Entry No. 9 — the Atlanta file — filed under: speakeasy
The James Room
By day it's a quiet cafe pulling espresso at the base of the Studioplex lofts near the BeltLine; after 5pm the same room folds itself into a candlelit speakeasy of leather booths and chandeliers — you park at Studioplex, walk down to BeltLine level, and the bar is at the end of the staircase closest to the deck.
The story
At BeltLine level inside the Studioplex lofts, Suite 280 looks like a standard high-design coffee stop pulling espresso with sea-salt lavender or rosemary-sage syrup. Mid-afternoon sun spills through the glass, daytime R&B hums over the speakers, and commuters sip coffee on the patio deck. But if you pay attention to the back wall of the cafe, the floor plan doesn't quite add up. Sitting right in plain sight is an inconspicuous door disguised as a bookshelf.
After 5 p.m., the venue pulls off its dual-identity trick. That bookcase swings open to reveal a dark, candlelit sanctuary lined with leather banquettes and low chandeliers. When owner Harold Brinkley took over the space in 2020, he stripped away its former European patisserie framing to construct what he calls a 'vibe dining' room—a middle ground designed specifically for people who want the bass, soul, and energy of hip-hop and R&B culture without having to step foot inside a chaotic nightclub.
What it's like
Park at the Studioplex structure, walk down the staircase closest to the deck, and enter at BeltLine level. If you step through the daytime cafe after dark, the host will guide you past the hidden bookcase into a dark, moody cavern lit mostly by candlelight. You didn't hear it from us, but don't expect a whisper-quiet cocktail den; the DJ and curated sound system turn up hip-hop, soul, and reggaeton, making the space intentionally loud and high-energy. Door staff strictly cap capacity so the leather booths never turn into a crowd scene, which means securing a reservation in advance is mandatory on weekends if you want to avoid waiting on the stairs.
The move: Coffee here mid-afternoon, a walk on the Eastside Trail past Ponce City Market, then circle back after dark when the same room has become a different bar entirely.
- 📍 Old Fourth Ward (Studioplex), Atlanta
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 661 Auburn Ave NE, Suite 280, Atlanta, GA 30312
Hours: Added 2026-07-19 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Ranger Station — Keep your hidden-bar crawl moving along the Eastside BeltLine by swapping The James Room's candlelit R&B lounge for this 1970s ski-lodge attic hidden above Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall.
- Whitespace Gallery — Before the evening lights go down at Studioplex, walk a few minutes into Inman Park to browse contemporary art tucked inside a discreet 1893 carriage house.
- Junkman's Daughter — Pair a high-energy evening of cocktails with an afternoon sifting through 10,000 square feet of pop-culture oddities and vintage oddball finds in neighboring Little Five Points.
- Trader Vic's — Transition from Auburn Avenue's modern hip-hop speakeasy into a windowless, time-capsule basement tiki lair downtown.
Good to know
How do you find the hidden lounge entrance?
Enter the daytime cafe at Suite 280 on the BeltLine level of Studioplex. Inside, a hidden door disguised as a bookcase leads directly into the speakeasy lounge.
What kind of music do they play?
Daytime hours feature relaxed R&B in the cafe; after dark, the back room turns up resident DJ sets and curated playlists spanning hip-hop, soul, R&B, pop, and reggaeton.
Do they serve food in addition to cocktails?
Yes, the lounge serves small plates and tapas alongside its cocktail menu, including options like charcuterie boards, balsamic raspberry lamb chops, short rib flatbreads, and salmon nachos.
Do I need a reservation to get in?
Reservations are strongly recommended on Friday and Saturday nights, as door staff strictly limit capacity inside the lounge space to keep seating accessible.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · atlantacrest.com · ajc.com · blackrestaurantweek.com · whatnowatlanta.com · atlantamagazine.com
last checked: 2026-07-19