When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
St. Julep
Why St. Julep is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
St. Julep is an exceptional rooftop bar located atop the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel in Buckhead, Atlanta. Offering a vibrant indoor/outdoor space on the ninth floor, this venue is designed for both laid-back afternoons and energetic weekend nights. What makes St. Julep a great place to meet friends is its breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline, creating an inviting atmosphere where guests can relax and socialize while soaking in the cityscape. The bar features a thoughtfully curated menu of fresh and inventive cocktails, local craft brews, and gourmet bar snacks such as corn dogs and soft serve ice cream with a boozy twist. The lively buzz is elevated further on weekends with live sets from top Atlanta DJs, enhancing the social experience. Its stylish and colorful decor, combined with attentive staff providing efficient and friendly service, creates an appealing environment suited for casual meetups or special occasions. The venue's diverse offerings and welcoming ambiance make it a standout destination for groups seeking to enjoy drinks, delicious bites, and memorable views together in the heart of Buckhead.
Here's what people think of St. Julep
As of recent, St. Julep holds a 4.4-star rating based on 222 reviews.
Reviews from guests generally highlight St. Julep's stellar rooftop location and the quality of its cocktails and service. Many patrons praised the fast and friendly staff who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant experience, often mentioning individual bartenders by name for their exceptional attentiveness. The venue's panoramic city views and unique design elements also receive consistent positive remarks, making it a favored spot for photography and social gatherings. The lively yet comfortable ambiance has resonated well with visitors who come to enjoy both the drinks and the vibe, especially on weekends when DJs provide entertainment. On the downside, some reviews note that the bar can get quite loud, which may hinder conversation for those seeking a quieter setting. A few guests found the margaritas or specific menu items only average, suggesting that certain expectations on drink or food quality may vary. Access can be slightly confusing due to parking or directions, as highlighted by a small number of visitors. Overall, the positive experiences with the atmosphere, views, service, and cocktail selection strongly outweigh the minor negatives, affirming St. Julep as a popular rooftop destination in Atlanta.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kat Demaline
I walked in expecting a polished cocktail bar and instead found a neighborhood hangout with a stellar view. The martinis were solid but priced for a true cocktail lounge and the tequila selection was impressive. The shrimp ceviche, however, was closer to whole shrimp in vinaigrette with chunky tomatoes; more puzzling than appealing. Overall it felt like the warmest service and attention were saved for the regulars. Go for the view.
jordan gensler
St. Julep and The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel were the perfect setting for Daniel’s surprise proposal to Dayanna and I couldn’t have asked for a better team to work alongside. From the start, Tiffany Toledo, the Catering Sales Manager, was phenomenal. She walked us through the hotel, made sure everything was smooth and stress-free, and went out of her way to let us photograph in some of the most stunning areas on the property. The staff was welcoming, professional, and genuinely excited to be part of this special moment. As a photographer, having that kind of collaboration makes all the difference. The modern, stylish vibe of St. Julep combined with the elegance of the Sylvan created the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable proposal. Highly recommend this venue for proposals, weddings, or any celebration that deserves something elevated and beautifully curated. Jordan Gensler Photography @jdgensler jordangenslerphotography.com jdweddings.univer.se
Parnisia The Recess Guide
✨ St. Julep Rooftop Review – Atlanta Elegance with Room to Improve ✨ When I checked into the hotel, I was excited to discover that St. Julep had a rooftop. My first impression was pure elegance—the kind of modern Atlanta rooftop that makes you want to linger. Stepping off the elevator, I noticed a quaint bar area that felt a bit confusing in its orientation, but as I walked outside, the depth of the space revealed itself. Plenty of seating, a buzzing rooftop vibe, and even a Bacardi party with intriguing cocktails set the stage. Here’s the truth: Cody was the highlight of the entire experience. His personality, professionalism, and ability to connect communities truly elevated the night. Every great rooftop needs someone like him. Unfortunately, the food was standard bar fare—surprising for a space that promised a more elevated dining experience. The service fell flat. Bartenders skipped over me in line multiple times, and since rooftop tables aren’t serviced directly, I had to repeatedly walk back just to order. That lack of attentiveness made it hard to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, especially when spending at this level. The atmosphere itself is beautiful and modern, but the hospitality has to rise to match the setting. With more intentional service, diverse food options, and attention to customer experience, St. Julep could easily become one of Atlanta’s best rooftop bars. ⭐ Atmosphere: 4/5 ⭐ Food: 2/5 ⭐ Service: 1/5 📍 Perfect for a rooftop photo op, cocktails, and city views—but not yet for those seeking full-service excellence.
Em Y
I visited this rooftop bar for a special event. I will say that it was a bit difficult to access the hotel- there are 2 driveways but if you drive into one of them, it is blocked off by a dumpster. It is hard to turn around as there isn’t much room. Thankfully the correct entrance was nearby. We pull in and there was only the option of valet parking. Luckily we had arrived early so there was still plenty of parking left. However, I spoke to someone at the event who had visited previously and that parking filled up- they had to park down the street. So be cautious of the parking situation. The hotel was very clean and bright upon arrival. We took the elevator up to the top and it was well decorated. The bartenders were friendly and waited on people fast. The view was very pretty over the skyline of Buckhead. I went in one of the bathrooms and it was also very clean and well-kept. It was a very pleasant experience. The only complaint, which this might be out of their control, but one side of the hotel faced the street. The building next door was having construction done so it wasn’t a very scenic view.
Nash AM
Nice rooftop vibes with wonderful views of the city skyline. Amazing staff! I've had Eric as a bartender each time and he always is friendly, professional, and an excellent drink maker. The food is common bar food - nothing to write home about but still good. I enjoyed the fish tacos. My only gripe is that since it sits on top of a hotel, you will always pay for parking. Valet costs 18 but goes down to 10-15 with the validation. I didn't really see any street parking so if you do drive, be prepared to pay.
How to reach St. Julep
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Why St. Julep may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at St. Julep with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a memorable outing demands a venue that offers not just great food and drinks but also an atmosphere that elevates the experience. St. Julep, located atop the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel in Buckhead, Atlanta, emerges as a top choice for rallying your friends. Its combination of an elegant indoor/outdoor rooftop setting with panoramic views of Atlanta’s skyline sets an unbeatable backdrop for socializing. The striking rooftop space offers plenty of vibrant, colorful design elements that make it both visually captivating and Instagram-worthy. Whether you’re catching up over a casual weekend evening or celebrating a special occasion, St. Julep’s inviting atmosphere promotes relaxed, enjoyable conversations. The attentive and experienced bartenders, such as Eric and Kourtney, enhance the experience with their friendly service and expertly crafted cocktails. This level of personalized attention makes groups feel welcomed and well taken care of. The venue’s combination of lively ambiance, excellent drink options, ample space for groups, and scenic views makes St. Julep a natural hub for memorable meetups with friends.
What activities and experiences can you expect at St. Julep?
St. Julep offers a multifaceted experience that caters perfectly to groups seeking an engaging night out. The rooftop bar hosts both indoor and outdoor seating areas that allow guests to choose their preferred vibe, whether sheltered and cozy or open-air with fresh breezes and city sights. The bar features a menu filled with creative signature cocktails named after iconic Atlanta acts like OutKast, adding a local cultural flair to the drinking experience. For those who enjoy craft brews, St. Julep also carries an excellent selection of local beers. Beyond drinks, the menu includes crave-able bar bites like gourmet corn dogs and loaded tater tots that are perfect for sharing. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in spirits-infused soft serve treats, including vodka-spiked sorbet and tequila-mango ice cream—unique options that turn dessert into an experience itself. The rooftop’s vibe transitions seamlessly from relaxed afternoons of sundowners to lively weekend nights animated by top Atlanta DJs spinning tunes. This variety of activities creates a dynamic space where friends can lounge, sip, snack, dance, or simply take in stunning views together.
Why is St. Julep ideal for group meetups?
When organizing a group meetup, a venue that balances space, ambiance, and quality service is paramount. St. Julep excels because it offers a sprawling rooftop layout that prevents the feeling of overcrowding even when hosting multiple parties. Its layout encourages socializing with ample seating that both facilitates intimate conversations and communal mingling. The atmosphere here skillfully blends casual comfort with stylish design, making it welcoming for both laid-back catch-ups and upbeat celebrations. The bartenders’ proactive, anticipatory service ensures group needs, such as drink refills and food orders, are met efficiently so no one’s left waiting. This thoughtful service is frequently praised in reviews, highlighting staff members who go “the extra mile” to accommodate guests. Furthermore, the rooftop location offers spectacular panoramic views of Atlanta, which create naturally engaging conversation points and photo opportunities to commemorate get-togethers. The availability of valet parking and first-come first-served seating means groups can arrive easily and settle in smoothly, avoiding logistical hassles often associated with large gatherings. Overall, St. Julep's combination of space, service, unique menu items, and ambiance makes it a standout choice for group meetups.
What food and drink options should groups look forward to at St. Julep?
St. Julep’s menu is designed to complement social drinking with options that are tasty, easy to share, and a bit distinctive. The cocktail list is creatively themed, offering signature drinks named after local legends and featuring fresh, balanced ingredients that appeal to a wide range of palates. Popular choices include classics given a twist, alongside inventive seasonal concoctions, all prepared by skilled bartenders you can trust for a great drink experience. For beer lovers, St. Julep offers a curated selection of local craft brews, making it easy to explore regional flavors in each sip. On the food side, the bar bites menu includes crowd-pleasers like gourmet corn dogs and loaded tater tots, portions large enough for sharing and satisfying hunger without weighing down the evening. The dessert offerings elevate the experience with boozy soft serves such as vodka-spiked sorbet or tequila-mango ice cream, adding a playful and indulgent finale to your group outing. These food and drink options strike a perfect balance between casual bar fare and unique specialties that leave a lasting impression.
How accessible and convenient is St. Julep for groups?
Location and convenience are critical factors when selecting a place to meet up with friends, and St. Julep fares well in this regard. Nestled in the heart of Buckhead atop the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel, it is surrounded by a vibrant neighborhood filled with amenities and attractions. Valet parking is available for guests, simplifying arrivals and departures especially for larger groups who may be carpooling or coming from different parts of the city. The rooftop’s operating hours from late afternoon into late night — typically 5 PM to midnight on weekends — provide flexibility for after-work drinks, evening dinners, or late-night celebrations. Although seating is first-come, first-served, early arrival is recommended to secure ideal spots for larger groups, a minor consideration in exchange for the coveted panoramic views and lively atmosphere. The venue’s clean, well-maintained facilities, including restrooms, also contribute to a comfortable experience for all guests. All these conveniences remove many common barriers to group meetups, allowing everyone to focus on enjoying time together.
What makes the atmosphere at St. Julep unique for social gatherings?
St. Julep’s atmosphere is a compelling blend of sophisticated design, outdoor charm, and local culture that makes it unique and ideal for social gatherings. The rooftop space bursts with vibrant colors and unexpected design elements that create a visually stimulating environment without sacrificing comfort. This stylish decor blends effortlessly with the natural beauty of panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline, producing an ambiance that is both energetic and relaxed. The mix of indoor and outdoor spaces allows groups to adapt their experience to the weather and mood, choosing cozy spaces or breezy open-air seating under the stars. Music further enhances the vibe; on weekends, top local DJs spin tunes that invite dancing and celebration, while more laid-back soundtracks during weekday afternoons encourage relaxed unwinding. The presence of fun elements like a spinning disco ball adds a playful, nostalgic touch to the experience, reminding guests to suspend their daily stresses and enjoy lively connections. Such an enriching atmosphere creates memorable shared moments, perfect for strengthening friendships and celebrating togetherness.
Why are reviewers consistently praising St. Julep’s service?
Excellent service is the cornerstone of a successful group outing, and St. Julep has earned consistent praise for the attentiveness and friendliness of its staff. Reviewers frequently mention bartenders by name, such as Eric and Kourtney, highlighting their professionalism, cocktail-crafting skills, and ability to anticipate guests’ needs before they are spoken. This level of service transforms ordinary visits into special occasions and alleviates common group frustrations like slow refills or long waits. Staff frequently go “the extra mile” to ensure guests feel valued and accommodated, whether that means quickly facilitating orders, suggesting drink options tailored to preferences, or simply providing friendly conversation. The efficiency in service also helps groups maximize their time enjoying the venue’s atmosphere and scenic views rather than waiting on logistics. Such customer care fosters a welcoming environment where parties feel comfortable and cared for, increasing the likelihood of return visits and positive word-of-mouth. The staff’s commitment to guest satisfaction is a critical ingredient in St. Julep’s growing reputation as a premier group-friendly rooftop bar.
How does St. Julep stand out among other rooftop bars in Atlanta?
Among Atlanta’s booming rooftop bar scene, St. Julep distinguishes itself with a rare combination of qualities that appeal widely to groups seeking a versatile venue. Many rooftop bars offer city views, but St. Julep ups the ante by providing a spacious, beautifully designed environment that balances elegance with laid-back comfort. Its cocktail menu creatively weaves local culture into drink names and flavors, enhancing the sense of place. The unique food options, especially the boozy soft serve desserts, add a distinctive twist uncommon in many rooftop establishments. Staff excellence and the ability to accommodate both casual hangouts and lively weekend parties make it friendly for various group dynamics. Additionally, St. Julep’s location atop the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel in Buckhead ensures a level of quality and service associated with boutique hotels, further elevating the experience. These factors combined explain why St. Julep enjoys a strong rating and high praise in reviews and is rapidly becoming a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to gather, celebrate, and create memories.
What should you know before planning your event at St. Julep?
When planning a group meetup or special event at St. Julep, there are a few practical considerations that will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is advisable for groups that want to secure specific spots, particularly for optimal views or outdoor seating. The venue operates primarily in the evenings starting at 5 PM, staying open late, which suits after-work gatherings or weekend nights out. Valet parking facilitates easy access, but coordinating rides or sharing transportation within your group can be beneficial, especially during busy weekend hours. While the venue offers excellent bar snacks and specialty cocktails, those desiring full meals can easily access other nearby restaurants in the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel complex, providing food variety to satisfy any palate. Lastly, keep in mind that the lively atmosphere and popular DJs on weekends can lead to a bustling environment, perfect for energetic celebrations but potentially less suited for intimate conversations. Understanding these details will help you choose the best timing and approach for your meetup at St. Julep.
With its superb rooftop location, unique menu, attentive service, and vibrant ambiance, St. Julep positions itself as a premier destination for friends and families seeking a memorable gathering spot in Atlanta. Whether your group craves craft cocktails, panoramic city views, playful desserts, or lively music vibes, St. Julep offers a well-rounded package that ensures your meetup stands out for all the right reasons.