Georgians are graced with a spirited bar scene, crafting delicious drinks and lasting memories. If it’s a sophisticated atmosphere you seek, Georgia has upscale and chic spots to unwind. If you’re more in the mood for a laid-back setting, the state is home to some of the most classic dives you’ll ever visit. From Atlanta to Savannah, you’re never going miss out on the action at these 10 best bars in Georgia: 2024 edition!
With unbeatable cocktails and some of the best oysters in town, Kimball House brings its patrons a special vibe. The architecture alone will make you want to stay until last call, with its marble countertops and flawless woodwork. The bar has an old-fashioned feel with a carefully-curated ambiance. Planning a private event? Book their Bonanza! room, a 600-square-foot dining space that seats anywhere from 32 to 46 guests.
Consistently rated among the very best in not only Atlanta, but the whole state of Georgia, Porter Beer Bar has earned accolades such as “Best Bar Food” by Creative Loafing and 4.4 stars on BeerAdvocate. Their Belgian fries, made with herb garlic & oil and charred onion mayo just might be the best fries you’ve ever had the pleasure of munching on. They even offer beer suggestions to pair with their food menu. Ordering the salt and vinegar popcorn starter? Complement it with a Bells Porter. Having the fish n’ chips entrée? Naturally that one goes with the Timothy Taylor Boltmaker. These folks are experts at their craft.
With many years of experience in the bar industry, Billy and Jen Streck teamed up with local friends to open Cypress Street Pint & Plate in December 2007. Today, Cypress is one of the most popular bars in the state. The bar features a schedule of events and specials that cannot be missed. From Monday’s all-day special of $2 tacos to Wednesday night trivia, what’s not to love? Their cocktails are simply delicious and be sure to check out their late-night menu, served after 12 a.m. The barbeque eggrolls with pork, collard greens, Sriracha ranch and mustard barbeque are out of this world.
You won’t ever forget this bar. This Southern Baptist church-themed joint has been featured on BuzzFeed, the Huffington Post, USA Today, the New York Times, the list goes on! Perform some organ karaoke in a choir robe and check out the walls adorned with masterful and hilarious “religious art.”
Since the building’s opening in 1890, the space was a boarding house and a brothel. But today, it’s the Rail Pub, a self-described “haven of comfort” and “beacon of light” for its hard-working patrons. Their menu is unlike other bar menus you’ve seen, featuring everything from pickled eggs to pickled pigs’ feet. There’s also a set of 14 rules you must follow when you’re at the Rail Pub, including things like “It is OK to throw peanuts on the floor, but it is not OK to throw peanuts at one another.” Please, abide by these! Oh, and the place is haunted too. What more could you ask for?
Voted the “Best Bar in Macon,” the Hummingbird regularly features local and even national touring bands. The community-focused space also has trivia nights and darts, so the fun never stops. And for the beer fans, the tap room offers some of the best beers around for a reasonable price so Happy Hour is an exceptionally good time at the Hummingbird. And during the warmer months, the back patio is spacious and comfortable.
With two locations in Atlanta (Midtown and Little 5 Points) Vortex will draw in just about anyone that passes it by on the street. The Little 5 Points location’s entrance is a giant, cartoonish skull with swirling, glowing eyes. Serving the Atlanta bar scene since 1992, this spot has ridiculously good burgers. Be sure to try their “Bucket of Skulls,” which is a bucket filled with five bottles of Laughing Skull Beer on ice. Their menu of draft beers, beer cocktails, and local brews is extensive. You can’t go wrong at Vortex.
Battle and Brew is truly a gamer’s heaven. For consoles, they’ve got a Wii, Playstation 3 and 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One, with games such as “Assassin’s Creed,” “Call of Duty,” “Mario Kart,” and “Final Fantasy.” They even have PC games, for you “World of Warcraft” fans! For drinks, order the “Kronos God of Thyme,” a basil-infused vodka with thyme, liqueur, St. Germain, lime, ginger beer, and a basil garnish.
Athens is really just the coolest. Trappeze is the city’s most award-winning restaurant and pub, providing guests with a comforting and intimate space to have some drinks and hang with friends. Try their Georgia-based Sweetwater Grass Monkey, a wheat ale with “generous amounts of lemondrop hops,” Lemongrass is also added to the beer to really give it a citrus taste. For light snacks, their house-made popcorn pairs well with the beers they offer, and their selection of cheese plates is life-changing.
With a frequent rotation of its draught beers, Brick Store Pub knows how to keep its guests interested. Their upstairs Belgian Bar features fruit beers like Kasteel Rouge, and their main bar features selections like the Wrecking Bar Jemmy Stout, an American stout out of Atlanta. For food, try their Bavarian pretzels which are warmed, salted and complemented by spicy mustard. The interior is rustic and relaxed, just a few features that make it one of the best bars in the Peach State.