For a romantic date, lively night on the town, or a much-needed craft brew after a long day at the office, the ideal evening drink spot is right around the corner in Sandy Springs. Fuel your competitive side at the local gamer bar, sip wine while watching one of your favorite movies, or savor a cocktail during a leisurely outdoor stroll—it’s all on the (drink) menu. Here are a handful of the most fun and unique places to grab an adult beverage during your next night out in Sandy Springs.
1. The Select
Named for the famed Le Select brasserie in Paris, The Select is one of Sandy Springs’ newest hotspots for French-inspired cocktails and food. Like its Parisian cousin, the space is tastefully modern yet cozy, with a high ceiling that’s specially designed to reduce noise inside the restaurant.
This vibrant restaurant is located in the new City Springs development, an outdoor shopping and dining hub that—bonus!—allows guests to consume alcohol purchased on site anywhere within its boundaries. So, as inviting The Select is, you can also enjoy your drink while strolling around the nearby City Green or relaxing on one of the park's bench swings.
2. Pontoon Brewing
Inspired by the laid-back atmosphere of Southern summers on the lake, Pontoon Brewing became Sandy Springs’ first microbrewery in early 2018. The brewery is owned and operated by a group of friends who share a love of craft beer and leisurely days on the water - a vibe they’ve captured perfectly in the comfortably casual taproom. Can’t decide which beer to try? Opt for a flight of their flagship brews: Galaxy Drifter American IPA, Hazy River IPL, and Flotation Device Berliner Weisse.
3. Taco Mac
A popular sports bar chain in southeast, Taco Mac offers more than just great wings and tv screens. They have over 100 taps of draft craft beer and local brews. Taco Mac also offers a "Brewniversity" for customers looking to learn more about beer as they try them. If you join the program, you can earn credits for higher status for every new beer you try. The higher the status, the better the rewards!
4. The Springs Cinema & Taphouse
Originally opened in the 1980s as Lefont Theater, this movie house underwent a major renovation and reopened in 2017 as an upscale theater and bar. The Springs Cinema & Taphouse is an excellent venue on its own to enjoy a local beer or craft cocktail, with a draft list that features top local and regional breweries including Scofflaw, Creature Comforts, Three Taverns, and many more. But the best way to experience The Springs Cinema & Taphouse is lounging in one of its heated recliners with a beverage and the big screen: Check the schedule for movies ranging from new hits to independent foreign films.
5. North River Tavern
Located on the north end of Sandy Springs just seconds from the Chattahoochee River, North River Tavern is a casual hideaway with classic sports bar eats and a huge craft beer menu. Their pride themselves on having one of the best beer selections in metro Atlanta, and they offer 20 beer on draft daily. They frequently rotate their beers, so you can try something new every time. While you are there enjoying a cold brew, make sure to try their El Guapo chicken wing challenge. If you can eat 20 wings in 10 minutes, the wings are free and you get your name on the wall of flame!
6. Casi Cielo
Drawing inspiration from Oaxaca, the Mezcal capital of the world, this upscale Mexican restaurant is all about agave-based cocktails. In fact, Casi Cielo claims to have the largest collection of the liquor in the Atlanta area—and the largest out of Oaxaca. The restaurant’s atmosphere is bright and fresh with tastefully traditional elements that perfectly complement the beautiful specialty drinks. Salud!
7. Ray’s on the River
Sip a cocktail while soaking up one of the most beautiful views in Sandy Springs at this metro Atlanta dining institution nestled on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. With an award-winning wine list, beautifully landscaped grounds, and live music on the weekends, Ray’s is an elegant oasis on the outskirts of the city. Be sure to snag a table on the outdoor patio, but if the weather isn’t playing nice, you can still enjoy a fantastic view of the river through the restaurant’s many grand windows.
8. Under the Cork Tree Restaurant
Serious oenophiles flock to this sleek tapas bar, whose wine list includes more than 200 selections from around the world. Grab a glass and head to the spacious patio for some alfresco sipping, or opt for the chic dining room: Either way, you’ll be sitting (and sipping) pretty. The menu is just as impressive as the wine list: Under Cork Tree’s Mediterranean-inspired dishes include wood-fired flatbreads, Spanish cheeses, and house-made pastas.
9. Battle & Brew
If drinks with a side of Dungeons and Dragons sounds like your ultimate night out, then Battle & Brew needs to be at the top of your must-visit list. This "geek bar" puts an adult spin on game night by letting you take on friends in your favorite video and board games with a beer, wine, or cocktails in hand. Gaming consoles and tabletops are rented by the hour or half-hour, so you can tailor your evening to suit your play preferences.
Whether you’re up for a boisterous game night or a celebratory dinner, you’ll find just the right spot with the right atmosphere—and the perfect drink menu—to suit your mood in Sandy Springs.