Local Three Kitchen & Bar in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go
Local Three Kitchen & Bar is one of those very “Atlanta” restaurants—tucked inside an office complex, a little hard to find the first time, serious about food but laid-back in personality. If you’re wondering what Local Three is like, how to get there, and whether it fits what you’re looking for in Atlanta dining, this guide walks through everything in practical detail.
Where Local Three Kitchen & Bar Is in Atlanta
Address:
Local Three Kitchen & Bar
3290 Northside Parkway NW, Suite 120
Atlanta, GA 30327
Local Three is on Atlanta’s Northside Parkway, inside the Powers Ferry Square / Piazza at Northside office complex near I-75.
Neighborhood context
- Area: Northside / Buckhead border, near Vinings and Cumberland
- Nearby landmarks:
- Close to I-75 (West Paces Ferry / Northside Pkwy exit)
- A short drive from Chastain Park and Buckhead Village
- Not far from The Lovett School and West Paces Ferry Road
This location makes it convenient if you’re:
- Coming from Buckhead or Midtown via I-75
- Staying near Cumberland Mall / Truist Park
- Living in Northwest Atlanta and wanting a local, non-chain spot
Getting There and Parking
Driving and access
Most locals and visitors reach Local Three by car.
From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
- Take I-75 North, exit onto West Paces Ferry / Northside Parkway
- Head north on Northside Parkway; the complex will be on your right
From Cumberland / Vinings:
- Take I-285 East or West to I-75 South
- Exit at West Paces Ferry / Northside Parkway, then head north on Northside
Parking notes
Local Three is inside a multi-tenant building with parking on site.
Typical experience for diners:
- Garage or lot parking attached to the building
- Guests usually validate parking at the restaurant (check signage and with staff when you arrive)
- Allow a few extra minutes your first visit to:
- Park
- Find the correct building entrance
- Walk through the lobby/hallway to the restaurant entrance
💡 Tip: If you’re meeting people, suggest they arrive 10–15 minutes early the first time—they’ll likely spend a few minutes orienting in the complex.
Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside
Local Three is often described by Atlanta diners as:
- Relaxed but polished
- Lively, especially on weekends and at popular dinner hours
- Comfortable for:
- Date nights
- Small groups
- Business dinners that don’t feel too formal
Vibe and layout
Common elements people notice:
- A warm, wood-heavy interior
- An open or semi-open kitchen where you can see the action
- A large bar area that works well for:
- Solo diners
- People grabbing a drink and a bite
- Informal meetups
Noise level can rise during peak times, similar to many popular Atlanta restaurants in Buckhead and Midtown. If you prefer a quieter experience, weeknights or earlier reservations tend to be more comfortable.
What’s on the Menu at Local Three
Local Three is known in Atlanta for creative American comfort food with a chef-driven twist. Menus can change seasonally, but the style tends to include:
Food style
Expect a mix of:
- Southern-influenced dishes
- Modern American plates with local ingredients when available
- Shareable appetizers and larger entrees
- Rich, flavorful preparations rather than ultra-minimalist plates
Typical offerings might include:
- Elevated versions of Southern classics
- Hearty meat and seafood entrees
- Thoughtful vegetarian options (though the menu often leans toward meat-forward dishes)
- Desserts that match the comfort-food theme
Drinks
The bar program is usually a strong focus:
- Craft cocktails with seasonal elements
- Wine list with by-the-glass and bottle options
- Beer selection that often includes regional and local brews
🍸 Local tip: If you’re not sure what to order, many regulars ask bartenders for a suggestion based on preferred spirits or flavors; the bar team is typically comfortable making something to match your taste.
When to Go: Brunch, Dinner, and Special Visits
Local Three is especially known in Atlanta conversations for its brunch and dinner.
Brunch
Brunch at Local Three often draws:
- Groups of friends
- Families with older kids
- Locals celebrating birthdays, special events, or out-of-town visitors
You’ll typically encounter:
- Heavier, comfort-focused brunch dishes
- Classic brunch items made more interesting with chef touches
- A strong cocktail and brunch-drink presence (think mimosas, Bloody Marys, etc.)
Because brunch is especially popular in Atlanta, reservations are strongly recommended if you’re planning:
- Weekend brunch with a group
- A visit during major event weekends (college football, holidays, etc.)
Dinner
Dinner at Local Three works well for:
- Date nights
- Double dates or small celebration dinners
- Work dinners with a more relaxed atmosphere than Buckhead’s very formal steakhouses
Weeknights are often more laid-back; weekends can get busy, especially in peak evening hours.
Reservations and How Far Ahead to Plan
While walk-ins may sometimes be possible, Local Three is usually a reservation-leaning spot, especially:
- Friday and Saturday evenings
- Weekend brunch
- Holiday periods and big Atlanta event weekends
Practical guidance most Atlanta diners follow:
- For prime-time Friday/Saturday dinner: book several days to a week ahead
- For weeknight dinner: a few days in advance is often enough
- For weekend brunch: book as early as you can if you have a specific time or larger group
If you’re flexible and nearby, calling ahead to ask about current wait times is often helpful.
Dress Code: What to Wear
Local Three typically fits into the “smart casual” category common in many Atlanta upscale-casual restaurants:
- Common choices:
- Nice jeans or casual pants with a collared shirt or blouse
- Casual dresses or skirts
- Clean sneakers, loafers, or dressier shoes
You’ll likely see a mix of:
- Guests in more polished outfits (especially for dates or special occasions)
- Guests dressed more casually but still neat
Suits and cocktail dresses are not required, but you won’t feel out of place if you’re a bit dressed up.
Is Local Three Good for Groups and Events?
Local Three is often chosen for:
- Birthday dinners
- Small celebrations
- Work-related gatherings where people want good food in a relaxed space
Things Atlanta locals tend to consider:
- For groups of 6 or more, reservations are typically essential
- For larger groups or private events, the restaurant may have:
- Private or semi-private room options
- Set or limited menus for big parties (varies by size and timing)
If you’re planning a rehearsal dinner, company event, or big birthday, calling the restaurant in advance to discuss options is usually the best approach.
Accessibility and Practical Considerations
Because Local Three is inside a professional complex, it usually offers:
- Building elevators and ramps to reach the restaurant level
- Indoor access from the parking garage or lot
If accessibility is a major concern:
- Ask when reserving or call ahead to confirm:
- Wheelchair access routes from the parking area
- Best entrances and elevator locations
For those with dietary considerations (such as gluten sensitivity, vegetarian needs, or specific restrictions), Atlanta diners often:
- Note dietary needs in the reservation
- Confirm directly with the server when seated
- Ask about ingredient details and possible modifications
Nearby Atlanta Spots to Pair With Your Visit
Because of its location on Northside Parkway, Local Three pairs easily with:
- A stop at Chastain Park before or after a meal
- Shopping or exploring in Buckhead (Buckhead Village, Peachtree Road corridor)
- Visits to Cumberland / The Battery Atlanta near Truist Park if you’re heading to or from a game or event
If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying near:
- Downtown or Midtown: combine dinner at Local Three with a drive through Buckhead to see one of the city’s most developed commercial and residential districts.
- Cumberland / Vinings: Local Three is a convenient upscale-casual option without driving deep into Midtown or Inman Park.
How Locals Typically Use Local Three
People who live in Atlanta commonly think of Local Three as:
- A go-to spot for:
- Celebratory brunch
- Quality dinner with strong drinks
- A place to:
- Take out-of-town visitors for a very “Atlanta” restaurant experience
- Have a reliable, somewhat upscale meal without formality overload
If you’re deciding whether it’s right for you:
Choose Local Three if you want:
- Thoughtful, comfort-driven food
- A strong bar program
- A lively, relaxed-but-nice setting
Consider another style of spot if you want:
- Super-budget eats
- Very quiet or ultra-formal dining
- A hyper-trendy, in-town, walkable neighborhood vibe (for that, areas like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, or West Midtown may be a better fit)
Quick Reference: Local Three at a Glance
| Feature | What to Expect at Local Three (Atlanta) |
|---|---|
| Location | 3290 Northside Pkwy NW, Suite 120, Atlanta, GA 30327 |
| Neighborhood | Northside / Buckhead area near I-75 |
| Parking | On-site building parking; typically validated |
| Vibe | Relaxed, lively, polished but not formal |
| Best For | Brunch, date night, small groups, work dinners |
| Food Style | Chef-driven American comfort with Southern influences |
| Drink Program | Strong cocktail list, wines, and beer selection |
| Dress Code Feel | Smart casual |
| Reservation Need | Recommended, especially weekends and brunch |
| Good For Groups? | Yes, with reservations; options for larger events may be offered |
For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, Local Three Kitchen & Bar is a solid choice when you want a distinctly local, comfortably upscale dining experience on the north side of town.
