McCray’s Tavern in Midtown Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re looking for a casual neighborhood spot in Midtown Atlanta with a big patio, good bar food, and plenty of TVs, McCray’s Tavern Midtown is one of the go-to options. Here’s a practical guide to what it’s like, how to get there, and what to expect if you live in Atlanta, work nearby, or are visiting the city.

Where McCray’s Tavern Fits in Midtown

McCray’s Tavern has multiple locations around metro Atlanta, and the Midtown location is designed to feel like a neighborhood pub in the middle of a busy in-town district.

You can expect:

• A casual, laid-back atmosphere
• A mix of local residents, office workers, and Georgia Tech/Georgia State crowd
• A setting that works for after-work drinks, pre-show bites, or weekend sports watching

Because it’s in Midtown, it’s surrounded by apartments, offices, and other restaurants. It’s convenient if you’re already in the area for:

• A show at the Fox Theatre
• Events at Georgia Tech or Colony Square
• A day around Piedmont Park or the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

Location, Parking, and Getting There

McCray’s Tavern Midtown is located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, in a walkable, transit-friendly area.

Getting There by Car

Driving in Midtown can be busy, especially:

• Weeknight evenings (after-work rush)
• Friday and Saturday nights
• During big events (Fox Theatre shows, concerts, festivals in Piedmont Park)

For drivers:

• Expect to use street parking or paid decks nearby.
• Watch for one-way streets and clearly marked “No Parking” zones.
• If you’re unfamiliar with Midtown, navigation apps are especially helpful for turning restrictions and locating nearby decks.

💡 Tip: If you’re planning to watch a big game or meet a group, build in extra time to find parking and walk over.

Getting There by MARTA

McCray’s Midtown is accessible from the Midtown MARTA Station and North Avenue Station, depending on your walking preference and exact location.

• From Midtown Station: You’ll typically have a 10–15 minute walk through central Midtown.
• From North Avenue Station: Walking times can be similar, depending on the route you choose.

This is helpful if:

• You live along the Red/Gold MARTA lines
• You’re staying in Downtown or Buckhead and don’t want to deal with parking
• You’re planning to drink and want to avoid driving

Rideshare and Biking

Because Midtown is dense:

• Rideshare drop-offs are common; drivers can usually find a nearby side street.
• Biking and scooters are an option from nearby neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, and Inman Park, though you’ll want to watch for traffic, especially at major intersections like Peachtree Street and 10th Street.

Atmosphere: What It’s Like Inside (and Outside)

McCray’s Taverns in metro Atlanta generally share a similar tavern-style vibe, and the Midtown location follows that pattern.

You can usually expect:

• Indoor dining with a mix of tables and bar seating
• Multiple TVs tuned to sports
• A patio or outdoor seating area that’s popular when the weather is nice
• Background noise that ranges from moderate to loud, especially during major games

This makes McCray’s Midtown a good fit for:

• Casual group meetups
• Watching Atlanta United, Falcons, Braves, or college football
• Informal work gatherings or happy hours
• Laid-back date nights where you don’t need a quiet, fine-dining atmosphere

It’s usually family-friendly during the day and early evening, with a more adult, bar-like feel later at night.

Food at McCray’s Midtown: What’s Typically on the Menu

Menus can change, but McCray’s Tavern locations around Atlanta tend to focus on American pub food with some Southern touches.

You’ll often find:

• Starters / Shareables

  • Wings
  • Nachos or loaded chips
  • Spinach artichoke dip
  • Fried pickles or similar bar snacks

• Burgers and Sandwiches

  • Classic cheeseburgers and specialty burgers
  • Chicken sandwiches (fried or grilled)
  • Wraps and club sandwiches
  • Veggie-focused options may be limited but often include at least one burger or salad

• Salads and Lighter Options

  • Entrée salads with chicken or shrimp
  • Side salads and soups

• Comfort Food and Entrées

  • Fish and chips
  • Tacos or sliders
  • Occasionally seasonal or special items

Vegetarian or gluten-conscious diners can typically find some options, but if you have strict dietary needs, it’s wise to:

• Review the current menu online before you go
• Ask staff about ingredients and prep methods when you arrive

Drinks: Beer, Cocktails, and More

As a tavern, the Midtown location focuses heavily on beer and bar drinks.

Common features include:

• Draft and bottled beers, often including:
  • Domestic staples
  • A selection of local or regional craft beers
• Cocktails and mixed drinks
• Wine by the glass or bottle
• Non-alcoholic options like soft drinks and tea

Since you’re in Atlanta, you may see Georgia breweries represented on the beer list, which is a plus if you like to sample local options.

🍺 Local tip: If you’re planning a big game day, consider arriving early to grab a good spot with a clear view of multiple TVs, especially during college football season or playoffs.

Typical Uses: When Atlantans Go to McCray’s Midtown

People in Atlanta tend to use McCray’s Midtown for specific kinds of outings:

1. After-Work Drinks and Happy Hour

Midtown is full of offices and co-working spaces, so weeknights after 5 p.m. can be busy with:

• Co-workers grabbing a drink
• Small office celebrations
• Informal networking meetups

If you’re meeting co-workers, this can be more relaxed than a fine-dining spot but nicer than a dive bar.

2. Game Day Watching

McCray’s Midtown is positioned much like other Atlanta sports bars:

• Great for NFL Sundays
• Packed during SEC and college football Saturdays
• Busy during Braves, Hawks, United, and big national events (playoffs, championships, major fights)

You’ll get:

• Plenty of TVs
• A lively crowd
• A bar-focused environment that gets loud when games are close

3. Weekend Social Spot

On Fridays and Saturdays, McCray’s Midtown often serves as:

• A starting point before heading to other Midtown bars or lounges
• A meeting spot before or after a show at the Fox Theatre or events at Colony Square
• A casual date night or friends’ dinner destination

What to Expect Price-Wise

McCray’s Midtown typically falls into the moderate price range for Midtown Atlanta:

• Apps and starters: Usually in a casual-restaurant range (not fast food-cheap, but not fine dining either)
• Burgers and entrées: Comparable to other Midtown taverns or grills
• Drinks: Midtown pricing, generally higher than suburban spots but typical for in-town Atlanta

Because it’s in a prime area:

• Expect your total tab (food + drinks + tax + tip) to align with other Midtown bar-restaurants.
• Group tabs can add up quickly once multiple rounds of drinks are ordered.

When to Go: Timing, Crowds, and Noise

The feel of McCray’s Midtown can change dramatically depending on the time:

If you prefer quieter meals, aim for:

• Weekday lunches
• Early dinners (before about 6 p.m.)
• Non-game days

If you want energy and a full house, plan around:

• Major sporting events
• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings

Tips for Different Types of Visitors

Midtown Residents

If you live in Midtown, Home Park, or nearby neighborhoods:

• McCray’s can serve as a “regular spot” for casual nights out.
• Walking or using MARTA can save time and parking costs.
• It’s a convenient option for hosting friends from out of town who want a taste of Atlanta’s in-town bar scene without going fully into the nightlife club environment.

Atlanta Visitors Staying In or Near Midtown

If your hotel is in Midtown, Downtown, or near the MARTA line:

• McCray’s Midtown is a low-stress choice when you don’t want to dress up or plan extensively.
• You can walk or ride MARTA/rideshare and avoid parking altogether.
• It’s a good way to see how locals use Midtown spots for everyday dining and game day watching.

People Coming from Other Atlanta Neighborhoods

If you’re coming in from Buckhead, Decatur, West Midtown, or the suburbs:

• Check traffic; Midtown can back up on Peachtree Street and the Connector.
• Consider MARTA if you’re close to a station, especially at night or during events.
• If you’re planning a night out that includes multiple Midtown stops, McCray’s can be either the start (pre-game) or end (wind-down) of your route.

Practical Pointers Before You Go

Here are some final, Atlanta-specific planning tips:

• Check event calendars: Look at what’s happening at the Fox Theatre, Piedmont Park, Georgia Tech, or nearby venues. Event nights mean heavier foot traffic and busier crowds.
• Account for weather: On nice days, the patio is popular; on rainy days, indoor tables may fill faster.
• Plan for MARTA timing: If you’re using MARTA late at night, check scheduled train times so you’re not rushing out at the last minute.
• Consider noise level: If you need to have a detailed conversation (work talk, serious discussion), avoid big game nights and peak weekend hours.

McCray’s Tavern Midtown fits neatly into what many Atlantans look for in a Midtown neighborhood bar: approachable food, a solid drink selection, sports on TV, and a location that works whether you’re walking from a nearby condo, riding MARTA, or coming in for a fun night out in the city.