For decades, Buckhead has been a hub for Atlanta nightlife and drinking culture. With long-standing institutions still thriving and energetic new bars and clubs opening up at a steady pace, the neighborhood’s star shows no signs of fading. Here’s a look at eight of the hottest places to enjoy a cocktail in Buckhead right now.
Cook Hall
Cocktails are DIY at this sanctuary for contemporary comfort food. Well, sort of. Several of James Beard award winner Belinda Chang’s inventive cocktails are available as DIY cocktail kits. You’ll get precisely the volume of spirits, mixers, and other flavored ingredients required for each cocktail you order, with a bit extra when “add ___ to taste” appears on a recipe. This Phipps Plaza restaurant and bar is a 15-minute walk from AMLI 3464.
3377 Peachtree Road NE, 404-523-3600
Del Frisco’s Grille
Just like its hand-cut steaks, Del Frisco’s cocktails frequently rank among Atlanta’s finest. In addition to excellent martinis, Manhattans and other classics, the drink menu features inventive, locally-inspired cocktails. The Tennessee Peach, rye-laden Redeemer, and cayenne-rimmed Hotlanta Cooler are a few popular options.
3376 Peachtree Road NE, 404-537-2828
Holeman & Finch Public House
Even if you haven’t eaten at Holeman & Finch, you’ve likely heard it has some of the best burgers in town. But the restaurants one-of-a-kind craft cocktails are another reason to visit this Atlanta establishment. Choose from several inventive elixirs, mixed and garnished with fresh, local herbs and berries.
2277 Peachtree Road Northwest, 404-948-1175
Park Bench Pub
Talented local musicians and DJs, a lively energy, and affordable drinks have kept Park Bench Pub popular for nearly a quarter-century now. It’s not the hippest place in Buckhead, but Park Bench’s low drink prices and good vibes make it one of the more reliably fun Buckhead bars to drink at.
34 Irby Avenue, 404-262-3624
Saltyard
This hip Buckhead restaurant prepares globally inspired cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Where mixology is concerned, Saltyard’s M.O. is the same. Refined craft cocktails are mixed with fresh fruits and herbs grown nearby. Saltyard also uses spirits from several Georgia distilleries.
1820 Peachtree Road NW, 404-382-8088
Seven Lamps
This New American restaurant in the Shops Around Lenox gets as much praise for its cocktails as for its cuisine. The classic cocktails are great, but Seven Lamps’ signature cocktails are what make the Buckhead bar stand out. From fresh mint and strawberry in Love Potion #12 to a blend of bourbon and mezcal in Medicine Man, Seven Lamps’ signature drinks contain spicy, sweet, sour, salty and bitter flavors. This Buckhead establishment is a 15-minute walk from AMLI 3464.
3400 Around Lenox Road #217, 404-4678950
Umi
Widely considered Atlanta’s best sushi spot, Umi’s sake and cocktail game is nearly as strong as its sushi chef Fuyuhiko Ito’s skills. Factor in the tasteful design and ambiance, and it’s hard to go wrong at this modern Japanese restaurant. The 23-foot sushi bar is great for enjoying a cocktail while watching the itamae at work. Umi is two miles from AMLI’s Buckhead apartments.
Two Buckhead Plaza, 404-841-0040
Whiskey Blue
Live the high life for an hour or two with drinks at Whiskey Blue, the W Hotel’s rooftop bar. Think swanky interiors decorated with modern art, atmospheric music and delectable cocktails even the pickiest drinker would struggle to find fault with. The bar’s 125-foot elevation affords stellar views of both Lenox Mall and Buckhead Square. Whiskey Blue is less than ten minutes’ drive from AMLI 3464.
337 Peachtree Road, 678-500-3100
View All Posts by Jason Ernst