Atlanta lights up in the summer when the evening air’s warm and the sun stays out to play. Restaurant patios brim with chatter and clinking glasses. Bartenders pour out cocktail after cocktail. Food steams on plates, waiting to be devoured.
And, when the happiest hours in town commence, we’ve got you covered. Here are five spots to check out if you’re on the search for your next happy hour in Atlanta. From restaurants that’ll transport you to the coast, to a globally-inspired brewery, here’s where to get your next early evening bevvy.
That is, after you finally move into that dream apartment in one of Atlanta’s hottest neighborhoods. In fact, you can find your next luxury home for free with AptAmigo’s help. In the meantime, check out our favorite studio apartments in Atlanta.
Related: What Does It Cost to Live in Atlanta, GA?
Best Happy Hours in Atlanta
Elsewhere Brewing
Location: 1039 Grant St. SE, Suite B34, Atlanta, GA 30315
Neighborhood: Grant Park
Elsewhere Brewing could sit in a category all on its own. The brewery got its start after co-owners, Sam and Sara Kazmer, spent a year and a half traveling around North America, South America, and Europe to learn (and taste!) as much as they could about beer. What they found was “that without good people, delicious food, and welcoming spaces, beer lost much of its beauty.”
And, they brought just that to The Beacon in Grant Park. Elsewhere boasts a warm space that feels intimate, yet open; top-notch brews; and food you’ll want to devour and savor all at once.
Elsewhere also hosts a bevy of events, most notable of which is their monthly drag brunch — tickets sell out, so grab yours quickly.
Go here if: You’re looking for a cold glass of beer in a calming, thoughtfully-designed space.
Our favorite drink: Grab one of their “happier hour” libations if you visit between five and seven pm (Tuesday – Friday) and a snack, too. When they put hush puppies on the menu, we suggest putting in an order or two of those delicacies.
Aziza
Location: 1170 Howell Mill Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Neighborhood: West Midtown
Aziza, a West Midtown favorite, serves up some of the best food in town while slinging stellar cocktails. And, they recently introduced their Sunset Hours Patio Series, a happy hour on the second Thursday of each month with live music under Atlanta’s summer sun.
With a constantly changing menu, the dishes are always fresh at Aziza. Start with the hummus — if you feel up for the challenge, get both of them. They’re always delicious. Move on to their shareable small plates next and wrap things up with an entrée.
Go here if: You want sultry vibes, low lighting, and food that you won’t be able to stop ordering.
Our favorite drink: The Schug Shake is a must. It’s like sipping on a glass of gold rinsed with fresh herbs while you lounge in a lush garden. Trust us, it’s good.
Whiskey Bird
Location: 1409 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306
Neighborhood: Virginia-Highland
What started as weekly dinners for their friends, turned into late-night cooking sessions and plentiful entertaining for loved ones. And now, Chad and Anthony bring their passion for food and entertaining to Whiskey Bird, a neighborhood spot in Virginia-Highland.
Go here if: You’re looking to gather with friends over a spread of bright, flavorful food.
Our favorite drink: Keep it simple with a glass of wine and let the flavors of the food shine. Or, jazz it up and order yourself a whisk(e)y flight. And, whatever you do, order the okonomiyaki fries.
The White Bull
Location: 123 E Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030
Neighborhood: A suburb of Atlanta
With garden seating tucked in back, The White Bull is an idyllic spot in the heart of Decatur Square. Chef Pat Pascarella and his team serve up farm-forward dishes inspired by the surrounding local market. The small-plate menu is perfect for sharing over a glass of wine, local beer, or a spritz.
Go here if: You’re craving an outdoor date night over happy hour snacks and bevs.
Our favorite drink: A chilled glass of white wine in summer and a bold red in the cooler months. Ask your server for a fun seasonal recommendation if you’re unsure what to pair with your snacks. They’ll steer you in the right direction.
The Optimist
Location: 914 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318
Neighborhood: Knight Park/Howell Station
The Optimist, a Ford Fry restaurant that urges guests to “be optimistic,” brings the coast to Atlanta. The vibrant, bright interior welcomes you into a modern seaside retreat. And, happy hour is truly, truly happy here. They offer oyster deals, special menu items (hello, burger!), and cocktails at the ready.
Go here if: You’re looking to impress.
Our favorite drink: If it’s a cocktail you’re craving, go for the fun and flirty Flamingo Kid.
Find Your Next Atlanta Apartment Amidst the Best Happy Hour Spots
With the best happy hours in Atlanta at your fingertips, you’ll live the good life in your new luxury apartment. Whether a longtime resident or a newbie, we can make finding your next apartment a breeze. Our apartment experts know each building like the back of their hand, and can help you find the apartment that checks all of your boxes. Even better, your dedicated agent knows how to access all the rent deals on offer. Sit back, relax, and let the apartment experts do all the searching for you. Oh, and did we mention, it’s free?
Gabriella LePage is a photographer, writer, and mentor to entrepreneurial women. She currently calls Atlanta home. Learn more at www.bygabriella.co.
