Cheers: The Haute 5 Local Bars in Atlanta

We all love a good drink. But going out isn’t just all about the actual drink when it comes to choosing a place to order up. You have to think about the crowd, the ambiance and yes, the drink menu. Here’s a look at the Haute 5 bars in Atlanta. Drink up and cheers.

Livingston

Livingston Restaurant and Bar is in the historic Georgian Terrace Hotel.  The décor and design is ultra modern yet it maintains the architecture and glamour of old Atlanta. Located a stone throw away from the Fox Theatre, this beautiful intimate bar is a great place to go for some fun and libations. Livingston bar boasts a glimmering chandelier, lounge like seating and just a great overall time.

Livingston is located across from the Fox Theatre, 659 Peachtree St., 404.897.500

Nava

Sit back and relax after a hard day around at this fountain-side patio. And what’s better than the Patio is the signature style Prickly Pear Margarita. Located on Peachtree Road in Buckhead, this Southwestern-style restaurant is great for the food, but even better for the drinks. And, they have just created a new signature Blueberry Jalapeno Margarita. The name scared me at first but it is definitely a contender for the Pear margarita. But Nava’s manager aptly described this concoction as “sweet heat.” It uses fresh blueberries and chopped jalapenos. Great for a summer refreshing libation. On Wednesdays, there is live flamenco guitar music on the patio. Great patio, great drinks, great crowd.

Nava is located at 3060 Peachtree Rd., 404.240.1984

The Sun Dial

Located on the 73^rd floor of the Westin Peachtree Plaza, The Sundial Bar is a rotating cocktail lounge that offers cool cocktails and live jazz by the Mose Davis Trio, creating a relaxing ambiance and the perfect place to unwind. The Sun Dial Bar completes one full 360-degree revolution every 35 minutes, providing a complete panorama of Atlanta. From this vantage point on the 73rd floor, guests may sample from our distinctive menu of signature cocktails, savor regional concoctions in their souvenir glassware. My favorite concoction is the Peachy Keen.

The Sun Dial is located in the Westin Peachtree Plaza, 210 Peachtree St., 404.589.7506

Bar Eleven

Located in the swank new Loews Hotel, which is part of the 12^th & Midtown development, Bar Eleven is a neighborhood hotspot with Midtown views, live music four nights a week and a selection of creative hand mixed cocktails, local microbrews and artisanal wines. Along with the chic space, the vibrant music scene really sets this apart from other spots in the city. Loews gives you an opportunity to hear some of our city’s most unique talent. Also, I recommend you try the Loews Atlanta signature cocktail. The Lavender Drop Martini is made with fresh lavender leave, lemon juice, Ciroc Vodka and simple syrup.

Bar Eleven is located in Loews Atlanta Hotel, 1065 Peachtree St., 404.745.5000

Bluepointe

This chic Buckhead spot has a very sophisticated Sex and the City ambiance. The bar is the main attraction — although the dining area is typically filled as well.  The after work crowd starts the evening off and as the night rolls on you will see a very well-heeled moneyed set taking reign at the reserved seating areas.  Since the spot opened, it has become the home to the trendsetters of Atlanta. Tuesday nights are especially bustling with the martini set.

Bluepointe is located at 3456 Peachtree Rd., 404.237.9070