The upscale aesthetics inside The Social House Cocktail Lounge in Atlanta exceeds what meets the eye. Aside from the fact it’s situated on Auburn Avenue – described in the 1950s as the “richest Negro street in the world” by Fortune Magazine, it’s a place where the owner wants people to feel right at home.
“The Social House is like going to your best friend’s house,” owner Henry Stokes tells Travel Noire. “Our motto is, ‘Come in, make yourself at home, and be social.’ Our experience is set up like you’re going to your best friend’s house with the dope crib who also knows how to cook.”
The lounge officially launched in June 2023 and already has a reputation as a place to reserve well in advance. People are showing up to be immersed amid good people in a safe and welcoming space with exclusive cocktails and unique charcuterie board offerings you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Here’s why you should visit The Social House Cocktail Lounge in Atlanta during your next visit.
Surf and Turf Charcuterie Boards
Stokes tapped into the best of the best to bring guests an elevated experience. Celebrity chef and culinary artist Willie Wallace, Ye’s personal chef, is behind the lounge’s iconic charcuterie boards.
There are a few options to choose from that are fitting for people vibing alone or with a group of friends. Guests who order the fruit board will get strawberries, blueberries, oranges, grapes, and dried fruit. The solo single board has cured meats, assorted cheese, crackers, and marinated olives. The most popular among guests is the social surf and turf board. It’s made with marinated ribeye, broiled creole lobster, asparagus smoked trout dip, cheese, and more.
Exclusive Cocktails and Wines
Stokes has traveled throughout the world, from Europe to the Middle East and Africa. The cocktail menu reflects his travels and is an ode to Black films.
Stokes partnered with world-renowned mixologist and sommelier Eric Nathan to create the cocktail menu. Mo’ Betta Blues comes with the Black-owned Uncle Dearest 1856 mixed with demerara syrup, basil, balsamic tincture, and lemon oil. The Poetic Justice has Patròn Reposado, Cocchi Americano, Merlet Crème de Fraise, and fresh lemon. The owner’s favorite, The Color Purple, is made with Remy Martin VSOP, ginger syrup, a housemade Hibiscus ice cube, and fresh lime.
Beyond spirits, there’s an impressive wine selection that includes rare and exclusive bottles. Many of the wines come from South Africa – a wine region that has grown in popularity over the last few decades.
Cigar Lounge and Custom Suits
Stokes says Atlanta has one of the best scenes in the world. As a cigar producer himself, Stokes co-founded Atlanta Cigar Week. People don’t have to wait for the special week. He says the ability to smoke cigars inside speakeasies in the city can be challenging, which is why guests have the chance to experience tasting an array of cigars inside The Social House Cocktail Lounge. For Stokes, it’s a way to introduce Atlanta’s unique cigar industry.
Cigars aren’t the only exclusive experience inside. Stokes teamed up with Garçon Couture so people can get a suit custom-made or tailored.
Exclusivity
The Social House is open to the public but only on the first floor. The best experience is inside the members-only lounge – on the upper level – where members get exclusive benefits.
“Everything we serve is available in the public space, but upstairs is where guests will get priority on exclusive bottles of wine that are in limited supply,” says Stokes.