The South’s Best Bars 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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