live music performances. The dress code is strict, so make sure to dress to impress if you plan to visit this establishment.

2. MJQ Concourse – MJQ Concourse is a more laid-back nightclub that caters to a younger crowd. It’s a popular spot for locals, and the underground aesthetic makes for a unique experience. The music is typically hip-hop and electronic, and the club is known for its late-night hours.

3. Tongue and Groove – Tongue and Groove is a large, modern club in Buckhead that boasts a state-of-the-art sound system. The crowd is older than some other clubs in the city, and the atmosphere can be more upscale. They often have celebrity guest appearances and events.

4. The Sound Table – The Sound Table is a smaller, intimate nightclub that focuses on live music and art events. The decor is trendy and modern, and the music tends towards electronic and avant-garde styles. The laid-back atmosphere and artisan cocktails make it a popular spot for art and music lovers.

5. Gold Room – Gold Room is located just north of Midtown in the Garden Hills neighborhood. This 7,500 square foot, two-floor venue is home to both live music performances and late night DJs who play music ranging from classic hip-hop and R&B to contemporary pop ballads. The chic, yet historic character of Gold Room makes it a popular nightlife option for both tourists and locals, despite having a strict dress code.

Top Breweries in Atlanta

Interested in grabbing a cold IPA? Atlanta’s got you covered. Below are a few of Atlanta’s more famous breweries, a mix of old and established breweries alongside newer entrants:

1. SweetWater Brewing Company – SweetWater is one of the oldest and largest craft breweries in Atlanta. Located just a mile or so north of Downtown Atlanta, SweetWater is known for its popular IPA and its spacious, dog-friendly taproom.

2. Monday Night Brewing – This brewery is located in the trendy West Midtown neighborhood, and it is known for its creative and experimental beers. They have several flagship beers, but have earned acclaim for always adding new and interesting brews to their lineup.

3. Orpheus Brewing – Orpheus is an award-winning brewery located in the Piedmont Heights neighborhood, just a few miles from Downtown Atlanta. They are known for their sour and funky beers, and their taproom is a great place to hang out and try some new brews.

4. Three Taverns Craft Brewery – This brewery is located in Decatur, a charming suburb just a few miles east of Atlanta. Three Taverns is known for its Belgian-inspired beers, and they have a beautiful taproom that’s open seven days a week.

5. Scofflaw Brewing Company – Scofflaw is an up-and-coming brewery located in West Atlanta. They’re known for their hoppy, West Coast-style IPAs, and their taproom is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Top Restaurants in Atlanta

Atlanta is also a foodie’s paradise. Alongside more traditional Southern fare, you’ll find a smorgasboard of cuisine from all over the world. Below are a few standout options:

1. Bacchanalia – Located in the Westside neighborhood of Atlanta, Bacchanalia is a fine-dining restaurant known for its contemporary American cuisine. The menu features locally sourced seasonal ingredients, and dishes are prepared with modern cooking techniques. Chef Anne Quatrano and her husband, Clifford Harrison, own the restaurant, and it has been consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Atlanta.

2. Aria – Another fine-dining restaurant located in Buckhead, Aria offers contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. The menu is crafted by Chef Gerry Klaskala, and it features seasonal ingredients and inventive presentations. The restaurant has received numerous accolades for its food, wine list, and service.

3. Marcel – Marcel is a modern steakhouse located in the Westside neighborhood of Atlanta. It features classic French dishes as well as aged beef, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere with a retro-chic decor and a piano bar.

4. Gunshow – Located in the Glenwood Park neighborhood, Gunshow is a unique dining experience. The restaurant is helmed by Chef Kevin Gillespie, who describes the cuisine as “Southern-inspired dim sum.” The menu is constantly changing, and dishes are presented on carts that are rolled around the dining room, allowing guests to see what’s on offer and choose what they want to try.

5. Miller Union – Located in the Westside neighborhood of Atlanta, Miller Union offers farm-to-table Southern cuisine. Chef Steven Satterfield’s menu features locally sourced ingredients, and the restaurant is known for its vegetable dishes and homemade pastas. The atmosphere is casual yet elegant, with rustic decor and an open kitchen.

Top Cocktail Bars in Atlanta

If you’re interested in something more complex than a rum and coke, you can find that in Atlanta quite easily. Below are a few options:

1. Ticonderoga Club – Located in the Krog Street Market, Ticonderoga Club is a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts. Customers rave about the creative drinks, including the signature Ticonderoga Cup and the Mexican Firing Squad.

2. Kimball House – Located in Decatur, Kimball House is a stylish cocktail and oyster bar that attracts a sophisticated crowd. The drink menu is extensive and features classic cocktails as well as inventive new creations. Customers also praise the knowledgeable and friendly bartenders.

3. The Lawrence – This Midtown bar is known for its inventive cocktails, such as the St. Germain Collins and the Honeysuckle Old Fashioned.

4. S.O.S. Tiki Bar – This retro-inspired bar in Decatur serves up an array of tropical drinks, from classic Mai Tais to more unusual creations, like the Zombie. Customers love the festive, beachy atmosphere and the fun, playful drinks.

5. Grain – Grain is a speakeasy-style bar tucked away in the Midtown neighborhood. The cocktails are expertly crafted, and customers appreciate the cozy, speakeasy vibe. The extensive selection of whiskeys is also a draw for many customers.

Top Bars in Atlanta

For those looking for a more traditional bar scene, here is a list of other top-rated bars to check out in Atlanta.

1. The Vortex Bar & Grill – This is a famous Atlanta institution known for its food, beer, and irreverent humor. The Vortex has two locations in the city and is especially known for its massive, artery-clogging burgers and quirky decor.

2. Clermont Lounge – Clermont Lounge is a dive bar that has been around since the 1960s and is famous for its strippers, including the iconic Blondie, who has been performing there for over three decades. The bar has a gritty, eccentric vibe and attracts a mix of hipsters, locals, and adventurous tourists.

3. The Porter Beer Bar – This is a popular spot for craft beer lovers, with an extensive selection of brews from around the world. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, with a pub-style ambiance and outdoor seating area.

4. The Bookhouse Pub – This is a cozy, book-themed bar located in a restored Victorian house in the Inman Park neighborhood. The menu features creative cocktails and pub fare, and there’s a spacious outdoor patio for enjoying drinks in the sun.

5. Joystick Gamebar – This is a retro arcade and bar that offers classic video games, craft beers, and pub food. The vibe is fun and laid-back, and there are frequent events like trivia nights and live music.

Top Outdoor Destinations In Atlanta

Although nightlife can provide much well-deserved entertainment, Atlanta has more to offer in terms of outdoor spaces – it’s called the City in The Forest for a reason. Atlanta and its surrounding areas offer a variety of outdoor destinations for those seeking natural beauty and outdoor activities. Here are some of the best outdoor destinations in or near Atlanta:

1. Piedmont Park – Located in the heart of Atlanta, Piedmont Park is the city’s largest park, spanning over 189 acres. The park offers walking and biking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a lake for fishing and boating.

2. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – This park is located just north of Atlanta and offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and rafting along the Chattahoochee River.

3. Stone Mountain Park – This popular attraction is located just outside of Atlanta and features a massive granite mountain with hiking trails, a scenic railroad, a golf course, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities.

4. Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area – Located just east of Atlanta, this scenic area features stunning rock formations, hiking trails, and numerous outdoor recreational activities.

5. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park – This park is located just northwest of Atlanta and is a popular destination for hiking and running. The park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views.

6. Sweetwater Creek State Park – Located just west of Atlanta, Sweetwater Creek State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping in a scenic setting.

Good luck with your move!

Thinking of moving to Atlanta? Our Moving to Atlanta page contains plenty of useful information about moving costs and the moving process, and our blog contains more articles about other aspects of the city of Atlanta. And of course, if you’re ready to take the plunge, our local Atlanta movers are ready to make it easy. We look forward to working with you to make your move spectacular.

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Larry Blue

City Operations Manager at Bellhop

Larry has been in Atlanta for more than four years. He enjoys hanging out in Buckhead, exploring the parks and trails of the Atlanta BeltLine, snowboarding, and rooting for his favorite local sports teams (including the Braves, Falcons, and GA Bulldogs). Larry has been in the moving industry for more than five years, and says he knows it's going to be a good moving day "[when] all items are boxed and sealed and there's a clear path from house/apartment to the truck."