The Best Bars for Foodies in Atlanta

Right next to Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Jimmy's Tequila and Carnes is one of the best bars in Atlanta. Grab a selection from Jimmy's impressive tequila offerings, or try one of the intriguing cocktails. Try the natural pina colada, margarita, michelada, or "tripe" michelada. Beer selections feature the local Sweetwater "420," Tecate, and Victoria. For a meal, be sure to get the "nachos libre" or table-side guacamole with mashed avocado, diced tomatoes, and jalapenos. A Mexican burger includes ham, cheese, bacon, and grilled avocado.

This colorful, music-filled location on Luckie Street in Atlanta is a classy, upscale location that's one of the best spots in town. Grab a seat at the bar or in the lounge for some of the Suite's cocktails. Try the "Downtown," made with ginger beer and melon Grey Goose, or the "Presidential" with Gentleman Jack and ginger ale. A "Cucumber Apple Cooler" features Ketel One cucumber mint, apple pucker, and vodka. For an entree, don't miss the Southern-special chicken n' waffles made with peach compote, maple syrup, and vanilla cream.

The BQE restaurant and lounge brings New York style and cocktails to the city, turning it into one of the best bars in Atlanta. Named after the "Bronx Queens Expressway," the restaurant's drinks are New York-accented, and the food is traditional Southern. Try one of the Big Apple-named cocktails and pair the drinks with some of the best Southern comfort food in the city. The menu includes favorites like shrimp and grits with scallions and 24-hour brined buttermilk fried chicken with sweet potato puree. Confit turkey wings come with Carolina rice, braised cabbage, and roasted turkey jus.

With dueling pianos and a creative, fun tapas selection, Red Sky Tapas and Bar is one of the best bars in Atlanta. Right in Marietta's Market Plaza Shopping Center, Red Sky is the place to sit back and enjoy a cocktail and the lively "88 Licks" dueling piano show. While listening to the music, try some of the Red Sky's exceptional tapas. There are the house-favorite lobster and roasted corn dip, bacon-wrapped dates, turkey sausage queso, and much more. Try one of the Red Sky's local craft beers from their selection. The menu includes the Jailhouse "Slammer Wheat," Jekyll "Hop Dang Diggity," and Red Hare "Long Day Lager."

A Canton hot spot, J. Michael's Prime is a traditional steakhouse with a laid-back, invigorating bar atmosphere. Grab a seat at the bar for some of the traditional craft cocktails or a glass of red and white from the lengthy wine list. J. Michael's food features all the steakhouse favorites. Start with shrimp cocktail, Alaskan crab legs, or the house-prime meatball with Parmesan risotto. Pair one of the dry-aged, wet-aged, or prime cuts with enhancements like crab Oscar, domestic shrimp, or a Tristan lobster tail. Additionally, diners that save room for dessert can try one of the southern-style beignets "two ways."

This combination performance venue and restaurant is one of the best bars in Atlanta. Head in to enjoy the smoked-in-house meats and house-made bread and desserts with Southern flair. Select from the Grill's exceptional beer or wine list and pair drinks with a smoked barbecue pork sandwich with North Carolina sauce. For an authentic taste of the South, try the pimento grilled cheese on sourdough with tomato or fried gator bites with Cajun remoulade.

The Shops at Buckhead is the location for Le Colonial, an upscale and hip destination for creative French - Vietnamese dishes. It's also one of the best bars in Atlanta, with an intriguing menu of Vietnamese-inspired cocktails. Try the "Ao Lua Ha Dong" or "White Silk Dress," featuring Ketel One, passion fruit, Rhum Agricole, and lime. Diners can also select the Laotian "Beerlao Lager" from the Lao Brewing Company. For dinner, menu highlights include "Cari Tom" green shrimp curry or the "Tom Xao Sate" spicy shrimp stir fry with asparagus.

This 1920s-themed speakeasy presents one of the best bar experiences in Atlanta. The stylish decor and creative menu make it a prime spot for a night out with friends and family. Head back in time to try one of the signature house old fashioneds. A 1920 Old Fashioned features bourbon, orange and cherry, and bitters, while a 1920 Sidecar comes with Eagle Rare bourbon, Combier orange, and fresh lemon. Patrons should also try one of the signature cocktails, like the "Mary Jane" with dark rum, blue Curacao, and pineapple sour.

A creative menu with American classics and a lively interior make The Select one of the best bars in Atlanta. Head out to Sandy Springs to enjoy one of the best beer lists in the city. It's heavy on local selections like the "Emergency Drinking Beer" pilsner from Decatur's Wild Heaven, or the Southbound "Scattered Sun" witbier from Savannah. For a cocktail, go for a traditional house French '75 with organic cognac, lemon, and sparkling wine. Dinner features a wide array of traditional meat and fish dishes. Go for the Faroe Island salmon with roasted fennel, or steak frites with tomato jam and bearnaise.

STK is a premier steakhouse in Midtown that also serves as one of the best bars in Atlanta. Boasting a sleek and modern interior, STK is upscale and comfortable with all the traditional steakhouse features. Diners can enjoy some of STK's signature cocktails, like the "Strawberry Cobbler" with fresh fruit, Belvedere vodka, and a graham cracker crust. A spicy option is the "Green Intensity," featuring Belvedere "Smogory Forest," fresh lime, jalapeno, and basil. For some cheap eats at the bar or in the restaurant, head in for the social hour specials. Choose from specials like smoked pork belly burnt ends, tater tots, oysters, or the daily ceviche tostada.

This lovely Latin restaurant surrounded by nature is one of the best bars in Atlanta. Right on Powers Ferry Road, Mojave presents a menu full of great wines and superb modern cuisine. The queso poblano with corn tostadas and blue cornbread with honey butter are excellent starter options. Pair those with some of the tacos and tamales served a la carte, or go for a Spanish-Southern combination with shrimp and grits con chorizo. The Mojave burger includes ground chuck, chorizo sausage, and Chihuahua cheese on sweet Mexican bread.

One of the best spots for a beer and a view in the city, New Realm Brewing is also one of the best bars in Atlanta. Grab a place at the rooftop bar to gaze out over Atlanta and enjoy some of the New Realm Brewing beers. The New Realm Brewing mainstays include the hoppy and juicy "Hazy Like a Fox" IPA and straightforward, refreshing "Euphoria" pilsner. For something unique, try the "Bless Your Little Tart" blueberry peach gose with blueberry, peach, blackberry, sea salt, and coriander. For food at New Realm Brewing, try one of the bar bites. Favorites include the cheddar-crusted mac and cheese with Belgian amber glaze and barbecue shrimp open-faced tacos with pickled red onions.

This Myrtle Street local hot spot is one of the more fascinating restaurants in Atlanta. A combination of Louisiana and Vietnamese favorites, Bon Ton is one of the best bars in Atlanta. Be sure to get one of the house-style classic cocktails, like the French 75, Sazerac, or "La Louisiane" with rye and absinthe. The frozen Vietnamese Irish coffee boasts Jameson, coffee brandy, and cream nutmeg. Pair drinks with some of the creative menu favorites. Try the five-spice barbecue shrimp, boil house sausage and seafood gumbo, or sweet and spicy cold noodles.

In the heart of Buckhead, Iberian Pig is a pork lover's paradise and one of the best bars in Atlanta. Stop into this classically-designed upscale restaurant to enjoy cocktails like the "Fox in the Henhouse " with rye and benedictine, or a Spanish favorite Estrella Damm lager. Dinner options showcase some of the best ham selections in the South. Try the Iberico (three) or Grand Iberico (five) tastings of prime ham. Pair those with one of the Spanish cheeses like Manchego, Mahon, and Leonora. The menu's tapas selection includes pork cheek tacos, Iberico mac and cheese, and hanger steak.

A longtime North Buckhead institution, this classic steakhouse is the spot to go for a relaxing and hearty meal and lively bar scene. Diners will find all of the traditional cocktails and fine wines here, along with a sturdy menu of prime steakhouse selections. Start with the restaurant's signature shellfish bisque or thick-cut sizzling bacon. For dinner, try a live lobster, sea bass, or redfish amandine with crabmeat.