The Wrecking Bar in Little Five Points, Atlanta runs a brewpub in a Victorian mansion basement. The house saison and IPAs anchor the rotating taps.
Food program: Brewpub menu
Tip: The patio is the move in summer. Brewery tours run Saturday afternoons; the upstairs ballroom hosts private events.
Address: 292 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
The Porter Beer Bar in Little Five Points, Atlanta runs 800 bottles and 38 taps of craft beer with a sharp gastropub kitchen since 2008. James Beard Outstanding Bar finalist.
Signature drink: Rare-beer flight
Food: Gastropub menu
Tip: Brunch on weekends is the under-the-radar service. The Belgian beer cellar runs rare bottles for the right pour.
Biltong Bar at Ponce City Market in Atlanta runs South African biltong, droewors and a serious South African wine list. Counter ordering with bar seating.
Signature drink: South African wine flight
Food: Biltong, droewors, charcuterie
Tip: Order a biltong sampler with three wines by the glass. The retail counter sells cured meats by the pound.
Clermont Lounge in Atlanta's Hotel Clermont basement runs the city's longest-running dive bar since 1965. Famous Anthony Bourdain and Atlanta hip-hop coverage.
Signature drink: Beer and shot
Food: Snacks only
Tip: Cash only at the bar. The Clermont Hotel above has a rooftop bar with a much different vibe; same building.
Manuel's Tavern in Poncey-Highland, Atlanta opened 1956 and has been the city's political-newsroom hangout ever since. Jimmy Carter campaigned here; the booths are unchanged.
Signature drink: Cold beer
Food: Burgers, wings, bar fare
Tip: The booths fill with political-press regulars on election nights. Burgers are the kitchen's strength; reservations not taken.
Argosy in East Atlanta Village, Atlanta runs a beer-and-cocktail bar with wood-fired pizza and snacks in a converted bowling-alley space since 2012.
Signature drink: Beer-and-cocktail program
Food: Pizza, snacks, sandwiches
Tip: Patio is dog-friendly. The Beer Boards run rotating local taps. Weekend brunch service Saturday and Sunday.
Ladybird's Camper Bar on the Beltline in Old Fourth Ward, Atlanta runs summer-camp-themed cocktails in a vintage Airstream parked on the patio. Reservations on Resy.
Signature drink: Summer-camp themed cocktails
Food: Smores, snacks
Tip: The Airstream patio is the move in spring and fall. Smores and snacks the menu; full dinner at the Ladybird restaurant.
The Porter Beer Bar in Little Five Points, Atlanta runs 800 bottles and 38 taps of craft beer with a sharp gastropub kitchen since 2008. James Beard Outstanding Bar finalist.
Signature drink: Rare-beer flight
Food: Gastropub menu
Tip: Brunch on weekends is the under-the-radar service. The Belgian beer cellar runs rare bottles for the right pour.
