Feel the holiday magic at these 6 Atlanta bars, restaurants and pop-ups
When you want to feel the holiday spirit all around you, head to these spots.
Muriel Vega
December 6, 2023
‘Tis the season! The holidays have arrived, and Atlanta is in full, festive swing. If you’re ready for twinkling lights and holiday cocktails, we have compiled a list of restaurants and bars that transform into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The city truly goes all out, so plan to make reservations when you can — these destinations are in high demand. See below where you and your loved ones can enjoy the holiday season to the fullest.
Après Ski at Ranger Station
Though Atlanta doesn’t have slopes, you can still enjoy the après ski (or after ski) spirit to embrace chilly weather and adventure. Look no further than Ranger Station, a bar that embodies the heart of the great outdoors and hunting lodges. Located above Ladybird Grove and Mess Hall on the BeltLine, Ranger Station is pulling out all the stops this holiday season with Après Ski, a retro holiday-themed bar complete with festive decor, fondue, and a range of holiday-themed cocktails. No reservations are needed for this pop-up, which kicks off on Dec. 1.
Miracle Bar Atlanta at Tapa Tapa
Tapa Tapa at Midtown Promenade is bringing back Atlanta’s original holiday bar, Miracle Bar on Monroe. Fully decked out with floor-to-ceiling decorations and lights, the bar offers a selection of seasonal and Christmas-movie-themed cocktails, celebratory light bites, and cookies. On Friday and Saturday evenings, you can enjoy live music as well. The bar is exclusively for ages 21+ and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reservations, so make sure you come early. Each bill will have a 20% service charge added to it, and there is a two-hour table limit. Runs through December.
Little Christmas Spirit at Little Spirit
During the holiday season, the Little Spirit cocktail bar in Inman Park transforms into Little Christmas Spirit. The cozy bar will serve various festive drinks in addition to its seasonal fall/winter drink menu featuring wintry favorites like the Mint Condition, with vodka, creme de menthe, cacao, amaro, chocolate chip, and cream. The special holiday experience is available throughout December.
Tiki Holiday at S.O.S. Tiki Bar
This winter, S.O.S Tiki Bar will again transform into a tropical-themed holiday bar, Tiki Holiday — which their website describes as “Xmas in Paradise.” The bar will feature a wide assortment of rum-infused holiday cocktails while you groove to Christmas tunes ranging from surfer rock to crooner Bing Crosby. The menu includes shareable snacks like Reindeer Food (Chex mix with chocolate bits), Cheese Loaf, and the Sad Boi Christmas Dinner. The bar is decorated with colorful string lights, garland, Santa figurines, and plastic reindeer. Keep in mind there’s a 60-minute time limit at tables to help everyone experience the scene and bask in the holiday spirit. Experience this holiday treat through December.
Blind Elf at Blind Pig Parlour Bar
Blind Pig Parlour in Buckhead has transformed into a holiday pop-up bar, The Blind Elf. Enjoy holiday-themed decor, drinks, and bites, including the warm Festivus cocktail and delicious pigs in a blanket. “The Blind Elf Experience” is available for $70 per person and includes two appetizers, two specialty cocktails, tax, and gratuity. The pop-up is open seven days a week through December. Come for the twinkling lights, stay for the holiday cheer!
Igloos & Holiday Social Bar at Ponce City Market
Head over to Ponce City Market’s THE ROOF, where you can savor unique and unforgettable experiences. Try the 9 Mile Station Igloos, which are private, heated domes where you can enjoy a meal amid stunning city views. Each igloo can hold up to six people, so gather your favorite couples or best friends and make a reservation today for one of the two-and-a-half-hour slots.
Apart from the igloos, you can also check out the Holiday Social Bar inside the tower lobby, which is decorated to resemble the North Pole. Sip on a festive drink while enjoying the ambiance of the Santa-inspired decorations. Take advantage of this opportunity to embrace the fun of the season.
Want to find special ways to celebrate now and throughout the year? Get the Localite newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Share this article
Nearby Cortland Locations
Nearby Cortland Locations
The 5 Phoenix Metro ramen shops you need to know
Where to warm up with a bowl of Phoenix’s best ramen this winter.
There’s a chill in the air this time of year. Sure, it isn’t as brisk as some other parts of the country; we’re looking at you, Midwest. But these cooler wintertime temps bring cravings for something that’s equal parts warm and delicious — and nothing is more satisfying than ramen. Here’s where to treat your taste buds to some of the city’s best bowls.
SoSoBa
Like the original flagship Flagstaff location, Downtown Phoenix’s SoSoBa offers a robust lineup of craveable ramen built with an unmatched selection of broths and unique add-ins. Whether you’re into udon noodles swimming in pork broth between bits of carnitas and pork bacon, or if rice noodles and bulgogi grilled beef are more to your liking, SoSoBa has exactly what you’re seeking when it comes to steamy bowls of comfort food. The ramen is certainly why you’re here, but don’t skip appetizers like the confit chicken wings or the pork gyoza with house-made drunken sauce on the side.
Hachi Ramen
This Tempe spot knows ramen. The authentic Japanese ramen joint makes everything from scratch, and they don’t cut any corners. For example, Hachi Ramen’s tonkotsu broth is made from 30 unique ingredients which simmer in a giant pot for up to 16 hours. The dedication to the craft is truly unlike any other here. When it’s finally ready after bubbling to perfection, Hachi’s tonkotsu ramen is finished with a tasty slab of braised pork belly, a seasoned egg, and green onions. Hachi Ramen has an ultra-casual vibe, and the best seats in the house are cozied up to the open kitchen, where you can watch the ramen technicians execute noodle pulls and sprinkle nori on bowls of piping-hot soups.
Clever Ramen
Clever Ramen might be the little sister to Clever Koi and Across the Pond, but the Scottsdale ramen restaurant doesn’t hold punches when it comes to bold flavors and quality ingredients. Billed as a build-your-own ramen shop, Clever Ramen offers near-limitless customization that has ramen fans coming back over and over again. First, you choose from ramen-style, vegan, or gluten-free noodles. Then, pick from pork, chicken miso, spicy chicken shoyu, or creamy vegan dashi broth. Next, select your proteins, veggies, and extras like crispy shallots or Clever’s spicy bomb. If the whole build-you-own thing is too much, opt for a pre-made bowl. The spicy kimchi ramen with spicy chicken shoyu, confit chicken thigh, and a soft egg is an excellent introduction to what Clever is all about on your first visit.
Tampopo Ramen
Look no further than Tampopo Ramen in Tempe for dinner and a show. Here, you can watch as your ramen is prepared to perfection by a fast-working kitchen crew that moves harmoniously around oversized pots of steamy broth and bundles of freshly prepared noodles. Fortune favors the bold, so go for the ultra-spicy ramen if you’ve got the chops for it. This figuratively and literally hot bowl of ramen features Tampopo’s original broth, house hot sauce, chili oil, roasted pork, and other tasty noshes like seaweed, white onion, bean sprouts, a soft-boiled egg, scallions, and a sprinkling of sesame. After you set your mouth ablaze, you’ll need something to beat the heat. Reach for melon cream soda or an order of matcha ice cream for some sweet relief.
Nishikawa Ramen
Nishikawa Ramen’s most popular dishes are curry ramen, miso ramen, and black ramen, a medley of pork broth, black garlic oil, and other tasty toppings. Located near the Camelback East neighborhood in Phoenix, Nishikawa has gained local favor for its authentic Japanese ramen, which features signature Hakata and Sapporo-style noodles. In addition to satisfying bowls of ramen, this noodle bar offers a selection of unmissable Japanese-style tapas and appetizers, including pan-fried pork gyoza, deep-fried chicken karaage, spring rolls, and takoyaki, a grilled pancake formed into the shape of a ball with octopus in the center. Do your best to save room for desserts like the yuzu or green tea cheesecakes; you’ll be glad you did.
Want to know where to find the hidden gems and standouts in the Phoenix dining scene? Sign up for the Localite newsletter.
Share this article
Nearby Cortland Locations
Nearby Cortland Locations
Experience holiday magic at these 7 DFW restaurants and bars
It’s impossible not to feel charmed at these destinations that go all out for the holidays.
The holiday season is all about making memories, and what better way to do that than by visiting restaurants and bars that have truly embraced the holiday magic? These bars and restaurants in the DFW area offer a range of experiences, from holiday-themed cocktails to festive desserts, and winter wonderlands that will leave you feeling merry and bright. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy this special time of year at these delightful spots.
Whiskey Ranch
2601 Whiskey Ranch Rd. Fort Worth, TX 76119
If you’re in the mood for holiday-themed fun, look no further than TX Whiskey at Whiskey Ranch. The distillery and venue space host multiple events to kick off the holiday season. Enjoy cozy movie nights under the stars with special screenings of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Friday, Dec. 15) and Elf (Saturday, Dec. 16).
Those who prefer to get spirited with, well, spirits won’t want to miss the special holiday edition cocktail class led by TX Whiskey’s resident mixologist Jason Shelly. Learn how to impress your guests this year with tips and tricks to make the perfect cocktail.
Leela’s Wine Bar
1914 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
Step into a winter wonderland at Leela’s Wine Bar in Lower Greenville. Its “holiday house” pop-up offers a cozy atmosphere to escape holiday chaos and celebrate with loved ones. Get ready for some Instagram-worthy holiday candids as you enjoy specialty pop-up cocktails like the Ornamint, which includes strawberry and hibiscus infused gin, Italicus, strawberry, lemon, and tonic; or the Polar Espresso, with espresso-infused vodka, Mr. Black, Frangelico, cream, and cinnamon.
The Grapevine Bar
2213 Butler St, Dallas, TX 75235
Looking for a unique holiday experience? (Or to hide from your family this holiday season?) Head to The Grapevine Bar, where the drinks are stiff, and the atmosphere is always festive. This quirky spot may have moved locations, but it kept the same charm that earned it fans for years. Enjoy the relaxed patio, pool tables, and some of the jolliest regulars in Dallas. With friendly staff, delicious drinks, and colorful lights, it feels like a year-round gift.
Campo Verde
2918 W Pioneer Pkwy Arlington, TX 76013
This beloved Mexican food restaurant in Arlington is internet-famous for its festive holiday decorations. Upon entering, you will be dazzled by the overabundance of lights, tinsel, snowflakes, miniature Santa Claus figurines, Christmas trees, and more. This year, there’s even a Disney-inspired ice palace. Make your experience extra merry with house-made salsa verde and a sangria swirl margarita.
Mercat Bistro
2501 N Harwood St., Suite 225 Harwood, Dallas, TX 75201
The Harwood District restaurant undergoes a magical transformation during the holiday season, turning into a winter wonderland for all the senses. You can enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience surrounded by dancing polar bears (not real ones, of course). Reserve the Polar Bear Table for a two-hour dining experience that is sure to become one of your cherished holiday traditions. Reservations are available from Nov. 20 to Jan. 5.
Rise
Address: 5360 W Lovers Ln, Suite 220. Dallas, TX 75209
Inwood Village’s Rise is a cozy and magical spot year-round, but it’s especially enchanting during the holidays – perfect for celebrating with loved ones. The twinkling decor and classic French menu make Rise a truly intimate experience this season and throughout the year. Indulge in Rise’s infamous marshmallow soup and savor a warm and comforting souffle.
Tiff’s Treats
Multiple DFW Locations
If you are unable to make it out this year, you can create your own holiday magic at home. What better way to do this than by gifting yourself (or those you love) freshly baked cookies?
Tiff’s Treats, the experts in cookie delivery, have got you covered with a range of seasonal sweets that are perfect for the occasion. Each year, you’ll find specialty cookies, festive packaging, and even the opportunity to send Kendra Scott jewelry as an extra-sweet surprise.
For those with kids, ordering a pack to leave out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve is the surest way to make a family memory without ever having to leave home.
Get more recommendations delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for the Localite newsletter.
Share this article
