Atlanta’s Most Exclusive Secret Bars and Speakeasies
The secret is out! Here’s where to find Atlanta’s most under-the-radar speakeasies, lounges and exclusive, members-only spaces.
Editors Note: This article was originally published on May 23, 2023 and last updated on April 23, 2025. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
1. 12 Cocktail Bar
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Want to really impress your sweetheart? Take them to this tucked away and little-known intimate lounge at the top of one of the city’s top tourist destinations, Ponce City Market. There are no menus–instead talk to the gifted bartenders here and ask them to make a concoction to your tastes. Make a reservation online or walk-in.
2. Eleanor’s
1675 Cumberland Pkwy SE Suite 309, Smyrna, GA 30080
Smyrna’s Muss & Turner’s boasts not only one of our founder’s favorite burgers, but an impressive speakeasy operation called Eleanor’s in the back. Walk through the freezer door and settle in for a cocktail or a bite to eat–they’re serving up a full menu as well.
3. Forum Cocktail Co.
208 Chattahoochee Row NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
This chic, cocktail lounge located at the The Works is a serious vibe. The main bar serves craft cocktails and offers a savory snack menu crafted by former Atlanta Nobu chef, Veronica Cass. If you head down the hallway, you’ll find a speakeasy tucked away for a more intimate setting. The hidden lounge is available by reservation only. This is definitely a lowkey spot you’ll want to check out with a date! Don’t forget to make a reservation!
4. Gaja Bar
491 Flat Shoals Ave SE A, Atlanta, GA 30316
The entrance to this East Atlanta spot is so nondescript, you definitely get that hidden bar/speakeasy feel. And the interiors feel like you’ve stepped into an underground nightclub in Tokyo or Seoul. Sip on some soju, tuck into some kimchi fried rice or dig into other delicious Korean bites. It’s really an experience being here.
5. Himitsu
You’ll find Himitsu adjacent to celebrity hot spot Umi. The marble tabletops, impressive barware, and sophisticated and moody lighting lend to the exclusive feel of this place. To get in, 1) you’ll need to email them to make a reservation, 2) if you’re staying at a nice hotel in Atlanta, you can ask your concierge to make a reservation for you or 3) you can ask your waiters when you’re dining at Umi to see if there’s any availability at Himitsu that evening.
@atlantaeatstv This speakeasy opens Friday and has all the 70s vibes #thingstodoinatlanta #atlantageorgia #atlantaga #atlantaeats ♬ super rich kids – shaun
6. JoJo’s Beloved
1197 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
The 70s are alive and well at this hidden lounge tucked into a corner of swanky food hall, Politan Row, in Midtown. It’s a small and intimate lounge, for sure, and especially fun to visit with a small group and sit in one of their retro, cozy booths. Jam out to the vinyl records spinning nightly and sip on a Midori Sour. Reservations have to be made quite far in advance–they’ll literally lock the door right in front of you if you try to walk-in!
7. KR SteakBar
349 Peachtree Hills Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
KR SteakBar is a sleek restaurant that not only has an open kitchen to watch your meals be prepared but also a stylish speakeasy as well. Enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere while trying the variety of Italian cuisine, like spaghetti nero or tagliatelle, and choices of steaks. The Bureau, the speakeasy located inside the restaurant will completely transform your dining experience. (Be sure to call and make reservations!)
8. Lions Head
56 E Andrews Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
An incredibly exclusive and members only spot is Lions Head in Buckhead. A member must refer you in order to gain a membership, and if you know a member, they can bring you as a guest to check out the space. Photography and videography are prohibited in the space in order to respect the privacy of the members. They even put a sticker over your phone camera upon arrival to ensure no photos are taken. We’ve checked it out and trust us, it’s an incredibly gorgeous space with perfectly hand crafted cocktails.
9. Propaganda
2860 Atlanta Rd SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
Located inside of Zucca Bar Pizza, this 70s inspired speakeasy puts the “groove” in “groovy”! Listen to your favorite records while enjoying one of their signature cocktails. The space is small so it is encouraged to make reservations.
10. Ranger Station
684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE Unit J, Atlanta, GA 30312
Located above Ladybird on The Beltline is a cozy and gorgeous ski themed speakeasy and cocktail bar. Reservations are highly recommended, but you always welcome to head up there and see if they have space. The cocktails and bites are absolutely delicious here. The vintage vibes and great music will always keep you coming back.
11. Red Phone Booth
Multiple Locations
This cigar bar in Downtown Atlanta has been a go-to for years, and they’ve got a Buckhead location as well! Enter the red phone booth and say the secret code to enter. If you want to skip the line, you can pay for an annual membership. If you’re hungry, they also have a pretty extensive menu of Italian favorites!
12. The Blind Pig Parlor Bar
128 E Andrews Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
Head around to the back of Chido & Padre’s for a sexy and swanky, 1920s atmosphere. We love the aesthetic interiors, luxurious seating, and excellent cocktails. When there’s live music, it’s even better. And it’s really a great spot for a date! They are always hosting some kind of seasonal pop-up as well so be sure to check their website to see what they have going on.
13. The Club
70 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
Chops Lobster Bar is well-known in Buckhead among the well-heeled for consistently delivering a fantastic and lively steakhouse experience. But if you’re looking for something more exclusive, their members-only The Club is the perfect ticket. Cigar humidors and over 100 whiskeys, bourbons, and scotches are on the menu, and membership is by referral only.
14. The James Room
661 Auburn Ave NE STE 280, Atlanta, GA 30312
It seems like there’s always a lot of hustle and bustle no matter where you are on the Beltline, but the James Room often is a wonderful respite from that. Tucked away in the back of a chic French patisserie/bakery is a bar that’s either a laidback place to grab a drink or full-on rocking with a killer playlist, depending on the time that you visit. They also serve a small menu with hearty New American items like lamb chops and short rib flatbread if you want some dinner with your drinks.
15. The Vault
3120 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
The Vault is a great speakeasy and restaurant hidden inside The Bank off of 285. The ambiance is sophisticated and is perfect for a night out with the girls or a date night with your boo! The menu takes a Southern twist on fine dining and features savory Atlanta favorites like chicken and waffles for brunch or shrimp and grits for dinner. The Vault is definitely a unique experience.
16. The Waiting Room
674 Myrtle St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
This super cool spot is a bit newer to the Midtown bar scene and exudes the coolest 70s vibes. The Waiting Room is located on the second floor above Bon Ton and offers live music. There is truly no other nightlife spot in Atlanta with a theme as mysterious and sexy as this place! Seating is extremely limited so reservations are strongly recommended.
17. Tiger Sun
904 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
Don’t let this Silver Eagle bus fool you! Tiger Sun is an immersive omakase-style experience for cocktails. The movie theme of the menu is constantly changing so you’ll be in for a sweet surprise. The warm interior and the cozy seating will be sure to make it a night to remember!
18. Tight Squeeze at The Establishment
1197 Peachtree St NE Suite 517, Atlanta, GA 30305
You can find this neon lit speakeasy with delicious cocktails inside of Colony Square’s The Establishment. With a location right in the heart of midtown, it’s the perfect space to host that celebratory office event or exclusive dinner & drinks with a client. With The Establishment’s reputation as Midtown ATL’s best Happy Hour bar, the cocktails at Tight Squeeze are just as expertly crafted, and the catering menu is mouthwatering. Call The Establishment to inquire about hosting your next event at Tight Squeeze.
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19. Warhorse Investments
This super secret, members/invite only spot isn’t open to the public, but here’s some things we’ve heard about it. It’s a steakhouse with a throwback, old glamour vibe where it’s rumored that big movie stars–Robert Downey Jr. is a name we hear at lot–go to hang out. It’s in the same building as the Local Three and also from the Muss & Turner team but even more exclusive and high-end than Eleanor’s. If you’re curious to learn more, you could make an inquiry. Let us know what you learn–we already know our pockets don’t run that deep!
Use our map below to find a speakeasy near you!
Want to really impress your sweetheart? Take them to this tucked away and little-known intimate lounge at the top of one of the city’s top tourist destinations, Ponce City Market. There are no menus–instead talk to the gifted bartenders here and ask them to make a concoction to your tastes. Make a reservation online or walk-in.
Head around to the back of Chido & Padre’s for a sexy and swanky, 1920s atmosphere. We love the aesthetic interiors, luxurious seating, and excellent cocktail. When there’s live music, it’s even better. And it’s really a great spot for a date!
Chops Lobster Bar is well-known in Buckhead among the well-heeled for consistently delivering a fantastic and lively steakhouse experience. But if you’re looking for something more exclusive, their members-only The Club is the perfect ticket. Cigar humidors and over 100 whiskeys, bourbons, and scotches are on the menu, and membership is by referral only.
Smyrna’s Muss & Turner’s boasts not only one of our founder’s favorite burgers, but an impressive speakeasy operation called Eleanor’s in the back. Walk through the freezer door and settle in for a cocktail or a bite to eat–they’re serving up a full menu as well.
The entrance to this East Atlanta spot is so nondescript, you definitely get that hidden bar/speakeasy feel. And the interiors feel like you’ve stepped into an underground nightclub in Tokyo or Seoul. Sip on some soju, tuck into some kimchi fried rice or dig into other delicious Korean bites. It’s really an experience being here.
You’ll find Himitsu adjacent to celebrity hot spot Umi. The marble tabletops, impressive barware, and sophisticated and moody lighting lend to the exclusive feel of this place. To get in, 1) you’ll need to email them to make a reservation, 2) if you’re staying a nice hotel in Atlanta, you can ask your concierge to make a reservation for you or 3) you can ask your waiters when you’re dining at Umi to see if there’s any availability at Himitsu that evening.
It seems like there’s always a lot of hustle and bustle no matter where you are on the Beltline, but the James Room often is a wonderful respite from that. Tucked away in the back of a chic French patisserie/bakery is a bar that’s either laidback place to grab a drink or full-on rocking with a killer playlist, depending on the time that you visit. They also serve a small menu with hearty New American items like lamb chops and short rib flatbread if you want some dinner with your drinks.
The 70s are alive and well at this hidden lounge tucked into a corner of swanky new food hall Politan Row in Midtown. It’s a small and intimate lounge, for sure, and especially fun to visit with a small group and sit in one of their retro, cozy booths. Jam out to the vinyl records spinning nightly and sip on a Midori Sour. Reservations have to be made quite far in advance, but they do have a certain number of walk-ins every night.
This cigar bar in Downtown Atlanta has been a go-to for years, and now they’ve got a Buckhead location as well! Enter the red phone booth and say the secret code to enter. If you want to skip the line, you can pay for an annual membership. If you’re hungry, they also have a pretty extensive menu of Italian favorites!
This super secret, members/invite only spot isn’t open to the public, but here’s some things we’ve heard about it. It’s a steakhouse with a throwback, old glamour vibe where it’s rumored that big movie stars–Robert Downey Jr. is a name we hear at lot–go to hang out. It’s in the same building as the Local Three and also from the Muss & Turner team but even more exclusive and high-end than Eleanor’s. If you’re curious to learn more, you could make an inquiry. Let us know what you learn–we already know our pockets don’t run that deep!
This super cool spot is brand new to the Midtown bar scene and exudes the coolest 70s vibes. The Waiting Room is located on the second floor above Bon Ton and offers live music. There is truly no other nightlife spot in Atlanta with a theme as mysterious and sexy as this place! Seating is extremely limited so reservations are strongly recommended.
Introducing The Vault, one of Atlanta’s newest speakeasies and restaurants hidden inside The Bank off of 285. The ambiance is sophisticated and is perfect for a night out with the girls or a date night with your boo! The menu takes a Southern twist on fine dining and features savory Atlanta favorites like chicken and waffles for brunch or shrimp and grits for dinner. The Vault is definitely a unique experience.
This chic, new cocktail lounge located at the The Works is a serious vibe. The main bar serves craft cocktails and offers a savory snack menu crafted by former Atlanta Nobu chef, Veronica Cass. If you head down the hallway, you’ll find a speakeasy tucked away for a more intimate setting. The hidden lounge is available by reservation only. This is definitely a lowkey spot you’ll want to check out with a date! Don’t forget to make a reservation!
Editor’s Note: This article was first published September, 2021 and last updated May, 2023.
