Vant Vodka?

Vodka’s favored over many other liqours for its brilliant purity and because it mixes so nicely with just about anything you can think of. From A-listers such as Ketel One, Finlandia, and Belvedere to Absolut, Chopin, Grey Goose, Three Olives, and Cîroc, it’s important to know where to find all of them under one roof.

Amsterdam-Atlanta
502 Amsterdam Ave. (@ Monroe Dr.)
Midtown 404.892.2227
This hot new gay club (though quite breeder-friendly) stocks its shelves with all the mainstream brands of the smell-no-evil liquor, but it holds a special spot in its heart for Smirnoff.

Bazzaar
654 Peachtree St. (@ Ponce de Leon Ave.)
Midtown 404.885.7505
The ambiance and décor at Bazzaar provide a perfect backdrop for more vodka than you can shake a stick at, including harder-to-find brands such as Hangar One, a fruit-based vodka from California.

Beluga Martini Bar 
3115 Piedmont Rd. NE (Martina Dr. NE & E. Paces Ferry Rd. NE)
Buckhead 404.869.1090
This upscale jazzy lounge is known for its smoke-all-you-want policy, lounge singers, and its phenomenal martinis concocted from just about every brand and flavor of vodka a thirsty girl or guy could ever dream of.

Fever Restaurant & Nightclub
1789 Cheshire Bridge Rd. (@ Piedmont Rd.)
Midtown 404.214.0151
A hotspot for seeing and being seen, this danceteria offers a bar in every room, upstairs and downstairs, all stocked with the premier brands, the good stuff, and the sometimes-necessary on-a-budget vodkas, too.

McCray’s 6th Street Tavern
98 6th St. (@ Peachtree St.)
Midtown 404.249.1506
This Irish-style tavern in the heart of Midtown offers its diverse clientele a feast of the clear stuff and all the new flavors such as pear and blueberry amidst the exposed brick and hardwood ambiance.

~Kirsten Ott

Dazed & Infused

From fruity to spicy, the crystal-clear and most versatile liquor is undergoing more costume changes than Ellen Degeneres at the Oscars. Whether you like vodka neat, straight up, on the rocks, shaken, stirred or in a shot glass, this guide to all-the-rage flavors beyond vanilla will get you up to speed faster than you can say cornucopia.

Vodka distilleries are churning out flavored vodkas in droves, and one of the most popular in the cocktail culture is the zesty citrus type—perhaps because it exports us straight to the sunshine state. There’s Stolichnaya’s Ohranj and Citros and Absolut’s Mandrin (best known for its effects on Red Bull), Citron, and Ruby Red (the best grapefruit-vodka for your salty dog). Orange V Vodka is quite tasty as is Smirnoff’s Citrus and Lime, and California-based Hangar One’s Lime, Mandarin, and Citrus vodkas. Who can forget Boru Citrus and the sweet Svedka Clementine—these juicy favorites are anything but sour.

Die-hard fruit lovers are lapping up all the available fruit flavors being infused into the nation’s favorite clear liquor. Offerings include mouth-watering explosions of taste such as the refreshing Finlandia Mango and the summer-lovin’ Smirnoff Watermelon. Zygo’s energized far-from-Southern peach-flavored vodka is a fair match for Absolut Apeach who came out with a mellow Pear. Grey Goose just launched La Poire, a supple and buttery masterpiece. Don’t miss Van Gogh’s long line of artistic creations including Pomegranate, Pineapple, Melon, Mango, Wild Appel, Citroen, and Raspberry, just to name a few.

The berries are not to be outdone, and have been flaunting their stuff in highballs and martini glasses, too. Finlandia Cranberry hits the tongue with an unexpected taste of strawberry-flavored candy. Kranberi, which tastes much like a dry fruit, is also part of the more popular varieties. Don’t be afraid to branch out with blueberry-infused vodkas. Stolichnaya Blueberi is certainly not as daunting as it sounds and could fast become as American as its pie counterpart. Stoli Strasberi is so much more diet friendly than that strawberry-covered cheesecake you scarfed down at the last party. Absolut Raspberri incites an erotic merriment in the mouth, while Smirnoff’s own Raspberry and Black Cherry vodkas taste equally sublime mixed with just soda and old-fashioned ice chips.

Want something unlike anything you’ve ever tasted? Go au naturel when you order up any of Herb’s infused vodkas, including the aromatic flavors of Cilantro, Dill, Fennel or Rosemary. Holland-based Van Gogh branches out too with the intriguing flavored vodkas such as Espresso, Double Espresso, Dutch Chocolate, Coconut, and even Mojito Mint. Take a walk on the wild side with spicy varieties such as Absolut Peppar to see if your tongue can handle the fire.

~Kirsten Ott

Gotta Getaway

You're dreaming of the warm beaches of Cancun, but you're actually just drowning your desire for travel in a margarita. Can’t get away? No worries, mon. These bars make you feel like you have.

Dante’s Down the Hatch
3380 Peachtree Rd. NE (@ Lenox Rd.)
Buckhead 404.266.1600
Take a walk on the plank leading directly into a ship surrounded by crocodiles when you treat yourself to a swashbuckling night of specialty drinks and fondue. Argh! We love an adventure.

Fontaine’s Oyster Bar
1026 ½ N. Highland Ave. NE (@ Virginia Ave. NE)
Virginia Highland 404.872.0869
Head to the Big Easy when you step into this decidedly social Cajun watering hole and restaurant.

Ibiza
2285 Peachtree St. (@ Peachtree Memorial Dr. NE)
Buckhead 404.352.3081
Puff on the flavored hookahs and salsa the night away at this authentic and sexy Mediterranean eatery and nightclub.

Jamaica Jamaica
50 Upper Alabama St. SW (Underground Atlanta)
Downtown 404.526.6467
Rastafarians and regular laidback hipsters mingle well with tourists as the live reggae bands and DJs pack the house with Bob Marley–esque tunes.

Limerick Junction
822 N. Highland Dr. (@ Briarcliff Pl. NE)
Virginia Highland 404.874.7147
It’s always St. Patty’s Day at Atlanta’s oldest Irish pub with traditional Irish singers and plenty of Guinness.

Exotic Eats

Atlantans love their Thai, Mexican, and Japanese food, but try treating your palate to the worldly tastes at these bona fide foreign restaurants.

Imperial Fez
2285 Peachtree Rd. NE (@ Peachtree Memorial Dr.)
Buckhead 404.351.0870
Slip your shoes off and take a seat among luxurious pillows, rugs, and velvets at this delicious and authentic Moroccan restaurant. Belly dancers included.

Mezza a Lebanese Bistro
2751 Lavista Rd. (@ Alderbrook Rd.)
Decatur 404.633.8833
Dine on Middle Eastern tapas and vegetarian dishes at this cozy café run by former world travelers and staffed by smart Emory students.

Persepolis
6435 Roswell Rd. NE (@ Chaseland Rd. NE)
Sandy Springs 404.257.9090
Don’t mistake the name and bright-white exterior for a Greek restaurant. It’s perfectly Persian inside the large columns.

SAGA
1100 Crescent Ave. (@ 12th St.)
Midtown 404.872.0999
South Africa plus Georgia equals SAGA, a well-received new addition to the Midtown’s array of eclectic eateries.

Taverna Plaka
2196 Cheshire Bridge Rd. (@ La Vista Rd.)
Midtown 404.636.2284
It’s all Greek to everyone here. Drink, eat, and be merry with Dionysus, dancing on tables, and ogle-worthy bellydancers. Opa!

Through the Grapevine

The art of selecting, swilling, sniffing, and tasting wine is not lost on you, but you could use a regular brushing-up on uncorking. Educate yourself with a toast at these five vino favorites.

Murphy’s
997 Virginia Ave. (@ N. Highland Dr.)
Virginia Highland 404.872.0904
Every Tuesday night, for $20, escape from your fabric-covered cubicles to the wine country, and discover fabulous wine with extraordinary depth from around the globe.

Palate Wine and Dessert Bar
321 W. Hill St. (Historic Scottish Rite Hospital)
Oakhurst 404.373.4702
With half-price bottles on Monday (dine in only), this neighborhood wine bar is an intimate after-dinner hotspot. Every other Thursday, for $10 a person, various theme nights make this spot never boring.

SoHo
4300 Paces Ferry Rd. SE St. 107 (near Hwy 41W)
Vinings 770.801.0069
Every Wednesday is flight night at this premier wine bar where the friendly and knowledgeable sommelier J.D. Doyle pilots you through a fun tasting of regional delights. ($18–20)

The Grape
265 19th St. (Atlantic Station)
Midtown 404.815.0090
Multiple locations
A popular chain of restaurants with its own wine shop hosts tastings on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Prefer to drink alone? Opt for the choose-your-own flight anytime you dine. Prices vary.

TROIS
1180 Peachtree St. (@ 14th St.)
Midtown 404.815.3337
The ultimate in upscale French cuisine, Trois hosts its own advanced wine school twice a month, which transforms the everyday wino into a connoisseur. ($120)

Rock On

Partying 'til the wee hours of the morning is hard if you've gotten no sleep and are yearning for some zzzzs. Your options for legal and wise stimulants are limited. Red Bull and vodka. So passé. Stir yourself up with a new energy drink. TodayThe Real Chow Baby (1016 Howell Mill Rd., West Midtown, 404.815.4900) introduces Atlanta's first-ever Energy Mojito featuring Rock Star Juiced Energy drink and Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Mango Rum (also available with the traditional Myer's and Rock Star). So go on, rock your socks off.

An Ale Of A Tale

Valentine's Day promotes a week for romantic winos, but you'd rather be toasting to love (or not) with your Pilsner glass. Tonight head to Whole Foods Market Briarcliff (2111 Briarcliff Rd.) where Decatur's Brickstore Pub co-owner Michael Gallagher leads you through winter beer and gourmet cheese tasting and pairing. $15. 6pm. Call 404.634.7800 to reserve your spot.

Purple Rain

If by chance you're celebrating V-Day in the privacy of your own casa (alone or otherwise), stock up on your favorite vino today at the new WineStyles Perimeter Place (4511 Olde Perimeter Way, behind Perimeter Mall, Dunwoody, 770.393.1110). From 6-8pm tonight, the knowledgeable staff will be having a tasting of six wines from romance language countries to get in the mood. Shop around during your tasting, and stock up on this centuries-old aphrodisiac. $6/$4 Wine Club Members

A Day For Love

Valentine's Day isn't just for romantic love. Celebrate your love for everyone. Not Woodstock style, but in tokens of appreciation style. Think outside the candy box at Sandpiper (Vinings Jubilee, 4300 Paces Ferry Rd., 770.433.2989). For your BFF, buy her a tiny pink-heart cami/boy shorts combo by Underglam. For your hip ex-roomie a.k.a. champagne lover on a beer budget: Show her that diamonds aren’t her only best friend. Live in the right economic moment with a huge heart locket from Sparkling Sage. For you and your honey: A sex-potty red (think: color of the day) LaRok top.

Princess Charming

Searching for your own pot of gold? Clothing boutique Mitzi and Romano (1038 N. Highland Ave., 404.876.7228) is overflowing with a sweet selection of chains and charms galore—mostly from local designers.

Unzipped

Leave the knitting something special to your granny. Get your sweetheart a pair of jeans by Diesel, True Religion, or Mynk Covington for 25% at the metrosexual favorite Universal Gear (935 Peachtree Rd., Metropolis Building, 404.872.5700).

Beauty School Drop-In

Stella Bella Beautique (225 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404.246.6045) not only matches discontinued makeup colors for customers who don't want to part with their favorite products, but the staff will help create a custom makeup palette for you to wear tomorrow night—whether you're dining with your sweetheart or making it a girls' night out.

Red All Over

In the mood for some hair romance? As in adding a bit of spice to your color, not as in Rapunzel. The mantra at the new Brock Cassidie Salon (3150 E. Shadowlawn Ave., 404.477.1812) is "Painting the town red." Hollywood is in flip-flop mode over the trendiest color for your locks. Buck the trend(s) with cinnamon and auburn. Step inside the cozy Buckhead salon for services you'll love—from highlights to pedicures.

Love Potion

An L.A. transplant, Atlanta beauty mixologist Emilie Sennebogen creates heavenly body lotions for you. Her company, MAMA, is having a buy one, get one free sale the entire month of February. MAMA body lotions are a moisturizing concoction of olive oil, shea butter, and mango butter.

Love Bites

Some like it hot, some like it sappy, and all soulmates want to dine in a romantic ambiance worthy of their love. Eat your heart out at these five sweetheart-friendly culinary hotspots.

Bacchanalia 

1198 Howell Mill Rd. NW (@ Huff Rd. NW)

West Midtown 404.365.0410

Love being lavished with superb flavors, impeccable service, and versatile fare? Whisk your honey away to this epicurean masterpiece where the prix fixe is $72 per person and changes daily.



Ciao Bella

309 Pharr Rd. (@ N. Fulton Dr. NE)

Buckhead 404.261.6013

Tucked behind the trendy nightclubs of Buckhead, this authentic Italian trattoria invites you and your lover to duck in under the awning, and curl up to a warm fireplace as you hold hands over the earthy wooden table, and gaze into each other’s loving eyes.



Repast

620 N. Glen Iris Dr. (@ North Ave. NE)

404.870.8707

Want to dine amidst a true love fairy tale? Married and so-in-love chefs Joe Truex and Mihoko Obunai change the menu frequently with fresh organic local produce at their industry-meets-intimacy neighborhood restaurant.



Restaurant Eugene

2277 Peachtree Rd. (@ Peachtree Memorial Dr. NW)

Buckhead 404.355.0321

Grab your animal-friendly faux mink and clutch for an intimate evening at Chef Linton Hopkins’ rare-breed restaurant where a discriminating bunch dines on Southern-influenced gourmet fare. All meat used here is free-range bred.



The Supper Club

308 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. (@ Ponce de Leon Ave.)

Decatur 404.370.1207

Best first-date place, and second, and third. The lights are low, the boudoir-feel creates a stir, and the impeccable seen-and-not-heard type of staff creates an ambiance other restaurants should strive for.

Family-owned Restaurants

Gather 'round the table at one of these family-owned joints for all the comforts of home.

Ciao Bella Trattoria Italiano Restaurant 

309 Pharr Rd. NW (Peachtree and Piedmont Sts.) 

Buckhead 404.261.6013 

Low-lit and cozy, this romantic bar and restaurant serves up plenty of fireside-warmth, vino, and traditional fare.



George's Restaurant & Bar 

1041 N. Highland Ave. NE (@ Virginia Ave. NE) 

Virginia-Highland 404.892.3648 

A neighborhood favorite where patrons enjoy beer and burgers for the budget-conscious.



Manuel's Tavern 

602 N. Highland Ave. NE (@ North Ave. NE) 

Poncey-Highland 404.525.3447 

Dark wood and dark secrets intrigue regulars and newcomers alike at this politico favorite.



Nakato 

1776 Cheshire Bridge Rd. NE (@ Windemere Dr. NE) 

Midtown 404.873.6582 

This Japanese steakhouse chefs up a superb spread of sushi and hibachi while the decorative bar offers cool and colorful libations.



The Brickery 

6125 Roswell Rd. (Hilderbrand Court Shopping Center) 

Sandy Springs 404.843.8002 

Family-style platters are passed around at the tables so wear your stretchy leggings. 



~Kirsten Ott

Breakin' The Law

Wild parties and naughty behavior abound at these local haunts.

10 High Club
816 N. Highland Ave. NE (@ Greenwood Ave.)
Virginia-Highland 404.873.3607
Don’t worry about dancing the right way on Metalsome Mondays where everyone’s moshing hard to the loud karaoke lyrics of cover bands.

American Pie
5840 Roswell Rd. (@ Carpenter Dr. NE)
Sandy Springs 404.255.7571
Got a yearning for getting into trouble? Take your bad-girl ‘tude to the party bar where wet T-shirt contests rule and bikinis are most welcome.

Blake’s On the Park
227 10th St. (@ Piedmont St.)
Midtown 404.892.5786
This neighborhood bar is another kind of family friendly—the one where gender rules are made to be broken.

The Masquerade Atlanta
695 North Ave. NE (N. Angier Ave. NE & Somerset Ter. NE)
Midtown 404.577.8178
Three levels of heaven, hell, and purgatory await your inner sinner at The Masquerade.

Trapeze
4470 Commerce Dr. SW (@ Fulton Ind. Blvd.)
Adamsville 404.699.0100
Swing over to this members-only sex den for no-holds-barred shared lovin’ to get your lusty groove on, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Avoiding The Bowl

Sundays are for brunch, mimosas, shopping, mimosas, Desperate Housewives, and a bloody mary or two. You haven’t the slightest clue who’s playing in the Superbowl, nor do you care. Steer clear of the rabid fans by way of these bars and events.

Arlo Guthrie Family Legacy Tour
Ferst Center For The Arts
349 Ferst Dr. NW (Georgia Tech Campus)
Midtown 404.894.9600
Have a different kind of feel-good night at this folksy gathering to celebrate songs, stories, photos, and archival recordings.

Bar at the Ritz Carlton Hotel/Lobby Lounge
3434 Peachtree Rd. (Monarch Dr. & Lenox Rd.)
Buckhead 404.237.2700
If anyone is watching the game here, it will be done with discretion with his or her handheld, in between sips of cognac.

Alliance Theater
1280 Peachtree St. (@ 15th St.)
Midtown 404.733.4700
Laugh it up with live entertainment by going to the theater to see “Sister Act” at 7:30pm, and get a super 25% discount with promo code 10028.

Taverna Plaka
2196 Cheshire Bridge Rd. (@ La Vista Rd.)
Midtown 404.636.2284
Drink, eat, and be merry with Dionysus and dancing sans all the testosterone. Opa!

The Earl
488 Flat Shoals Ave. SE (Glenwood Ave. SE)
East Atlanta 404.522.3950
These bad-ass indie scenesters are more into their regularly scheduled music here than any type of contact sport.