Sunday, September 27, 2009
A+E, Life, Atlanta
SP100: Nightlife
Atlanta’s It List 2009
Drinkshop
Courtesy of Drinkshop
Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton
Lumen at the Ritz-Carlton
Heidi Geldhauser
Ri Ra Irish Pub
SP Archives
Star Bar
Courtesy of Ra Sushi
Ra Sushi
SP Archives
The MarkDRINKSHOP
WHY: Its focus on the cocktail is unparalleled in the city. Bartenders at Drinkshop, suited up in vintage garb, work from five different types of ice, house-made juices and bitters, and tried-and-true recipes to concoct each of its specialty libations.
WHERE: 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. in the W Atlanta-Downtown. 404-582-5787.
LUMEN
WHY: Yes, the Ritz is draped in luxury in a myriad of fashions. And its new lobby bar, Lumen, is no exception. The glammed-up old Hollywood decor focuses on lights in every shape and form—even a lit menu, which features exotic, sophisticated edible cocktails and plates for sharing.
WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton, Downtown. 181 Peachtree St. NE. 404-659-0400. www.ritzcarlton.com.
THE MARK
WHY: The Mark is 50,000 square feet of cosmopolitan chic in Fairlie-Poplar. The self-described ultra-lounge has become the go-to place to rub elbows with the beautiful people and celebrities—does the name Madonna sound familiar to anyone?
WHERE: 79 Poplar St. NW. 678-904-0050. www.themarkatlanta.com.
RI RA IRISH PUB
WHY: If you always wanted to show off like those energetic Riverdancers, this is the place to go. The live Irish music will make even the most committed wallflower want to do a jig. There also are live performances, from bands to solo harpists, at various times during the week.
WHERE: 1080 Peachtree St. 404-477-1700. www.rira.com.
SUTRA LOUNGE
WHY: Because work sucks, and you need to blow off some steam. Why not do it at a place filled with beautiful people, stiff drinks and sexy dance joints? Need one more reason? Ladies drink for free on Mondays, and Thursday there’s no cover charge for anyone.
WHERE: 1136 Crescent Ave. 404-607-1160. www.sutraloungeatl.com.
FLIP-FLOPS
WHY: A Key West vibe with frozen drinks, palm trees and live music will keep you coming back to this laidback counterpoint to the Midtown club scene. Who says spring break has to end? Don’t miss the upstairs deck, and give Jimmy Buffet our regards.
WHERE: 1140 Crescent Ave. 404-381-1186. www.myspace.com/flipflopsatl.
RA SUSHI
WHY: Edible sex appeal? That’s the theme running through the pulsating music, the culinary pizzazz and creative cocktails at the newly minted Ra Sushi. It offers a serious playlist of specialty rolls that merit attention, but the real treat is that the restaurant is open late into the night, making it an ideal starting place for a hot evening on the town.
WHERE: 1080 Peachtree St. 404-267-0114. www.rasushi.com.
STAR COMMUNITY BAR
WHY: Bands, booze and babes. There’s always a party happening throughout the week. Monday night, try your best at karaoke. Tuesday, put on some bell bottoms and flash some chest hair for DJ Romeo Cologne’s Funk Disco Party. Every other night, there are a plethora of bands playing. You will have a good time, even if you don’t remember it all the next day.
WHERE: 437 Moreland Ave. 404-681-9018. www.starbar.net.
HALO
WHY: This swank lounge with high-end cocktails attracts some of the most fabulous and famous DJs. The food menu changes daily, and it’s waaaay better than your typical bar fare. Oh, and did we mention they make sure you can get home safely? The Halo staff will call the Designated Drivers Association of Atlanta for you, free of charge.
WHERE: 817 West Peachtree St. NW. 404-962-7333. www.halolounge.com.
EUCLID AVENUE YACHT CLUB
WHY: Although the name is a little deceiving, we must warn you that this is one of the best dive bars in the city. The Yacht Club is known for its solid beer list and delicious food, which explains the many regulars who flock to the bar nightly.
WHERE: 1136 Euclid Ave. 404-688-2582. www.theeayc.com.