, crowds will converge this weekend on the former downtown Olympic attraction for music, fountain dancing and drinks under the sun with the squad. But let’s face it, festival beer is always overpriced, and the cocktails, well,
Walkable
White Oak Kitchen
Just a short walk from the park on the corner of Baker and Peachtree, White Oak Kitchen offers festival-goers looking to get a little fancy an air-conditioned oasis with an extensive whiskey list and great bar bites from chef Todd Richards. We suggest bourbon lovers sip the Devil’s Haircut with Angel’s Envy bourbon, Grand Marnier, lemon, lime, agave and rosemary while nibbling on the local cheese plate. The cocktail list here is strong and offers tipples to satisfy every palate.
White Oak Kitchen, 270 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta. 404-524-7200, whiteoakkitchen.com.
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
Meehan’s Downtown
Do you like beer and Premier League soccer on Saturday mornings? If you follow Liverpool, Meehan’s Downtown is the official gathering spot for Atlanta’s LFC fans. Spend the morning cheering on your team with a pint and one of Meehan’s large and in charge burgers. Pre-game for the festival with a Long Ireland Iced Tea (Absolut Wild Tea, peach rum and Irish whisky) for all the booze before the bands.
Meehan's Downtown, 200 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-214-9821, meehansdowntown.com.
Skylounge at the Glenn Hotel
Less than a block from the park, situated high atop the boutique Glenn Hotel, is one of the best views in Atlanta...with cocktails. Take a break from festivaling and watch the sun go down over the city with crafty imbibes, wine and all the Shaky Knees music action. Our suggestion for sipping? The classic martini.
Skylounge at the Glenn Hotel, 110 Marietta St., Atlanta. 404-521-2250, glennsskylounge.com.
Noni’s Deli
Step off the streetcar and into Noni's . A trattoria by day and dance party by night, this neighborhood bar with its giant patio fountain and resident watch dog, Lucy, flips the switch after 10 p.m. from pastas and monster deli sandwiches (with addictive garlic fries) to Fernet shots and DJs pumping music into the wee hours. Noni's underrated cocktail program offers discerning imbibers a solid selection of choice tipples. Try the Corpse Reviver with small-batch gin superstar St. George Botanivore to put some pep in your step or a bitter and boozy Boulevardier with High West double rye, Punt e Mes and Campari to soothe your festival soul.
Noni's Deli, 357 Edgewood Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-343-1808, nonisdeli.com.
Joystick Gamebar
Welcome to Joystick, where a classic arcade meets curated cocktails. Focusing on artisanal spirits, handcrafted syrups and shrubs and local and craft brews, this Edgewood bar for gamers and cocktail nerds serves up killer drinks with its pinball machines, Ms. Pac-Man and Street Fighter. We're partial to Joystick's classic Old Fashioned , a few rounds of Space Invaders and a handmade beef hot dog (with kimchee) from Atlanta's beloved Doggy Dogg.
427 Edgewood Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-525-3002, joystickgamebar.com.
Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium
Ok, so this isn’t exactly a cocktail mecca but if you’re in need of a little late-night altar call, we suggest heading to “Church” at the corner of Edgewood and Boulevard. Before you pour your sunburned festival body into an Uber at 2 a.m., step inside Sister Louisa’s for a few healing vibes in the form of $4 PBR tall boys and $3 Miller High Lifes, a life-affirming game of pingpong and a religious experience like no other.
466 Edgewood Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-522-8275, sisterlouisaschurch.com.
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