Best clubs in Atlanta: top-rated dance, Latin, and LGBTQ picks

TL;DR:

Midtown, Buckhead, Underground, and Edgewood anchor Atlanta nightlife.
Tongue & Groove leads upscale dance nights with a dress code.
MJQ Concourse reopened at Underground in January 2025.
District Atlanta books big EDM and DJ names all year.
Havana Club and Josephine drive Latin and open-format crowds.

We checked Discover Atlanta’s nightlife guides, then verified hours, calendars, and dress codes on official sites and active social pages. We cross-checked with recent Yelp lists and reliable local press. Picks below balance ratings, programming frequency, and ease for visitors as of 1 October 2025.

Where to go

Nightlife clusters in four zones:

Midtown for mixed-format dance, rooftops, and lounges.
Buckhead for dressier rooms like Tongue & Groove and Havana Club.
Underground Atlanta for MJQ, Future, and a growing EDM scene.
Edgewood and East Atlanta Village for indie, theme parties, and alt nights.

The best clubs in Atlanta right now

Tongue & Groove, Buckhead

Atlanta’s long-running upscale club delivers open-format and hip-hop with guest DJs, strict 21+, and a “proper dress required” policy. Doors typically open at 9 or 10 p.m. If you want a classic, high-energy ATL club with VIP, start here.
Why go: Polished crowd, reliable programming, bottle service.
Know before you go: Dress code enforced. Plan for a line after 11 p.m.

Havana Club ATL, Buckhead

Three rooms, Latin and open-format nights, plus frequent themed weekends. The club posts anniversaries and lineups across its site and socials and enforces a “dress to impress” code.
Why go: Latin-first energy, multiple rooms, steady weekends.
Know before you go: No athletic wear or hats. Arrive early for faster entry.

District Atlanta, Underground/Castleberry Hill

A DJ-forward room booking touring EDM and house names, with monthly calendars and ticketed shows. If you want lasers and big drops, this is your stop.
Why go: National acts, strong production, organized ticketing.
Know before you go: Buy presale. Popular nights sell out.

MJQ Concourse, Underground Atlanta

The beloved indie dance club reopened at Underground in late January 2025 with a refreshed space that nods to Dante’s Down the Hatch. Expect diverse sets, late hours, and a loyal crowd.
Why go: True dance club feel, alternative to bottle-service rooms.
Know before you go: Expect lines on theme and anniversary nights.

Future Atlanta, Underground Atlanta

A marquee LGBTQ nightclub and show venue with drag, touring performers, and late-night dance sets. Active social updates and table reservations keep weekends busy.
Why go: Inclusive vibe, big stage shows, strong sound.
Know before you go: Check Instagram for headliners and cover.

The Basement, East Atlanta Village

An underground room known for throwback parties, indie dance, and themed nights. Smaller than Midtown megaclubs, but the energy is high and the programming consistent.
Why go: Intimate floor, themed parties, neighborhood feel.
Know before you go: Follow socials for specific party formats.

Suite Food Lounge, Downtown/Westside

A dinner-to-dance lounge that flips to DJs on weekends. Dress code trends smart casual to “dress to impress,” and the room suits mixed groups who want food plus a lively floor.
Why go: Cocktails, bites, and a clubby late set.
Know before you go: Valet after 6 p.m. on event nights.

Josephine Lounge, Brookhaven

International beats with Afrobeat, hip-hop, and Latin rotations. Weekends list VIP sections, mandatory valet, and late closings. Fashion-forward attire is expected.
Why go: Stylish crowd, bottle service, global sounds.
Know before you go: 21+ and valet-only parking noted on the site.

Also consider, by vibe

Speakeasy pregame: Red Phone Booth for strict dress code and classic cocktails before hitting clubs.
New LGBTQ venue on Edgewood: Lore, a 2025 addition with drag shows and day parties.
Big-room comeback to watch: Ravine’s planned reopening at Underground with two stages by fall 2025.

Quick picks by vibe

Best upscale open-format: Tongue & Groove.
Best Latin and multi-room: Havana Club ATL.
Best EDM headliners: District Atlanta.
Best indie dance floor: MJQ Concourse.
Best LGBTQ night out: Future Atlanta or Lore for shows plus dancing.
Best dinner-then-dance: Suite Food Lounge.

Practical tips

Cover, tickets, and lines

Many EDM shows are ticketed. Buy ahead at District Atlanta. Guest lists and table reservations speed entry at Buckhead clubs. Lines swell after 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Dress codes and ID

Buckhead rooms enforce dress codes. Expect no athletic wear, hats, or work boots in Havana. Tongue & Groove enforces “proper dress.” Bring a valid government ID, 21+.

Getting around

Use rideshare between Midtown, Buckhead, Underground, and EAV. Valet is common at lounges like Suite.

Handy checklist

Item	Why it matters
Check the calendar	Touring DJs and theme nights sell out fast.
Join a guest list or reserve	Faster entry and better spots in Buckhead.
Review dress code	Buckhead clubs enforce rules at the door.
Bring valid ID	Most venues are 21+.
Plan transport	Rideshare or valet to avoid parking stress.

Why it matters

Atlanta’s club scene spans polished Buckhead rooms, indie dance basements, and big-ticket EDM nights. Match your group to the right vibe, follow dress codes, and book ahead. You will save time and avoid surprise door issues.