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Atlanta / Nightlife / Bar


 

The oldest operating tavern in Atlanta, Atkins Park sits in a bustling row of shops and restaurants. Once settled amid the darkly stained woodwork of either the bar or Creole-influenced bistro, however, wayfarers at Atkins Park feel well removed from the remaining city. The staff is accommodating, though the clientele on weekends can veer towards pushy yuppies.

 

In the base of the Peachtree Centre Mall (connected to three of downtown’s largest hotels), Charlie and Barney’s is home for conventioneers and hospitality industry regulars. Surrounded with bric-a-brac, barflies between business engage video golf, darts, pool, interactive trivia, 10 televisions, chatty bartenders, a classic rock, R&B jukebox and comfort foods including a recommended chili.

 

Behind an unmarked door but marked by a widely acknowledged aura of cool, Halo is a demure destination for the well coiffed. The basement of a former boutique hotel, this top-shelf lounge is a series of concrete tiers topped by curvaceous furnishings inviting characters from all struts of life to peacefully mingle; Thursday nights have even gained Halo the nickname 'Gaylo’.

 

If the way to the heart is through the stomach, then fall in love with Intermezzo. Intimate candlelit wood-inlaid rooms invite you to indulge in decadent desserts, coffee and/or cocktails. It’s rather a lover’s environment, but if you can stomach the starry-eyed couples you’ll get to stomach a lot more that’s pleasurable.

 

Populated by politicians, journalists, or just the opinionated everyman, Manuel’s is a half-century old collection of oddly shaped rooms ringing with conversations on public policy and point spreads. White and blue collar citizens are equally welcome to settle amid the history-stained wood paneling and tables sized for couples to boardroom conferencing.

 
 
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