Atlanta Nightlife: Top 10 Best Hotspots For Locals And Tourists

Between classy lounges and locally known dive bars,live music, and karaoke joints, there is plenty to do in the city of Atlanta. Before we look at some of the hottest joints in the city of Atlanta, let’s take a look at the history of the city.

The city of Atlanta, Georgia was originally founded in 1837 as the end of the Western and Atlantic railroad line was put down. The city was first named Marthasville to honor the then-governor’s daughter but was soon changed to Atlanta.

In 1868, the city of Atlanta began its rise out of the ashes left behind by the Civil War, and it was the newly rewritten state constitution of 1868 that designated Atlanta as the new state capital.

Atlanta is known for many things and many people, but one notable figure is social activist Martin Luther King Jr. This public figure was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1929. He was also known as a Baptist minister, but he had an enormous impact on race relations in the United States and was eventually shot and killed for his efforts during the Civil Rights Movement. He was assassinated in April 1968 and was later buried back in his hometown of Atlanta,Georgia.

Another big milestone for the city was in 1996 when the Olympics came to town after real estate lawyer Billy Payne, a former University of Georgia football player, proposed that Atlanta host the Summer Olympics. This event brought many highs and lows to the city, though one notable event sent fear racing through the city.

The Olympic Park Bombing in Atlanta, Georgia during the 1996 Summer Olympics resulted in two deaths and more than 100 injuries. The bombing took place in Centennial Olympic Park and was the result of Eric Robert Rudolph’s homemade pipe bomb. The pipe bomb was filled with both nails and screws and was detonated between 1:20 and 1:25 a.m. The actual time of detonation varies by source, though most reports stated that it was 1:25 a.m.

The city of Atlanta has seen many ups and downs throughout the years, but that hasn’t slowed them down. In fact, the city has continued to see a spike in their population. In 2010, the population of Atlanta, Georgia was about 422,919. In 2016, the population jumped to 472,522.

As the city continues to grow, so does the number of Atlanta nightlife hot spots. Between the permanent population and the large number of tourists that visit the city every year, there has to be some great entertainment and places to visit,so we’ve taken a look at some of the hottest places to visit and come up with atop 10 list of hot spots to visit during your evening adventures in Atlanta,Georgia.

In a city as big and popular as Atlanta, Georgia, how does one possibly narrow down the top ten Atlanta nightlife hotspots?

This is how we did it.

We not only researched the city’s nightlife,but we looked at hundreds of visitor’s ratings, comments, and criticisms and based on these and our own research, we compiled a list of ten of the hottest spots most tourists and locals alike must check out.

Atlanta, Georgia is known for not only the irrich history but their hot nightlife. The Atlanta nightlife offers both locals and tourists plenty of options, but there simply are too many hotspots to list, so we decided to focus on ten locations that both locals and tourists seemed to favor.

We ranked the top ten hotspots based on a mix of our own thoughts and reviews, along with those of those that have visited each location. We then averaged these numbers to come up with our final ranking.

That being said, let’s see what the Atlanta nightlife has to offer.

Sister Louisa’s Church is anything but a church… In fact, it is a top hotspot in Atlanta for those looking for something a little different from the traditional bar scene. It’s so different that it is even a popular stomping ground for some hotshot celebrities including Lady Gaga, Owen Wilson, and even the cast of The Vampire Diaries and DropDead Diva.

Known locally as “Church,” Sister Louisa’s Church is a bar and an art piece all in one. Sister Louisa is actually former divinity student and local artist Grant Henry. Church was originall yan art gallery by the name of “Sister Louisa's Church of the Living Room; Come on in, Precious,” but it closed within the first six months.

Church is now a bar that spoofs church culture. It features hundreds of different pieces, including, “shrines, statues of Jesus, Saints, the Virgin Mary, choir boys and girls, vintage taxidermy, tacky-ass Christmas yard blow mold nativity scenes, vintage bowling trophies, ping pong paraphernalia,teenage girl plastic horse figures, church chandeliers, plastic ducks, and other related items of similar ignorance.”

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

This modern American restaurant and dance club that brings the word underground to a whole new level. Not only is the club entirely underground and has no website, though it’s live music counterpart, The Drunken Unicorn does. So how is it one of the hottest places amongst the ever-growing Atlanta nightlife?

Word of mouth.

Most find this nightclub thanks to friends that have already been to the bar. Located in an old parking garage, this bar and dance club mix is a two-room space with the main basement room that focuses on the bar and dance floor, while the second room is dedicated for lounging. Music ranges between most varieties, and while this is a popular hotspot on the weekends, it is also known for those who like to party during the week.

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

TEN Atlanta is a local restaurant and bar that has frequent special events. It is a small venue, one that has more of a local vibe to it, but they welcome both locals and tourists alike. While it is less of a restaurant, it still caters to those who want to relax with a drink or two and even offers hookah for those that enjoy it.

Many individuals remark on the friendly staff and overall “chill” vibe of the venue. The staff is warm and welcoming and the different event nights give locals fun things to do throughout the week instead of just being a weekend pub.

Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

The Koo Koo Room is another one of those underground bars that are quickly becoming one of Atlanta’s latest and greatest hotspots. Unlike the dance clubs of the city, the Koo Koo Room is known more for their “house party” vibe. The music is generally provided thanks to a DJ, but it isn’t the typical dance party venue. Think more about lounging and enjoying a more laid-back house party. For those who like a more “chill,”location to hang out, the Koo Koo Room may be just the spot for you.

Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars

The Sky Lounge is located at the top of the Glenn Hotel and is considered a one-of-a-kind venue that offers not only breathtaking views but a vibe uniquely its own. In fact, this venue was recently listed in Forbes Travel Guide as one of “Five Rooftop Bars to Visit in Atlanta.”

This covered outdoor lounge is said to fuse “downtown chic with lots of glam and a dose of allure.” It is considered a more upscale location for those who want a  more elegant or glamorous feel to it.

Overall rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars

Originally founded in March of 1996, the Havana Club has been a mainstay on the Buckhead nightlife scene. This club is15,000 square feet of “ambiance and Cuban essence” and includes three different rooms and nine bars.

This club is known for not only its exclusive events and legendary DJs, but also for its celebrity clientele. Both Lenny Kravitz and LeBron James have made appearances to the club, amongst many others.

The three rooms feature different vibes and different music settings. The main room features Top 40 songs; the second is more EDM music and the third features some of the hottest Salsa hits.

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The Clermont Lounge may be one of the city’s oldest strip clubs, but it really isn’t known as a gentlemen’s lounge any longer. In fact, it is known and frequently ranked as a time dive bar in Atlanta. That being said, it is still a strip club, but it isn’t known for its younger strippers.

This lounge is actually known for its aging line-up of strippers, including Blondie, who is not only known for crushing beer cans between her bosoms but also is known as a poet, artist, and dancer. The staff is very welcoming and friendly, but remember, it is an all-nude strip club.

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Tongue & Groove has been one of the most popular Atlanta nightlife hotspots since 1994 when it originally opened its doors. This sophisticated nightspot is 8.600-square-feet of sophisticated fun and features multiple mars within the venue, so getting a drink before you go dancing isn’t as difficult as it is in many other hotspots.

According to the venue’s website, Tongue &Groove caters to an “upscale crowd that enjoys fashion, music, art, and nightlife.”

Overall rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars

This venue is located in Midtown and has an impressive three levels which feature a total of six bars and even exclusive VIP accommodations. This three-level club offers different décor and feels for a variety of vibes, but one of the hottest is the Cue Club which is located on the lower level.

It is known for featuring many of the best DJ’s around and is home to the venue’s best sound systems.

Overall rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars

Before you ask, no Opera is not an opera setting. In fact, it is the exact opposite. Not only is it one of Atlanta’s top party places, but it is also ranked as one of the top nightc​​lubs in the country.

This venue is home to a variety of different environments, each one giving their own vibe to those who visit. They include a three-story main room, a lavish outdoor cabana area,an elevated garden, and fountain suit and a lounge in the back-room area.

Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars

The Atlanta nightlife truly does offer plenty of options for both locals and tourists.Between strictly adult entertainment to a more low-key vibe for those wanting just to chill out and enjoy a drink, Atlanta, Georgia offers a variety of different hotspots for everyone.

So don’t be afraid to head out on the town with your friends and see which of these, or which of the many other hotspots the city has to offer, suits your mood!

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