Slice Downtown Atlanta: What to Know About This Downtown Pizza Spot
If you search for “Slice Downtown Atlanta”, you’re almost always looking for one thing: good pizza in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, close to the big arenas, hotels, and office buildings. This guide walks you through what Slice Downtown is, where it fits into the downtown dining scene, and what to expect if you’re planning a visit before or after a game, concert, or workday.
Where Slice Downtown Fits in Downtown Atlanta
Downtown Atlanta is packed with:
- Office towers and government buildings
- Major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, and the College Football Hall of Fame
- Big venues such as State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium
In this environment, Slice Downtown fills a specific niche: a casual, New York–style pizza spot where you can get a quick slice, a full pie, or a simple sit-down meal without leaving the core of downtown.
People commonly head to Slice Downtown for:
- A fast lunch break from nearby offices
- A pre-game or post-game meal around the CNN Center / Centennial Park area
- A quick, familiar option for out-of-town visitors staying at downtown hotels
It’s the kind of place locals often recommend when someone asks, “Where can I just grab a good slice near the arena?”
Location and Practical Details
Slice Downtown is in the heart of downtown Atlanta’s business and tourist district, within walking distance of many major hotels and attractions.
Typical Downtown Location Context
While you should verify current details before heading out (restaurants can move or change hours), you can generally expect:
- Nearby landmarks: Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center
- Surrounding environment: Office buildings, residential high-rises, hotels, and MARTA access
- Typical crowd: A mix of downtown workers, students, tourists, and sports/concert fans
If you’re staying anywhere around Peachtree Street, Marietta Street, or near the CNN Center/State Farm Arena area, Slice Downtown is often within a short walk or a quick rideshare.
What to Expect on the Menu
Slice Downtown typically focuses on New York–style pizza and a few related favorites that work well for both dine-in and takeout.
Core Offerings
You’ll usually find:
- Pizza by the slice – Large, foldable slices with familiar toppings
- Whole pies – Classic and specialty pizzas in various sizes
- Calzones or stromboli – Folded or rolled variations of pizza
- Salads – Simple salads that pair well if you want something lighter
- Appetizers – Items like garlic knots or breadsticks
Common topping styles include:
- Classic combos: Pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, onions, peppers
- Veggie options: Spinach, olives, tomatoes, onions, peppers
- Build-your-own: Choose your own sauce and toppings
Most people find that ordering by the slice is fastest if you’re in a rush before a game or heading back to a conference.
Atmosphere: Casual, Quick, and Downtown-Centric
Slice Downtown is built around convenience and a laid-back vibe:
- Casual dress: Come as you are—game jerseys, tourist gear, or office clothes
- Counter service: Order at the counter, grab a table if you’re dining in
- Noise level: Can be fairly lively, especially on event nights
- Solo-friendly: Easy place to eat alone at a table or while you wait for takeout
If you’re visiting Atlanta for the first time and staying downtown, Slice Downtown tends to feel familiar and straightforward, similar to busy slice shops in larger cities.
When to Go: Timing and Crowds
Downtown Atlanta’s rhythm is heavily influenced by office hours, conventions, and events. Slice Downtown follows that pattern.
Typical Busy Times
You’ll usually see heavier crowds:
- Weekday lunch (roughly 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.)
- Evenings when there’s a game or concert at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Convention peaks when big events are at the Georgia World Congress Center
If you want a quieter experience:
- Aim for late afternoon on non-event days
- Avoid the window immediately before big events start
Because event traffic in downtown can be unpredictable, it’s smart to build in a little extra time if you’re eating there right before a show or game.
Getting to Slice Downtown Without the Hassle
Parking and traffic are often what Atlanta residents and visitors worry about most downtown. Here’s how Slice Downtown usually fits into that.
Parking Considerations
In the immediate area, you’re dealing with:
- Paid parking decks and lots near the arenas and major attractions
- Event pricing on nights with games or concerts
- Limited and time-restricted street parking
If you’re driving, a typical approach is:
- Park once in a deck that works for both your event and your meal.
- Walk to Slice Downtown from your car or hotel, rather than moving your vehicle again.
📝 Tip: Look for garages near Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, or along Marietta Street NW and plan your meal around where you’ve already parked.
MARTA and Walking
If you want to skip parking:
- Take MARTA Rail to GWCC/CNN Center or Five Points stations.
- Walk from the station to the restaurant and your event venue.
Because Slice Downtown is in the core of downtown, it’s usually walkable from most major downtown hotels and from the central MARTA stations.
Eating at Slice Downtown Before or After Events
Many people specifically plan Slice Downtown around an event.
Before a Game or Concert
If you’re heading to:
- State Farm Arena
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- A big Centennial Park or Georgia World Congress Center event
You’ll want to:
- Arrive at Slice earlier than you think on big event nights (at least 60–90 minutes before start time if you want to sit).
- Consider ordering pizza by the slice for faster service.
- Expect foot traffic to pick up sharply as the event start time approaches.
After Events
After a game or show:
- The area can be very busy, with crowds spilling out into nearby streets.
- Depending on the time, you may still find slice and takeout service, but lines can be long.
- Check current hours before planning a very late-night visit; downtown closing times change more often than in some neighborhoods.
Takeout, Large Orders, and Group Visits
Downtown Atlanta hosts:
- Corporate offices
- Student groups on field trips
- Convention and conference crowds
Slice Downtown is often used for:
- Office lunches: Employees from nearby buildings walking over or ordering takeout
- Group grab-and-go: Friends or coworkers grabbing whole pies before an event
- Hotel groups: Visitors picking up pizza to eat back at the hotel
If you’re planning for a larger group:
- Consider calling ahead to arrange multiple pies or a specific pickup time.
- Plan around downtown traffic, especially if you’re driving in from outside the city.
This can be especially helpful during large conventions, when downtown restaurants fill up fast.
How Slice Downtown Compares to Nearby Options
In Downtown Atlanta, your pizza and casual dining options include:
- Sit-down restaurants with broader menus
- National chains near major attractions
- Other local pizza shops in the larger downtown/midtown area
Where Slice Downtown tends to stand out is:
- Location: Walkable from many big venues and hotels
- Speed and simplicity: Pizza by the slice makes it easy to eat quickly
- Familiar style: New York–influenced slices that feel approachable to most visitors
If you’re exploring different neighborhoods—like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Inman Park—you’ll find other pizza styles and atmospheres. But for strictly downtown, Slice Downtown is one of the better-known, centrally located slice shops.
Tips for Locals and Visitors
A few quick pointers tailored to how people actually use Slice Downtown in Atlanta:
If you work downtown:
- Learn the less-busy lunch windows (often before noon or after 1:30 p.m.).
- Consider whole pies for team lunches or late work nights.
If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying downtown:
- Use Slice Downtown as a no-stress option within walking distance of major hotels.
- Pair it with a Georgia Aquarium or Centennial Olympic Park visit for a simple day out.
If you’re coming in just for a game or concert:
- Park once near your venue and walk to Slice instead of trying to re-park.
- Give yourself a time buffer; event nights can shift from calm to packed very quickly.
Quick Snapshot: Slice Downtown at a Glance
| Aspect | What to Expect in Downtown Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Food style | New York–style pizza by the slice and whole pies |
| Typical use | Quick lunch, pre/post-event meal, casual dine-in or takeout |
| Atmosphere | Casual, busy, event-driven crowds, mix of locals and visitors |
| Best for | Walking from hotels, offices, or arenas; fast, familiar food |
| Common timing | Weekday lunches, evenings around games/concerts |
| Transit options | Walkable from central downtown; close to MARTA and main attractions |
Slice Downtown Atlanta is essentially downtown’s go-to slice shop—not fancy, but convenient, familiar, and strategically located for office workers, tourists, and fans heading to Atlanta’s biggest venues.
