Travel Souths Best The South's Best Bars 2020 By Zoe Denenberg Zoe Denenberg As a professional baker, Zoe Denenberg has spent the past two years traveling across the country—from Alabama to Hawai'i—working in farm-focused pastry kitchens. She has written about food, travel, and culture for Southern Living since 2019. See more of Zoe's work at https://zoedenenberg.wixsite.com/portfolio and follow her on Instagram. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on March 10, 2020 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Peter Frank Edwards When you're visiting a new city, there's something undeniably appealing about wandering into the corner bar and sitting down for a drink. It's a great way to get to know a place and take in a quick snapshot of the local culture. But these bars offer much more than a cushioned stool to rest your weary legs for an hour. They've crafted their cocktail menus and wine lists with intense attention to detail and restaurant-like precision. Of all the places in the South where you can recline with a nice Old Fashioned (trust us, there are many), these innovative bars have risen to the top of their class. They take cocktails seriously, approaching mixology from the perspective of equal parts scientist and artist. And most importantly, they're places that will welcome you in, whether you're a regular or you're visiting town for one night only. Come for happy hour drinks and light bar bites—stay for guaranteed good times. 01 of 11 10. Ticonderoga Club (Atlanta, Georgia) Brian Manley At this Colonial-style bar hidden inside Atlanta's Krog Street Market, enjoy terrific plates, bold cocktails, and boisterous bartenders. ticonderogaclub.com, 404-458-4534, 99 Krog Street Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307 02 of 11 9. Columbia Room (Washington, D.C.) Nicholas Karlin Sip in style at this D.C. hot spot that celebrates the art of the cocktail. Indulge in an intimate dining experience in the Tasting Room; order a Grasshopper Julep in the Spirits Library; or start a night out in the lush, whimsical Punch Garden. columbiaroomdc.com, 202-316-9396, 124 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 03 of 11 8. The Atomic Bar & Lounge (Birmingham, Alabama) Robbie Caponetto At random moments, bubbles fall from the ceiling at this eclectic Magic City haunt. Cozy up in one of the secluded alcoves for date night, or gather a group of friends and take advantage of the loan-out costumes. instagram.com/theatomiclounge, 205-983-7887, 2113 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203 04 of 11 7. The Expat (Athens, Georgia) courtesy of The Expat This two-story bungalow brings sustainable wine, French bites, and classic cocktails to Athens. Dine on fougasse and escargot at the downstairs restaurant, or settle in for a daiquiri in the upstairs lounge. theexpatathens.com, 706-521-5041, 1680 South Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA 30606 05 of 11 6. The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club (Nashville, Tennessee) Lindsey Grace Considering the 1920s glamour of this spot (think blue velvet booths, sleek gold detailing, and quilted leather armchairs), you'd never guess that it has a cult following for its vegan pimiento cheese. thefoxnashville.com, 2905B Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216 06 of 11 Check Out The South's Best Bars 07 of 11 5. Saint-Germain (New Orleans, Louisiana) Sam Hanna Serving top-rated wines without the white-tablecloth formality, Saint-Germain channels the breezy spirit of a French bistro in the Bywater neighborhood. saintgermainnola.com, 504-218-8729, 3054 Saint Claude Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117 08 of 11 4. Black Bear Bar Room (Grayton Beach, Florida) Alissa Aryn Commercial Pair a natural wine with a tray of farm-raised oysters or house-made sourdough from sister cafe Black Bear Bread Co. next door. blackbearbreadco.com, 850-213-4528, 26 Logan Lane, Unit H, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 09 of 11 3. The Jasper (Richmond, Virginia) Joey Wharton Named after iconic early 19th-century Richmond bartender Jasper Crouch, this place is serious about cocktails. Try the Caribbean Kween, and snack on the Togarashi Popcorn. jasperbarrva.com, 3113 West Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23221 10 of 11 2. The Living Room at The Dewberry (Charleston, South Carolina) Matthew Williams This is not your ordinary hotel bar—and it has James Beard Award-semifinalist status to prove it. From a carefully curated library to luxe sofas imported from Denmark, each detail makes the space feel like home. Signature drinks include the Dark as Night, described as the "nightcap of nightcaps." thedewberrycharleston.com, 843-558-8000, 334 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403 11 of 11 1. Alley Cat Lounge (Savannah, Georgia) Peter Frank Edwards A newspaper-like menu features over 150 cocktails, along with lots of helpful commentary guiding you from sweet to sour and offering suggestions to suit your taste. You can even choose a drink based on your astrological sign. alleycatsavannah.com, 207 West Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401 Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit