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Categories: Dance Clubs, Lounges [Edit]
Neighborhood: MidtownArts Center (North-South, Northeast-South, East-West, Proctor Creek)
Tue-Fri. 7:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Sat. 8:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.
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Headed here this passed weekend to wrap up a bachelorette party. I really enjoyed myself. Althought I've come here about 3 or 4 times in the past I have yet to visit all the different rooms.
The girls and I had a great time dancing the night away. The bouncers were freaking awesome! Full of conversation, and seemed to really enjoy posing with and for us.
The crowd here is pretty laid back, everyone seems like their main focus is having a good time as opposed to wanting to be seen. Thanks to all the guys that provided much needed entertainment with the interesting dance skills...But to the fiesty chick playing bathroom moniter, it's the freaking bathroom, it's not the serious...
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Actually had a super fun time here. I was the first one in the door who didn't work there -- I think they let me in because they felt sorry for me waiting outside. They were still setting up. How was I to know clubs in Atlanta don't open until later...
So I got to scope the place out before any other patrons arrived. Cool venue. The dark ground level floor (Lava?) played house music early on (no DJ) but later switched to hip-hop once the crowd began filtering in. The well-lit outdoors portion (kinda like a big rooftop, except not on a roof) turned out to be the most fun part of the venue, and I'm a guy who leans towards dark / mysterious venues. There was also a big room on the other side of the semi-rooftop with loud music and dancing, and a small basement nightclub-y kind of area underneath the main floor of what I took to be the Lava part of CosmoLava.
Once the Saturday night crowd showed up, stuff got fun. I was quickly adopted by a group of Georgians, and introduced to the Vegas bomb, which, coincidentally, I'd never heard of before, despite living five hours from Vegas and having visited a few months prior. Everyone there, for the most part, was social and attractive, and I met a lot of crazy / cool people that night. They finally kicked us out after the bar closed, and I Ieft with a big group I met toward the end of the night for a 4 AM breakfast at a place called the "Waffle House", if I remember correctly. All in all, fun time and worth checking out if you're in town.
Pretty large space since it really is two places combined into one-- not sure which is which, but one side of this place had more of a club feel to it, while the other side had an outdoor patio and was a bit more dive bar ish.
Overall, not too bad-- grey goose tonic is $9 bucks, and the well drinks are probably around $5 or $6 bucks. The wack thing about this place is the fact that they kicked out my roommate for doing nothing-- when some idiot split some drink on him. Anyways, might be back at this place again, but I will check out the rest of midtown. 3.5 stars overall.
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Yeah, I'm as shocked as you... I liked it.
We were in the need for something different, and despite spending half of the night at our regular bar, we found it here. It was a Friday night, we got in free due to some stellar connections, and I really really liked the atmosphere. Not too crowded, relatively diverse, with both indoor and outdoor areas to suit whatever you were looking for. The dance floor wasn't anything especially nouveau or innovative, but it seemed like folks were having a good time. Drinks were strong and I liked how things were spread out, just in case you need to escape from a certain area, no need to have to pay cover twice!
+1 star for the breathalyzer machine in the basement, despite it saying I was far drunker than I was.
All around good times. I'm surprised to say I would return, without thinking twice.
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Fun, fun, fun. We got in a little before 12 for free and there was no line. Cosmolava is three rooms in an unassuming house with a little bit of something for everyone. The crowd's cool (i.e. not too many sketchballs), the bartenders do a good job, and the djs play a great mix of the old and the new. Plus, gotta love the free drinks on Fridays and props to the bartender in the second room for using all that Grey Goose. Would definitely come back anytime.
One of the best bars/clubs in the heart of Midtown Atlanta!! Go check out my friend, Erin, behind the bar. She'll treat you niiiice.
It's multi-level, multi-bar...so you have your pick. There is an outside area as well. Check out their website for drinks special nights.
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I get dragged to midtown every six months or so by a "friend". Each time I ask myself why did I let this happen, and how is this person my friend?
Cosmo/Lava is good for bachlorette parties and guys that want to hit on bachlorette parties.
Other than that, it is pretty useless.
So I've been here tons of times, but I still haven't fallen in love with it. I think my problem with it is the crowd! I know some people complain about the cover, but compared to most clubs, its pretty reasonable. However, the crowd.... I can't put my finger on it... maybe its the "ethnic" nights that randomly seem to happen, not that I don't love my Indians and Middle Easterners, but where is everyone else??? Or maybe its the age.. some people there look like they should have stopped clubbing 10 years ago. Or maybe its that little dance floor downstairs in Lava that's soo hot and sweaty and no one know how to dance.... I just don't know.
Either way, most times I've gone there I've had a pretty good time, mainly because of the company I was with. I like the room upstairs at Lava and the front room of Cosmo (because it plays some hip-hop as opposed to the techno/house they seem to play at Lava). I know Cosmo and Lava are listed here as two separate places, but at night they are all one.
The drinks are okay, and I love to steal an olive or two every time I walk past the bar, hehe. The prices are the same as most other places, $7-10 for a mixed drink. If you come here with a good group of friends and are not looking for a crazy night, then you'll probably enjoy it.
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I don't know which is which...lava? cosmo lava? cosmo lounge? I will just go w/cosmo lava since that's what I hear on the street.
I went here a few weeks ago as part of a bachelorette party and we had a good time. I live right down the street from all the bars on crescent so I have been wanting to go here for some time. And while I had a good time, I still don't feel like I have found a true keeper of a bar in the neighborhood.
Bad:
Got there at 11:10 and had to pay $10 for the after 11:00 cover charge. Boo. Lesson learned.
You have to switch out your tabs according to each room you go to. Which sucked.
Music is so typical.
Good:
Not exactly my scene but still met some cool people.
It's a step up from some of the other bars I have visited in the area (uhhh twisted taco).
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Definitely perfect for a weekend night out! Fun dancing and drinks and has so many rooms with different atmospheres and music! the crowd is good and diverse and everyone seems to have a great time.
I lived in mid-town this past year and it's so nice not to have to make the commute out to Buckhead. It's super close and less than a $10 cab ride, compared to Buckhead where it's over $20.
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I went to Lava this Saturday night, and had a pretty good time. It was PACKED- and the music was going all night. The music was ok- typical of a dance club, and the majority of people were bobbing right along with the music. There are lots of different levels, and it is attached to Cosmo- somewhat confusing since this is basically the same place. Four different bars where you can grab a quick drink- and generally quick bar tenders. I liked the different bars and the different DJs to get more variety in one club. There is also an outdoor deck so you can grab some breathing room from the mass amounts of people in close to the bars and dancing.
A fun place to go with your friends and just let go for the night dancing and having a good time. Not the best atmosphere I have seen here in Atlanta- but it is sure to provide a good time.
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aight i luv it itz pretty cool for out goin juzz for u nd ur gurlz.... itz also nice when u got sum boiz wit u.... matter fact: Three levels. Four bars. Refreshing deck. Grab a drink at the bar, make your way around the dance floor, and cool off from the excitement on the tropical deck...
but i dunno why lava and cosmo is separated ... lava-cosmo combo is 2 in 1 ;)
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Pros: diverse crowd, different options in terms of music/atmosphere. There are multiple rooms spinning different music so you can pick and choose. Also there are outside areas too if you need to take a breather. I do appreciate the diversity of the crowd but sometimes I feel like it will randomly be asian or indian night, haha.
Cons: $10 cover. ugh. also, pricey drinks inside.
an enjoyable time and a way to appeal to all of my friends... the ones who like to just relax and have a drink can chill outside while the ones who want to shake it can have fun too. a broad appeal bar which would be awesome if it wasn't for the cover
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A good place to start the night. I personally find the crowd pretty pedestrian, ditto for the music, but I do like the darkness downstairs as well as the upper level which has a bit more of a classier vibe. Place reminds me of the Pioneer Square clubs/bars in Seattle. THe main level which combines like 3 rooms together is like a college bar setting. People seem friendly here overall, not pretentious.
I do like the solid bottled beer and mixed drink selection. The guest list before 11pm also bodes well for a first stop. Not overly impressed, but as long as this is the not the ultimate destination for a night I am cool with it.
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Hmmm. What can I say? I had a great time. No compliants really.
We arrived here about 10:30 or so (FREE before 11 if you sign up on the guestlist) on a Saturday night. The place wasn't busy at all as expected at this time of the night.
You've got about 3 different levels and probably 4 or 5 different rooms with different music in each if you're feeling a little jumpy and don't want to stay in one place too long. It seemed that the top floor and patio seemed to be the most popular at the time. Good view of the city and the weather was perfect for a couple of drinks outside. My only problem with the balcony is that it's great if you want to talk because the music is kept really low, but I came to a dance club. I want to DANCE!!! That's why you've got all the other rooms to wander too so I did. lol
In each room you've got a bar so no worries on making the trip to another part of the club and if you're wondering the bathrooms are set up the same way. Who wants to be in a club with 5+ different rooms/ parts of the club and you've only got your choice of 1 or 2 bathrooms in said parts of a busy club? Not I. So they've got you covered on this as well.
To be honest with you the music was ok. I don't think they played techno because I didn't leave with a headache but the music was danceable. Probably top 40s, and the bartenders, door guy and girl were all super nice. Despite the hip scene that entered after 11:30pm and the nice setting the staff was as welcoming as the seats in the corners. Not like other places I have been..Opera. Did I say that out loud. Sure did! ;oD And for the those who like to partake in adult bevies, the prices are pretty reasonable. $7 Vodka redbull and $4 beers. Pretty typical but not bad at all considering you could easily be charged $10 for a redbull vodka at any other club in the area. :oD
Had a great time and I would definitely reccomend it to anyone looking for a good time in Midtown.
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The location isn't in a packed area, but it sure does bring a lot of people in. The place is Cosmo Lounge and Lava. I combine the two and just call it Cosmo-Lava. Sounds cooler. The place has several bars and a few different "rooms" to chill/dance at. The music is different in each "room". There is an outside patio and there is always a new crowd. I definitely think it's a place to maybe meet someone. The music needs a little work on... maybe an updated playlist or so, or something people can actually dance too. I think they played Kenny Chesney before? Something pretty country... in a "techno version" - haha. But there are plenty of DJ's to keep you moving through the night.
Cons: Parking!
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Drinks: overpriced like any other club , $8-10 avg per drink
Crowd: more of undergraduate crowd and quite diverse
Music: Good mix - 2 major areas so you can switch it up if you feel like it.
Venue: Very compartmentalized. Lots of different areas, which I like, so you can wander around and meet lots of people. Basically, you feel the urge to explore because of the set up.
Entry: they don't seem to strictly enforce dress code like Opera where my friend had to rent out dress shoes one time in order to be let in. (He was wearing tennis shoes). If you get on the e-mailing list you get a link to RSVP to get in free before 11pm. You don't have to print out anything - you just tell them your name at the door.
Although it is crowded, overall, I had a good time and would come back again!
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OK this is pretty much a pointless act on my part because this place is exactly what it seems to be. Either your going to love this place, or your going to hate it. And you don't need some random person on yelp to tell you that.
It's a club (actually a pair of them) that seem to be in several old houses joined together by renovations over the years. If you've ever had the dream to see what a dance club would look like in your Grandmother's house this is it.
Now to show the pointlessness of this review-- I don't know whether the following attributes would be pluses or minuses for you.
1. The music on the dance floor is headache inducingly loud.
2. Expect plenty of contact, on the weekends this place is packed like a sardine factory. Friends would just vanish into the crowd like quicksand, and reappear minutes later seemingly vomited by the dance floor.
3. Come in a big group because by the time you find your place some of your group will have managed to stay with you...However you will take losses. 10 of us entered the club, 5 of us managed to find a place to hang 15 minutes later. We never heard again from 3 of the others.
4. The music is not that creative, give yourself 20 minutes on I-tunes and you can pick out a better "dance" playlist as the DJ had last weekend.
This was totally not my scene so I probably shouldn't submit this review, but hey it's a free country right?
On the plus side the drinks were not as watered down as I had expected from experience in other "dance clubs".
I guess if your already blitzed and want to be a dancin fool, (or more importantly your date does) then I guess it's OK.
Heads up though we had a $10 cover on Saturday night, and there was a line. One tip to beat the line go around the corner and check the other "club" out. We were able to just walk right in, instead of waiting minutes in line on the other side (it's all connected inside).
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I have never not had fun here.
Last night was not an expection.
The place is always packed, the music, although not hipster, is decent for the crowd, and the crowd is always delicious.
Now that the Fuego ladies were gone and had lured Greg V; it was back to Woods and I. We drank more, talked to more women.
We went downstairs.
I recall this voluptous woman in a terry terquious strapless touching the hem of my garment when we entered.
I had bookmarked the incedent under "potential" and proceed to go upstairs with the crew..Sun Tzu says "knowing one's advantage is knowledge" and I knew half the work was finished downstairs.
When I got there, the bumping and grinding ensued.
Numbers were exchanged and future plans were made.
Of course that doesn't always mean much; but it does add up to the fact that Cosmo on a Saturday night is always fun.
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I used to go here a lot when I worked with a guy who knew the bartenders and bouncers. We got in for free and were good for at least a few comped drinks while we were there. The big attraction for me was that wasn't in Buckhead and had a seemingly more sophisticated crowd in comparison. It's a cool layout with Cosmopolitan and Lava being essentially two bars in one. It gives you a chance to move around and mingle in multiple locations.
Of course, I was single and a bit younger when I was going there regularly, so my opinion would probably be different now. I've transitioned to the dive bar and hole in the wall scene now. I worry more about cold beer and good fried snacks than scenes or meeting people.
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I went to Atlanta to visit a friend and I personally liked the downstairs..nice to grab a drink it's got a pretty cool design. I also like that you can go upstairs and have a drink outdoors.
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Solid 4 stars for CosmoLava. I usually just think of it as one place with multiple rooms(5 on 3 levels) as opposed to 2 different clubs/lounges. Perfect place to go with a couple of buddies for cheap and you can guarantee everyone will have a good time. And everyone will find at least one hottie to dance with. Seems to be a popular spot for a girls night out type thing which is always good for the fellas.
Pros:
Cheap. $10 Cover. At around midnight on the weekends there will probably be a line. Nothing outrageous but you might have to wait 10mins or so to get in.
A pretty decent amount of good looking girls is the norm here. More so than any place in the crescent street area(Twisted Taco, Opera, Front Page News, Sutra, Leopard Lounge). This is my opinion obviously but my opinion is pretty much gold on this...hahaha.
Layout. Lots of different rooms all about medium in size(except for the 3rd floor room which is pretty small). I like being able to hit up different spots with different types of music all while staying in the same club. big plus for CosmoLava. Also have 3 deck areas which make for good cooling down spots in teh spring summer.
Cons:
On Saturdays it can be too crowded. At least on the "Cosmo" side. There isn't enough room for a clear walking path and a dance floor so you will get bumped into if your dancing at say 1am. And you will have to bump your way through the crowd. There is just no way around it.
The crowd isn't as mixed as I'd like. I'd say it is about 75% white. 10% Asian. 10% indian. 5% Black and other. but as I mentioned in the pros lots of good looking people so thats always good. age group of ppl is 21-30.
Music is not that great. More top 40ish than HipHop/RnB. which is not my cup of tea but it might be yours. girls will like it for sure though.
Parking like anywhere in the crescent area is close in nearby lots. cost is about $5.
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Just got back from house night on Thursdays at Lava. I had a good time.
Lava is half of the Lava/Cosmopolitian combo on the corner of 13th Street. A three story club, I only went to the main level and the basement. Upstairs is the VIP section.
The main level is a plush lounge filled with leather seats where you can relax after a hards day work at the office or spend some quality time with that cutie you met on the dance floor downstairs. There is a large bar by the window to get your drink on if need be.
Downstairs is the dance floor with all the fixins. DJ booth - check . Large plush couch - check. Bar with alcohol - check. Bathroom - check.
When you enter the cashier will ask for your email address so they can let you know about whats going on in the future.
The best part of the club hands down were the people. Friendly, talkative and encouraging. I actually got on the floor and vogued a bit without feeling a bit self-conscious about not having any rhythm.
Parking $5.00
Cover $15.00
Drink : Purple Motherf*cker $8.00 (He made a blue mother with rasberry pucker instead)
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I liked this place at first. Cool atmosphere and fun crowd. Then, right when we were leaving, the waitress/bartender watched us leaving her tip and said to her friend "they better leave me at least $15." That is NOT a good way to get a good tip, or return business. I was very unimpressed and would be hesitant to go back.
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A group of us went to Lava Saturday night. My brother says its his favorite club in Atlanta. We had a great time. For the most part we hang out upstairs. Its a smaller more intimate room w/its own DJ and bar. Its the kind of place where everyone dances with everyone. The drinks are good at decently prices, $9 for Red Bull/Vodka.
If you're trying to meet "Mr or Ms Right-Now" I'd say you have a good chance at Lava.
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If you're down to sweat and get freaky on a dance floor to club beats, then this is where it's at. I would suggest a solid 30 minutes of drinking to prepare yourself. The crowd is an interesting mish-mosh of people, and there are always a few lurkers. Despite the inevitable creepers, definitely good for fun nights with your girlfriends or a birthday celebration.
I just love Lava and Cosmo. Its great for a girls night out or you can bring the guys along too. They have three floors, each with their own dance floor, and djs.
It is connected to Cosmopolitan.. Its a fun place.
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This place has a great atmosphere. Since it is connected to Lava Lounge it is two in one. Its free… Read more »
This place didn't do it for me. I went with a friend and I think we were just too early. It was dead. We had a drink and talked to the bartender. I also didn't really like the decor. I wasn't feeling like it looked like what a place called Cosmopolitan should look like.
I will probably try it again, going at a later time to see if there is any difference.
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Well.....you never know what can happen at Cosmo/Lava Lounge. Overall it is a nice lounge...great Apple Martini's (although they have started to add cinnamon to the apple martinis, which if you don't care for it...tell them before they make your drink). The music is great for dancing downstairs. Upstairs is more loungy type with some music, but i didn't find it fun....until I went downstairs on the Lava side.
The staff is nice and the bartenders are generous with their alcohol.....great place to hang out.
Lava + Lounge = Love
The trendy, sophisticated lounge embodies all features of the ideal club. Loaded dance floor. Lively music (some of the best DJ's in the city). Three levels. Four bars. Refreshing deck. Grab a drink at the bar, make your way around the dance floor, and cool off from the excitement on the tropical deck, where you can enjoy the fresh air and an impressive midtown view. Return to the main level and relax in plush velvet seats by the fireplace. With this setup, Lava is perpetually hot.
I see there is a page for Cosmo and a page for Lava, but my review applies to both. Cosmo-Lava is what I thought it was called. Anyway, went with a few friends on a Saturday night after trying the Twisted Taco. I liked Cosmo-Lava much better. The drinks were cheap. I remember cashing out before I left and saying, "Is that all?" There was lots of beautiful young women, although I brought my own. We did some dancing, even though I'm terrible and I hate it. Then we grabbed a table on the patio and chilled out for awhile. I won't be going very often because I'm old and I can't dance, but it's a pretty cool place.
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It's almost embarassing to mention that I have been a permanent fixture at this club for (literally) 8 years. Certainly, I agree that the crowd has changed somewhat over the years and it DOES get PACKED on Fridays and Saturdays. But I love the diversity of two clubs in one, great music... oh! And did I mention the HOT bartenders?? Ask for Daphne or Reina at Cosmo. Girls, go over to Lava and ask for Murphy. ;-) Good-looking and great service will get you five stars in my book anyday, lol!
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I'll be honest, only reason I go here is because the bartender looks just like Jessica Alba and she's really cool. Its like any other crowded loud bar with crap load of people where you can barely walk without bumping into people. It says dance floor but dont expect to dance, just jump up and down. Its ok until someone drinks too much and starts to push and shove and a fight breaks out.
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Hands down Lava is my favorite spot in ATL. I've had a handful of homies come thru to visit and I always take them there. I put my rep on the line by guranteeing them a good time and I have yet to be proven wrong.
The best thing about Lava is the vibe. Its located in one of those converted houses off of Crescent Street in Midtown, so it has a very casually hip feel. There's 3 levels: the basement which is more like your typical high energy dance club, the first floor which is a chill bar scene, and then my favorite-- the second level lounge. The lounge is pseudo-VIP, but without all the pretention and exclusivity. Its more intimate with stylish banquests, its own bar and its own DJ. There's also a really nice outdoor patio. There's no designated dancefloor, but the music is so good (top 40, rap, old-school hip-hop) that everyone always ends up getting there groove on. The crowd is also really diverse which another big plus for me. I've been at least 5-10 times and I've never been disappointed. A guaranteed good time. Good-looking people and a feel good vibe: a winning combination. Fri or Sat are best.
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Nobody is more annoying that the door guys at this place!
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Great-looking club. Nice staff, no attitude. Plus, house music every Thusrday!
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This is a fun place to go if you like to dance and the nice thing is there are like three different rooms with different types of music. Sometimes it can be a little confusing (Cosmopolitan is connected to Lava) so you could lose your crowd or just lose yourself! I liked it. I take away one star b/c the cigarette smoke choked me a little.
All I gotta say is: do you want a really really really really really really really good kiss??
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Fun club/bar scene...I especially like the decks upstairs for chillin and looking out at the city. It is a bit pricey if there is a cover and drinks ain't cheap, but it's a good time!
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I am not a fan of cosmo/lava. It is entirely too crowded and the crowd that it attracts is not quite my style. The Lava side is better and the bartenders are great. There is often a line and that just isn't worth it. The music is the same music they have been playing for the past 4 years.
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Neighborhood: Midtown
Category: Lounges
Decatur, GA
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Midtown
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: Buckhead
Category: Lounges
Atlanta, GA
Category: Dance Clubs
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