Atlanta Dairies: Your Guide to One of Atlanta’s Coolest Mixed‑Use Destinations

Atlanta Dairies has quickly become one of Atlanta’s most interesting in-town hangout spots, especially if you’re looking for a mix of food, drinks, music, and creative spaces just a few minutes from downtown.

Located on Memorial Drive in the Reynoldstown/Edgewood area, this converted industrial site once housed a working dairy plant. Today, it’s a mixed-use district with restaurants, bars, retail, offices, apartments, and a major music venue, all designed with a retro-modern, slightly nostalgic feel.

Where Atlanta Dairies Is and How to Get There

Address (core development):
Atlanta Dairies – around 777 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

You’ll find it along the Memorial Drive corridor, east of downtown and just south of Inman Park and Cabbagetown.

Getting There by Car

  • From Downtown/Midtown Atlanta:
    Usually a short drive via I-20 (Moreland Ave exit) or by heading east on Memorial Drive.
  • From Decatur:
    Take Dekalb Ave or Memorial Drive west toward Atlanta.
  • Parking:
    The development typically includes structured and surface parking with clearly marked entry points. Paid parking is common in this corridor, and rates can vary by time and event. Look for posted signs as you enter the property.

Using MARTA and Other Transportation

While there isn’t a MARTA rail station on Memorial itself, you do have options:

  • MARTA Rail Nearby:
    • King Memorial Station (west)
    • Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station (north)
      From either, many visitors use a short rideshare trip, bike, or scooter to finish the journey.
  • Bus Routes:
    Memorial Drive is served by MARTA bus routes that connect to downtown and other rail stations. Check current route numbers and timetables before heading out.
  • Walking/Biking:
    If you’re staying or living nearby in Grant Park, Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown, or Old Fourth Ward, walking or biking is often realistic. You may also be able to connect from portions of the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail via neighborhood streets.

What Atlanta Dairies Actually Is

Atlanta Dairies is best thought of as a lifestyle district built around several key elements:

  • Entertainment – especially live music
  • Food and drink – bars, restaurants, coffee
  • Retail and creative spaces
  • Office and residential – people working and living on-site

You don’t have to live or work there to enjoy it. For most Atlantans and visitors, Atlanta Dairies is a place to eat, drink, and see a show or simply stroll around, similar to other redeveloped industrial spaces in the city.

The Eastern: The Music Heart of Atlanta Dairies

One of the biggest draws is The Eastern, a major live music venue on the property.

What to Expect at The Eastern

  • Type of venue: Mid-sized concert hall and event space
  • Events: Touring bands, local artists, themed events, and special performances
  • Experience: Standing-room shows, with some seating or balcony areas depending on the event

For someone in Atlanta who loves live music, The Eastern is known as a go-to venue on the city’s concert calendar. Acts span genres from indie and rock to hip-hop, electronic, and more.

Tips if you’re planning a show:

  • Arrive early if you want better viewing spots in standing areas.
  • Parking and rideshare demand can spike around show time—plan some buffer.
  • Check the event’s age restrictions, as they can vary by show.

Dining, Drinks, and Everyday Hangouts

Atlanta Dairies is designed so you can come for one thing and stay for several hours. While lineups change over time, you can generally expect:

  • Restaurants and food stalls with casual, approachable menus
  • Bars and cocktail spots for pre- or post-show drinks
  • Coffee or dessert options for daytime visits
  • Outdoor seating and communal areas that encourage lingering

Because tenants can shift, locals generally:

  • Check current business directories for Atlanta Dairies
  • Use posted signs on-site to see what’s open and current hours

If you live nearby, this can become a regular hangout. If you’re visiting from out of town, it’s easy to pair a stop here with other Eastside Atlanta neighborhoods in a single day.

Vibe, Design, and Atmosphere

The property leans into its history as a former dairy plant:

  • Industrial architecture with exposed elements and repurposed structures
  • Retro-inspired signage and branding
  • A mix of old and new—historic bones with modern finishes

You’ll often see:

  • Young professionals, creatives, and residents from surrounding neighborhoods
  • Concertgoers filling the space in the evenings, especially on show nights
  • A generally casual, social atmosphere

If you enjoy Atlanta spots like Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market but want something a bit more compact and music-centric, Atlanta Dairies fits that niche.

When to Visit Atlanta Dairies

Atlanta Dairies can feel different depending on when you go.

Daytime

Good for:

  • Remote work or casual meetups at coffee or food spots
  • Exploring the property’s design and outdoor seating
  • Quieter walks or solo visits

Evenings

Best for:

  • Dinner + drinks with friends
  • Concerts at The Eastern or other events on-site
  • People-watching and a more energetic atmosphere

Weekends

Expect:

  • More crowds, especially with popular shows
  • Heavier parking and rideshare traffic
  • Longer waits at some food and drink spots

If you’re sensitive to crowds, consider early evenings on weeknights, especially when no major events are scheduled.

Nearby Atlanta Neighborhoods and How Dairies Fits In

Atlanta Dairies is part of the larger Memorial Drive and Eastside redevelopment wave, so it slots nicely into a day of exploring nearby areas.

Close-by neighborhoods include:

  • Reynoldstown – Walkable streets, BeltLine access, and new residential developments
  • Cabbagetown – Historic mill cottages, murals, and the character-filled Carroll Street area
  • Grant Park – Zoo Atlanta, historic homes, and the Grant Park greenspace
  • Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park – BeltLine, dining, and nightlife to the north

You can structure your day like:

Your InterestHow Atlanta Dairies Fits InNearby Add-Ons
Live musicEvening show at The EasternAfternoon on the BeltLine, dinner in Inman Park
Food & drinksExplore dining and bar options at Atlanta DairiesStop by Cabbagetown or Memorial Drive spots
Urban exploringWalk the property and surrounding streetsVisit Oakland Cemetery or Grant Park
Date nightDrinks + show at The EasternDessert or nightcap along Memorial or in Edgewood

Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

Here are some focused, Atlanta-specific tips to make your visit easier:

1. Check Event Schedules in Advance

If you’re planning around The Eastern or other events, look up:

  • Show times and doors
  • Age limits (some shows are all ages, others are 18+ or 21+)
  • Any bag or security policies

This is especially important if you’re coordinating rideshare timing or meeting a group.

2. Plan for Atlanta Traffic

Memorial Drive and nearby arteries can back up during:

  • Rush hour
  • Weekend nights
  • High-attendance concerts and events

Build extra time into your trip, especially if you’re coming from Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or other northside suburbs.

3. Think About Your Ride Home

If you plan to enjoy alcohol:

  • Many locals use rideshare to and from Atlanta Dairies, especially on show nights.
  • If you’re using MARTA as part of your trip, check the last train times, particularly for late-night events.

4. Dress for Atlanta Weather

Much of the movement between spots is outdoors, even though venues themselves are indoors. In Atlanta’s climate:

  • Summer: Expect heat and humidity; light clothing and hydration help.
  • Cooler months: Night shows can mean chilly waits outside, so layered clothing is useful.

Who Atlanta Dairies Is Best For

Atlanta Dairies is usually a good fit if you:

  • Live in-town or on the Eastside and want a regular hangout
  • Are visiting Atlanta and want a non-touristy but lively area to explore
  • Love concerts and want to experience one of the city’s more modern venues
  • Enjoy mixed-use environments where you can park once and do several things

It may be less ideal if you’re seeking:

  • A quiet, nature-focused day (for that, places like Piedmont Park or Chattahoochee River trails might be better)
  • Heavy, big-box retail shopping (Dairies is more boutique and entertainment-focused)

Quick Reference: Atlanta Dairies at a Glance

Location:
Along Memorial Drive SE, near Reynoldstown/Edgewood, east of downtown Atlanta
Approximate core address: 777 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

What’s There:

  • The Eastern – major live music venue
  • Restaurants and bars – casual and social
  • Retail and creative spaces
  • Office and residential components

Best For:

  • Live music and events
  • Evening hangouts and date nights
  • Exploring the evolving Eastside corridor

Transportation Options:

  • Car: Access from I-20, Memorial Drive; paid parking on-site
  • MARTA: Nearby rail stations (King Memorial, Inman Park/Reynoldstown) plus bus routes and short rideshare hops
  • Bike/Walk: Realistic from several nearby in-town neighborhoods

If you live in Atlanta, Atlanta Dairies is worth adding to your rotation of Eastside spots, especially when a favorite artist is playing. If you’re visiting, it offers a very “current” slice of the city—right at the intersection of Atlanta’s history and its ongoing growth.