Fontaines in Atlanta: What to Know About This Neighborhood Cocktail Bar

If you search for “Fontaines Atlanta,” you’re almost always looking for Fontaine’s Oyster House, a laid-back neighborhood bar and restaurant in Virginia-Highland, one of Atlanta’s most walkable intown districts. This guide breaks down what locals and visitors typically want to know: where it is, what it’s like, when to go, and how it fits into the Atlanta nightlife and dining scene.

Where Is Fontaines in Atlanta?

Fontaine’s Oyster House is located in the heart of Virginia-Highland (often shortened to “Va-Hi”), a popular intown neighborhood east of Midtown and just north of Poncey-Highland.

• Neighborhood: Virginia-Highland, Atlanta, GA
• General area: East of Midtown, north of Ponce de Leon Ave, near Virginia Ave NE and Highland Ave NE

Virginia-Highland is known for:

• Historic homes and tree-lined streets
• Clusters of bars, restaurants, and local shops
• A strong neighborhood feel that’s walkable and social

If you’re staying in Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, or near the BeltLine Eastside Trail, Virginia-Highland (and Fontaines) is a short drive or rideshare away.

What Kind of Place Is Fontaines?

Fontaines is best known as a casual oyster bar and cocktail spot, not a white-tablecloth seafood restaurant. It typically attracts:

• Neighborhood regulars
• College students and young professionals
• Groups looking for a chill night out with drinks and bar food

Expect:

• Relaxed dress code (jeans, T-shirts, casual wear are common)
• Bar seating, tables, and often a patio when weather allows
• A social, sometimes lively atmosphere, especially on weekends and game days

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want something that feels local and laid-back rather than touristy, Fontaine’s fits that niche for many people.

Food and Drink: What to Expect

While specifics can change, Fontaines is usually associated with:

• Oysters: Often a mix of raw, grilled, or baked options
• Bar favorites: Wings, burgers, fried seafood baskets, and shareable appetizers
• Drinks:
  • Full bar with cocktails
  • Beer (bottles, cans, and sometimes draft)
  • Wine and basic mixed drinks

You’ll often see people order:

• Oysters with a cocktail or beer
• Fried seafood baskets with sides
• Group-friendly appetizers during a night out

Because menus can change, it’s smart to:

• Check updated offerings before you go
• Be prepared for crowd-favorite items to sell out at peak times

When to Go: Timing, Crowds, and Vibes

The experience at Fontaines can feel very different depending on day and time.

Weeknights

• Typically more relaxed and neighborhood-heavy
• Easier to find a seat, especially earlier in the evening
• Good for a casual dinner or a low-key drink

Weekends

• Much busier, especially Friday and Saturday nights
• Louder, more social bar vibe
• Popular with groups, birthdays, and gatherings
• Expect longer waits during peak hours

Game Days and Big Events

On days when there’s a major:

• Georgia Bulldogs game
• Atlanta Falcons or Atlanta United game
• Popular college or national sports event

You can expect:

• Crowds gathering to watch games
• A more high-energy sports-bar feel
• Limited seating if you arrive close to kickoff or tip-off

If you prefer more space and less noise, aim for earlier in the evening or off-peak days.

Getting to Fontaines From Around Atlanta

Since Fontaines sits in Virginia-Highland, you have several options for getting there depending on where you’re coming from.

By Car

From major intown areas:

• Midtown: Usually about a 10–15 minute drive east/northeast, depending on traffic
• Downtown: Often around 15–20 minutes via Freedom Parkway or surface streets
• Buckhead: About 15–25 minutes depending on route and traffic

Parking in Virginia-Highland typically involves:

• Street parking along neighborhood roads
• Watching for “Resident Permit Only” or time-limited signs
• Being mindful of driveways and fire hydrants

🛈 Tip: In busy evening hours, parking can be tight. Many Atlantans opt for rideshare to avoid circling blocks.

By MARTA + Walk/Rideshare

Virginia-Highland is not directly on a MARTA rail line, but you can get reasonably close and then walk or take a short rideshare.

Common approaches:

• From Midtown or Downtown:
  • Take the Red or Gold MARTA line to Midtown Station or North Avenue Station, then use rideshare to Virginia-Highland.
• From Airport:
  • Take the Red or Gold line north into the city, exit at a central station (such as Midtown), then grab a rideshare.

Walking from rail stations is possible, but the distance and hills may be more than many visitors want, especially at night.

How Fontaines Fits Into the Virginia-Highland Scene

Virginia-Highland is packed with restaurants, bars, and small shops clustered along:

• North Highland Ave NE
• Virginia Ave NE

Fontaines is one of several long-standing bar and restaurant options in the area, and people often:

• Start or end their night there as part of a mini bar crawl
• Combine a visit with a walk around the neighborhood
• Drop in after spending time nearby on the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail or at Piedmont Park

If you’re planning an evening in Va-Hi, you might:

1. Grab a drink or early bite at Fontaines
2. Walk to another nearby bar or dessert spot
3. Wander the streets and see some of the classic intown homes

What Locals and Visitors Typically Like About Fontaines

People who enjoy Fontaines often mention:

• Neighborhood feel: It doesn’t feel like a corporate chain; more like a local bar
• Casual atmosphere: No need to dress up, and the vibe is relaxed
• Location: Easy to pair with other Virginia-Highland stops
• Seafood and bar food: Especially when you’re specifically craving oysters or fried seafood with a drink

For many Atlanta residents, Fontaines is the kind of place you might:

• Visit regularly if you live in Va-Hi, Morningside, or nearby neighborhoods
• Choose for a low-key night out with friends
• Suggest to out-of-town visitors who want to see a “real Atlanta neighborhood”

Tips for Visiting Fontaines in Atlanta

Here are some practical pointers to make your visit smoother:

1. Plan for Crowds at Peak Times

• Friday/Saturday nights and big sports events can be packed
• Try earlier hours if you prefer a quieter experience

2. Consider Rideshare

• Parking in Virginia-Highland can be limited at night
• Rideshare avoids parking stress and lets everyone enjoy drinks responsibly

3. Know the Neighborhood Layout

Virginia-Highland is fairly compact, so you can:

• Walk between multiple bars and restaurants
• Explore nearby side streets for a feel of historic intown Atlanta

4. Check Current Hours

Hours can shift due to:

• Season
• Events
• Staff or operational changes

Before you go, it’s wise to confirm current opening and closing times to avoid surprises.

How Fontaines Compares to Other Atlanta Nightlife Spots

If you’re deciding whether Fontaines fits your Atlanta plans, it helps to compare it to other common areas:

If you want one spot that captures a mix of local vibe, walkability, and casual drinks, Fontaines in Virginia-Highland is a solid fit for many Atlanta itineraries.

Is Fontaines a Good Choice for You?

You’ll likely appreciate Fontaines if you:

• Prefer casual bars over high-end lounges
• Want to spend time in a classic intown Atlanta neighborhood
• Enjoy oysters and seafood alongside a drink
• Like the idea of combining your visit with a walk around Virginia-Highland or nearby parks

If your priority is dance clubs, late-night DJs, or upscale cocktail experiences, you might look more toward Midtown, Buckhead, or Edgewood. But for a relaxed, neighborhood-style bar with oysters and drinks in the heart of Virginia-Highland, Fontaines is a well-known Atlanta option.