A comprehensive guide to day drinking in Atlanta
Atlanta is a great city for enjoying a few drinks outside with its wide variety of daytime bars and restaurants that offer settings ranging from casual, divey spots to stylish cocktail bars and everything in between.
Build a day-drinking itinerary by looking for a couple businesses with pleasant outdoor seating options and a drink-forward menu. Bonus points if ordering a few cocktails won’t break the bank.
While some of these spots overlap with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s guide to patios, this list narrows the focus to bar and brewery-centered experiences with daytime hours on the weekends.
This guide is split into general regions that encompass several Atlanta neighborhoods based on proximity.
Central Atlanta
Downtown, Midtown, west Midtown and the West End
Atlantucky Brewing
No day-drinking list is complete without its fair share of breweries, and Atlantucky is a must-visit venue for those in the downtown area looking to socialize with some good beer. In addition to its beer menu, find food offerings like paninis and pizza and check back on its Instagram account for weekly programming.
170 Northside Drive SW, Atlanta. 678-705-2630, atlantucky.com
El Viñedo Local
This restaurant, whose name translates to “the local vineyard,” offers a selection of South American wines curated by Robert Kaster in a relaxed setting along Peachtree Street. Enjoy Uruguayan chef Bruno Vergara’s hearty South American-inspired dishes in the afternoon and evening.
730 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-596-8239, elvinedolocal.com
Larakin
Head to Larakin in Midtown for an oasis of wine and coffee bar tucked away off Juniper Street. The space is almost entirely outdoors with plenty of tables and benches for reading or yapping with friends over glasses of wine and a tinned fish spread.
208 12th St. NE, Atlanta. larakinwineandcoffee.com
Monday Night Brewing — the Garage
This brewery located in the Lee + White development in the West End offers beer, cocktails and food options like pizza, sandwiches, wings and salad.
933 Lee St. SW, Atlanta. 404.400.5068 mondaynightbrewing.com/location/the-garage
Muchacho
Check out the recently opened Muchacho location on the westside. This Tex-Mex cafe, restaurant and bar has a little something for everyone, including all-day cocktails and lattes for those who prefer something less boozy.
1145 Hemphill Ave. NW, Atlanta. muchacho.com
Park Tavern
This sports bar overlooking Piedmont Park is situated near Midtown’s stretch of the Eastside Beltline. It offers ample outdoor seating and more than 25 TVs that regularly show live sports. Expect a full bar and a food menu featuring wings, sandwiches, tacos, burgers and house favorites like a loaded mac and cheese bowl.
500 10th St. NE, Atlanta. 404-249-0001, parktavern.com
Wild Heaven
The Lee + White development off the Atlanta Beltline‘s Westside Trail is also home to Wild Heaven Beer. Customers can enjoy a beer or margarita alongside the flavors of iconic Atlanta restaurant Eats. Wild Heaven rehomed Eats this year after the longtime staple closed its original location on Ponce de Leon Avenue, so order its famous jerk chicken to get the full Atlanta experience.
1010 White St. SW, Atlanta. 404-254-2232, wildheavenbeer.com/west-end
Wild Leap Atlanta
Another downtown brewery. Find indoor and outdoor seating at this multilevel taproom just a short walk from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Garnett MARTA station. It offers simple fare like smash burgers and fries to pair with pitchers of beer and cocktails.
125 Ted Turner Drive SW, Atlanta 404.254.1488, wildleap.com/locations/wild-leap-atlanta
Near-east neighborhoods
Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Poncey-Highland, Virginia-Highland, Little Five Points and the Eastside Beltline
97 Estoria
Those in search of a laid-back experience can head to this Cabbagetown bar for cocktails and beer on its large patio. Food options are straightforward but will satisfy any group looking to enjoy a couple rounds of drinks.
727 Wylie St SE, Atlanta. 678-974-7919 estoriabar.com
3 Parks Wine
While the main function of this shop from wine connoisseur Sarah Pierre is selling bottles, an expansive front patio with chairs and umbrellas serve as the perfect spot for daily wine tastings. For $25, enjoy three half glasses of wine and a calm escape from the Eastside Beltline any time between open to 7:30 p.m.
405 N. Angier Ave. NE, Atlanta. 678-349-7070, 3parkswine.com
Bread & Butterfly
Consider starting the day at this Inman Park restaurant with a classy brunch cocktail and delightful breakfast spread. Nondrinkers can find coffee or tea to enjoy as well. Plan accordingly since it closes at 3 or 4 p.m., depending on the day, before reopening in the evening for dinner.
290 Elizabeth St. NE, Atlanta. 678-515-4536, bread-and-butterfly.com
The Brewhouse Cafe
The Brewhouse Cafe in Little Five Points is one of Atlanta’s most well-known soccer bars. Sports lovers will be able to find just about any soccer match playing here, along with a menu of fish and chips, chicken tenders, burgers, sandwiches, nachos and pizza.
401 Moreland Ave. NE., Atlanta. 404-525-7799, brewhousecafe.com
Burle’s Bar
Tucked away inside the Victorian Plant Shop is this cocktail bar fittingly named for a landscape architect and known for its live Tuesday evening jazz. Find a lush escape off the Beltline inside the bar and on its concrete patio, plus a variety of cocktails, including non-alcoholic options.
505 N. Angier Ave. NE, Atlanta. burlesbar.com
Breaker Breaker
This restaurant on the Atlanta Beltline’s Southeast Trail offers ample outdoor seating with margaritas, beer, wine and a few frozen drinks. For a rooftop vibe, head upstairs to the more intimate Floridaman for even more tropical cocktails.
921 Wylie St. SE, Atlanta. 404-558-7112, breakerbreakeratl.com
Elmyr
Get a feel for the punk-rock vibes of the Little Five Points neighborhood at Elmyr, which has been a part of the Atlanta food and beverage scene since 1997. Spend a few hours chowing down on Mexican food, beer and house margaritas without breaking the bank.
1091 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-588-0250, elmyr.com
El Ponce
This patio in Poncey-Highland has the makings for late morning and early afternoon lounging with its brunch and lunch menu. Find spring cocktails like the Glen Coco with gin, Thai coconut milk and lime, or opt for an espresso mextini, a riff on the espresso martini with mezcal and agave. There’s no shortage of food to enjoy, and if you happen to stay into the evening, move downstairs to Bar Ana for a nightcap and some dessert.
939 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-881-6040, elponce.com
Madeira Park
There’s no better way to while away a Saturday afternoon than by sipping wine on Madeira Park’s patio in Poncey-Highland. This wine bar from the team behind Miller Union offers an excellent wine menu and elevated snacks to enjoy throughout the day.
640 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-228-2058, madeiraparkatl.com
Moe’s and Joe’s
Pitchers of Pabst Blue Ribbon and casual pub food are what to expect at this Virginia-Highland tavern. Its central location in the energetic main strip of the neighborhood makes it a great spot for sports and people watching, and there are numerous nearby restaurants and bars to transition to once it shifts into the evening.
1033 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-873-6090, moesandjoesatl.com
Painted Park
This venue on the Eastside Beltline is kind of like a playground for adults. Find cocktails, wine, beer and non-alcoholic options to sip on while hanging out on the patio or playing in the vintage gaming parlor. Other games include skeeball, darts, shuffleboard, ping-pong and board games.
240 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta. 678-705-2912, paintedparkatl.com
Rreal Tacos — Eastside Beltline
A lush patio, plus possible visits from Atlanta celebrity Beltline Kevin, make this local chain a fun and energetic spot for grabbing margaritas and some tacos before walking to the next destination.
699 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 470-588-4237, rrealtacos.com
The Porter Beer Bar
See why the Porter Beer Bar has become an Atlanta staple with its deep beer list, amazing vibes and a food menu that stands out. While there’s some outdoor seating overlooking the recently overhauled Findley Plaza central to the Little Five Points neighborhood, dining here is just as good on a rainy day with its cozy interior and long bar. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the roast pork sandwich by way of Philadelphia is mind-blowing.
1156 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-549-7132, theporterbeerbar.com/wordpress
The Rooftop at Clermont
Save this spot for a weekend afternoon as it’s only open during the day on Saturdays and Sundays. Here you’ll find a great view, bright green turf and a very aesthetic backdrop for cocktails and photos. It’s also located near a piece of Atlanta history.
789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Rooftop, Atlanta. 470-485-0485, hotelclermont.com/rooftop
Victory Sandwich Bar
Grab a few sandwiches and dine under the large tent at this Inman Park eatery, which feels a little like picnicking with none of the hard work. A sandwich plus a spiked soda or beer won’t put too much pressure on the wallet.
913 Bernina Ave NE, Atlanta. 404-963-1742, vicsandwich.com
Southeast neighborhoods
Grant Park, Summerhill and East Atlanta
Midway Pub
For a very casual setting, head to Midway Pub in East Atlanta Village and soak up the sun on its large patio. The drink options are fairly straightforward with draft beer, canned seltzers and cocktails, all of which are complemented by filling bar food. An order of the bratwurst and Brussels sprouts is never a bad idea. Turn the day into an evening with Wednesday night trivia.
552 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404.584.0335, themidwaypub.com
Flatiron Bar and Grill
This old reliable has all the East Atlanta Village charm. The vibe during the day encourages visitors to grab a beer on the narrow patio or at one of the booths by the window and enjoy whatever the special is, anything from an Italian cold cut sandwich to a loaded steak and cheese burrito.
520 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-688-8864, flatironatl.com
Halfway Crooks
Hang out on the second floor or in the colorful biergarten of this Summerhill brewery. Start with drinks and some German-inspired snacks at Halfway Crooks, then grab dinner at one of Summerhill’s delightful restaurants, such as Talat Market, Little Bear or Southern National. Afterward, enjoy soft serve from Big Softie and make it an evening affair at Redacted Basement Bar Parlour.
60 Georgia Ave. SE, Atlanta. 678-705-5530, halfwaycrooks.beer
Side Saddle Wine Saloon
The team behind Finca to Filter debuted this wine bar and restaurant in Atlanta’s Boulevard Heights neighborhood near the newly opened stretch of the Southside Beltline. It offers a huge patio on which to enjoy natural wines and a delightful cocktail menu (featuring plenty of thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic options). A modest food program includes small plates, a selection of dips, salads and sandwiches.
680 Hamilton Ave. SE, Atlanta. 770-790-7886, instagram.com/sidesaddlewine
Six Feet Under Pub and Fish House
This classic Atlanta brewpub near Oakland Cemetery will easily accommodate anyone looking for a relaxed afternoon with friends. The back patio is just the spot to enjoy a few beers and fried seafood after taking a stroll through the historic cemetery down the street.
437 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta. 404-523-6664, sixfeetunder.net
Farther-east neighborhoods
Decatur, Oakhurst and Avondale Estates
Cremalosa
This gelato shop fronts the Avondale Estates Town Green, and while a menu of gelato is enough to attract most visitors, its frozen cocktail options and hard Italian sodas are an added bonus for those hoping to cool off with a combo of dessert and happy hour. Pick up a limoncello spritz or a frozen French 75 and enjoy a nice day on the patio. Since the Town Green is part of Avondale Estate’s open container entertainment district, take those drinks for a stroll around the green.
70 N. Avondale Road Suite 180, Avondale Estates. 404-578-2739, cremalosa.com
Brick Store Pub
This neighborhood spot in downtown Decatur has been open since 1997 and offers more than 650 vintage beers for those looking to get a taste of history. Beyond that, there are numerous international and U.S. bottles, cans and draft beers to choose from, plus some classic cocktails. Find a selection of hearty dishes to round out the experience, and watch the hours tick away on its charming patio.
125 E. Court Square, Decatur. 404-687-0990, brickstorepub.com
Inner Voice Brewing
Pizza and beer are a match made in heaven. Fortunately, Innervoice Brewing has both thanks to its partnership with Brainwave Pizza. Check out the brewery’s rotating beer menu for something fun to sip on, and order a few slices of sourdough pie to enjoy with it.
308 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 470-428-3194, innervoicebrewing.beer
About the Author
Olivia Wakim is a digital content producer on the food and dining team. She joined the AJC as an intern in 2023 after graduating from the University of Georgia with a journalism degree. While in school, she reported for The Red & Black, Grady Newsource and the Marietta Daily Journal.
