Tag Archive for: midtown atlanta

HOTEL GRANADA: A SLICE OF SPAIN IN MIDTOWN ATLANTA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/24/26

John and I spent the weekend recently at Hotel Granada in midtown, this gem is like stepping into Spain with stunning Spanish, Europe, Greek architecture that greets you when you pull up. The courtyard is grand, the Spanish tile inviting, the homey vibes permeate and perfect for a weekend getaway, staycation, and to explore the city. Check in to Spain without ever leaving Atlanta!

Before you even enter, this hotel feels like Europe, a mixture of old and new architecture, arches, and stucco. A spiral staircase and awning wind up to the landing where Spanish and European style tile spell out the word Granada. The centerpiece of the Hotel is the courtyard just through an archway! A centerpiece fountain is surrounded by groups of seats where it would be perfect to hang out in during spring with a cocktail from Pom Court.

Inside, the heart of the Hotel Granada is Pom Court. You follow the earthy orange and green Spanish tile to the large bar or seating areas of the restaurant to the coffee shop and front desk. The restaurant, Pom Court’s Spanish inspired southern food awaits from delightful brunch to Spanish southern dinner. We had a full dinner at Pom Court on our second night here is what we got.

I started out with the Alba martini, a floral gin and cool vodka martini with two vermouths’: one is bitter the other sweet, so it has a dynamic flavor! For starters, John and I shared the Deviled Eggs, a creamy and tangy set of eggs topped with crunchy chicken chicharrónes and tangy picked okra! We also got the Beef empanadas, rich and flavorful beef in a crunchy shell with a delish earthy aioli for dipping. For our main, we shared the short rib, which is a super tender and meaty beef on top of smoky corn, black beans, onion succotash and fried onion.

On the way to the room, I notice something special. It’s the custom Atlanta wallpaper with visuals of The Fox Theatre sign, the Olympic Torch, and even Vidalia Onions! Speaking of the rooms, they are spacious with retro design, custom carpet, and gorgeous 20s square tile. The furniture is vintage lounging couch, and teak inspired armoire and headboard on the large king comfy bed. And the bathroom is immaculate with 20s tile, marble, gold tailored accents and frosted custom designed windows.

Tucked in the basement, May Peel is a moody, chic bond-inspired speakeasy with blue velvet and drop 20s lighting. Behind the circular bar, Nico whips up sensational cocktails you can’t find anywhere else. We got a several cocktails at the bar from the Whisperer to Valencia, Eclipse de Sol, and a Manhattan. Of the group, I really enjoyed the Whisperer, a boozy rum and sweet clarified pineapple drink, earthy pandan, creamy coconut foam on top. It is their take on a pina colada. I also liked, Nico’s Eclipse de Sol, a smoky mezcal cocktail infused with spicy habanero vermouth, citrusy amaro, sweet house made chocolate mole bitters. The third cocktail I got is the Valencia is a saffron fat-washed earthy gin cocktail that is spiced just right!

ATLANTA PREPARES FOR A DOUBLE DOSE OF NOLA: 10TH AND 15TH ANNUAL MARDI GRAS CELEBRATIONS ANNOUNCED!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/12/26

The spirit of Bourbon Street is heading North as Atlanta gears up for its most ambitious Mardi Gras season yet. Atlanta Bar Tours is proud to announce two massive back-to-back celebrations: the 10th Annual Atlanta Mardi Gras Adventure on Edgewood Avenue and the 15th Annual Midtown Mardi Gras Block Party, the city’s largest celebration of the season.

With over 45 participating venues across two weekends, these events offer an authentic New Orleans experience featuring Cajun-inspired cuisine and iconic NOLA drink libations that have made these tours a staple of the Atlanta social calendar.

Event 1: The Atlanta Mardi Gras Adventure (10th Annual)

Date: February 7, 2026 | Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Location: Edgewood Avenue Entertainment District

The festivities kick off in the historic Edgewood Avenue district. This daytime “Adventure” invites revelers to explore 15+ participating bars, restaurants, and clubs.

  • Check-In: Marcus Bar & Grille (525 Edgewood Ave SE) from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
  • The Vibe: High-energy DJ sets and revelry throughout the district.
  • The Perks: Attendees receive complimentary NOLA-themed shots, Mardi Gras beads, and exclusive Mardi Gras food and drink specials.
  • Post-Party: The celebration continues at Palm Beach ATL from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Event 2: Midtown Mardi Gras Block Party (15th Annual)

Date: February 13, 2026 | Time: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Location: Midtown Entertainment District

As the main event and Atlanta’s largest Mardi Gras celebration, the Midtown Block Party spans two nights of electrifying performances and parade-style energy across 30+ participating locations.

  • Check-In: Politan Row at Colony Square (1197 Peachtree St NE) from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
  • The Experience: A kaleidoscope of masks, costumes, and beads, featuring professional event photographers and face painters to help guests get into character.
  • The Benefits: No cover charges at 30+ Midtown venues, comp shots plus signature NOLA cocktails & food specials & DJ spinning at the hot spots.

Ticket Information

Tickets for both events are available now. Each ticket includes an event wristband, a detailed map of all offerings, complimentary shots, and access to exclusive post-event parties. Attendees are highly encouraged to wear masks and costumes to “let the good times roll.”

“We are bringing the heat, the beads, and the beats to Atlanta,” says the event organizers. “Whether you’re a fan of Cajun spices or just here for the electric atmosphere, these two weekends are the closest you can get to the French Quarter without a plane ticket.”

For tickets and more information, visit www.atlantabartours.com.

THE OFFICE BAR TO HOST UGLY HOLIDAY SWEATER PARTY IN MIDTOWN ATLANTA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/3/24

Get in the holiday spirit with an ugly sweater contest, festive drinks, live music and more

‘Tis the season to break out your holiday worst and head to The Office Bar for its annual Ugly Holiday Sweater Party! The Midtown Atlanta community is invited to join The Office Bar on Dec. 16 for a jolly good time complete with festive cocktails, live music by local musician Ethel and plenty of holiday cheer. Additionally, one sweater will be crowned the ugliest of them all for a grand prize.

New to the menu for the holidays, The Office Bar is serving up a “Sugar Plum Spritz” featuring Kusha Plum Sake, Trimbach Mirabelle Eau de Vie, lemon juice, Peychaud’s bitters and sparkling wine, along with the “Mistletoe Margarita” with Don Fulano Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, cranberry liquor and sour lime cordial.

Ticket purchase is not necessary. Seating is first come, first serve and guests can RSVP HERE

STEAMHOUSE LOUNGE PRESENTS THE 36TH ANNUAL OYSTERFEST FEBRUARY 24 AND 25

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/31/24

Join Atlanta’s Original Oysterfest in Midtown for Two Days of Live Music, Cold Brews, Fresh Seafood and More Weekend and Single Day Tickets Now Available

 Prepare to shell-ebrate as the original Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest returns to Midtown Atlanta for its 36th year on Saturday, February 24th, and Sunday, February 25th. Produced by Rival Entertainment, seafood fanatics are in for a dream weekend with heaping buckets of roasted oysters, chargrilled oysters on the half-shell topped with garlic and butter, Steamhouse’s legendary lobster bisque, fried oyster po’boys, ice-cold beer, cocktails, and much more.

Located just two blocks from the Steamhouse Lounge’s iconic beach house on the corner of 11th and West Peachtree, Atlanta’s original Oysterfest will showcase musical talent from across the country in perfect tune with the vibe and soul of Atlanta’s favorite street party. Artists taking the stage Saturday include Magnolia Express, Truett, Kobanova, The Fixins, and Boot Scootin’ Boogie- A Night of 90s Country. The party revs back up on Sunday with Francisco Vidal, Rare Birds, A Murder of Crowes (A Black Crowes Tribute), and Yacht Rock Schooner.

Weekend tickets to the 36th annual Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest are on sale now for $25, plus fees, and include two days of grooving to live music, enjoying fresh seafood from the Louisiana Gulf Coast and letting the good times roll. For revelers who can’t make it on Saturday, single-day tickets are available for Sunday at $15, plus fees. Advance tickets allow for express entry lanes and are available at www.steamhouselounge.com. The event is for ages 21 and up. Festival goers under 21 are permitted when accompanied by an adult 25 or older. Oysterfest is cashless; all transactions at the gates, bars, and restaurants will only accept credit or debit cards. Oysterfest encourages its patrons to be responsible and take MARTA to the 10th Street Midtown Station for maximum fun.

The 36th Annual Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest benefits the Atlanta Leadership Club, which empowers strong leaders from underserved Atlanta communities, Shells To Shore, an Athens-based oyster shell recycling project, and Giving Kitchen, who provide emergency assistance for food service workers through financial support and a network of community resources.

COST: $25 for Saturday and Sunday

$15 for Sunday-Only

Tickets are available at www.steamhouselounge.com.

VIRTUE ROOFTOP HOLIDAY BAR RETURNS WITH LOADS OF MERRIMENT AND FUN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/5/23

Midtown Hotspot Gets in the Holiday Spirit with Festive Cocktails, Décor and Music

November 17 – December 29

Those looking for holiday cheer can head to Virtue, the bar and lounge atop 5Church Midtown, for the return of its festive Rooftop Holiday Bar. Starting Nov. 17 and continuing through Dec. 29, the popular rooftop destination is transforming its space into a holly jolly wonderland.

In addition to festive décor, twinkly lights, and unobstructed views of Midtown, guests will enjoy a menu of holiday-inspired foods such as the s’mores board—a shareable and interactive dessert spread that includes house-made graham crackers, house-made marshmallows, pumpkin cheesecake bites, caramel popcorn, hot chocolate bomb cookie, and a rich hot fudge for your dipping pleasure.

A few standout selections from then holiday-inspired cocktail menu are:

  • Candy Cane Lane: Ketel One vodka, Baileys, créme de menthe, and Rich demerara
  • Gingerbread Old Fashion: Bulleit bourbon, gingerbread spice, and Angostura bitters
  • Christmas Mule: Tito’s vodka, lime juice, cranberry, rosemary, and ginger beer
  • Christmas Mimosa: Pama Pomegranate liqueur, cranberry, and Champagne
  • Santa’s Espresso Martini: Kettle One vodka, Bailey’s strawberry, Kahlúa Mocha, mint, and espresso

The Rooftop Holiday Bar will be open seven days a week starting at 5 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis for those 21 years old and over with no cover charge. On Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, the bar will be open for drinks only.

Feature photo by Brandon Amato

LOEWS ATLANTA HOTEL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/21/22

Spectacular views, warm and inviting, immaculate, opulent, all standing tall in Midtown, The Loews Atlanta Hotel is the IT hotel to explore Atlanta for a staycation or vacation. The moment you arrive you’re greeted with doormen, bellhops, and valet to usher you into the lobby. Inside the hotel, the marble leads you to the reception desk where you’re greeted with a big smile. Something you notice while checking in is the hustle and bustle of the other guests lounging in the beautiful seating area or gathered around the sweeping lobby bar, which almost jets up to the ceiling. You take a short elevator ride up to a top floor and when you open the door to your Loews Atlanta Hotel room, you are STUNNED, amazed with the grandeur of the space. We’re tourists in our own city. Are you ready to explore the Loew’s with us? 

Sometimes that one hotel room comes along that ruins other hotel rooms for you, this one is it! We were on the 19th floor with a corner King suite and opulent doesn’t begin to describe it. With 180 views from the spectacular floor to ceiling windows, the luxurious touches, and spacious bathroom with soaker tub, everything was to the nines! The living room itself was large with multiple sitting areas, cozy couch, a dinner table, and work nook with a view. From every vantage point, you could sit and gaze out the large windows. In the bedroom, the king bed was comfy and inviting and there was enough closet space to live in there full time! The view from our bedroom had a perfect view of Peachtree Street meandering its way up to 12th street! Across the hall in the large bathroom was a sitting bench next to a spacious soaker tub. The shower was large and double sinks for both John and I to have our own. Perfection all the way around. We want to go back again just for this room alone! 

Outside the breathtaking room, the lobby is warm and inviting with crisp marble, lounging area and the bar is beautiful with bottles almost to the ceiling. It feels like a library with library tables and lamps good for small groups where people can gather. The first night, we perused the food and cocktail menu at Saltwater bar. They have an array of shareable apps, delicious plates, and stellar cocktails. Some of our favorites were the Fried Chicken Sandwich with crunchy, juicy chicken and the perfect crunch outside, but they spiced it up with thick, hearty, candied bacon, cool and sweet peach jam, and tangy pickled onions for an explosion of flavors. Paired with crispy, truffle, Parmesan fries is icing on the cake. Also enjoyed the crunchy Fried Green Tomatoes paired with creamy burrata or the wonderful Cauliflower bites with a fantastic spicy aioli, loaded Charcuterie plate with all the bells and whistles, as well as the rich, sweet, and tender pork chop, or even a warm, earthy, fall spiced Butternut Squash Soup. For the cocktail the Perfectly Smoked Manhattan was divine, smoky on the nose but the sip is sweet with vermouth and a warming kick on the end from the bourbon. Smoked at your table! They also brought us the sweet and creamy Velvet Versace to try that will be on the winter menu, and the Espresso Martini that’s like a coffee dessert in a glass. 

They also have a restaurant, Saltwood, nestled in the corner beyond the bar. Our time in the Saltwood was for a quick breakfast one of the mornings before a busy day out on the town. We enjoyed amazing, fluffy, and sweet chocolate chip pancakes. We also loved the delicious and rich eggs Benedict paired with plump potatoes, as well as a hearty American breakfast with fruit and bacon. 

We can’t go without mentioning the care and dedication of the staff that is top notch and the impeccable service. You’re treated like royalty for your entire stay. It’s also worth noting they also have a beautiful spa with an array of options for a relaxing retreat from your hectic life. 

Now that you’re sold, when are you making a reservation?