When the Sun Goes Down, Buckhead’s Nightlife Heats Up (4/4)

While known for its upscale shopping, trendy restaurants and boutique hotels, the swanky community of Buckhead offers some of the best nightlife in Atlanta. Situated just minutes north of Downtown Atlanta, its convenient location and festive, fashion-forward atmosphere make it the perfect destination for a night out on the town. From nightclubs to comedy clubs and rooftop bars to cocktail bars, there is no shortage of options to choose from. In fact, one of the most challenging things about planning a night out in Buckhead is deciding where you want to go.
 
Looking to dance the night away? Buckhead has plenty of lively nightclubs with resident and guest DJs from around the world laying down the latest tracks. If a romantic date spot or something a bit more sophisticated feels more your speed, enjoy a glass of bubbly champagne or a freshly crafted cocktail in one of the area’s lavish hotel bars or upscale drinkeries. For a crowd-pleasing experience, head up to a popular rooftop bar and take in views of the city’s gorgeous skyline. They say laughter keeps you young, so turn back the hands of time and spend a gut-busting evening at a comedy show. Or, if you are up for a little adventure, try finding Buckhead’s hidden bars and speakeasies. No matter what your definition of fun is, Buckhead has it and then some!

Here is a list of some popular hotspots that are sure to make your evening out a night to remember. 

 
Rooftop Bars
 

• St. Julep – Floating nine stories over East Paces Perry Road at the top of the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel, the St. Julep serves up breezy cocktails, kicked-up bar snacks and views for days. This place is a true oasis in the sky and offers a laid-back vibe, weekend DJ sets and hidden design surprises around the rooftop deck.
• Gypsy Kitchen – Offering a spectacular rooftop patio, the Gypsy Kitchen draws inspiration from the culinary riches of Spain, infused with Moroccan traditions from across Gibraltar and Indian influences from the west. Centuries of the interplay between these food traditions inspire their Iberian-fusion plates and innovative cocktails. Share small plates and enjoy a glass of sangria while enjoying views of the city skyline. 
• Rose & Rye – Resting atop the stylish boutique hotel known as Hotel Colee, known formerly as The W, is Rose & Rye. This rooftop bar offers magnificent views of Buckhead and Lenox Square in one direction and the Atlanta skyline and city center in the other. Popular with in-house guests and locals alike, it is the perfect place for fine cocktails and conversations during weekdays, while weekend nights bring a higher vibe with live DJs. But no matter what day you go, you will find a variety of fresh and crafted classic and house cocktails, locally brewed craft beers and a selection of signature lite bites. 

Dance Clubs

• Tongue & Groove – Located in the heart of Buckhead, Tongue & Groove is one of the most storied nightclubs in Atlanta. This multi-level, high-energy dance club has kept Atlantans grooving to the best music from all genres for almost three decades. The club is notorious for hosting some of the best local and international DJs and is the home of many glamorous launch parties. Open until the wee hours of the morning, it is the perfect place to indulge in bottle service and get your groove on.
• Johnny’s Hideaway – Offering a truly one-of-a-kind Atlanta experience, Johnny’s Hideaway is the only place where everyone, from septuagenarians to college kids, have come to dance on the club’s small but iconic dance floor since 1979. Oldies, disco and today’s hits all mix together for some of the best dancing fun in the city, and an eclectic cast of regulars will keep you busy people-watching. Conveniently located on Roswell Road, the nearby Waffle House is where the party continues into the wee hours of the morning after Johnny’s Hideaway closes at 3 a.m.

Cocktail Bars 

• Dirty Rascal – While this new addition to the Buckhead scene might technically be a restaurant, Dirty Rascal’s Italian-inspired cocktails are too good not to mention. Spritz lovers need to look no further, as this upscale Italian-American spot has mastered the refreshing summer tipple. For those that prefer a more spirits-forward drink, the martinis are some of the best in the city.
• The Garden Room – Entering into the Garden Room is like being transported into an enchanting garden oasis where exquisite drinks, delightful food and unbeatable ambiance reign supreme. This Instagram-worthy destination features extravagantly lush decor; it’s almost as if a posh lounge and an extravagant greenhouse were fused together to create Atlanta’s chicest cocktail bar. Located inside the St. Regis Atlanta, the Garden Room’s drinks are just as beautiful as they are delicious. It is the perfect spot to elevate your evening.

Secret Bars 

• The Blind Pig Parlor – Did you know speakeasy bars used to be known as blind tigers or blind pigs? Now the name of this place makes sense. The Blind Pig offers one of the most unique speakeasy experiences around town by transforming its interior decor into different pop-ups depending on the season. Seating is limited, and walk-ins are welcome, but since it is first come, first serve, reservations are certainly highly encouraged. Find the unmarked black door behind Chido & Padre’s to make your way into this magical paradise.
• Red Phone Booth – Make your way to the eponymous red phone booth, enter the highly coveted secret phone number and enter into the 1920′s Prohibition-Era speakeasy at the Red Phone Booth (RPB). Serving unique and creative craft cocktails, delicious Neapolitan pizza and offering a variety of cigars, this elegant establishment has an impressive assortment of over 180+ whiskeys catering to all whiskey enthusiasts. Go ahead, grab a seat and get ready to sip on some luxurious cocktails. 
• Himitsu – Down the street from the Red Phone Booth, you will find Himitsu, which means “secret” in Japanese. This reservations-only Tokyo-style lounge prides itself on creating a signature cocktail experience with each visit. It is one of the city’s best-kept secrets and a playground to the likes of celebrities, music artists and tastemakers looking to begin or end an evening on a high note with an ever-changing menu of 10 to 12 meticulously prepared cocktails. To make a reservation, send an email to hello@puraibeto.com using the subject line “LOVE.” If chosen, you get a code back for that day’s availability. The unassuming location is well-hidden, and there’s no sign, so be sure to look for the door that is *seven* doors down from Umi to find the right entrance

Comedy Clubs 

• The Punchline – If you want something to lift your spirits, laugh the night away at the Punchline. This club has been captivating Atlantans for decades, having showcased comedy legends like Jay Leno, Richard Prior, Jerry Seinfeld, and more. If you’re confused when you walk up to The Landmark Diner, don’t be, the Punchline, once located in Sandy Springs, is now inside one of Buckhead’s most iconic diners, and yes, you can order from the diner’s enormous menu if you feel so inclined. 

• Laughing Skull Lounge – Not technically in Buckhead, but close enough to mention, is an intimate theater called the Laughing Skull Lounge. Hidden inside Midtown’s Vortex, this lounge has been showcasing comedians for over 30 years and has been known to have celebrity comedians such as Jeff Foxworthy and Dave Chapelle just “drop by.” There are open mic events, showcase nights called Best of Atlanta Comedy and even solo comedian shows. 

A Few Buckhead Listings