Where to Find a Drink on the Atlanta Beltline (2026)
- Jun 8, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 17
Walking on the Atlanta Beltline can work up a thirst. So if you're looking for a place to stop for a cool cocktail, or you're coming to the city and want a Beltline vibe with your beer, there are plenty of places along the trail.
Here are some spots I recommend for both booze and bites, in no particular order, all on the Beltline's Eastside Trail. A note to dog lovers - nearly every Beltline restaurant welcomes dogs on its patio, so you don't have to leave your fur baby at home. And if you want to offer your pup a more elevated restaurant experience, bring them on our Beltline Doggie Crawl. There's nothing else like it.
Ladybird has always been where the cool kids go. As one of the most established restaurants on the Beltline's Eastside Trail, it might be the king of patio drinking. Grab a can of Classic City from their vintage camper in the patio corner, or an Old Faithful (S'mores whiskey, orange cordial, bitters) from the long cool bar inside. And maybe some trail snacks. Their theme is campfire food - think smoked wings, BBQ pork, mac & cheese and more. But as popular as their patio is, everyone talks about Ranger Station - the not-so-secret exclusive bar upstairs. Here you'll find drinks with fun names like Trailhead, Cool Runnings, and Butterscotch Biscuit (made with butterscotch bourbon, not joking).
Best for: Day drinking.
Beer lovers, heads up. This hipster spot near Ponce City Market has a welcoming deck, giving you front-row viewing to the Beltline's shenanigans. Not to mention outdoor events and activities to draw you in, such as live music, a Saturday artisan market, pet adoptions and even an occasional wrestling match. You might prefer the rooftop bar that overlooks the Beltline. But if you can forego the outdoor scene, you're more likely to get a seat (and service) inside. New Realm offers a medley of its own beers, such as IPA Hazy Like a Fox and a sour called Lime of the Party. And if you get hungry, their menu hosts a range of pub-style food, from Bavarian pretzels to burgers and wood-fired pizza.
Best for: Beer lovers.
People complain that Atlanta is too far from the beach. Which is why Chiringa is much needed - it's the kind of open-air spot you might find just steps from the ocean. They serve up Caribbean style plaintains, sugary wings, fresh tacos and even shrimp baskets. But it's the beachy drinks people line up for, and the reason they fill the patio on nice evenings - whether it's a frozen margarita or vodka selter. And boy, are they dog friendly. We bring the pups here on our Beltline Doggie Crawl for chicken tacos - who doesn't love a taco?
Best for: Frozen drinks.
This is a true neighborhood spot, with something on their menu for everyone. We regularly get their chicken wings, and they are a popular stop on our Food & Street Art Tour. Their patio is perfect for watching people, bikes, scooters and dogs stroll by on the Beltline as you relax over a drink. In addition to cocktails and frozen drinks, they offer lemonade and punch infused with THC - if that's your thing. Another very dog-friendly spot, McCrays's whips up some delicious entrees for the furry foodies on our Doggie Crawl.
Best for: Food with your drinks.
This is one of Atlanta's worst kept secrets, with hordes trying to crowd into this small space. Located above the Victorian plant shop on the Beltline, it gives off swanky upscale vibes. There's something for everyone - wine, beer, cocktails and even a couple of mocktails. Like whiskey? You can find everything from Woodford Double Oaked to Hakushu 12. The best time to go is on Tuesday evenings for live jazz and popup pizza. Get there early.
Best for: Sophisticated beer, wine, cocktails or spirits.
Head down the stairs between the black glass office buildings, and you'll find this hidden gem. Their wine flight changes daily - perfect to sip and lounge on their patio across from Historic Fourth Ward Park. If you want some snackables, they sell charcuterie boxes - or stop at Kroger first and pick up some gourmet cheeses in their deli. And bonus, Big Softie is just next door. Wine and ice cream? Yes please.
Best for: Wine lovers.
Atlanta has some spectacular rooftop bars, but this may be the queen of them all. With skyline views spanning from Buckhead to Downtown, the cocktails and snacks are worth the price of admission. Spanning the 16th floor of the Forth Hotel, it's the perfect Atlanta spot to impress out-of-town guests or celebrate a special occasion. Try the Flyby, made with pistachio gin (have you ever heard of such a thing?), pea flower, rose and lemon. Hungry? You can snack on a truffle grilled cheese or go all out with caviar service. Told you it was swanky. Settle in to their plush couches or grab a table al fresco. Just be sure to make a reservation, it fills up fast.
Best for: Impressive atmosphere.
Just inside Krog Street Market, this bar serves a rotating selection of 60 craft beers from near and far. In addition to IPAs by familiar local brands like Creature Comforts and Wrecking Bar, you also might find a Narragansett out of Providence, an Allagash from Portland and a Potter's Grapefruit Hibiscus out of Virginia. They also have a full bar, and make a mean Bloody Mary. The downside to getting a drink here? Finding a place to sit inside the lively Krog Street Market. The upside? Plenty of good restaurant stalls in the food hall to go with your beer. And if you want to take some home, they have a shop next door with some hard-to-find delights.
Best for: Unique craft beer.
 If you're looking for a party restaurant on the Atlanta Beltline, this is it. Want some margaritas for you and your friends? Don't waste time on a single glass. Order up the tank. And what's better than a boozy dessert, like their soft serve margarita - in strawberry, matcha and pina colada flavors. Yeah, you might pretend you came for the amazing street tacos. But we know why you're really there.
Best for: Margaritas.
Kroger
If you want a cheap drink on the Beltline, try the Pub on Ponce. Yes, really. They offer surprisingly decent wines and beers for $5 or 6 at their walkup window. And with a long deck overlooking the Beltline across from Ponce City Market, you might even get a show. On weekends, musicians, performers and even snake handlers have been known to set up on this stretch of the trail. Not to mention you can buy snacks inside to pair with your drink or pick up some groceries afterward. Secret tip: Grab an Argentinian empanada from Belen de la Cruz, located just inside Kroger.
Best for: Inexpensive beer and wine.
When it's hot, a cold drink might not be cold enough. Get a boozy popsicle to cool you down. With a counter inside Ponce City Market and a stall outside, King of Pops offers not only fruity flavors but some "boozy pop tails" like Raspberry Lime Vodka and Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade, made with spirits from Old Fourth Ward Distillery just up the street. When it comes as a pop, you can savor your cocktail a bit longer, and even take it with you on the BeltLine.
Best for: A drink on the go.
Bottoms up, Beltliners.
If you want to sample some of Atlanta's best restaurants, book a Food & Street Art Tour on the Atlanta BeltLine. And dog lovers, we've got an activity exclusively for your fur baby. Bring your dog on Barks & Bites: Doggie Crawl on the Beltline. Follow on TikTok and Instagram @bitelinesatl.
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An Atlanta native, Nicole Gustin is the Founder and CEO of BiteLines, which offers walking Food & Street Art Tours on the Atlanta Beltline. Her favorite drink is a Hemingway.