Almost no one that lives in Atlanta is actually from Atlanta; there are a huge number of transplants from all over the world in this city of nearly five million. The amazing diversity isn’t only present in the population though, the nightlife in Atlanta is just as assorted as the people that inhabit the city and its 25+ surrounding counties. If you’re looking for something to do on any given night, you’re sure to find it in one of these great nightclubs:
1. Voted “Best Dance Club” by Atlanta’s Creative Loafing, MJQ Concourse is located downtown at 736 Ponce de Leon Place, Atlanta, right downtown. The nightclub sports an unusual Asian flair, a roomy dance floor, great music spun by crafty DJs and a side room with its own bar, super comfortable couches and a groovy intimate feel. Hours are Monday-Wednesday 10pm-4am; Thursday-Friday 11pm-4am; Saturday 11pm-3am. There is a cover charge but it varies with the day and special nights such as Deep House on Saturdays, Wednesday’s Brit-Pop, and a No Static hip-hop party once a month. This place is Cash only, so make sure to hit the ATM before heading out!
2. East Andrews Neighborhood Bar is a great little bar and café with a European inspired motif and live acoustic music. With their mix of excellent wines, specialty martinis and fantastic tapas, East Andres draws a diverse crowd. In addition to the subdued café downstairs, this venue sports a somewhat faster paced Andrew’s upstairs that features live acts as varied as the clientele. Located at 56 E Andrews Dr, West Village, Atlanta, it is tucked away on a side street. Parking can be tight, but there is a Valet service. Hours for the Café are Wednesday 5pm-1am; Thursday 5pm-2am; Friday and Saturday 5pm-3am. For the Upstairs hours are Wednesday-Thursday 9pm-2am and Friday and Saturday 9pm-3am. No cover charge.
3. The Halo Lounge located at 817 W Peachtree St E 100, Atlanta, is a trendy, ultramodern, sleek and completely amazing nightclub. It sports one of the hippest interiors you will find and features a central bar of white onyx that changes color with the mood lighting that abounds. All this is available to you six days a week: Monday-Friday 4pm-3am and Saturday 6pm-3am. In addition to super cocktails, Halo serves up a great mix of appetizers and what they dub a “unique style of Lounge Soul Food.” The lower level bar only serves top shelf selections so be sure you know before you go. Cover charge Friday and Saturday $5.00.
4. The tri-level Lava Lounge sports an amazing four bars, three dance floors and an outdoor terrace that overlooks the Midtown Atlanta skyline. The top class DJ’s spin a mix of House, Top 40, 80’s, Funk & Hip-Hop while the young, hip clientele lines up at the lava topped crescent bar to sip down some of the best Martini’s in Atlanta. This incredible nightclub is located at 45 Thirteenth St., Atlanta, and is open Wednesday-Saturday from 9PM until 3AM. Cover is $5-$10 depending on the day.
5. Just like the sumptuous sushi that it serves, Aiko is filled with tasty goodness and wraps a lot into a single location. There is a full service sushi bar, a happening nightclub and a swanky martini lounge all rolled into one. Located at 128 E Andrews Dr, Atlanta, in the East Andrews area (near our number two pick – can you say “club hopping?”), it’s a great place to spend the entire evening. Start with a great sushi dinner, wash that down with some uptown martini’s and then spend the rest of the night dancing it all off to the high-energy DJ sounds. Aiko is available for your pleasure Tuesday-Wednesday 5:30pm-11pm; Thursday-Saturday 5:30pm-3am. No Cover.
6. Situated on the west side of town at 1008 Brady Ave, Atlanta, Compound inhabits what was once a swanky automobile dealership. It has a very unique layout that includes separate dance area and lounges (one is smoke free) separated by a sheik courtyard complete with a little pool. The nightclub features DJ spun music and has a variety of theme nights such as international, Asian and dance. Hours are Thursday 9pm-3am; Friday-Saturday 10pm-3am. Tables can be reserved in advance with a guaranteed purchase minimum and the cover varies from $10- $20 depending on the night. Once of the best places to see and be seen in Atlanta!
7. The Mark Ultralounge is definitely ultra designer; it has an elegant, surreal scene with eerie lighting, completely decadent lounge areas and great art. As nightclub’s go, this one is a trendy, trend-setters paradise. Great drinks and even greater theme nights including Who’s Who night for alternative lifestyles, Underground night for all that dance music you can’t hear anywhere else and Southern Hospitality Friday’s with special guests make this one of the places to go. Located at 79 Poplar St, Atlanta. The Mark only has a cover on Friday and Saturday; $10 for guys, free for ladies till at least 10, and it’s open Monday-Saturday 10pm-2:30am.
8. If you want live music then Eddie’s Attic is the place to go. Eddie’s plays host to a continual stream of national, regional and local acts, most if not all of which are acoustic. They have a fantastic menu of unique small bites, burgers and entrée’s and serve a somewhat slimmed down selection of beer and wine alongside their standard cocktails. They’re located at 515 N McDonough St, Decatur; don’t let the address fool you though, this is still Atlanta. Hours for Eddie’s Bar are Monday-Thursday 4:30pm-12:30am; Friday-Saturday 4:30pm-2am and for the Kitchen they are Monday-Thursday 4:30pm-10:30pm; Friday-Saturday 4:30pm-11:30pm. There are some shows on Sunday, check their schedule here if you’re going to be in town. Cover charges vary depending on the act playing and the night.
9. If you’re looking for something closer to your local bar rather than a swanky nightclub, one that features poker tournaments, cold beer and live music, then Moondogs is the place for you. Located at 3179 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, it’s popular with the college crown and even gives away popcorn. Go casual, kick back, nosh on some great bar food, play some poker, watch the game, rock out, dance till you’re tired and head on home feeling like you even saved a few bucks . The only thing this place lacks is a website. Tuesday-Saturday 7:30pm to 3am, no cover on most nights.
10. For serious indie-scene music, you’ll want to hit The Earl at 488 Flat Shoals Ave SE Atlanta. The place has a perfect bar atmosphere and serves up the meanest bacon cheeseburger you’ll ever munch down on. You can hang out in the bar if you want a little quiet or head over to the music club for some great live music. Either way, make sure that you order a couple of rounds when you can catch a server, because this place gets busy. Cover ranges from $5 – $10 for the music side, depending on the band and the night. Open Monday-Saturday 11am-2:30am and Sunday Noon-Midnight.
There you have it, the best music, food, drinks, dancing and fun in the best nightclubs in Atlanta. You may have to visit Atlanta several times to take them all in, but it will be well worth it. Just be sure to keep in mind a few important partying tips: designate a driver or call a cab, never drink and drive, do not text message that ex after you’ve had one too many, and if the nightclub you are at isn’t your scene or your crowd, go to the next one on the list. You are sure to find a bar, nightclub or music venue to suit you in this city.
