5 Hotel Bars Across the South Worth the Visit

A great hotel bar is more than just a storytelling device in films and novels; it’s a place to get to know a city. In these gathering spaces, both locals and travelers show up, perhaps to meet a visiting friend or family member, perhaps hoping to catch a stranger’s eye. And here’s the thing: Guests aren’t the only ones who can enjoy a good hotel bar, especially one with character that mirrors the location. Locals and visitors alike can stop into one of these five establishments and live in their own story.

Rosemary Rose Lounge at the Nickel Hotel | Charleston

Situated on busy King Street but with a distinctly chill vibe, Rosemary Rose offers both a rooftop overlooking the city of Charleston and a cozy lounge with chic furnishings and subdued lighting. Try the burrata with salumi, tomato, roasted garlic, and sourdough; the fried baby artichokes with truffle aïoli; and the Let It Loose cocktail prepared with chile tequila. Then, depending on the time of year, gaze either into the fire or over the church steeples. 

Red Ribbon Society at the Flat Iron Hotel | Asheville

At Asheville’s Flat Iron Hotel, guests can descend to Red Ribbon Society, a stylish Gothic speakeasy tucked into the former boiler room of the 1926 building—just ask the front desk to help you find it. There, you can order bar bites like the lemon pizza with smoked mozzarella or the apple brandy beef carpaccio, and cocktails with moody monikers like Vesper and Captain’s Blood. And don’t skip dessert—the tiramisu with salted chocolate crumb is a must.

Saint Julep at The Kimpton Sylvan | Atlanta

Atlanta has plenty of skyline vistas and more than one hotel to get that high-up perspective. Nevertheless, is there anything more Atlanta than Buckhead? And this well-established rooftop bar captures a panoramic look at the city after dark. Start downstairs in The Betty, an upscale supper club with its own elegant bar, to order a dozen raw oysters with housemade saltines and either the chocolate-covered cherry martini or the barrel-aged black Manhattan, depending on the vibe. Then head upstairs to Saint Julep for breathtaking views, comfortable seating, and plenty of space to invite friends.

Carrigan’s Public House at The William | Birmingham

Carrigan’s Public House recently relocated from Morris Avenue to The William, a chic apartment building with a floor of boutique short-term studios. Located on Third Avenue North in the heart of the ’Ham, the new Carrigan’s is steps away from city attractions, including the McWane Science Center, Alabama Theatre, and The Museum of Fond Memories, aka Jim Reed Books. Start with a shareable appetizer, such as the house-cut fries or the house-smoked wings, and pair them with well-crafted cocktails like the Rose Garden and Not My First Rodeo.

Matilda Midnight at The Dwell Hotel | Chattanooga

Matilda Midnight is the perfect accompaniment to The Dwell, a boutique hotel in downtown Chattanooga with a history of welcoming visitors since 1909, first as The Colonial Hotel and then as the Stone Fort Inn. Designed by Seija Ojanpera, both hotel and bar are artistic, mysterious, and a little bit analog. The spiritually themed cocktails, bearing names such as Queen of Cups and The Serpent, change seasonally, and a snackable menu of dips, wings, and sandwiches is available well into the night. 

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