Nightlife in Atlanta

ATL Singles Club has taken the ancient art of courtship to the next level by offering a wide range of dating and matchmaking services. Singles can meet possible partners in a variety of ways that range from low-key singles mixers to scheduled dates organized through one of the on-staff dating experts. The company also hosts speed-dating events at popular restaurants, where daters can meet a handful of other singles while enjoying appetizers and drinks. All events are based on the premise that, in this fast-paced world, it's hard to meet someone, so ATL Singles Club strives to help people jump over the hurdles of traditional dating and get right to the part when sparks start to fly.

Do your own spit-take with today's Groupon to Laughing Skull Lounge, the tiniest full-time comedy venue ever that was created by the tiniest full-time architects ever. With just 74 seats, Laughing Skull Lounge places national touring comedians in your lap. Today's deal gets you tickets to any of Laughing Skull's Thursday–Sunday shows (excluding special events) for just $10. Regular prices range from $15 to $20 depending on the night, so make the most of your Groupon and catch a Friday night act. Though college students can get $5 off if they arrive 30 minutes before the show, today's Groupon delivers your discount without taking the chance of being a college student.

One of the great surprises about Atlanta is its bustling local theater scene. Actor’s Express is one of the most reliable and innovative groups in town, always focusing on challenging, creative work. Located in the King Plow Arts Center in West Midtown, the theater itself is rather intimate. You can easily spot the actors in the lobby after the show to congratulate them on a job well done, but the quality is equal to that of Atlanta’s larger, haughtier venues. Founded in 1988, Actor’s Express has always believed in pushing the boundaries of the local theater scene, as evidenced by recent productions like the sexy drama Venus in Fur and the historical rock musical Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. They also incorporate classics like Equus and Kiss of the Spider Woman into their seasons. Annual subscriptions are available, which make for an inexpensive and interesting gift.

The moonshine is always flowing at P'cheen. Bartenders at this local bistro create seasonal cocktails from a selection of 10 or more moonshines, with flavors that include cherry, apple pie, and black tea. They also serve a full list of classic cocktails, such as the speakeasy old fashioned—a mix of bourbon, angostura + orange bitters—and craft beers. In the kitchen, chef Alex prepares a menu of international fusion dishes that complement the throwback libations. His specialties change with the season, since he sources many of his ingredients locally, but may include gazpacho made with local veggies, Guinness-battered fish and chips, and braised short ribs. Brunch is a favorite among regulars, with bottomless mimosas and a good mix of breakfast and lunch foods.

Nabbing the top spot in Jezebel Magazine’s Best of 2013 contest for best night club, Opera Nightclub presents old-fashioned red-curtain glamour. After cracking the dress code, VIPs can romp freely through all areas under the club’s 100-foot ceilings, including a VIP-only upstairs area with cozy private nooks. Cash in two drink tickets for a beer or a cocktail to delicately balance while finally perfecting the Super Bowl Shuffle, or take in the deck’s panoramic view of the city and its galactic ceiling. Opera’s crowd-charming DJs spin top 40 hits alongside genre-specific jams, catering to hip-hop hankerings and salsa appetites alike.

The 27-Grammys-and-counting ASO keeps the summer shows rolling with its outdoor presentations of Liza Minnelli, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and .38 Special. The symphony accompanies Liza as she sings American standards as well as a few intimate renditions with her quartet and Billy Stritch. The ASO hands the musical reins over for the next two concerts, allowing Mary Chapin Carpenter to sing folk and country hits from her two-decade career, including songs from the Grammy-nominated album, The Calling. Finishing the trio with its signature Southern-rock sound is .38 Special, whose string of decade-dominating hits in the '80s will be joined by songs from more-recent albums.