For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/29/08
Summer officially begins June 21, but warm weather is already here. And when the heat is on, there's nothing better than kicking back with a refreshing cocktail, like a margarita or a mojito, or a tall wheat beer or a glass of sparkling wine. Here are five places to drink up and cool down, while enjoying a bit of atmosphere.
DECATUR
Cantina El Tesoro
The more ambitious, grown-up cousin to Cantina la Casita in East Atlanta, el Tesoro has the pleasantly disconnected feel of a Southern frat house morphed into a Mexican hacienda. The comfortable bar is home to some 100 tequilas and a better-than-average beer list. Bartender Rafael Barragan mixes a straight-up take on the limey house margarita, or try the ginger-lime margarita with housemade ginger syrup. The menu is as eclectic as the setting, but at the heart is a collection of tasty tacos.
> 129 Church St., 404-377-9797, www.eltesorodecatur.com
MIDTOWN
Beleza
Sexy Brazilian style and healthy small plates using local and organic ingredients combine cool and what's good for you at Beleza. But exotic drinks are the big draw. And the lounge scene goes late with cocktails made with top-shelf liquors, fresh tropical juices and agave nectar. The crowd-pleaser is the Acerola mojito with a mix of Cruzan rum, muddled limes and mint, agave nectar and acerola pulp. Other fun sips: Jungle Juice, with organic vodka and a blend of juices, and Tequila Blossom, with grapefruit juice and orange blossom water.
> 905 Juniper St. N.E., 678-904-4582, www.sottosottorestaurant.com
MIDTOWN
The Globe
Located in the Technology Square development in Midtown, urban and urbane are the vibe at The Globe, where the hip, happening lounge area dominates the scene. The bar serves up everything from housemade sangria to culinary cocktails. Try the house-muddled Pimm's Cup, a citrusy, spiced classic made with Pimm's No. 1 gin-based liquor from England. The courtyard patio, nestled between buildings, makes a great place to sip and hang. And on Mondays, the three M's —- martinis, margaritas and mojitos —- are $5.
> 75 Fifth St. N.W., 404-541-1487, www.globeatlanta.com
VIRGINIA HIGHLAND
Taco Mac
Warm weather is the perfect time for the tangy, fruity taste of a German, Belgian or American-style wheat beer. And with a list that features some 24 beers on draft and another 170 in the bottle, there are plenty to choose from at the original Virginia Highland Taco Mac. Other refreshing selections include Dogfish Head Festina Peche, Victory Prima Pils or Reissdorf Kolsch. Of course, all are best enjoyed out on the funky, old patio, with a pile of hot wings or nachos and a Braves game on the television.
> 1006 N. Highland Ave., 404-873-6529, and other locations. www.taco-mac.com
MIDTOWN
Eno Restaurant and Wine Bar
The wine bar and sidewalk cafe at this European-Mediterranean fine dining restaurant is arguably the most sophisticated place in town to get a taste of the good juice. And now is the time to try out some fun summer sippers, especially sparkling wines such as cava and prosecco, or rose. And there are plenty of refreshing whites, ranging from rare and elegant Old World offerings to fun finds from California and New Zealand. Every Wednesday, there's a seasonal wine tasting with complimentary tapas.
> 800 Peachtree St., 404-685-3191. www.enorestaurant.com
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