At Hartsfield Jackson's Concourse E, One Flew South, an airport bar, has garnered two James Beard Award nominations. One Flew South's two James Beard Award nominations elevate an airport establishment to a national stage, demonstrating a commitment to refined mixology in an unexpected locale, offering travelers an unforeseen level of sophistication.

Atlanta's reputation often suggests a conventional bar scene. Yet, the city boasts establishments with national recognition and highly specialized offerings. The divergence between Atlanta's conventional bar scene reputation and its establishments with national recognition and specialized offerings reveals a city quietly cultivating a sophisticated drinking culture, moving beyond standard fare to embrace unique, award-winning concepts.

Consequently, patrons exploring beyond the obvious will discover a surprisingly sophisticated and varied cocktail experience in Atlanta, with unique offerings among its premier establishments, challenging conventional notions of a vibrant urban bar scene.

Beyond the Ordinary: Atlanta's Award-Winning & Experiential Highlights

  • TWICE — One Flew South at Hartsfield Jackson's Concourse E received two James Beard Award nominations, as reported by Tip Top Cocktails.
  • $12 — Social Darts at Flight Club Darts begins at $12 per person for 90 minutes, per Flight Club Darts USA.

Atlanta's bar scene prioritizes high-caliber experiences, even in unexpected locations, and offers structured entertainment that redefines a cocktail outing.

Curated Sips: Niche Expertise and Classic Comforts

Atlanta's bars cater to diverse palates, offering deep dives into niche spirits like amaro and perfecting classic cocktails. Atlanta's bars' commitment to both specialized expertise and established comfort suggests a sophisticated evolution in the city's drinking culture.

  1. 1. Flight Club Atlanta

    Best for: Groups seeking interactive entertainment with crafted drinks

    Flight Club Atlanta provides a 'fairground-inspired' atmosphere, pairing social darts with 'uniquely crafted cocktails'. This combination offers a distinct interactive experience, diverging from traditional cocktail bars.

  2. 2. Kimball House

    Best for: Connoisseurs of oysters and classic cocktails in a historic setting

    Kimball House, situated in a former train depot, features one of the largest oyster menus in the U.S. including selections from its own farm. It also offers over 120 Belgian/Belgian-style beers and a renowned cocktail program, crafted by Atlanta bar scene veterans, according to Tip Top Cocktails.

  3. 3. The Deer and the Dove

    Best for: Niche spirit enthusiasts and personalized cocktail experiences

    The Deer and the Dove boasts Atlanta's premier amaro selection and plans for a dedicated amaro bar, Fawn. Its bar team crafts seasonal variations on classics, tailored to individual preferences, as noted by Tip Top Cocktails.

  4. 4. S.O.S. Tiki Bar

    Best for: Immersive, themed drinking experiences with a playful twist

    S.O.S. Tiki Bar presents a distinct, immersive subterranean tiki theme. An upstairs ping pong area provides additional entertainment, according to Tip Top Cocktails.

  5. 5. One Flew South

    Best for: Travelers seeking high-quality cocktails in an unexpected location

    At Hartsfield Jackson's Concourse E, One Flew South has received two James Beard Award nominations. This establishes a high-quality cocktail program within an airport, making it a notable destination for travelers, as reported by Tip Top Cocktails.

  6. 6. Red Phone Booth

    Best for: Those seeking an exclusive, speakeasy-style atmosphere

    Red Phone Booth is listed among Yelp's top 10 best drinks in Atlanta, per Yelp. Its name suggests a distinctive, exclusive, and potentially hidden entry or ambiance.

  7. 7. The Secret Garden Room

    Best for: Patrons desiring a unique, themed, or intimate setting

    The Secret Garden Room also appears in Yelp's top 10 best drinks in Atlanta. Its name evokes a distinctive, themed, or intimate atmosphere.

  8. 8. The Subway Speakeasy

    Best for: Adventurous drinkers looking for a hidden, themed experience

    The Subway Speakeasy, explicitly a 'speakeasy', is also featured in Yelp's top 10 best drinks in Atlanta. This designation implies a unique, hidden, or themed atmosphere.