Atlanta: Nightlife

Blake’s on the Park Often packed and always friendly, diverse, and lively, Blake’s is a longtime landmark on the city’s gay scene. Midtown; 227 10th St.; 404-892-5786; www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com
dancing | gay | dj | live

Churchill Grounds Sip cocktails, smoke a cigar, and let the sound of the sax wash over you at this elegant and cozy space that hosts Atlanta’s hottest jazz musicians. Midtown; 227 10th St.; 404-876-3030; www.churchillgrounds.com
jazz | nightclub

Clermont Lounge Sometimes called “a retirement home for strippers” and often pegged as a can’t-miss city attraction, the Clermont is Atlanta’s oldest strip club in more ways than one. Midtown; 789 Ponce de Leon Ave.; 404-874-4783; www.clermontlounge.net
lounge | adult | performances

Drunken Unicorn See the most up-and-coming local and touring rock, punk, and alt-dance acts in this small energetic venue that’s filled with more unicorn paraphernalia than you ever knew existed. Midtown; 736 Ponce de Leon Pl.; 404-870-0575; www.thedrunkenunicorn.net
dancing | live music

Opera If your idea of spending an evening at the opera involves rotund sopranos singing Italian ballads, Atlanta’s Opera nightclub, located in a converted movie house in trendy Buckhead, may not be your thing. The décor is posh, the drinks are expensive, and the revelers are dressed to kill. Enjoy exclusive bottle service in the private “Phantom” boxes on the mezzanine. Buckhead; 1150B Peachtree St.; 404-875-0423; www.operaatlanta.com
smart splurge | trendy | expensive | dj | club

Rooftop Bar at the Glenn The only one of its kind in the area, the Glenn Hotel's open-air rooftop bar offers dazzling Downtown views and DJ’s who spin British pop, bringing in plenty of stylish locals. The bar is seasonal, closing at the beginning of November and reopening in Spring. Downtown; 110 Marietta St. NW; 404-521-2250; www.glennhotel.com
trendy | view | hotel bar

The Sun Dial High above the city atop the Westin Hotel, the tri-level Sun Dial is loved by locals and tourists alike thanks to its revolving cocktail lounge and awe-inspiring observatory level. Downtown; 210 Peachtree St.; 404-589-7507; www.sundialrestaurant.com
lounge | view | hotel bar