Bars to Help Escape the Summer Heat

In the sweltering southern summer there is sometimes nothing more rejuvenating than cooling off at a cocktail bar after work. One that will literally cool you down is the Czar Ice Bar, a perfect balance between restaurant and lounge located in the upper level of Andrews Entertainment District. Ideal for everything from escaping the office for a lunch meeting to late night lounging with clients or friends, this space showcases a comfy, upscale environment and more than 300 exotic vodkas from all over the world. The stars of this show are the 4” thick and 27’ long solid ice bar top master sushi chef Saito Saito, who has taught many of Atlanta’s finest sushi chefs.

Prohibition will have you feeling as though you’ve just stepped out of a time machine into a 1920’s speakeasy. While they emphasize that it’s not a members-only venue, you will need to know the night’s password to enter, which mimics prohibition-era speakeasies. It is a cigar bar, though patrons say the smoke is ambient rather than oppressive—and they have every drink under the sun, including an absinthe-drip. With a classy atmosphere, deliciously strong drinks and a menu that Yelp reviewers have dubbed “just short of Bible-length,” Prohibition is definitely an experience to have in Atlanta that many clientele make a weekly event.

To unwind with an incredible view, check out The Sun Dial, Atlanta’s only tri-level dining complex. This truly unique locale features a revolving upscale restaurant, a rotating cocktail lounge and observatory View Level where you can reflect with a 360-degree panorama of the Atlanta skyline. Their diverse menu offerings are seasonally-inspired American cuisine by Chef Russell sleight. Did I mention the live jazz by the Mose Davis Trio that completes the experience? Their cocktail menu has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a healthy treat, something chocolate-y and indulgent or a fruity delight.

The IVY in Buckhead is a sophisticated yet casual bar to loosen your tie after a long work day, grab some dinner from their expansive American-fare menu and watch the game. In this converted mansion they offer private spots for those looking to enjoy food and company or hang out at the bar to join the crowd. The drinks and food are inspired by the owners’ Athens roots. Their two-tiered outdoor patio is complete with gazebo bar and a massive marble-topped wraparound main bar.

Jacqueline Frasca just received her B.A. in Writing, Literature and Publishing from Emerson College and works as an editorial intern at New South Publishing in Atlanta, Ga.