Nine Mile Station in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re searching for “Nine Mile Station Atlanta,” you’re almost certainly looking for the popular rooftop beer garden and restaurant perched on top of PCM (Ponce City Market). It’s one of Atlanta’s best-known spots for skyline views, craft beer, and relaxed but polished dining.

This guide walks you through what Nine Mile Station is like, how to get there, what to expect from the menu and atmosphere, how to plan a visit, and how it fits into a broader day or night in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward / Ponce corridor.

What Is Nine Mile Station?

Nine Mile Station is a modern beer garden and restaurant located on the rooftop of Ponce City Market in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s part of the larger Skyline Park rooftop complex, which includes carnival-style games, mini-golf, and sweeping views of Midtown and Downtown.

Key things to know:

• Location: Rooftop of Ponce City Market
  675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE
  Atlanta, GA 30308
• Neighborhood: Old Fourth Ward / Poncey-Highland border
• Type of place: Full-service restaurant + bar with indoor and outdoor seating
• Vibe: Upscale casual, date-friendly, but still relaxed enough for a laid-back evening with friends

You enter through Ponce City Market and take the dedicated Rooftop / Skyline Park elevator; Nine Mile Station is on that rooftop level, just beyond the games area.

Why Locals and Visitors Go to Nine Mile Station

For Atlantans and out-of-towners, Nine Mile Station is popular because it combines:

• Rooftop skyline views of Midtown, Downtown, and, on a clear day, a glimpse of Stone Mountain
• Access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail just outside Ponce City Market
• A thoughtful craft beer list plus cocktails and wine
• Seasonal, shareable food that feels more like a restaurant than a bar snack menu
• A setting that works for both special occasions and casual hangs

If you’re planning a weekend in Atlanta, Nine Mile Station often ends up on the short list for:

• Date nights
• Birthday or celebration dinners
• Out-of-town guest itineraries (“show me the skyline”)
• Pre- or post–BeltLine drinks and bites

Getting to Nine Mile Station from Around Atlanta

Because it’s part of Ponce City Market, you can get to Nine Mile Station using almost any common Atlanta transportation option.

By Car

• Address for GPS: 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Parking: Ponce City Market has paid parking in surface lots and deck parking. Rates can vary by time and event; pay stations and app-based payment are common.
• Parking can get busy on weekends and evenings, especially when the weather is nice and the BeltLine is packed. Arrive a bit early if you have a reservation.

By MARTA

There isn’t a MARTA rail station directly at PCM, but you have workable options:

• North Avenue Station (Red/Gold Line):
  • Take a short rideshare or bus from the station to Ponce City Market.
• Midtown Station (Red/Gold Line):
  • Similar rideshare or bus distance, sometimes used by BeltLine visitors.

Check current bus routes serving Ponce de Leon Avenue and nearby stops; service patterns are fairly stable but can change over time.

By Atlanta BeltLine

If you’re already near Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, or Virginia-Highland, the Eastside Trail is often the nicest way to approach:

• Walk, bike, or scooter along the BeltLine until you reach the Ponce City Market entrance directly off the trail.
• Bike racks and shared scooters/bikes are common in the area, though availability fluctuates.

This is especially appealing around sunset when you want to enjoy the rooftop views after a walk along the trail.

How to Access Nine Mile Station Once You’re at PCM

Nine Mile Station isn’t directly visible from street level because it’s on the rooftop. You’ll go through Ponce City Market’s interior.

Typical flow:

1. Enter Ponce City Market through a main entrance (off Ponce de Leon Ave or from the BeltLine side).
2. Look for signs for “The Roof” or “Skyline Park” — there is a dedicated elevator area.
3. Purchase or confirm your rooftop access (details can vary by time/day and event).
4. Take the elevator to the roof and follow signs to Nine Mile Station.

Because access rules and cover charges for the roof can change—especially for holidays, special events, or busy weekends—it helps to:

• Check hours and pricing in advance.
• Budget a little extra time in case of elevator lines.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like at Nine Mile Station

Nine Mile Station sits at the intersection of beer garden and modern Southern restaurant.

Expect:

• Outdoor patio seating with some of the best Atlanta skyline views on the east side of town
• Indoor dining room with large windows, bar seating, and a polished but comfortable design
• A guest mix of locals, tourists, and groups celebrating birthdays, engagements, or work outings

Dress Code and Comfort

There is no strict formal dress code, but the crowd tends to be:

• Smart casual: Jeans or casual pants, nice tops, casual dresses, boots or clean sneakers
• Comfortable enough for walking through Ponce City Market and possibly along the BeltLine
• Layered in cooler months — rooftop winds can feel chillier than street level

If you’re coming straight from a BeltLine bike ride, you’ll likely feel more comfortable if you switch to at least casual city wear.

Food and Drink at Nine Mile Station

Menus change with the season, but there are consistent themes in the way Nine Mile Station approaches food and beverage.

Food Style

The kitchen focuses on elevated American and European-influenced comfort food, often including:

• Shareable starters (charcuterie, spreads, small plates)
• Seasonal vegetables and salads
• Hearty mains like meats, fish, and occasionally twists on classic Southern dishes
• Brunch or lunch offerings at select times (think: elevated brunch staples rather than basic diner plates)

You’ll often find vegetarian-friendly options, but vegan or specialized dietary needs are worth clarifying when you book or when you’re seated so the staff can guide you.

Beer, Cocktails, and Wine

The beer list is a major draw:

• Rotating taps that commonly feature Georgia and regional breweries
• A mix of approachable styles (lagers, pilsners, IPAs) and more adventurous options

In addition:

• A full cocktail program, often with seasonally inspired or craft-style drinks
• A wine list with by-the-glass and bottle options suitable for pairing with mains and share plates

If someone in your group isn’t a drinker, mocktails and non-alcoholic options are usually available; just ask your server or bartender.

Nine Mile Station vs. Skyline Park vs. “The Roof”

It can be a little confusing since everything is on top of Ponce City Market. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

When you plan a visit to Nine Mile Station, you’re planning for a restaurant experience that happens to be on this larger rooftop playground.

Many visitors:

• Eat or drink at Nine Mile Station,
• Then wander into Skyline Park for games and photos,
• Or do games first, then settle into dinner or drinks.

Reservations, Wait Times, and Group Visits

Because Nine Mile Station is both popular and relatively intimate, planning ahead pays off.

Reservations

• Reservations are highly recommended, especially:
  • Weekend evenings
  • Prime sunset hours
  • Holidays and long weekends

Walk-in space can be limited and dependent on weather and rooftop demand.

Larger Groups and Events

If you’re planning:

• A birthday party
• A work outing or client dinner
• A small celebration with out-of-town guests

You may want to contact Nine Mile Station or the Ponce City Market rooftop event team in advance to discuss:

• Group size
• Seating preferences (indoor vs outdoor)
• Any special arrangements or timing

For full buyouts or very large events, the broader PCM rooftop event infrastructure typically comes into play.

When to Go: Time of Day and Season

The experience at Nine Mile Station can feel very different depending on when you go.

Time of Day

• Late afternoon / early evening:
  • Great for catching sunset over the Atlanta skyline
  • Ideal for casual drinks and light bites
• Dinner hours:
  • Slightly more polished, date-night feel
  • Busier, especially on Fridays and Saturdays
• Daytime / brunch (when offered):
  • Lighter atmosphere, more daytime city views
  • Combines nicely with BeltLine walks or Ponce City Market shopping

By Season in Atlanta

• Spring and fall:
  • Often the best rooftop weather in Atlanta — mild temps, good visibility
• Summer:
  • Hot and humid, but evenings can still be pleasant with a breeze up top
  • Consider lighter clothing and hydrate if you’re also walking the BeltLine
• Winter:
  • Views can be crisp and clear on cold days
  • Outdoor seating may depend on heaters and your tolerance for chill; indoor seats become more prized

Atlanta weather can change quickly, so it’s helpful to check the forecast before committing to outdoor patio seating.

Pairing Nine Mile Station With Other Atlanta Activities

Since Nine Mile Station is anchored in one of Atlanta’s most visited mixed-use districts, you can easily combine your meal or drinks with other Atlanta-specific activities.

Before or After Your Visit

You could:

• Walk the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail toward:
  • Inman Park (restaurants, tree-lined streets, historic homes)
  • Krog Street Market (another food hall and bar cluster)
• Explore Ponce City Market itself:
  • Food hall vendors
  • Retail shops and local brands
• Take photos of the city skyline from multiple BeltLine bridges and rooftop vantage points

For visitors staying in Midtown, Downtown, or near Piedmont Park, a trip to Nine Mile Station often fits neatly into a day that already includes those neighborhoods.

Tips for Atlantans and Visitors Planning a Visit

A few practical pointers to make the experience smoother:

• Check rooftop hours and any special events the day you plan to go; holidays and event nights can affect access and pricing.
• Make a reservation if you care about specific times, especially sunset or weekend evenings.
• Arrive a bit early to build in time for:
  • Parking or finding a rideshare
  • Walking through Ponce City Market
  • Taking the elevator and getting to the host stand
• Consider the weather — sun, heat, wind, and rain all feel more intense on a rooftop.
• If you’re planning multiple stops on the BeltLine, wear comfortable shoes and choose an outfit that works both for walking and an elevated casual restaurant.

Quick FAQ: Nine Mile Station Atlanta

Is Nine Mile Station kid-friendly?
The rooftop complex, including Skyline Park, can be family-friendly at many hours, but Nine Mile Station itself leans more toward adult, date-night, and group dinner energy. Policies and vibes can shift by time of day; it’s wise to confirm directly if you’re bringing younger kids.

Do you have to pay to get to Nine Mile Station?
Typically, there may be a rooftop access fee or cover via The Roof/Skyl ine Park system, which is separate from your food and drink. The exact structure can shift by day and event, so check current details before you go.

Can you just grab drinks at the bar?
In many cases, yes—there’s a bar area and sometimes limited walk-in seating. Availability depends on how busy they are and reservation volume.

What’s the best way to enjoy the view?
Aim for late afternoon to sunset on a clear day, request outdoor or window-adjacent seating if available, and consider walking along the BeltLine before or after to see the city from multiple angles.

If you’re in Atlanta and want a rooftop restaurant and beer garden with a clear sense of place, Nine Mile Station on top of Ponce City Market is one of the city’s most recognizable options—especially for anyone who wants to pair a good meal with a close-up look at the Atlanta skyline.