Atlanta bar scene: Where to bar hop along the Beltline

Matt Tam rides along the beltline with his dog Olive near Edgewood Wednesday, December 22, 2021. STEVE SCHAEFER FOR THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION

With nine paved trails and 10 parks stretched out along a 22-mile railroad corridor, the Atlanta Beltline is one of the largest urban redevelopment programs in the country.

Situated smack in the middle of Atlanta, taking the day to stroll the Beltline is about more than getting a nice dose of sunshine. Homes, shops, restaurants, recreation and bars extend in both directions on either side, which means plenty of other things to do.

If walking gets you thirsty, or you and your friends want to schedule a few stops throughout your day, check out these fun places to grab a drink. Nothing like a little bar crawl down the BeltLine for a special, and lively, experience.

DelBar

If you find yourself in Inman Park during your trek, and you’re suddenly a little thirsty and hungry, grab some authentic Middle Eastern cuisine at DelBar. With recipes inspired by the chef’s Iranian childhood, you can sample delicious menu items such as falafel, labneh, Adas Polo and a nice variety of kebabs. Their drink menu has beer, wine and spirits, but the unique names of their cocktail creations should catch your eye. Try the Ey Joonam if you’re a vodka drinker, the Magic Carpet for a Mezcal creation and the Dubai Drift if you’re looking for a whiskey drink.

Location: Inman Park  - 870 Inman College Pkwy NE; Website: delbaratl.comContact: 404-500-1444

Guac y Margys

Known as GYM, this bar/restaurant is the perfect pitstop when it’s margarita time. Although there’s a full bar, the menu features five different categories of margaritas; quite an extensive variety. You can pick from traditional, premium, specialty, infused or mezcal. As you sip your margarita, don’t forget to order some famous guacamole, or sample their taco menu that changes daily. You can also take advantage of weekly specials if you time your visit just right. There’s Taco Tuesday, with $3 tacos, and Marg Mondays with $6 margaritas. As their own saying goes, remember to stay hydrated at the GYM.

Location: O4W - 661 Auburn Ave, #120; Website: guacymargys.com; Contact: 404-343-4691

Lingering Shade Social Club

For a great view that’s also close to Krog Street Market, swing into the Lingering Shade Social Club. This bistro-style bar serves up cocktails and local beer as you sit out on the patio enjoying a view of the Eastside Trail along the BeltLine. Cocktails include the perfect pick-me-up if this is your first stop of the day — the Lingering Shade Bloody Mary. Other drinks seem to favor New England names. Try the Nantucket or the Montauk for a refreshing beverage. If you’re a little peckish, you’ll also find a small sampling of appetizers to enjoy like deviled eggs or pimento cheese dip. The bar even has a special treat on their menu should you be out walking your furry, four-legged friend.

Location: O4W - 660 Irwin Street NE; Website: lingeringshade.com; Contact: 404-996-6069,

Garage — Monday Night Brewing

When headed along the Southwest Trail of the Beltline, you’ll hit the West End of Atlanta. Once there, you’ll see the Garage, a second location of Monday Night Brewing. This brewery focuses on sour beers, and within its huge taproom, you can sample both the small-batch sours and some barrel-aged beers. There’s even an onsite orchard and garden to check out as you sip. The best part of visiting this brewery though are the names of their beers. You can sample Slap Fight, Dr. Robot, Han Brolo and even Drafty Kilt to name a few. And, if you find a beer you like, you can take a six-pack or growler home with you to enjoy. While the brewery is straight-up beer, if you get hungry, there’s usually a food truck or two close at hand.

Location: West End - 933 Lee Street SW; Website: mondaynightbrewing.com/visit/garage; Contact: 404-352-7703

9 Mile Station

As far as rooftop beer gardens go, 9 Mile Station’s views don’t disappoint. Sitting atop Ponce City Market, this bar lets you look out on the entire city while you sip craft beers and try fun cocktails. Reservations are encouraged since seating space is limited, but it’s well worth the advance planning for this picturesque gem. A small, refined menu complements their drink offerings. You can order pork belly sliders or shrimp and grits as you enjoy a Perfect Timing or My Best Life. What’s even better is, once you’re done with your drinks, you have all of Ponce City Market to explore before jumping back onto the BeltLine.

Location: O4W - 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE; Website: 9milestation.com; Contact: 770-999-1532

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