Atlanta’s Coolest Spots for After-Work Drinks

As entrepreneurs, one of the keys to getting your business off the ground is building a strong network of supporters. And what’s networking without a great cocktail bar? At Kapow, we know how crucial a cool atmosphere and unique drink menu are to having a successful networking event. So when it comes to Atlanta watering holes, here are our top picks for after-work drinks.

Grain (856 West Peachtree St.) This new hidden spot in Midtown is the quintessential intimate, stylish and charming cocktail bar. Grain—named for the abundance of grain alcohol such as bourbon and rye on the menu—has a flair for the dramatic with unique cocktails that incorporate liquid nitrogen techniques, and a food menu full of easily shared, savory small dishes.

Drink to Try: Oyster Shooter (kumamoto, gin, wasabi, squid ink, cuke, lime)
Happy Hour: $1 Oysters every Mon-Fri from 3-6 p.m.

King + Duke (3060 Peachtree Rd.) While it may be more of a restaurant than a cocktail bar, King + Duke cannot be left off our list. You’re going to want to take advantage of their great outdoor bar and patio with plenty of seating. The open-hearth design makes it an ideal spot for after-work mingling.

Drink to Try: Black and Brown (rum, brown ale, lime, Velvet Falernum)
Happy Hour: Complimentary plate of hushpuppies with a cocktail or glass of wine every Mon-Fri from 3-6 p.m.

JCT Kitchen Upstairs Bar (1198 Howell Mill Rd.) You may have been to JCT for its delicious Southern comfort food, but venture upstairs to their outdoor balcony bar to network with a creative drink in your hand and a fantastic view of Midtown.

Drink to Try: Make My Day (serrano-infused lunazul reposado, passion fruit puree, sugar, sea salt)
Happy Hour: Thursdays 6-9 p.m.

Monday Night Brewing (670 Trabert Ave.) Everyone hates Mondays, but Monday Night Brewing will help you learn to love them. If you’re looking for a laid-back outdoor vibe and some tasty craft beers, this spot is perfect to kick off your week.

Drink to Try: Bourbon Barrel Drafty Kilt (Columbus and Willamette hops, roasted barley, chocolate malt, crystal malt, cherrywood-smoked malt)

The Southern Gentleman  (3035 Peachtree Rd.) We can’t get enough of rooftop bars in this city, which is why we wholeheartedly welcome the newest addition to the Buckhead neighborhood, The Southern Gentleman. This Southern-inspired gastropub offers classic barrel-aged cocktails, New World wines and craft beers.

Drink to Try: Mint Julep (bourbon, water, crushed or shaved ice, fresh mint)

Paper Plane (340 Church St.) For a dark, speakeasy vibe, visit Paper Plane in Decatur. You’ll feel like Sinatra, sipping on vintage inspired cocktail creations and leaning on retro upholstered stools and booths.

Drink to Try: Biggie Snugs (Johnny Drum 86 bourbon, Byrrh, lemon, ginger, honey, Bitter Truth Creole bitters, soda)

Bartaco (969 Marietta St. & 3802 Roswell Rd.) Take a trip to the Northeast coast for a beachside atmosphere that feels less like after-work networking and more like a mini-vacation. Socialize in an outdoor patio and enjoy their famous Bartaco margaritas and tacos.

Drink to Try: Bartaco Margarita (maestro dobel reposado, combier liqueur d’orange, agave syrup, lime juice)
Happy Hour: Live music and DJ Thursday-Sunday

The Lawrence (905 Juniper St.) For a menu of signature, award-winning cocktails, visit The Lawrence in Midtown and kick off your business talk with conversation-starting drinks. Their Southern-, European- and Asian-inspired small dishes are perfect to be passed around and shared.

Drink to Try: Lady Lawrence (vodka, cassis, lime, ginger, soda, lavender mint tea – a signature Simpkins ingredient)
Happy Hour: Tuesday Relief @ The Lawrence is a monthly benefit event on the last Tuesday of every month. Proceeds benefit The Giving Kitchen.

 

About the Contributor: Terry Phillips is the general manager of Kapow Events in Atlanta. Kapow is an online marketplace of high-quality corporate events, focusing specifically on client entertainment crafted to help you acquire, retain and engage clients. Kapow also offers tools and recommendations to help make your event a success.

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