Best Mai Tais in Atlanta: Trader Vic's

Trader Vic’s is a restaurant downtown Atlanta that specializes in Asian-inspired flavors. It’s a great place for special occasions, whether romantic, family, or business-related.

This eatery is perhaps best known for the Mai Tai – a cocktail made with rum, lime juice, almond syrup (orgeat), and a few other ingredients. It’s perfect for kicking off your meal or getting an early start on your weekend. Keep reading to see you can snag a great deal on this beverage.

WHY GO:
Because you want to celebrate a big milestone, or perhaps to elevate your date night.

THE VIBE:
Tropical, yet classy. Trader Vic’s is a white tablecloth restaurant, but the décor makes you feel like you’re on an island in the Pacific.

The bar at Trader Vic’s in Atlanta (c) Anna Lanfreschi

DRINK THIS:
The Mai Tai.

Trader Vic’s easily has the best Mai Tais in Atlanta, and on Thursdays, they’re only $6!

According to Trader Vic’s, “Mai Tai” means “out of this world” in Tahitian, which is a very appropriate name for this cocktail. It is so good! Trader Vic’s Mai Tai is not overly sweet, and it immediately transports you to the beach.

The famous Mai Tai at Trader Vic’s (c) Anna Lanfreschi

EAT THIS:
Try one of the signature items, which are cooked in Chinese wood-fire ovens. Each dish is ever so slightly smoked and very flavorful.

The Chinese wood-fire ovens at Trader Vic’s in Atlanta (c) Anna Lanfreschi

The Cha Siu pork is a great wood-fired appetizer: Perfectly shareable, and it comes with a trio of delicious dipping sauces. And for your main entrée, the Indonesian rack of lamb and the smoked bacon-wrapped scallops are highly recommended.

Indonesian rack of lamb at Trader Vic’s (c) Anna Lanfreschi

Bacon-wrapped scallops at Trader Vic’s (c) Anna Lanfreschi

Trader Vic’s Cha Siu pork with a trio of dipping sauces (c) Anna Lanfreschi

Do save some room for dessert, especially bananas foster. This dish is made tableside, and there’s fire involved. It’s as fun as it is delicious.

Bananas foster being prepared table-side at Trader Vic’s in Atlanta (c) Anna Lanfreschi

LOGISTICS:
Trader Vic’s is located inside the Hilton Hotel downtown Atlanta. Parking for the restaurant is available on Piedmont Avenue, behind the hotel.