Atlanta’s had something of a wine bar boom, and this relaxed, informal Poncey Highland tavern that’s leading the moment. (In fact, it was one of BA’s Best New Bars last year.) Led by two partners of West Midtown restaurant Miller Union and a South Carolinian wine enthusiast, here you’ll find a regularly updated menu of impressive house reds and whites by the carafe, and by-the-glass pours leaning lower on heft and higher on drinkability. That ranges from sparkling Chenin Blanc to Sancerre rosé, Gamays like Du Grappin Côte de Brouilly, plus expressive oranges and whites. It’s also a proper restaurant, and whether you’re in the mood for gloriously textured hummus with snap-fresh veggies or a beautifully roasted chicken, you’ll find exceptional pairing suggestions.

Don’t Miss: Should you want a cocktail at any point, you’ll do fine with their eponymous house cocktail made with 10-year sercial (a style of Madeira), vermouth, Cognac, Sherry and bitters.

505 N. Angier Ave, Atlanta

Andy Lee

Inspired by Roberto Burle Marx, a famed 20th century Brazilian landscape architect known for beautifying public parks and gardens, Burle’s (pronounced “Bur-Lee’s”) is easily one of Atlanta’s most naturally beautiful bars, thanks to its integration with The Victorian, its downstairs sister plant shop. There’s a calming use of green all around, from the bar’s marble countertop and base to the checkered floor tiles, and further in the metal beams standing between tall window panels looking out at the Atlanta Beltline’s pedestrian path.

Don’t Miss: Burle’s floral beauty is reinforced by the flavors and effects of cocktails like Chips n Salsa, essentially a spicy marg riff with serrano, tomato, vermut de gallo, lime, and agave, shaken into tortilla-chip-washed tequila. And the patio—where long wooden benches near fire pits back into outdoor plant beds—is a hidden cool kids camp that gets a balance of shine and shade on sunny ATL days.

303 E Howard Ave, Decatur

Kimball House’s stellar reputation began with an inventive absinthe program and unbelievably high-quality oyster happy hour, an effective combo to lure in ATL cocktail lovers to this former Decatur train depot. Co-owner Miles Macquarrie, a widely respected bartender, has led the bar program since its fall 2013 opening, yet a slew of top drinks-slinging talent have served drinks from behind the polished wood horseshoe bar. They’ve established not only a reputation for remarkable cocktails beyond the proverbial “green fairy,” but have gained eminence for their overall restaurant operation, evidenced by their status as a repeat semifinalist and finalist for several James Beard Foundation awards.