A mixologist who knows his or her way behind the bar can transform a watering hole into a discerning libation destination. Skip the shaker-slinging theatrics and consider one of the following ’tenders whose serious cocktail knowledge always shakes things up.

● Rosebud (Virginia-Highland) - Morningsiders swallow house-infused cocktails and new-school Southern yummies. ● The Arizona Pub (Candler Park) - Nearby condo dwellers intake pub grub and libations inside two-level haunt.

● RA Sushi (Midtown) - Young crowd clutches cocktails and gorges on Americanized sushi. ● Fuego Mundo (Sandy Springs) - Quickie South American-style, woodfire grill in a snazzy strip mall.

● Gordon Biersch (Buckhead) - Brew-pub restaurant chain takes over competitor's old digs including 18-vat, in-house brewery.

● WaterHaven (Midtown) - Affordable farm-to-table eats and organic treats appeal to both the foodie and patchouli sets. ● Shoya Japanese Restaurant (Tucker) - A Japanese tapas and booze joint with wood paneling and pubby ambience.

● Tiny Bistro (Westside) - Hidden, cozy lunch spot serving sandwiches stacked with awesomeness. ● 30 Tables (Downtown) - Hip boutique hotel restaurant pimps breakfast, lunch, dinner, and full bar.

● Abattoir (Westside) - Foodie all-stars create whole animal cuisine in former slaughterhouse.

● Varasano's Pizzeria - (Buckhead) Former engineer's quest for perfect pie results in specialty pizzas worth a try.

● Drinkshop (Downtown) - Boutique booze and homemade mixers served in a chic, neo-retro environment.

● BLT Steak (Downtown) - Discerning steak comes first, seafood second at hip, French bistro-meets-steakhouse in W Hotel Downtown.