7 great Atlanta spots for networking over cocktails or coffee

ajc.com

Credit: Jenni Girtman/ AJC

Credit: Jenni Girtman/ AJC

When you want to get ahead in the business world, networking can be a crucial part of the process. Since these types of social events are typically held in a more laid-back atmosphere, people are more likely to open up and the conversations can lead to potential job opportunities or other ways for networkees to work together.

Whether you're new to Atlanta and looking for a place to network, or simply just want to up your game, these seven places will help you get your "netdrinking" on.

The Bookhouse Pub 
736 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

Offering relaxed bar atmosphere for drinks and pub fare, the Bookhouse also serves a variety of beer choices as well as wine and cocktails. Unwind with a cold one while collecting those business cards. Home of the popular "Tiki Taco Tuesday."

Grain
856 West Peachtree St.

Aptly named for its large selection of grain alcohols, this stylish and intimate cocktail bar located in Midtown was named by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2015 as one of "The 23 Restaurants that Made It to the Top of Our List." Socialize at the bar or out on the patio for outdoor drinking and don't forget to try the daily dollar happy hour oysters.

Noni's
357 Edgewood Ave.

Conveniently located off the Atlanta Streetcar line, Noni's is a neighborhood trattoria that serves comfort Italian food (with a large wine selection). Spacious enough for networking in a large group, but also suitable for one-on-ones without distractions.

Octane Westside
1009-B Marietta St.

If you prefer java to cocktails or lattes to beer, Octane is the place to go. Not only is it where you'll find the local entrepreneurs hanging out, the cafe roasts its own coffee beans and purchases its milk from a nearby dairy.

Ormsby's
1170 Howell Mill Road

Ormsby's bills itself as a classic neighborhood tavern found in Atlanta's Westside. The tavern not only features a full bar and fresh pub menu, it also offers a wide range of bar games include backgammon, pool, bocce and shuffleboard. Network over a craft beer or even a friendly game of darts.

The Southern Gentleman
3035 Peachtree Road

The Southern Gentleman is a rooftop gastropub featuring a collection of classic cocktails, beers and wines. It's classic-yet-contemporary Southern style makes it a great after-work gathering place for those with a more refined tastes. Belly up to the bar to network with friends or grab a booth for a Heritage Farm pork burger or some pan-fried Georgia trout.

Wrecking Bar Brewpub
292 Moreland Ave. NE

You'll literally feel right at home because that's what Wrecking Bar once was. Originally a 20th-century Victorian-style home known as the Victor H. Kriegshaber House, this location has also hosted a Methodist Protestant church and a dance school. The bar, which is located in the basement, has a selection of specialty beers brewed right on the site.