Ultimate Guide to Secret Bars in Atlanta

Find Your Vibe at These Speakeasy Bars

By Joleen Pete

Last Updated August 19, 2025

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Atlanta bars aren’t just places to grab a drink — they’re part of the city’s vibrant nightlife scene, offering unique experiences that go beyond the ordinary. If you’re looking to level up your evening out, we’ve rounded up a list of speakeasy bars that make nightlife in Atlanta worth stepping away from your usual routine. From speakeasies to stylish low-key lounges, these secret Atlanta bars deliver serious atmosphere. Pro tip: Some are harder to get into than others, so have a backup plan ready.

12 Cocktail Bar

Tucked away in the tower atop Ponce City Market, 12 Cocktail Bar is one of Atlanta’s best-kept secrets for elevated nightlife. This hidden gem on The Roof offers an intimate escape with expertly crafted cocktails, award-winning mixologists and breathtaking skyline views. Perfect for date nights or a stylish night out, 12 Cocktail Bar delivers a sophisticated speakeasy experience right in the heart of one of Atlanta’s most iconic attractions. Try the O.G. Old Fashioned for a smooth, classic sip or go with the 50/50 Martini if you’re into something crisp and balanced. Feeling fancy? The Old School French 75, made with cognac and bubbles, is always a good idea.

The Blind Pig Parlour Bar

Hidden behind an unmarked pink door in Buckhead, The Blind Pig Parlour Bar is a must-visit for those craving immersive, seasonal cocktail experiences in Atlanta. Known for its rotating pop-up themes, 2025 brings the Pink Piggy Saloon, a summer Wild West–inspired takeover complete with cowboy-chic décor, shareable Southern bites and playful drinks like the Georgia Peach Mule. A standout on the menu is the vibrant Dragonfruit Mojito, made with Bacardi, fresh dragon fruit, mint, lime and soda — refreshing and Instagram-ready. Whether you’re drawn by the speakeasy vibe or themed decor that changes with the seasons, The Blind Pig delivers one of the city’s most unique nightlife adventures. (Psst, to find it look for the unmarked door behind Chido & Padre’s.)

Brigantine Beer Parlor and Recreation Hall (The Brig)

Head to East Atlanta Village and immerse yourself in a lively mix of locals, after-hours professionals, travelers and soccer fans. What makes The Brig shine? A diverse lineup of events — from Argo‑Skee and date‑night comedy to all‑vinyl DJ nights — so be sure to check the current schedule before heading in. Sunday nights are a vibe here — chill, low-key, and perfect for wrapping up the weekend without calling it a night too early.

What’s the deal? Beeline it through Argosy (attached restaurant) and head straight to the back after 5 p.m. nightly.

Edgar’s Proof & Provision

Located beneath the historic Georgian Terrace Hotel, Edgar’s Proof & Provision is a cozy Midtown hideaway that’s perfect for visitors craving a local Atlanta experience with Southern flair. Known for its extensive whiskey collection and barrel-aged cocktails, the lounge introduced fresh 2025 menu updates, including new seasonal small plates and rotating barrel selections. The vibe is intimate and effortlessly cool, ideal for a pre-show drink before heading to the nearby Fox Theatre. Don’t miss the Blackberry Bourbon Sour, a fan-favorite cocktail that blends house bourbon with blackberry syrup, lemon and a rosemary garnish for a perfectly balanced sip of Southern hospitality.

The Forum Cocktail Co.

Located at The Works on Atlanta’s Westside, The Forum Cocktail Co. is a sleek addition to the city’s cocktail scene, offering a glamorous yet approachable vibe perfect for date nights or nights out with friends. With jewel-toned interiors, sparkling chandeliers and a hidden speakeasy called the Midnight Room, this lounge feels both elegant and intimate. The refreshed 2025 menu features creative small plates and seasonal cocktails. The Sweet Symphony stands out with Roku gin, Italicus, watermelon oleo-saccharum, cucumber and lime yuzu tonic. Whether you’re exploring The Works or hunting for a new go-to bar, The Forum delivers standout drinks in a stylish setting in Atlanta.

The James Room

If you’re exploring the Atlanta Beltline and craving a hidden gem with serious style, The James Room is your spot. By day, it’s a laid-back café slinging espresso on Auburn Avenue but after dark, it transforms into a moody, velvet-draped cocktail lounge pulsing with hip-hop, soul and reggaeton. Perfect for those looking to experience Atlanta nightlife beyond the usual, this vibey speakeasy just dropped new menu highlights, including the decadent Peach Cobbler cocktail — sweet, creamy and totally photogenic. Whether you’re bar-hopping or planning a date night, The James Room blends the city’s creative spirit with low-key luxury and must-have drinks.

JoJo’s Beloved

Tucked away inside Politan Row at Colony Square, JoJo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge is one of Atlanta’s coolest hidden gems, perfect for those seeking a unique nightlife experience in Midtown. This retro-inspired speakeasy blends ’70s and ’80s disco vibes with plush velvet booths, vinyl-only music and a dramatic pink marble bar. New for 2025, JoJo’s has introduced its Vol. 5 cocktail menu featuring fresh seasonal creations, zero-proof options and themed nights like Tuesday Throwback Karaoke and Vinyl Hour with $9 cocktails. Don’t miss the Bee’s Gees, a French 75-style aperitif with sloe gin, port, honey and Champagne. Whether you’re visiting Atlanta or planning a romantic date night, JoJo’s Beloved delivers good vibes.

Red Phone Booth

You’ll have to find and dial from a literal phone booth (Remember those?) for this Downtown Atlanta bar. Once you’ve done that, you are in for a cozy night lounging on leather couches and getting warm by the fireplace in this luxurious speakeasy. With fresh ingredients (seriously fresh), rare flavorings and even rarer liquors, the cocktails are a definite highlight. Kick it up a notch and visit the “mob-style” kitchen, which you can rent for private poker and pool games. You also can’t miss out on the Neapolitan pizza or desserts that will have you saying, “BADABING!”

What’s the deal? The number changes weekly, so you’ll need to try your luck asking nearby bartenders or hotel concierges for a tip if you don’t know a member. Or maybe grab a slice at Almafi and ask nicely (wink). A membership offers priority seating in addition to private tastings and VIP event access.

Supply & Demand

Located just behind Churchill’s in Buckhead, Supply & Demand is a great place to be on Thursday nights when members and folks who are privy to its location come through to mingle and dance. The concept is Wall Street greed, and the high-end spirits — including rare vintages of Japanese whiskey, Scotch, bourbon and cocktails are well worth the investment. There are even group cocktails that rate an “initial offering” of $100 and can treat up to eight folks — if you’re feeling bullish.

What’s the deal? Look for a private wood porch; it leads to an unmarked door. You don’t have to be a member, but members do get special privileges. While membership is free, it requires an invitation.

The Waiting Room

If you’re planning a date night in Midtown, The Waiting Room is a moody, retro-inspired cocktail lounge perched above Bon Ton that brings serious ‘70s vibes with velvet booths, dim lighting and live music on select nights. Open Thursday through Saturday, it’s perfect for couples looking to unwind in style with creative cocktails and shareable bites. A standout sip is the Train Round the Bend, made with gin, manzanilla sherry and blue curaçao. With its cozy atmosphere and curated drink menu, The Waiting Room sets the scene for a memorable night out in Atlanta.

So there you have it — some of the best hidden bar experiences in Atlanta. Looking for a more playful vibe for your night out? Discover Atlanta’s game bars and bowling alleys.

Joleen Pete is a storyteller and dream-weaver, inspired by the magic in everyday moments and the untold stories waiting to be shared.

Originally Published August 15, 2025