Tucked away on the Beltline, Burle’s Bar in Old Fourth Ward is truly a hidden gem. It uniquely distinguishes itself from any lounge with inspirations drawn from the Brazilian landscape architect, Roberto Burle Marx (1909-1994), who is best known for his futuristic garden-designs and tropical plant discoveries.
Burle’s Bar creates a modern testimony to Marx’s legacy with its earthy shades of green and modern touch, tying it to the Victorian Atlanta plant shop that is just downstairs of the bar. The Victorian Atlanta plant shop started at Ponce City Market in 2017, and in 2023 with the addition of Burle’s Bar, they have bloomed their way onto the Beltline together.
Burle’s Bar is a modern reinterpretation of a 1960s cocktail lounge with the ambient lighting and live jazz. With the embellishment of plant species and seasonal drink menu inspired by the plants downstairs, this third space creates a unique combination of moody vibes and love for nature. The extension from the intimate indoor space to the outdoor patio allows people to roam and socialize.
On Tuesday evenings from 7-10 p.m., local jazz band Creosoteclone plays a range of classic jazz hits on the patio attracting many locals and visitors to this spot. “Jazz Tuesday Nights” have been consistent since 2023 at Burle’s Bar with an invitation to play jazz styles like Bebop and “straight-ahead jazz.”
While predominantly playing this “straight-ahead jazz,” Creosoteclone honors and appreciates the foundations of jazz rooted within New Orleans founded from Black artists that made way to later styles like Bebop and contemporary jazz. Creosoteclone plays music ranging from artists like Charlie Parker to Latin jazz influences like Cristóbal Pinto and Gabriel Santiago which complement Burle’s Bar’s desire to preserve its artistic influences.
The venue maintains a timeless quality despite its modern incorporations and location with their preservation of historical artists like Marx and jazz culture. People from all ages and demographics turn out to“Jazz Tuesday” nights, as advertisements through online platforms like TikTok attract people from all over to enjoy the atmosphere and live jazz. Burle’s Bar proves that the spirit of jazz still remains alive today in its prevalence in the food and drink industry.
The growing trend in the food and drink industry has shifted from feeding people to creating holistic experiences. Burle’s Bar satisfies this demand in which they attract and normalize “going out” at the beginning of the week with these jazz nights. Additionally, they continue this momentum by hosting occasional food pop-ups to keep the place fresh and lively.
Secluded on the Beltline, Burle’s Bar creates a third-space to unwind and share a drink and listen and enjoy live jazz in good company. Their recognition of Roberto Burle Marx through their partnership with The Victorian Atlanta plant shop alongside support for local bands like Creosoteclone, spark conversation and connection. These elements attract a special community made up of Atlanta locals and a must-visit bucket-list destination for those out of town.