When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
El Malo
Why El Malo is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
El Malo is a vibrant bar and restaurant located in the Atlanta Dairies development of Reynoldstown, Atlanta. Known for its multifaceted identity, it serves as a cocktail bar, a restaurant, and a listening bar, making it an ideal venue for socializing with friends over quality drinks and mellow music. The atmosphere is designed to be both engaging and relaxed, perfect for small gatherings or intimate nights out. What sets El Malo apart is its specialized focus on rum and agave-based cocktails, a niche crafted meticulously by co-owner and bar manager Gabe Bowen. Signature drinks like the Pina Clara and Take a Bow showcase tropical flavors with innovative ingredients such as pineapple, banana, and Montenegro amaro. The restaurant side of El Malo offers a Caribbean-inspired menu developed by chef Bradford Forsblom, featuring flavorful small bites like plantain chips with various dips, ropa vieja, rock shrimp ceviche, and king crab with Tajin seasoning. The venue is housed in a spacious 5,444-square-foot building thoughtfully renovated to accommodate an express drink service window on the patio, providing both inside comfort and outdoor enjoyment. The ambience, combined with an expertly curated cocktail and food menu, makes El Malo a distinctive place to meet up, mingle, and indulge in Caribbean culture through taste and music.
Here's what people think of El Malo
As of recent, El Malo holds a 3.8-star rating based on 278 reviews.
El Malo holds a rating of 3.8 based on 278 reviews, reflecting a mixture of opinions among patrons. Many reviewers praise El Malo for its unique concept that successfully merges a cocktail bar with a Caribbean-themed restaurant and a social music venue. Positive feedback highlights the quality and creativity of the rum and agave-based cocktails, especially drinks like the Pina Clara and Take a Bow, complementing the flavorful and well-prepared small plates such as plantain chips, ropa vieja, and seafood specials. Visitors also appreciate the spacious yet inviting atmosphere, which fosters a comfortable environment for both casual meetups and date nights. On the other hand, some critical reviews point out inconsistencies in service or occasional delays with orders, which can detract from the overall experience. A few patrons have also noted that while the cocktail menu is impressive, pricing might be on the higher side relative to portion sizes in food offerings. Additionally, since El Malo is relatively new in the Atlanta dining scene, some aspects of its operations and ambiance are still evolving. Overall, customers generally recognize El Malo’s ambitious fusion of Caribbean flavors and craft cocktails, positioning it as a promising hotspot with minor areas for growth and refinement.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kayla Wood
Oh my goodness, this was my first time in Atlanta and one of my friends recommended this place. We got there early like 830 and we were one of the only people there. Our bartender Zachary, was 10 out of 10 fantastic. He was super knowledgeable with all cocktails and recommended the best drinks. He was even able to customize some of the drinks on the menu to have different liquors that I was more favorable too. The oysters were one of the best I’ve ever had in my life. And at 10:30, the place that no one was in, was packed entirely. We had such an amazing time and met really cool people. It’s definitely more for a younger crowd like mid 20s to mid 30s, which is right up my alley. Def recommend !!!
Helen Galicia
It was kinda difficult to find but you’ll know once you see the door. Pretty dope lowkey speakeasy, the service was very pleasing, our server was always attentive & making sure we were comfortable and had a good time. Came around 7:30 on Thursday for a reservation , so it wasn’t as crowded (we were the first ones to arrive so we had the whole place to ourselves). Very intimate spot for date nights, girls night, or even with your friends. The drinks were on point, I definitely had a double shot for the piña colada, and the food we had was the chips and dips , and the ropa vieja, definitely delicious. ( their coconut rice was 10/10 recommend) In total because we ordered drinks , came around $82-$85 for everything. So definitely come with $$$ if you’re interested in having a good night. Gave it a 4 because the lighting in the booth was bothering my eyes a lot. It’s pretty dim in the room with a light over your head. So the eyes kinda get strained a bit but it’s not too bad. Overall, I’ll definitely come back when it’s more active , but if you ever want to impress your date, bring them early and have the place to yourself for a more intimate one on one time.
Aiysha Azula
Went here to celebrate my friends birthday and loved the vibe of this club. The velvet covered seats and intricate wall paper made this place pop and stand out from other cocktail bars in the city. We all ordered different drinks from the menu, most of them Japanese inspired with the names and spirits - and all of them were AMAZING. Well balanced and tasty! (Heads up, parties over 4 will be on one check, so have Zelle ready ) Only thing I wished was that more people danced haha. Definitely an instagram worthy place. We enjoyed ourselves and our time :)
Angel Michelle
One of my besties had been telling me about this place, and they had an event "Champagne Sunday," so I got us tickets to check it out. Super cute vibe, great dj, and amazing service. Creative drink menu, accompanied by a small food menu. The food was tasty and decent sized. The drinks were potent. Amazing dj, played a nice variety. Got extremely crowded, so we opted to leave, but overall, it was quite enjoyable. Parking deck available with reasonable pricing.
Nathan Burton
The club was a fun atmosphere but the main reason for the one star is the cover fee. I was told it would be 20 a person which is totally fine. I paid for admission for two people, then at the end of the night come to find out they charged me 80 dollars just to enter the club. This place is a scam and not worth your time, so many better options in the A that don't scam at the door and don't charge 15 dollars for a shot. The eastern which is the music venue right next door has cheaper drinks, don't waste your time.
How to reach El Malo
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Website: None
Why El Malo may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at El Malo with your friends? El Malo stands out as an exceptional venue to gather and celebrate with friends or family due to its unique blend of vibrant ambiance and compelling Latin-Caribbean influences. Located in Atlanta’s stylish Atlanta Dairies neighborhood, this cocktail lounge offers an immersive experience far beyond your typical night out. Whether you’re looking to catch up over delicious, artfully crafted cocktails or want a lively backdrop for memorable conversations, El Malo’s atmosphere invites you to relax and enjoy connections in a visually stunning space. Its maximalist design — featuring soft curves, ambient LED lighting, and plush seating options like high-backed half-moon booths and velvet banquettes — creates a cozy yet spirited environment where groups can feel both intimate and energized. The nightclub vibe with a rotating selection of clubby hits, Caribbean flavors, and a little Latin spice in the air ensures the mood stays festive all evening. For anyone wanting a refreshing alternative to standard bars or restaurants, El Malo offers both style and substance, making it a captivating destination to rally with your favorite people and make new memories.
What activities does El Malo offer for group meetups? The core appeal of El Malo lies in its beautifully curated cocktail and food menu paired with an electric social vibe perfect for group gatherings. Guests can indulge in a variety of Latin-Caribbean-inspired cocktails featuring rums, mezcals, and other exotic spirits presented with artistic flair, ideal for sharing tastes and preferences within your group. The cocktail lounge is designed as more of a stand-and-sip environment, but those who book a booth reservation ahead of time benefit from more comfortable seating for longer mingling sessions. The food menu is petite but packed with flavorful options like plantain chips and ropa vieja — dishes that are easy to share and complement the drinks perfectly, encouraging communal dining and lively discussion. The presence of live DJs spinning club hits on weekends keeps the energy up, making it easy to transition from casual chatter to lively dancing if the mood strikes. Additionally, the Serpent Room offers a quieter, plush setting where groups can retreat for more intimate conversations without leaving the vibrant atmosphere behind. Altogether, these activities position El Malo as an ideal venue that balances sophistication with a festive party spirit for groups of all sizes.
Why is El Malo perfect for hosting a group meetup? El Malo's thoughtful design and curated experience cater specifically to the needs of groups seeking a dynamic yet comfortable setting. Unlike traditional bars that rely heavily on standard four-top tables, El Malo opts for varied seating arrangements including high-backed booths and velvet benches, which not only foster closeness but also add a touch of luxury. This makes it perfect for groups who want to enjoy each other’s company with convenient access to cocktails and small bites. The intimate lighting and soft fabric wall coverings found in areas like the Serpent Room enhance the ambiance without overwhelming guests, making conversation easy and enjoyable. Importantly, the venue stays lively with a soundtrack of contemporary Latin-influenced beats or club tracks, ensuring an upbeat environment that encourages celebration. Despite being a cocktail lounge rather than a full-scale restaurant, the quality and creativity of El Malo’s offerings—from desserts crafted by a renowned pastry chef to innovative signature drinks—provide plenty to keep groups interested and engaged. To top it off, making reservations is encouraged and often necessary on busier nights, which means hosting a group can be done with confidence in securing an ideal spot. For anyone seeking a stylish, fun, and culturally rich place to host friends or family, El Malo delivers consistently.
What kind of atmosphere can groups expect at El Malo? The atmosphere at El Malo is both visually and socially captivating, effortlessly blending an upscale lounge feel with vibes that are playful and inviting. The design vision embraces smooth curves, plush textiles, and innovative lighting that creates a warm glow without the harshness of typical nightclub fixtures, making it comfortable for long evenings. The venue’s art deco elements paired with neon lights and modern touches give it an energy that’s part retro glamour, part contemporary chic. Music plays an integral role in setting the mood, with weekend DJs elevating the crowd’s excitement but not overwhelming conversation, striking a balance between having fun and staying connected. Although the venue has a cover charge during peak hours, guests find that the stylish setting, quality drinks, and friendly service justify the price for a premium experience. While bathrooms sometimes experience wait times due to popularity, those minor inconveniences hardly detract from the overall charm. Whether you're in the main lounge or tucked away in the quieter Serpent Room, groups find El Malo’s ambiance perfectly suited to celebrations, casual hangouts, or special occasions.
How do the drinks and food enhance a group’s experience at El Malo? The menu at El Malo is carefully designed to amp up any group experience through its inventive cocktails and Latin-Caribbean small plates. Signature drinks rely on high-quality rums, mezcals, and other spirits with intriguing mixes that highlight the flavors of the Caribbean and Latin America, bringing new tastes to familiar favorites. While the cocktail portions are noted to be on the smaller side, their potency and artistry make them a fun experience to sip and share among friends, encouraged by the talented bartenders who take pride in their craft. Complementing the drinks, the food menu is intentionally small but impactful, featuring shareable items like crispy plantain chips and savory ropa vieja. The inclusion of decadent desserts, such as passion fruit chocolate mousse crafted by a well-known pastry chef, adds a sweet finishing touch for groups that want to linger longer or celebrate a special moment. This pairing of drinks and food, combined with the lounge’s ambiance, creates a holistic experience that fosters connection and enjoyment in a convivial setting.
What should groups know before planning their visit to El Malo? Planning a successful group outing to El Malo involves a few considerations to ensure the best possible experience. Because the venue’s space is in high demand, especially later in the week and on weekends, making reservations ahead of time is strongly recommended to secure booths or preferred seating. The cocktail lounge operates mostly in the evening, opening at 6 p.m. with extended hours until just past midnight on weekdays and into the early morning on weekends, offering plenty of time to start or extend your night. Groups should also be prepared for the venue’s cover charge during busy nights, which is typically around $10 before 11 p.m., a small price to pay for an evening in a stylish environment with expertly crafted drinks and music. Some guests report waits for facilities like restrooms during peak times, so it's wise to plan accordingly. Lastly, the dress code leans toward chic and fashionable, fitting for a lounge that mixes upscale design with a club vibe, so coordinating attire within your group can help elevate the experience. By considering these details, groups can fully embrace everything El Malo has to offer and make lasting memories together.