California Pizza Kitchen at Atlantic Station in Atlanta, GA: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re searching for California Pizza Kitchen at Atlantic Station in Atlanta, GA, you’re probably asking two things at once:

  1. Does California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) currently operate at Atlantic Station?
  2. Where can you enjoy a similar pizza-and-pasta experience in or near Atlanta if you’re already in that area?

This guide walks through what’s going on at Atlantic Station, what to expect from the broader area around it, and how Atlanta locals and visitors typically handle pizza and casual dining around this part of the city.

Is There a California Pizza Kitchen at Atlantic Station Right Now?

As of the most recent widely available public information, California Pizza Kitchen does not currently operate a restaurant at Atlantic Station in Midtown Atlanta.

In the past, some chain restaurants have opened and later closed at Atlantic Station as the development has evolved. Tenants at Atlantic Station do change over time, so:

  • You may see older references online suggesting that CPK was tied to Atlantic Station.
  • The most reliable way to verify a current location is to check California Pizza Kitchen’s official store locator or Atlantic Station’s current tenant directory before you head out.

If you are physically at Atlantic Station, look for the latest dining map or information kiosk on-site, or ask the concierge or security staff which restaurants are currently open.

Understanding Atlantic Station as a Dining Destination

Even without a current California Pizza Kitchen, Atlantic Station is still one of Atlanta’s better-known mixed-use developments for shopping, dining, and entertainment, especially for people staying or living in Midtown and West Midtown.

A quick overview of the area:

  • Location: Just west of I-75/85, off 17th Street NW, in Midtown Atlanta.
  • Environment: Outdoor, walkable streets with a central green, shops, movie theater, and a rotating mix of restaurants and smaller food spots.
  • Who it suits:
    • Midtown residents who want dinner and a movie
    • Visitors staying in nearby hotels
    • Georgia Tech students looking for a night out close to campus

If your main goal is “pizza and something casual, like what CPK offers,” Atlantic Station and nearby neighborhoods give you several realistic alternatives.

If You Wanted California Pizza Kitchen–Style Food at Atlantic Station

California Pizza Kitchen is known for:

  • Specialty pizzas (like BBQ chicken or creative toppings)
  • Pastas and salads
  • A casual sit-down atmosphere, often good for groups or families

You can typically find similar experiences in and around Atlantic Station, even if it’s not the same brand. When you’re at Atlantic Station, consider:

  • Sit-down casual restaurants for a relaxed meal
  • Pizza-focused spots nearby (on 14th Street, Howell Mill Road, or further into Midtown)
  • Takeout-friendly pizza if you’re heading back to a hotel or apartment

Because tenants rotate, you’ll want to quickly check what’s open right now using Atlantic Station’s official directory or a current map once you arrive.

Nearby Pizza & Casual Options Around Atlantic Station

While this guide avoids ranking or promotion, it’s useful to understand the types of places you’re likely to find within a short drive or rideshare of Atlantic Station that can fill the same “CPK-style night out” need:

  • Neapolitan or wood-fired pizza spots along Howell Mill Road and into West Midtown
  • New York–style or slice shops closer to Georgia Tech and Midtown
  • Restaurant-bar hybrids that serve pizza, wings, and American fare, often with sports on TV

Many Atlanta diners who used to seek out a specific chain at Atlantic Station now:

  1. Meet friends or family at Atlantic Station for shopping or a movie
  2. Then drive or rideshare 5–10 minutes to a nearby pizza or Italian place in Midtown, West Midtown, or along Peachtree Street

If you’re staying at a Midtown hotel, the front desk or concierge usually has current suggestions within a short walking or rideshare distance.

Getting to Atlantic Station from Around Atlanta

Even if your ultimate destination ends up not being California Pizza Kitchen, you might still want to head to Atlantic Station and decide on a restaurant once you’re there.

By Car

Atlantic Station is located near 17th Street NW between I-75 and I-85.

  • Look for signs to the 17th Street exit off the Downtown Connector (I-75/85).
  • Once off the interstate, follow signage into Atlantic Station’s parking decks.
  • Parking is typically in large structured garages beneath or beside the main retail area.

Tip: If your plan is to explore a couple of spots or catch a movie after dinner, parking at Atlantic Station works well because you can leave the car and walk.

By MARTA

If you’re coming from another part of Atlanta and don’t want to drive:

  • Take MARTA’s Red or Gold line to Arts Center Station in Midtown.
  • From Arts Center, you can typically use the Atlantic Station shuttle (often free), which runs between the station and the Atlantic Station district.

Because transit schedules can shift, it’s wise to:

  • Check MARTA’s official site or service alerts
  • Look for updated shuttle information posted at Arts Center Station

How Locals Use Atlantic Station in Their Dining Plans

People in Atlanta often combine Atlantic Station with other nearby areas to create a full evening:

  • Option 1: All-in-one at Atlantic Station

    • Shop or walk around the central green
    • Pick a restaurant in the district
    • See a movie or attend an event in the plaza
  • Option 2: Split the night between Atlantic Station and Midtown/West Midtown

    • Start at Atlantic Station for shopping or events
    • Drive or rideshare to a nearby pizza or Italian restaurant that fits your group’s style
    • Head back to Atlantic Station or your hotel afterward

If you had your heart set on California Pizza Kitchen–style food, it helps to think more in terms of:

  • Style of pizza you want (creative toppings vs. classic)
  • Atmosphere (family-friendly, date night, game day)
  • Convenience (walkable from Atlantic Station vs. short drive)

This approach usually leads to a good substitute, even without a CPK at Atlantic Station itself.

Quick Reference: Atlantic Station Basics

Below is a simple summary to help plan your visit, especially if you were initially searching for California Pizza Kitchen at Atlantic Station in Atlanta, GA and now need a broader view:

TopicKey Details (Atlanta / Atlantic Station)
Current CPK at Atlantic StationNo active California Pizza Kitchen location confirmed at Atlantic Station
AreaMixed-use retail, dining, residential, and entertainment in Midtown Atlanta
Typical UseShopping, casual dining, movies, events, and meetups
Access by CarOff 17th Street NW from I-75/85, structured garage parking
Access by MARTAArts Center Station + Atlantic Station shuttle (check current schedule)
Dining StrategyDine on-site or pair Atlantic Station with nearby Midtown/West Midtown spots

Practical Tips if You’re Specifically Looking for California Pizza Kitchen

If your search is specifically for California Pizza Kitchen in the Atlanta area, and not just for Atlantic Station itself, here are a few practical steps:

  1. Use the CPK official location finder

    • Enter “Atlanta, GA” or your ZIP code.
    • Confirm the exact address, hours, and phone number of the nearest open restaurant.
  2. Check maps carefully

    • Some search results may still reference older locations or outdated listings.
    • Confirm any “Atlantic Station” mention against current tenant lists.
  3. Call ahead

    • If you see a location listed as near Midtown or Atlantic Station, call the restaurant to confirm it’s open and dine-in is available.
  4. Have a backup plan

    • If CPK is farther than you prefer to travel, choose a pizza or casual restaurant in Midtown, West Midtown, or Buckhead that fits your timing and transportation options.

In short, there is not currently a California Pizza Kitchen at Atlantic Station in Atlanta, GA, but Atlantic Station remains a useful hub for an evening out. You can easily pair its shopping, movies, and events with a nearby pizza or casual restaurant in Midtown or West Midtown for an experience similar to what many people once associated with going to CPK at a mixed-use center.