Atlanta’s liquor retail market is one of the most dynamic in the Southeast, shaped by Georgia’s three-tier alcohol distribution system, the city’s sophisticated cocktail culture, and the metro area’s large and diverse consumer base. Georgia law requires that spirits, beer, and wine be sold through licensed retail establishments rather than directly by producers at off-premises, which has created a strong independent and chain liquor store market throughout Atlanta and its suburbs. The city’s growing craft cocktail scene, expanding home bartending culture, and large hospitality industry have driven demand for premium spirits, rare whiskeys, and specialty liqueurs that go well beyond the standard package store offering. Sunday sales, permitted since 2011 in Atlanta after 12:30 PM, have further strengthened the retail liquor market.
When choosing a liquor store in Atlanta, look for stores that maintain broad selection across spirit categories, knowledgeable staff who can discuss production methods and flavor profiles, and transparent pricing without excessive markup on in-demand allocations. Georgia’s distribution system means some products are not available in the state regardless of the store, so a good retailer will be honest about what they can and cannot source. Red flags include stores that gouge prices on allocated whiskies far beyond suggested retail, lack basic product knowledge, or maintain poorly organized inventory. Atlanta’s best liquor stores invest in staff education and use their buying relationships to provide customers with value and access.
Top Liquor Store Companies in Atlanta
1. Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits
Founded: 1948
Address: 2161 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: (404) 881-0902
Website: https://www.towerwinespirits.com
Hours: Monday through Saturday 8:00 AM to 11:45 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Services:
- Spirits including whiskey, bourbon, gin, rum, and tequila
- Wine and craft beer
- Volume discount pricing
- Tower Card loyalty program
- Special order for Georgia-available products
- Same-day curbside and delivery
About: Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits has served Atlanta since 1948 as a family-owned retailer that combines the selection of a large-format store with the customer orientation of a neighborhood shop. The Buckhead location on Piedmont Road has been the cornerstone of Atlanta’s independent liquor retail market for over 75 years, built on a commitment to the lowest overall prices in the city combined with service that includes special ordering any Georgia-available product. The Tower Card loyalty program extends additional discounts on wine and spirits to members beyond already competitive everyday pricing. Tower’s recent craft beer expansion has strengthened an already exceptional liquor and wine foundation.
2. Total Wine & More
Address: 2955 Cobb Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (770) 799-9390
Website: https://www.totalwine.com
Services:
- Extensive spirits selection across all categories
- Wine from every major producing region
- Craft, import, and domestic beer
- Cigars
- Educational events and free weekly tastings
- Total Wine rewards program
About: Total Wine & More operates its Akers Mill location near the Cumberland corridor as a large-format beverage retail destination with one of the broadest spirits selections in the Atlanta market. The chain is the largest independent retailer of fine wine in the United States and brings that buying scale to its Atlanta spirits and beer inventory as well, typically offering prices that match or undercut competitive specialty retailers. The store hosts regular educational tastings and events that make it a community resource for Atlanta beverage enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge across wine, spirits, and craft beer. Total Wine’s size enables it to carry allocated and small-batch products that smaller Atlanta stores cannot reliably stock.
3. Capital City Wine & Spirits
Address: 784 Collier Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 351-7579
Website: https://www.capitalwineandliquor.com
Services:
- Full spirits selection
- Wine and craft beer
- Lottery tickets
- Local and Atlanta-area customer service
- Competitive everyday pricing
About: Capital City Wine & Spirits serves the Collier Hills and Buckhead border neighborhoods with a full-service package store that has built a loyal following among West Midtown residents through consistent pricing, friendly service, and a product range that covers everyday needs alongside premium requests. The store’s location on Collier Road makes it a convenient neighborhood option for residents of the surrounding residential corridors who want a reliable local source for spirits, wine, and beer without driving to a large-format store. Capital City maintains competitive pricing on standard brands while also stocking a selection of premium and craft spirits that reflect the tastes of the surrounding community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are Georgia’s liquor store hours in Atlanta?
A: Atlanta liquor stores licensed to sell spirits can operate Monday through Saturday and, since 2011, on Sundays after 12:30 PM. Individual store hours vary, with Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits open until 11:45 PM Monday through Saturday and Total Wine & More typically closing around 10:00 PM. Georgia law prohibits Christmas Day alcohol sales and restricts election day hours in some circumstances. Always check specific store hours before making a special trip.
Q: What do spirits typically cost at Atlanta liquor stores?
A: Entry-level bourbon and whiskey runs $20 to $35 at Atlanta retailers. Mid-tier craft distillery expressions and established brands run $40 to $70. Premium aged and small-batch whiskeys range from $70 to $200 and above. Popular tequila expressions follow similar pricing tiers. Allocated and limited-release bottles, including certain bourbons from major Kentucky distilleries, command significant premiums over suggested retail in the secondary market, though reputable Atlanta stores try to sell them at or near MSRP when available.
Q: Can Atlanta liquor stores deliver?
A: Yes, several Atlanta liquor retailers including Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits offer same-day delivery through their own service or third-party delivery platforms. Drizly and Instacart connect Atlanta customers with local liquor stores for on-demand delivery. Check specific store websites and delivery platform availability by address, as coverage varies by neighborhood and distance.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s liquor retail market offers buyers strong options across format and price point, from Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits’ 75-year family-owned legacy in Buckhead to Total Wine & More’s large-format selection and educational programming at Akers Mill, with Capital City Wine & Spirits serving the Collier Hills neighborhood with consistent everyday value. Each of these businesses has earned the loyalty of Atlanta spirits and wine buyers through genuine service and competitive pricing. Contact them directly for product availability, current promotions, and delivery options.