The Works Atlanta: Your Guide to This Westside Mixed‑Use Destination

The Works ATL is one of Atlanta’s newer, buzzworthy mixed‑use developments, located on the Upper Westside. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are just trying to understand what The Works is and how it fits into the city, this guide walks you through what to expect, how to get there, and how locals actually use the space.

Where The Works Atlanta Is and What It Is

The Works Atlanta is a 80-acre adaptive reuse development in the Underwood Hills / Upper Westside area.

• General location: Off Chattahoochee Avenue NW, west of Midtown and north of West Midtown’s main Howell Mill corridor
• Surrounding neighborhoods: Underwood Hills, Berkeley Park, Riverside, and nearby Westside communities

It’s built in and around former industrial warehouses, turning them into:

• Restaurants and a big food hall
• Breweries and bars
• Retail shops and services
• Office space
• Entertainment and family‑friendly attractions
• Outdoor gathering areas and event spaces

If you’ve been to places like Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market, think of The Works as the Upper Westside version: more spread out, industrial‑cool, with a strong neighborhood hangout feel.

Why Atlantans Go to The Works

The Works has become a regular spot for several different types of visits:

1. Eating and Drinking

One of the biggest draws is food and drink. You’ll find:

• A food hall–style collection of vendors (casual to more elevated)
• Local and regional restaurant concepts
• Breweries, cocktail spots, and dessert options

People in nearby neighborhoods often treat it as:

• A weeknight “don’t want to cook” destination
• A date night option that doesn’t require going all the way to Midtown or Buckhead
• A place to meet friends who live on different parts of the Westside

2. Family‑Friendly Outings

The Works is popular with families because:

• There’s a good amount of open space for kids to move around
• It often hosts kid‑friendly activities, seasonal events, and pop‑ups
• Parents can grab food and drinks while kids are entertained nearby

Families on the Westside sometimes choose The Works instead of driving to larger attractions when they want something lighter than a full museum or stadium outing.

3. Events, Live Music, and Social Gatherings

Throughout the year, The Works tends to host:

• Weekend markets or themed events
• Live music performances
• Seasonal events (for example, holiday‑themed gatherings or outdoor movie nights)

Locals often check The Works when they’re looking for:

• A low‑commitment evening plan (walk around, grab a bite, listen to music)
• A spot for group meetups where everyone can order what they want from different vendors

4. Working and Co‑Working Feel

With office space and plenty of seating areas, The Works also functions as:

• A daytime work destination for people with offices on site
• A spot where remote workers may come for a change of scenery (depending on Wi‑Fi and seating policies at specific businesses)

Getting to The Works in Atlanta

General Location and Directions

Neighborhood: Upper Westside / Underwood Hills, Atlanta, GA (inside the perimeter)

If you’re driving from typical Atlanta areas:

• From Midtown:
  Usually via Northside Drive NW or Howell Mill Road NW, then over to Chattahoochee Avenue NW.
• From Buckhead:
  Often via Peachtree Road connecting to Collier Road and then to Howell Mill and Chattahoochee.
• From Downtown:
  Via Northside Drive or Marietta Street heading northwest, then cutting over to the Upper Westside.

Because of changing traffic patterns on the Westside, many locals rely on navigation apps to find the best real‑time route.

Parking at The Works

Most visitors use on‑site parking lots or decks. In Atlanta, people commonly report:

• Multiple parking areas around the development
• Clear signage for visitors versus office tenants
• Parking policies that may vary by area (time limits, validation, or paid parking in some cases)

It’s wise to:

• Check posted parking signs when you arrive
• Allow a few extra minutes if you’re visiting during peak dinner hours or on weekends, when spaces can fill quickly

Transit, Rideshare, and Alternatives

Public transit access on this part of the Westside is more limited than some in‑town neighborhoods:

• There is no MARTA rail station directly at The Works
• Some bus routes serve the general area, but many people still rely on driving or rideshare

Typical alternatives:

• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Popular for nights out, avoiding parking stress or drinking and driving
• Bike or scooter: Possible from nearby in‑town neighborhoods, but the road network around the industrial corridor can feel busy; many riders use routes through residential streets when possible

What You’ll Find at The Works: Main Features

Here’s a simple overview of what The Works generally offers:

Exact tenants and lineups change over time, so locals typically check The Works’ official materials or social channels before planning a specific restaurant or activity.

When to Visit The Works Atlanta

Because it’s a mixed‑use project, The Works feels different depending on the time of day.

Daytime

During the day you’ll typically see:

• Office workers, remote workers, and locals grabbing coffee or lunch
• Parents with younger kids during less crowded hours
• People using it as a meet‑up spot before exploring other Westside attractions

Daytime is often best if you want:

• A more relaxed atmosphere
• Easier parking
• Quicker access to restaurants and shops without long waits

Evenings and Weekends

Evenings, especially Thursday–Sunday, are busier:

• More date nights, group outings, and families
• Live music or special programming on many weekends
• A more energetic, social feel in the plazas and courtyards

If you’re planning a weekend evening:

• Expect more crowds and lines at popular spots
• Consider carpooling or rideshare to avoid parking frustration
• Build in time to walk around rather than racing from one reservation to another

How The Works Compares to Other Atlanta Mixed‑Use Spots

People in Atlanta often compare The Works to other well‑known developments. Here’s how it typically fits in:

• Versus Ponce City Market:
  The Works is less touristy, more of a neighborhood hangout for the Westside, though visitors from all over Atlanta come. It’s more spread out and feels different from the BeltLine‑centric scene.

• Versus Westside Provisions District:
  Westside Provisions is more compact and established as a boutique shopping and dining hub. The Works offers more entertainment and family options and a stronger “campus” feel.

• Versus The Battery Atlanta:
  The Battery is tied closely to Truist Park and Braves games. The Works is not stadium‑adjacent; it’s more of an everyday “live, work, play” setting for the Upper Westside.

For someone trying to understand where to go:

• If you want BeltLine energy and skyline views, Ponce City Market might win.
• If you want Westside charm with upscale retail, Westside Provisions is a fit.
• If you want a modern industrial campus with food, drink, and entertainment in one place, The Works is a strong choice.

Planning a Visit: Practical Tips for Atlantans

Here are some Atlanta‑specific pointers to make a visit smoother:

1. Time Your Drive for Traffic

The Upper Westside can be congested at rush hour, especially:

• Late afternoon into early evening on weekdays
• Around major events in Midtown/Downtown or on the Westside

If you can:

• Aim to arrive in the late afternoon and stay into the evening
• Or go slightly later after the peak commuting rush

2. Check Hours and Events in Advance

Because The Works is a collection of separate businesses, hours vary:

• Some restaurants open for lunch, others mainly for dinner
• Entertainment venues may have later evening hours
• Events (like markets or concerts) usually follow specific schedules

Locals often:

• Look up the current event calendar
• Confirm individual restaurant or venue hours before heading over

3. Think About Who You’re With

The Works can work well for different groups:

• Families with kids: Look for outdoor seats, earlier hours, and family‑friendly events
• Date night: Pick a restaurant or bar first, then wander the property afterward
• Large groups: Consider choosing a food‑hall‑style setup or venues that can handle big parties

4. Dress for Walking and Weather

Even though this is an in‑town development, you’ll still:

• Walk between buildings, parking, and gathering areas
• Spend time outdoors moving between venues

Comfortable shoes and checking the weather forecast make the experience better, especially in:

• Summer heat and humidity
• Rainy or chilly evenings

Living and Working Near The Works

For residents and workers on the Upper Westside, The Works has become:

• A convenient lunch spot
• A close‑by option for client meetings or after‑work drinks
• A neighborhood “third place”—somewhere that isn’t home or the office, but feels familiar

Many people who live in nearby areas like Underwood Hills, Berkeley Park, and Riverside use The Works as a:

• Weekend walking or short‑drive destination
• Back‑pocket plan when hosting out‑of‑town visitors who want to see “the new Atlanta” without battling Midtown parking

Key Takeaways for Using The Works Atlanta

• What it is: A major mixed‑use destination on Atlanta’s Upper Westside, built from historic industrial space.
• Who it’s for: Locals and visitors looking for food, drinks, entertainment, and events in one place.
• Where it is: Upper Westside / Underwood Hills area, near Chattahoochee Avenue NW, within Atlanta city limits.
• How to use it: Come for a meal, casual hangout, family outing, or event; plan for driving or rideshare; check hours and programming before you go.

Understanding The Works in this context helps you decide if it fits your plans—whether you’re an Atlanta resident looking for a new go‑to spot or a visitor wanting to experience one of the city’s newer Westside hubs.