Bar Review - 'Spin me right 'round' at Sun Dial

Perched atop the tallest hotel in the Western hemisphere, the Sun Dial Bar gives new meaning to the question, "Is the room spinning?"

We've all asked ourselves that a time or two when overindulging, but at this bar, it's not all in your head. The bar actually revolves, providing the kind of panoramic view of the city that only, well, a fully rotating lounge (that completes a revolution every hour) at the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza can provide.

With low lights that allow a better view of Atlanta's sparkling office towers and twinkling downtown businesses below, the Sun Dial Bar, located one level above its power-lunch friendly restaurant, strikes a decidedly softer profile. Set with ruby-toned club chairs and sapphire carpeting, the bar glows with romance and even a hint of luxury.

Of course, this is the least you could expect when, on a clear night, those not staying at the hotel can spend $7.50 for the privilege of riding up to the bar in the hotel's elevator. A hefty price tag considering that delectable signature martinis hover near $10. Apparently, new management read our mind — campaigns in the coming months will lower fees, with rumors that it may even become free to go to the top of the city for a drink.

Spinning around like a Lazy Susan with a great view, it's easy to lose track of time at the Sun Dial Bar. But it's time well spent while enjoying pleasurably dizzying drinks such as the popular Caramel Apple ($9.75), which includes a delectable swirl of real caramel, and the more traditional Very Dirty Goose ($11.25), a generously poured glass of Grey Goose Vodka offset by a savory helping of blue cheese stuffed olives.

Desserts scream decadence, with warm banana bread pudding and peach pot pie at the top of the list of must-try items on a girls' night out. Boys can find similar pleasures in a selection of premium cigars and single-malt scotches.

Though all this adds up to show that the Sun Dial is well aware of its glamour-girl and guy appeal, perhaps the most telling portion of the menu is its selection of souvenir specialties. Tourist-ready Hurricanes and theme drinks like the Blue Atlantan and Peachy Westin come prepared in their own take-home glass.

With its convention-friendly location, the bar is equally aware that it is the tourist, rather than the local, who must leave dizzy with pleasure.

Sun Dial Bar. 210 Peachtree St. 404-589-7506. Mon.-Thurs., 4 p.m.-1 a.m.; Fri., 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat., 2 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.-midnight. www.sundialrestaurant.com.