In Jonesboro, debating the top burgers or fried chicken spots might spark friendly arguments. But best bar restaurants? That’s where opinions truly diverge. Ask for recommendations, and you’ll hear a dozen different names. And then there’s the vibe—sometimes you want craft cocktails, other times just cold beer and solid food. So which spots nail the atmosphere? And which deliver on both drinks and dining? We’ve got your guide.
Backstage Atlanta
$ | (404) 763-1107 | WEBSITE
Backstage Atlanta is a gem in the Jonesboro scene. Run by a team that knows hospitality, the lively lounge (reservations recommended) occupies a prime spot in Atlanta’s entertainment district. It also delivers a solid value. The bang bang shrimp and sweet tai chilli wings run about $14–$18 per plate, which isn’t bargain basement, but could easily cost more at comparable venues.
Step inside and see why: the space is industrial-chic vibrant, and it’s just you, the DJ spinning hits, and some smooth R&B from the sound system. Expect bold, satisfying flavors with occasional highlights, like hookah with unique shisha blends, crab legs on Thursday specials, and lemon drops that keep you coming back for more.
Frozen Smoke Restaurant Bar
$$ | (470) 507-0181 | WEBSITE
Given that this lively bar-restaurant occupies a spot in Jonesboro and there’s a similar vibe at other local hangouts, you might initially overlook its distinct charm. Here’s what sets it apart: Frozen Smoke is one of those rare places where the owners personally engage with guests and the staff genuinely cares—a refreshing change from impersonal chain spots.
The food here is straightforward and satisfying across the menu, though it’s more about hearty, comforting flavors than fine-dining fussiness, like enjoying a favorite blues album. With $2 shots when trains pass and drinks in six-ounce plastic cups, you’re getting affordable, well-made cocktails and a generous helping of fun, all served in a cozy space with fire pits outside.
It might not be your first pick for a formal dinner, but it absolutely deserves a spot on any local’s list for a lively night out with friends.
Partners II Pizza Fayetteville
$ | (770) 716-1528 | WEBSITE
Finding Partners II Pizza Fayetteville might require a bit of a drive depending on where you’re starting from, but believe me when I say this pizza spot tucked away in Jonesboro is worth every extra mile. With warm wood accents, soft lighting, and checkered tablecloths, dining here feels like you’ve stepped into a neighborhood joint that happens to serve some of the most consistently satisfying pizza around.
There’s a full menu with all the classics, but the real move is exploring their specialty crusts. Order a large with all the toppings, and your bill will likely hover around $30, so Partners II certainly isn’t your cheapest pizza option, but if you’re looking for a reliably delicious family-friendly meal where the staff like Nathan make you feel genuinely welcome, this is it.
Brass Tap Hapeville
$$ | (404) 500-1990 | WEBSITE
Perhaps you’ve walked by Brass Tap on a casual evening in Hapeville and wondered what it’s all about. Well, we’ll tell you—really good bar food goes on there. The best visits to Brass Tap start and end with their consistent jerk salmon bites: quality, crowd-pleasing flavors in a comfortable atmosphere. It’ll run around $14 (or more, depending on add-ons), so if you’re looking for something more affordable, their $9 chicken quesadillas with side salad are also excellent.
The Bar
This airport dining destination at One Flew South exemplifies layover luxury in the best way possible. Although the atmosphere here is relaxed and welcoming (you can almost guarantee there will be a table of weary travelers enjoying a moment of peace), the drinks are first-rate. The signature Old Fashioned is one of our favorites in the terminal, crafted with precision by bartenders like Ashlen and Brandi who provide excellent service and recommendations.
We also appreciate the variety of beverage options, from the crisp Pernicious IPA to smooth bourbon and coke cocktails. Not up for a full meal? The Bar also offers delicious Japanese menu selections and food options like Italian flatbread and poke tacos. With live music adding to the enjoyable experience and prices around $18-25 for cocktails and $15-30 for food items, it’s worth the premium for the quality service and relaxing escape from the airport bustle.
Olde Courthouse Tavern
$ | (678) 489-3888 | WEBSITE
This cozy tavern in Jonesboro blends classic American comfort food with Cajun influences, and the result is a welcoming neighborhood spot that delivers much more than just burgers and beers. For about $15-20 per entrée, the friendly staff serves you hearty Southern dishes that are unlike what you’ll find at other casual spots in town.
A meal might include rich gumbo with perfectly cooked sausage, tender fried shrimp with just the right crunch, and red beans and rice that taste like they’ve been simmering for hours. The only downside to Olde Courthouse Tavern is that it can be a bit limited on draft beer options: there’s just a few selections, though the top-shelf bottles make up for it.
Gocha’s Breakfast Bar
$$ | (770) 629-7443 | WEBSITE
When it comes to breakfast, Gocha’s Breakfast Bar is a Fayetteville jackpot: warm and family-friendly, minus an excessive price tag. Compared to flashier spots or chain diners, Gocha’s subdued approach is easy to overlook. Tucked away in a cozy neighborhood, you’ll find a $12-$18 breakfast menu that’s fairly hearty and ideal for weekend gatherings.
Friendly greetings are dispensed as you watch servers like Kali and Rome attentively deliver plates of Salmon Bites with honey hot sauce, and Cajun Creole with cheese grits, shrimp, and crab meat onto the table in front of you with the rhythm of a well-oiled machine.
Café Belli
$ | (404) 254-2060 | WEBSITE
A relative newcomer in Jonesboro, Café Belli is run by bartenders who clearly take pride in their craft, with Bartender Blake leading the charge. Dedication to detail is apparent in the balanced drinks and creative tapas that have been prepared with care, highlighting popular items like the Charcuterie Board with warm bread and a variety of cheese. There’s a cozy, speakeasy-like atmosphere that makes it perfect for small meetings or Zoom calls, though you’ll have to manage without Wi-Fi.
Spending an evening here will net you a relaxing experience and the attention of the friendly staff. Otherwise, opt for casual drinks that go for around $8 during the day and $12 in the evening, with tapas plates ranging from $10 to $18. The gorgeous ambiance and playing cards add a nice touch, making it an ideal place to unwind or host small gatherings.
The Juicy Crab McDonough
$$ | (678) 782-7210 | WEBSITE
The phrase “lively seafood spot with 90s R&B vibes in Jonesboro” might sound too good to be true, but The Juicy Crab McDonough isn’t here to disappoint. Boiled seafood platters hover just under the $25 mark, and the signature number 8 with garlic butter and old bay mild seasoning starts at $32 if you sit at one of the tables, or $45 for the family-style feast if you snag a booth near the DJ.
Both offer a flavorful mix of seafood, including crab legs that crack with satisfaction, hot shrimp that pop with spice, buttery corn that soaks up the seasoning, and potatoes so tender, we thought we might need to loosen our belts.
The whole experience is backed by a live DJ spinning nostalgic tunes, servers like Ebonie providing quick, attentive service with wonderful personality, and drinks flowing consistently—all wrapped in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to stay for another round.
Furnace 41
$ | (770) 256-2041 | WEBSITE
Furnace 41 is the aspirational version of the concert you tried to catch in your first car, only with much better sound. This cozy venue is run by a hard-working team who clearly know how to bring energy to tight quarters. They pour, serve, and sometimes mingle with each guest, taking occasional breaks to check on the show or chat with regulars.
Their $18 cowboy BBQ burger is a generous deal: beef so juicy it melts like butter, a three-part flavor progression that builds in smokiness, plus excellent non-burger moments like local bands with great sound and big-name artists with incredible acts. Like any good night out, your experience hinges heavily on who you’re with—so bring your most fun friends.
Nouveau Jonesboro
$$ | (770) 703-5168 | WEBSITE
Finding a spot that nails both great food and lively vibes can be a tricky quest. Unless, of course, your search leads you to Nouveau Jonesboro. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anything about this Jonesboro favorite you’ll dislike, but if you visit and don’t try the $14 Buffalo Shrimp, you’re missing out. Just arrive ready for fun—karaoke kicks off early and the energy builds fast.
On weekends, said Buffalo Shrimp stays at that price, but we’d suggest you head right to the bar and dive into their refreshing frozen drinks instead.
Malone’s
$$ | (404) 762-5577 | WEBSITE
This conveniently located spot near the airport is about $25 per person (before tax and tip), but if you’re in the market for a hearty Southern meal or celebrating a family outing, Malone’s is a fantastic place to do it. The standout dishes featured on the menu stay consistent, but you can generally expect excellent options like French Onion Soup, BBQ honey wings, and Southern Pecan Pie.
There’s a lively, kid-friendly atmosphere at Malone’s that makes a meal here feel less like you’re in a quiet fine-dining room and more like hanging out with friends at a bustling neighborhood joint.
Sugar Bush Bar & Grill Sports Bar
$ | (678) 479-7272 | WEBSITE
If it’s not there already, add Sugar Bush’s teriyaki wings to your sports bar bucket list. At this Jonesboro spot, which feels like a slightly livelier version of an average neighborhood grill, servers deliver orders with genuine enthusiasm, much of the evening features line dancing events led by the staff, and you theoretically could finish your plate of spring rolls without pausing. There’s also a somewhat cheaper $12 vegetarian option, but it’s far less indulgent.
The night bounces between classic bar snacks and crowd-pleasing favorites—on recent visits we’ve had those signature wings, the popular spring rolls, music that plays like a soundtrack, and the crowd’s favorite, lively drama-free atmosphere.
The Crab Boil Atlanta BAR
$$ | (404) 343-6483 | WEBSITE
The Crab Boil Atlanta BAR is a spot that works for pretty much anyone, at any time, for any reason. This unassuming storefront in the heart of Jonesboro is no longer the secret find that it used to be, but even with the crowds, it’s still one of our go-to places. While you’re going to want to order a few of their signature dishes like the fish nuggets and chicken Alfredo pasta, we suggest focusing mostly on their weekly specials like crab leg nights and the pasta trio. They usually deliver.
The Juicy Crab Jonesboro
$$ | (678) 489-2685 | WEBSITE
Find this bustling seafood joint in a Jonesboro strip mall and you’ll spot neon crab signs, picnic-style tables covered in butcher paper, and a bright blue awning. Inside is a lively dining room that feels a world away from the suburban traffic just outside. Just like its sister locations across the South, The Juicy Crab is about the vibe as much as it is about the food.
The $25 seafood boil enhances the experience: you’ll crack into fresh shrimp with garlic butter sauce and dig into huge wings with tangy barbecue glaze. All told, you’re in for heaping plates of messy, satisfying seafood for about $35 per person.
Atlanta Stillhouse
$$ | (404) 762-1577 | WEBSITE
At Atlanta Stillhouse in the airport terminal, the staff like Ms. Sha, Emanuel, Kia, and Sharice are so genuinely friendly that they’ve earned a reputation for being “the airport angels” (kind of like those rare helpful TSA agents), but luckily this casual spot near the gates has dialed the airport stress down a lot.
You still get what’s on the menu, and can only grab a seat at one of the bustling tables (God forbid your flight boards early), but you probably won’t feel rushed just because the waitresses are juggling multiple sections. It’s all worth it for the croissant sandwiches and pulled pork nachos, familiar and satisfying, always solid, airport food.
Harvard & Main, Bar And Bistro
$$ | (404) 767-8881 | WEBSITE
Walking into Harvard & Main, a cozy bistro near the hotels in Jonesboro, is like stepping into a traveler’s lounge. No matter when you stop by, this newly renovated spot is filled with road-trippers grabbing a quick bite, solo diners enjoying the grilled chicken salad, and groups of business travelers sipping cocktails and swapping stories. But Harvard & Main is more than convenient—they serve one of the freshest salads in the area.
If you’re coming alone or with a companion, sit at the bar, where the helpful bartenders will whip up a unique French martini for you.
Mellow Mushroom Stockbridge
$ | (678) 565-3966 | WEBSITE
Mellow Mushroom Stockbridge is like the Rainbow Road of family-friendly dining—simply put, it’s not for the faint of appetite. Upon entering, you’ll be ushered to a booth and inducted into the Secret Society of Pizza. There are Holy Shiitake pies served on rustic wooden boards, plus an Enlightened Spinach Salad featuring crisp greens and fresh toppings that could be a meal on its own.
But you’re here for the build-your-own pizza, a $25 journey executed by the slightly fun, extremely accommodating staff waiting for you at the finish line.
Atlanta Hawks Bar and Grill
$$ | WEBSITE
One of our go-to spots for straightforward, high-quality bar food, Atlanta Hawks Bar and Grill is pretty classic. But in the airport-adjacent way—which means bright lighting, early kitchen hours, and everything else you’d expect near Hartsfield Jackson. For around $15–$25 per dish, you get favorites like chicken tenders, loaded chicken quesadilla, and Manhattan cocktails to wash it down. Atlanta Hawks Bar and Grill is our travel-day reliable—we keep swinging by before flights.
The Piano Bar
$ | WEBSITE
Getting into The Piano Bar, easily the most lively dining option at Atlanta Airport, is a breeze. Not only finding the location but settling into the atmosphere. You’ll just walk through the terminal, spot the entrance, and step into a bright space that happens to serve a $15 Bloody Mary to travelers between flights. Each visit includes live piano entertainment, quality drinks, and friendly service in a welcoming airport setting.
Expect to be seated next to relaxed passengers who don’t mind spending an hour or two on a $25 Greek salad and cocktails. The Piano Bar is tailored towards layover travelers, but your experience will involve some of the most genuinely enjoyable moments before a flight, like the “real” Bloody Mary with vodka or the fresh Greek salad praised by regulars.