1. Whiskey Park
 Whiskey Park: Dan Klores Communications |
The mere possibility of glimpsing Cindy Crawford in the flesh is alluring enough, but there are more viable reasons to hang out at Whiskey Park, the swanky nightspot owned by the former supermodel’s husband, Rande Gerber, and his brother. Since opening this summer inside Midtown’s W Hotel, it has lived up to its billing as an intimate lounge with an edge, with a guest list to prove it; Cee-Lo, Dallas Austin, rocker Tommy Lee, Sex and the City’s Jason Lewis, fashion designer Mychael Knight, and, yes, the lovely Mrs. Gerber have all been spotted there. Inside Whiskey Park, a diverse crowd—business types, hip-hoppers, sorority girls—adds to the “Studio 54” feel of The Crystal Lounge, where mirrored walls and velvety sofas evoke a nostalgia intensified by beats from the elevated DJ booth. Only bona fide VIPs are allowed to retreat to The Vault, a private lounge with its own stocked bar. Sipping on fresh fruit cocktails (such as the acai blueberry martini or the potent pear¬tini) amid its sleek black and red decor, you feel as though you’re on the set of a music video. The feeling comes with a price, though, in the form of $13 drinks and $8-an-hour valet service. 188 Fourteenth Street, 404-724-6000, starwoodhotels.com
2. CRÜ Urban Lounge
This bilevel enclave at the Ponce Springs Lofts is the perfect spot in which to congregate with pals after dinner or before a night out. The narrow space doesn’t leave much room for dancing, but the DJ delivers an eclectic soundtrack at just the right decibel for you to bob your head from the marble bar or leather chairs without missing a beat in the conversation. 620 Glen Iris Drive, Unit 101, 404-551-2361, cruurbanlounge.com
3. Door 44
Gothic glam sums up the vibe of this Midtown nightspot in the former location of Nomenclature. Interior designer Patti Krohngold spared no expense on the dramatic red and black decor, from the sparkly black chandelier to the damask wallpaper to the red roses displayed throughout the room, creating a space that is part biker bar, part upscale club. 44 Twelfth Street, 678-949-9531, door44atlanta.com
4. Fadó Irish Pub
Uprooted from its original perch on Peachtree, Fadó has gained solid footing around the corner with a three-story venue that feels state of the art (a heated rooftop patio) and traditional (Celtic art, cozy fireplaces) at the same time. Hearty fare, a bustling singles scene, and the latest soccer or rugby match draw a steady crowd. 279 Buckhead Avenue, 404-841-0066, fadoirishpub.com/atlanta
Advertisement
