Best Solo Friendly Dance Clubs: Atlanta
Part 1
In my opinion, Atlanta is lacking in the dance club nightlife. A lot of clubs here cater to section based bottle service with no dance floor provided, so it took awhile to cultivate a list of some amazing clubs that cater to mainly people who want to just dance all night, especially for solo daters. Here’s my guide to a few of the best dance clubs in Atlanta, each providing a distinct experience for those individuals stepping out alone for the night.
El MALO ☆☆☆☆☆/$-$$
This spot is an in-the-cut gem that is worth visiting. As you approach, you’re greeted by tall dark golden french doors that open up to reveal a hallway engulfed in red sultry lighting, creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping onto a runway. The sultry lighting then fades into the emerging ambient lighting as you make way to the bar. With a stylish and intimate setting, it attracts a diverse crowd looking forward to the Latin, House, and Pop mixes playing throughout the night. Everything is reasonably priced from the cover charge on busy nights ($10) to the menu. Whether you’re sitting at the bar or a table, make sure you try the food! The Latin dishes are well-crafted and flavorful. Sometimes I go just for the plantain chips with a glass of prosecco. Also, the cocktails stand out with their unique blends and refreshing taste that captures the essence of El Malo. It’s great for solo daters due to the engaging friendly and inclusive atmosphere for those open to speaking to new people. You can tell the owner prioritized dancing when renovating the space, all the section seating is along the walls giving spacious room for a gorgeous dance floor. Overall, EL Malo is an all in one establishment for what most solo daters look for; it’s vibrant and welcoming, quality music, satisfying dishes, just creating the perfect backdrop for a great night out. The Staff’s chemistry and evident work ethic adds to the charm of this place, really elevating the experience for guests! Highly recommend
Johnny’s Hideaway ☆☆☆☆☆/$-$$
Now this place has been a staple for years, it typically caters to an older crowd yet it is known for its fun and inclusive atmosphere. Upon entry, it’s decorated heavily with pictures of iconic old Hollywood stars, neon signs, and velvet fabric everywhere. It’s ideal for solo daters who appreciate a nostalgic, retro vibe and don’t mind mingling with all age ranges. There are tables surrounding the dance floor, but don't take away from the experience of everyone around dancing. Everything is moderately priced, usually a cover charge depending on the volume for the night. The food is quite casual, but so good especially after dancing for 40 minutes straight to all the classics from spanning decades. Also, the bartenders are heavy handed lmfao. My all time favorite thing about this place is the authentic disco ball and mirror wall dance floor!! It literally inticites you to get up and just dance. Johnny’s Hideaway genuinely offers a unique and inviting experience. The mix of classic tunes, friendly patrons, and retro ambiance makes it a standout choice for solo daters looking to mainly dance and socialize
Tongue & Groove ☆☆☆☆/$$-$$$
Tongue & Groove caters to both a section and dance floor based clubbing experience. Upon arrival, it is a 2 story level with a secondary room on the first floor playing different vibes than the main room. They cater mainly to the sections, so the dance floor in the main area isn't the main attraction yet the second room is dedicated to dancers, playing dancehall, Latin, and sensual music. The club features sleek luxe decor with neon lighting and state-of-the-art sound system that plays house, Edm, hip-hop, and top hits that keep the dance floor buzzing in the main area. It’s great for solo daters that want a modern and energetic vibe that attracts a diverse and stylish crowd. Drinks on the pricier side, average $15-$25 with a cover charge ranging from $20-$40, especially on the weekend or during special occasions. Overall, the high energy and glamorous experience is provided!!
MJQ Concourse ☆☆☆☆/$-$$
Now this is deadass a in the cut spot. This club has a gritty, industrial-chic decor with dim lighting and graffiti-covered walls, creating an edgy, underground garage vibe on the smaller side. I absolutely love it. I would give it 5 stars if it wasn’t for the lack (really none at all) mirrors in the bathroom and only accepting cash for cover charge Thurs-Sun, but if you don’t mind that then it’s really the perfect spot. This is hands down the best spot for solo daters that seek an eclectic crowd with non stop dancing and INCREDIBLY cheap drinks. Everything is extremely well priced. MJQ has 2 rooms that cater solely to dancing, the main room plays a particular genre depending on the night, so check out their instagram before going to suit your vibes. The 2nd room reminds me of a mini Johnny’s Hideaway, playing the top oldies and a disco ball emphasizing the retroness. I’m usually there on Wednesdays in the main room behind the DJ booth shaking ass and white girl dancing lmfao… the DJ that night is the best in my opinion!! Overall, a great place for people going out by themselves, the music is so good that dancing with strangers is inevitable but so fun.
Arcadia ☆☆☆☆☆/ $-$$$
Similar to MJQ we have another gritty eclectic club. This place is fairly spacious with multiple rooms and outdoor spaces. The decor of exposed bricks to neon raves lights matches with the genre of music, mainly edm and hip hop mixes. It is considered an after spot ending around 6 or 7am. Arcadia’s entire building caters mainly to dancing, which is greatly appreciated!! Now everything is reasonably priced, but if you have expensive habits that heighten your dancing experience it could be provided there making it pricey. Overall, the diverse genre of music, welcoming crowd, and rave decor make Arcadia an excellent choice for a solo night. You might end up making some new friends too!
Atlanta’s dance club scene for solo daters is there, but you just have to find the good ones through trial and errors to which I learned the hard way lmfao, yet through those experiments I’ve been able to cultivate some go-to spots to share with y'all. From the tropical vibes of El Malo to the Underground atmosphere of MJQ Concourse, there’s a spot for every taste and style. These clubs not only provide fantastic environments for dancing, but also create welcoming spaces for solo adventurers to connect with new people and enjoy a memorable night out. This is just part 1 to the handful of other dance clubs I'll be sharing with y’all and my exploration of them.