Best Cultural Experience: SCAD FASH
One step inside SCAD Fash Museum of Fashion + Film and you’re instantly inspired. The iconic cultural institute celebrates fashion as a universal language, focusing on the future of fashion design and connecting conceptional to historical principles of dress. With a permanent collection that includes work from Karl Lagerfeld, Diane von Furstenberg, Tom Ford and more, plus new installations throughout the year, there’s no better way to inspire your fashion game than a trip to this Atlanta staple. @scadfash
Best Place to Hang Out: The Tavern at Phipps
A Buckhead favorite since 1992—thanks to its famous Tavern chips and extensive cocktail list—The Tavern at Phipps is a true Atlanta staple. From its sizzling servers to its patio jam sessions, this hot spot is truly the best hangout in the A. @tavernatphipps
Best Happy Hour Spot: Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse
We don’t need to tell you that our favorite time of day is happy hour. When the clock strikes 5 o’clock, you’ll find us at Davio’s. Atlanta agrees that the Northern Italian steakhouse is the place to rehydrate after a long day. Take advantage of discounted wine and vodka cocktails while snacking on favorite dishes like shishito peppers and crispy chicken sliders. @daviosrestaurant
Best Cocktails: Bar Margot
Upscale meets laid-back at Bar Margot, the fancy watering hole offering plenty of cocktails sure to quench your thirst. Whether it’s the classic Gin Margot or a seasonal sip that strikes your fancy, you’re sure to leave with the kind of buzz Margot Tenenbaum would be proud of. @barmargotatl
Best Patio: Buena Vida Tapas & Sol
If BeltLine access wasn’t enough, Buena Vida Tapas & Sol also has a killer menu of Spanish-inspired small plates and refreshing cocktails, making it the ultimate #patioszn hangout. Bonus points for the supercute atmosphere and plethora of instagrammable moments. @buenavidatapas
Best Dive Bar: Five Paces Inn
A favorite for those who frequent the Buckhead bar scene, Five Paces Inn is known to be a good time. The dive bar offers three experiences in one—DJ on the left, live music on the right and an outdoor patio with a more relaxed vibe—each one pairing perfectly with a Michelob Ultra. @5pacesinn
Best LGBTQ Bar: Joe’s on Juniper
If you don’t know Joe’s on Juniper, you should. The joint boasts a welcome rustic charm, and that waitstaff, well, you certainly won’t forget them. The tavern welcomes anyone and everyone—it doesn’t matter who you are, who you like or where you come from. The only requirement? Come ready for a good time. @joesonjuniper
Best Sports Bar: The Ivy
No matter how many times Atlanta sports (except Atlanta United, the exception to the curse) break our hearts, we’ll never hop off the wagon. With another baseball season in tow, what better way to cheer on the Braves than watching on Buckhead’s biggest TV screen? Grab a beer and an order of The Ivy’s signature wings, and pull up a chair for nine innings and a roller coaster of emotions. And just remember: We’re all in this together, so let’s chop on. @theivybuckhead
Best Bar Overall: Big Sky Buckhead
You probably credit Big Sky Buckhead for your favorite memories, and you wouldn’t be alone. A staple on the Buckhead bar scene, Big Sky is packed from Friday afternoon to early Sunday morning, offering visitors bar bites, beers and even brunch. @bigskybuckhead
Best Bartender: Corinne Vipond, Chops Lobster Bar
Don’t let her sweet smile fool you, Corinne is feisty. The bombshell made our list of the 50 Most Beautiful Atlantans in 2019 and it isn’t hard to see why. @corinnevipond; @chopslobsterbar
Best Girls’ Night Out: The Garden Room
The Garden Room’s enchanting atmosphere and playful food and drink menu make it the perfect place to catch up with the girls. Just make sure your #ootn is ready for the zillions of Instagrams that are sure to be snapped. We promise to like, share and comment. @thegardenroomatlanta
Best Guys’ Night Out: Revery: VR Bar
Need a break from reality? Revery VR Bar is the perfect place to escape. With virtual reality booths—which can accommodate up to eight of your best bros—craft beers and a menu of snacks like jerky and popcorn, this hangout is every man’s dream. Grab your guys and get to gaming. @revery_vr
Best Singles Scene: Gypsy Kitchen
With an abundance of buzzy cocktails, an expansive wine list and a delicious array of shareable plates, it’s no wonder Gypsy Kitchen sees more singles than your average Hinge user. Even better, the resto makes up one-half of our Best of Atlanta best rooftop. @gypsykitchenatl
Best Place to Celebrate: Lips
Who better to celebrate life’s milestones with than the divas of Lips? At Atlanta’s ultimate drag dining spot, the only thing fiercer than the cocktails are the performances, which will have everyone in your party singing and dancing along. Looking for a private performance? The space can be rented to accommodate up to 200 people. @lipsatl
Best Nightclub: Tongue & Groove
Appearing on our list year after year is Tongue & Groove, Atlanta’s go-to party spot for A-listers. This year, the Buckhead nightclub celebrated 25 years of business with a design upgrade. @tongueandgrooveatl
Best Nightlife Photographer: Dylan York, Chuckyfoto
If you’ve ever been snapped in a late-night pic at Tongue & Groove, the man behind the lens was likely Chuckyfoto’s Dylan York. It’s even more likely the photo hits your Insta feed later that week because Chuckyfoto and its photographers have mastered how to make you look good when, in reality, you’re slightly buzzed, sweaty and in a dark club. There’s no question who to call for your nightlife photo needs in town—Chuchkyfoto always shoots “the” shot. @chuckyfoto
Best Place to Hear Live Music: Coca-Cola Roxy
This two-story music venue is hard to beat thanks to its prime location (in The Battery Atlanta) and rock ’n’ roll atmosphere. This year, the ATL favorite will host Cody Johnson, Jason Isbell and 5 Seconds of Summer, to name a few. @cocacolaroxy
Best Place to Go Dancing: Johnny’s Hideaway
There’s a reason every good going-out story ends with “and then we ended up at Johnny’s.” Old-school tunes and new-age beats fill the retro bar and restaurant, pulling you onto the dance floor at record speed. @johnnyshideaway
Best DJ: DJ EU
This isn’t the first time DJ EU has made our Best of Atlanta list. The dynamic DJ has made a name for himself thanks to his knack for combining genres from electronic to hip-hop to Latin music. Catch him at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as the official DJ for Atlanta United FC. @thedjeu
Best VIP: Himitsu
Himitsu’s ultraexclusive lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a craft cocktail and your favorite sushi roll—if you’re lucky enough to score a reservation, that is. The intimate speakeasy has a sexy, elusive vibe that will have you feeling like a total VIP. @himitsuatl
Best Spot to See and Be Seen: Little Alley Steak
Whether you’re posted up at the soon-to-be reopened Buckhead location or the rustic-chic Roswell space, there’s no better place to spend a Friday night—but get ready to be social. Little Alley Steak is known as the place to be seen on a buzzy evening. Whatever location you choose, it’s guaranteed to be a good night. Hey, bartender, we’ll have a bourbon, neat—and keep them coming. @littlealleysteakatl
Best Celeb Spotting: Chops Lobster Bar
Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Evans and Gerard Butler are just a few of the celebs sighted at Chops Lobster Bar. The upscale Buckhead eatery is just as famous for its wagyu and lobster. May we also suggest a Chops martini? Shaken, not stirred. @chopslobsterbar
Best Lounge: The Regent Cocktail Club
Smack dab in the middle of Buckhead is The Regent. The rooftop bar has a 1940s feel, turning the third floor of American Cut into a sizzling speakeasy. On weekends, live music and rotating DJs offer plenty of entertainment while midcentury modern loungers prove the perfect seating to cozy up with classic cocktails like Negronis and Manhattans. @theregentatl
Best View: New Realm Brewing
New Realm’s rooftop nook offers an unobstructed view of all three of ATL’s sparkling skylines, making it an obvious choice for the best view in Atlanta. Craft brews, a menu of munchies and BeltLine access make it the perfect hangout year-round. @newrealmbrewing
Best Rooftop: Gypsy Kitchen and Southern Gentleman
Suspended above The Shops Buckhead Atlanta are Gypsy Kitchen and Southern Gentleman. It isn’t hard to see why this duo won the title of ATL’s best rooftop. The only thing prettier than the #views are the sexy singles who populate the restos night after night. @gypsykitchenatl; @thesoutherngentlemanatl
Best Neighborhood Pub: The Nook
Discounted wine on Mondays, craft beer specials on Tuesdays, trivia on Wednesdays and karaoke on Thursdays—it’s no wonder this secret spot was voted best neighborhood pub. With a prime location, the open patio is the perfect place to bring your gang for a guaranteed good time. And, if you needed more convincing, The Nook has one of our favorite bar bites ever. It’s called Totchos; look it up. @nookatlanta
Best Brewery: Monday Night Brewing
If there was ever a cure for Monday, it would be Monday Night Brewing. Not only does the local brewery serve some of our favorite hops, it’s also a fun place to kick back, loosen your tie and reflect on a hard day’s work. You’ll want to return Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday too. @mondaynight
Best Interactive Experience: The Bull at PBR
Grab the bull by the horns and jump right on Atlanta’s favorite interactive experience. Not sure if this ride is for you? A few supportive friends and a dose of liquid courage should be all the convincing you need. Just make sure you hold on tight. @pbratlanta
Best Sports Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
It’s no wonder sports fans everywhere are fascinated by Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The venue is more than just a place to catch a game or concert—it’s an experience. The retractable roof and high-tech luxury suites and clubs change the game when it comes to fan experience. @mercedesbenzstadium
Best Hangover Cure: Hydra+
Because last night’s fun shouldn’t be today’s regret, Hydra+ is here to make sure your hangover symptoms stay away. Its Ultimate Party Recovery package will have you rehydrated and recovered so you can get back to your regularly scheduled Sunday brunch routine. @hydraplusatlanta
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