When visitors approach Atlanta’s nighttime skyline from the north, the “Capital of the South” looks like Emerald City, a dazzling array of colorfully lit skyscrapers outlined in garnet green, ruby red and diamond-hot white lights. It is a breathtaking display, even if it does border on gaudy. But so what, it’s spectacular.
Stay on course, and you’re bound to arrive at Peachtree Street and find that it is literally jammed with great prospects for night life, dining and entertainment. One of the latest and most spectacular of those is the Atlanta Loews Hotel at Peachtree and 11th streets and its jewel inside — Eleven, one of the hottest clubs in town. Located in the hotel’s lobby, with dramatic story-high windows that entice passers-by to come in for a cocktail at its stunning bar, Eleven features a beautifully lit wall of bottled libations from every corner of the world.
“It’s not just a bar. It’s a venue that spotlights exactly what Atlanta has,” explains Loews entertainment director, DeMarco McMillan. “The point is really to become a part of the community and bring [people] together, regardless of race or class or ethnicity. It’s a comfortable, vibrant and inciting environment. It’s what we call a ‘guestination.’”
On Thursday nights, Eleven hosts free jazz concerts featuring performers from both the national and local music scenes. While the well-heeled soak up the sounds, the well-versed indulge in signature drink concoctions and top-shelf cocktails. –roz edward
Where: Eleven, in the lobby of Atlanta’s Loews Hotel at Peachtree and 11th streets
What: “Music and Mingle” event every Thursday. First Thursdays of the month feature industry headliners, which have included Ledisi and Norman Brown.
Guests rush the bar at Eleven where expert bartenders make every effort to accommodate the enthusiastic crowd with superbly mixed drinks and top-notch service.
Signature Cocktail: The lavender drop martini is Eleven’s twist on the popular lemon drop martini. Of course, this is with lavender. The color is subtle, but the drink is potent.
