Bar Review - Untarnished Halo

The Biltmore Hotel stood vacant for years, its ballroom neglected, its elegance moldering in silence. But developers hip to turning things around nursed the aging beauty back to health to its newest incarnation as part office, part retail space. The basement got a complete makeover of its own and after two years of extensive remodeling, fashion-forward Halo debuted.

The same group that brought East Atlanta the trendy Fountainhead Lounge outdid themselves designing its interior. Attention was paid to just about everything: bathroom fixtures, ventilation, tabletops, lighting. According to the owners, it’s a blend of “minimalist and de-Constructivist architecture,” and it’s just about the coolest place to hang out in the city and get a drink. The glowing marble bar, sleek glass and funky lighting fixtures are stylish enough for Manhattan.

For those of you in the eye-rolling anti-set who think Halo is just for trend-monkeys, you’re dead wrong. It’s one of the few places where beat boys mix with Buckhead snobs, blue jeans mix with Armani. You can get a bottle of Dom for $375, but also a Guinness for five bucks. If you’re missing the peanuts and pretzels, finish off a pint with Stephen Leeds shockingly good “Bad Ass Cheese Plate” for $12 or an über grilled cheese sandwich with melted Reblochon, Tome and Ubriaco ($7).

Sure, there are plenty of chunky black glasses, Steve Madden shoes and black-on-black ensembles to be found, but Halo is not just the weekend attitude swarm and loud DJ tracks. Monday industry nights draw an eclectic young crowd in search of gratis featured drinks — a free cosmopolitan does wonders for diversity. Friday and Saturday evenings glut the entrance with flashes of bling-bling and the fashion sensitive sporting their credit cards on their sleeves. Celebrities do show up from time-to-time — Janet Jackson, Tyra Banks and a list of hip-hop locals, including OutKast. But bartenders like Eddie Johnson and the rest of the behind-the-bar crowd offer smiles and quick pours to all instead of surly attitude. So, envision NYC attitude if you must, but expect Southern hospitality as well.Halo, 817 W. Peachtree St., Suite E-100, on 6th Street between West Peachtree and Cypress in the basement of the Biltmore Hotel. Mon.-Thurs., Sat. 4 p.m.-3 a.m.; Fri. 4 p.m.-4 a.m. 404-962-7333. www.halolounge.com.