Bar suggestions for Downtown Atlanta?

[norton]

Hi Hounds,
I'm visiting ATL for work next week from NYC, and I could use some help. I need to take a group of 10 colleagues out for drinks before dinner on Saturday night. We need to stay downtown, and it would be nice if it was walking distance from the Hilton/Marriott Marquis/Ritz Carlton. Can you recommend a bar where we can have a nice celebratory drink and be able to hear each other speak? Definitely no sports bars.

Thanks for your help!

[biskuit]

Social. Definitely.

http://www.socialintown.com/

[ted]

I second that. The bar has a fun vibe. The only time it clanked for us was when the real bartender wasn't there and they couldn't execute their specialty drinks. That was a special circumstance.

[DeeCee]

Meehan's is across the street from the Ritz in the old Macy's building. Could be too noisy for your group- it's definitely a pub atmosphere. Ray's in the City, on Peachtree, is also within walking distance. As a restaurant, it's just ok for the price, but the bar area is not bad.

I haven't been there, but there is a bar in the Ellis Hotel (also across from the Ritz) that looks like it would be quiet and more conducive to conversation.

-----
Peachtree Cafe
99 Jeff Davis Rd, Thomaston, GA 30286

Ray's in the City
240 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30303

[lbarash]

What about the W? Drink Shop is pretty cool: http://www.watlantadowntown.com/indulge

[norton]

Thanks lbarash. Unfortunately, their site says that they don't open until 7pm. We're planning to meet up at 5pm. Do you have other suggestions?

[Shaw Oliver]

Where are you going to dinner?