Where to drink this summer in Atlanta

Summer in the ATL is finally here and that means patio season to me. There is no shortage of great places to go for drinks in the city but I’ve compiled a list with some of my favorites. Stay cool and cheers friends!

Mission + Market– Buckhead

Mission + Market opened last spring and hit my favorites list right away. The gorgeous space and patio is only heightened by the exquisite food and cocktails. It’s my go-to brunch spot and you have a good chance of catching me on their patio til mid September. Some of my favorite seasonal drinks right now are The Cucu’s Nest, Purple Rain & the Jewel of the Pacific.

Nina & Rafi– Old Fourth Ward

Without a doubt one of my favorite spots in the city right now, Nina & Rafi’s is doing it right. They not only have the most delicious pizza and other Italian items..hello chicken parmesan and cheesy bread but their cocktail game is also on point. It’s just the perfect no fuss place to go with friends to grab a pie and some drinks. I love their bar & patio which is dog friendly. My current drink order there is a new one called a Nimrod Mule which is Shackleton Scotch, Rhum Neisson, Underberg, Garlic Honey, Lime & Ginger beer & topped with basil…the best!

Watchman’s– Krog Street Market

Located in KSM, Watchman’s quickly became a spot that I adored. Their seafood menu is fantastic and I can’t stop, won’t stop praising their cocktail menu. They change the cocktails regularly for different seasons and holidays which I love! Currently you’ll find me drinking the Cucumber Swizzle or The Watchman. They always have a Swizzle but the flavors change…get one, trust me. If you haven’t been here yet I suggest you go soon, it’s such a great restaurant and perfect for happy hour.

Banshee– East Atlanta

Another can’t miss restaurant is Banshee. Located in East Atlanta, with it’s chic space and seasonal menu, it’s the place to be any night of the week. I love coming here for a night out with the girls or date night. My favorite cocktail right now is the Careless Whisperer #2- Novo Fogo Cachaca, strawberry + tarragon shrub, Casoni Amaro Heritage, cava & lime…it’s so tasty and perfect for summer!

Murphy’s– Virginia Highlands

Murphy’s has been on “my list” for many years. It’s just such a consistently great place to go. You can go with family, friends, partner, kids or for business and it’s fitting for every occasion. The food is good, especially for brunch and they have fun cocktails and a very impressive wine list. I usually like to sit at the bar or on their patio and I take my time here. It’s a place to enjoy a long leisurely meal and drinks. They also hold wine classes here every week which are very fun! A drink I’m loving now that they offer is the Gin and Jam which is Brockman’s Gin, Pur Elderflower Liquor, lemon simple syrup and local Fairywood Thicket Farms jam…yum!

Hampton + Hudson– Inman Park

I’m in Inman Park a lot. Partly because it’s right by my house and partly because they have some of the best places to eat and drink in our city. One of those places is Hampton + Hudson, which is essentially a stylish gastropub/sports bar. Their food and cocktail menu is excellent and it’s a place you can hang at all day long with your crew. Their patio is also dog friendly! H+H is a no fuss spot to watch the games, hello Atlanta United fans! I love meeting friends here for happy hour and brunch. My go-to drink right now here is the Holy Smokes, it’s a Mezcal cocktail which I live!

Serpas– Old Fourth Ward

If you haven’t been to Serpas in O4W you are seriously missing out on some of Atlanta’s incredible restaurants. Serving Cajun inspired southern cuisine, the food is outstanding and so are the drinks! I recently took my friend here for dinner and we had the best time, the service and meal were perfect. I’ll be stopping by soon for their Krewe cocktail which is Mezcal, rhubarb ginger syrup, lime & topped with 3 Taverns lord grey sour. And Serpas is celebrating 10 years in business this year…that’s a cause for celebration so let’s go!

White Bull– Decatur

Located in Decatur, White Bull is serving up incredible dishes in it’s stunning space. Featuring seasonal and local ingredients, they are serving up some really creative things and they have a flight of pasta. I mean you had me at pasta. They’re also offering some very unique and fun cocktails though which I love! Catch me drinking the God Bird- Hamilton Demerara Rum, Campari, pineapple & jerk spices and the Infamous- Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Aperol, Yellow Chartreuse & Dry Vermouth. It’s the perfect spot to go for dinner and drinks this summer!

Pour–Old Fourth Ward

Did you say wine on tap? Yes. Pour, located in SPX Alley has over 85 beers and wines on tap! You get a QR card when you walk in which is connected to your credit card and wear the card around your neck. You pay per ounce for your drinks but it’s so easy. You choose, scan & pour! And you order food from their neighbor, Nina & Rafi. Beer, Wine & Pizza? Yeah let’s just say I’ll be here a lot all summer.

SOS Tiki Bar–Decatur

Another place in Decatur that I never miss an opportunity to visit is SOS. Serving up super fun tiki drinks in a cool atmosphere, it’s a must this season! And I love their patio! They can get a bit crowded so I always try to go on the early side. My go-to drink here is always the Mai Tai…it comes out flaming!

Alright that should give you guys a start on where to get your drink on in this heat. Happy first day of Summer!

**Some images from restaurants are not mine including Nina & Rafi, Hampton + Hudson, The White Bull, Serpas, Banshee and Murphy’s. These images belong to the restaurants.