Atlanta’s Poncey-Highland has all the ingredients of a hip residential neighborhood: Historic architecture, excellent shopping and dining options, and one of the highest concentrations of quality nightlife the area has to offer. Here’s a look at some of the neighborhood’s hottest bars and clubs, many of them clustered within ten minutes’ walking distance of Atlanta’s Intown lofts like those found at AMLI Ponce Park. Whether you’re catching up with friends after a long week at work or in the mood to dance your heart out, Poncey-Highland has a bar, pub, or club for you.
Ponce City Market’s Skyline Park
Get ready to work a new spot into your regular routine, Skyline Park is coming to the roof of the Ponce City Market. Slated to open in July, the park will feature carnival games such as mini golf, ring toss and a slide, as well as traditional concessions and booze. The view of the Atlanta skyline promises to be one of the best in the whole city.
Blind Willie’s
Known for its reliably impressive jazz and blues music, Blind Willie’s is a casual place to unwind and enjoy comfort food, cold beer, and good tunes. It can get pretty crowded, so make sure you arrive early if you want a seat. Blind Willie’s is a five-minute drive or twenty-minute walk from AMLI Parkside and AMLI Ponce Park.
The Book House Pub
An eight-minute walk from AMLI Ponce Park, The Book House Pub’s atmosphere is ideal for catching up. The library-themed pub is especially popular for starting and finishing a night out on the town. The Book House serves nice cocktails, seasonal beers, and classic tavern fare.
Drunken Unicorn at MJQ Concourse
A lively place to drink and dance, The Drunken Unicorn hosts established and up-and-coming local artists, as well as popular DJs. Folk rock musician Bill Taft used to grace the Drunken Unicorn stage, which has consistently ranked as one of Atlanta’s hottest nightlife destinations since opening its doors.
El Bar
Tucked away under Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant, El Bar is weekend favorite for Atlantans who love to dance. A modest cover charge is sometimes in effect, but the drinks are cheap and the DJs know what they’re doing.
The Local
As its name may suggest, The Local is a welcoming neighborhood dive bar less than ten minutes’ walk to AMLI Ponce Par. The Local hosts trivia on Wednesday nights, and is a popular place to eat or warm up before dancing at MJQ Concourse.
Cameli’s Gourmet Pizza Joint
While it doesn’t have a dance floor or live music performances, Cameli’s Gourmet Pizza Joint is a frequent stop on nights spent out on the town in Poncey-Highland. Celebrated for its seriously stuffed calzones and “monster slices” of pizza, Cameli’s is open until 2:30am on weekends and is just a seven-minute walk from Ponce Park.
What’s your favorite Poncey-Highland nightlife destination? Let us known in the comments!
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst