Park Bar Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Looking for a laid‑back downtown spot that feels like a neighborhood hangout? Park Bar Atlanta is a casual bar and grill in the heart of the city that’s popular with locals, office workers, and visitors who want to be close to Centennial Olympic Park and major attractions.

This guide walks through what Park Bar is like, what to expect on the menu, when to go, and how it fits into a night out in downtown Atlanta.

Where Is Park Bar in Atlanta?

Park Bar is located in downtown Atlanta, just a short walk from:

  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • State Farm Arena
  • Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  • The Georgia World Congress Center
  • Several major hotels and office buildings

Because of its location, it’s often used as:

  • A pre‑game or post‑game spot before Hawks, Falcons, United, or concert events
  • A meetup bar for conventions and conferences
  • A casual stop during a day of sightseeing at places like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca‑Cola

If you’re already in the Centennial Olympic Park or CNN Center area, you can typically reach Park Bar on foot in a few minutes. If you’re coming from farther out in Atlanta, using MARTA to get to the GWCC/CNN Center or Five Points station and then walking is common.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

Park Bar is best described as a relaxed, neighborhood‑style bar tucked into downtown. You’ll usually find:

  • Casual dress: Jeans, jerseys, and everyday outfits are normal
  • Mixed crowd: Office workers, sports fans, hotel guests, and locals
  • TVs for sports: Often tuned to major games, especially Atlanta teams
  • Bar seating + tables: Space for both solo guests and groups

The vibe is typically:

  • Lively on event nights (games, concerts, conventions)
  • More low‑key on non‑event weekdays and earlier in the evening

If you’re trying to decide between Park Bar and a louder nightclub or rooftop, Park Bar is more of a chill, conversation‑friendly spot that still works well for a fun night out.

Food at Park Bar: Pub Grub with Local Flair

Park Bar is known as much for its food as its drinks. While menus can change, you can generally expect:

Typical Menu Highlights

  • Burgers and sandwiches

    • Classic cheeseburgers
    • Specialty burgers with creative toppings
    • Chicken sandwiches and sometimes pulled pork or similar options

  • Bar snacks and appetizers

    • Fries, tots, or loaded fries
    • Wings or tenders
    • Shareable starters that work well for groups

  • Salads and lighter options

    • A basic selection of salads or lighter plates, depending on the season

Many Atlanta diners describe Park Bar as a solid choice for a casual meal downtown—especially if you want something more local than a hotel restaurant but still easy, fast, and familiar.

Vegetarian or Dietary Preferences

Park Bar usually offers at least a few flexible options, such as:

  • Salads that can be ordered without meat
  • Sides like fries or tots
  • Occasionally veggie‑friendly or customizable sandwiches

However, if you have strict dietary needs or allergies, it’s smart to:

  • Call ahead and ask what’s currently available
  • Mention restrictions clearly to your server when you arrive

Downtown bar menus can rotate, especially around events, so confirming in advance is often helpful.

Drinks: What to Expect at the Bar

Park Bar offers a full bar with:

  • Draft and bottled beer

    • Domestic favorites
    • Popular imports
    • Often some craft options, including Georgia or regional beers

  • Wine by the glass

    • A small but practical list for casual sipping

  • Classic mixed drinks and cocktails

    • Standard bar cocktails
    • Simple mixed drinks that are easy to order

This isn’t a craft‑cocktail lounge; it’s more of a no‑nonsense, straightforward bar where you can grab:

  • A beer before a game
  • A drink with coworkers after a conference session
  • A simple cocktail during a casual night in the city

When to Go: Timing Your Visit

Atlanta’s downtown crowd can change dramatically depending on the calendar. Park Bar follows that pattern.

Busier Times

Expect it to be busier and louder:

  • Before and after games at State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  • During major concerts and live events
  • On big convention nights when the Georgia World Congress Center is active
  • On weekends, especially Friday and Saturday evenings

If you’re hoping for easier seating and a more relaxed environment, try:

  • Weeknights without major events
  • Earlier hours in the afternoon or early evening

Quieter Windows

On non‑event weekdays, Park Bar often feels more like a:

  • Worker hangout for people from nearby offices
  • Lunch or early‑evening spot rather than a late‑night party bar

It can be a good option if you want to avoid the heavier crowds that some downtown sports bars attract on big game days.

Getting to Park Bar: Transportation Tips

Because Park Bar sits in the core of downtown Atlanta, you have several transportation options.

By MARTA

MARTA is often the simplest way to reach the area, especially during big events when parking is tight.

Nearby MARTA options include:

  • GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)

    • Walkable to Centennial Olympic Park and surrounding streets

  • Five Points Station (Red/Gold + Blue/Green intersection)

    • A central hub where many riders transfer, then walk several blocks

Using transit helps avoid stadium traffic and event‑night congestion around downtown streets.

By Car

If you’re driving:

  • Expect paid parking in decks and surface lots nearby
  • Prices often increase during major events or peak times
  • Street parking is limited and time‑restricted in much of downtown

Many locals prefer to park once near Centennial Olympic Park, then walk to Park Bar and any other downtown stops on foot.

By Rideshare or Taxi

If you don’t want to deal with parking or MARTA:

  • Rideshare drop‑offs are common in the Centennial Olympic Park / State Farm Arena area
  • Be prepared for heavier traffic and slower pick‑ups right after big games or concerts

Planning your pickup spot slightly away from the main arena entrances can sometimes shorten your wait.

Park Bar as Part of Your Downtown Atlanta Plan

Because of its central location, Park Bar fits easily into a larger Atlanta outing. Here’s how people commonly use it:

Before or After a Game or Concert

If you’re headed to:

  • Mercedes‑Benz Stadium for a Falcons, United game, or big concert
  • State Farm Arena for Hawks games or touring shows

Park Bar can work well as:

  • A pre‑event meetup to gather friends, eat, and grab a drink
  • A post‑event wind‑down spot to let traffic clear before heading home

👥 Tip: On big event nights, go earlier than you think you need if you want a table.

During a Day of Sightseeing

Park Bar is convenient if you’re exploring:

  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca‑Cola
  • College Football Hall of Fame
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights

You can:

  • Stop in for lunch between attractions
  • Use it as a midday break from walking and the summer heat
  • Grab an early dinner before heading back to your hotel or neighborhood

Meeting Spot for Locals and Visitors

Because it’s easy to describe and centrally located, Park Bar often becomes:

  • A neutral meetup point for people coming from different parts of Atlanta
  • A simple “let’s start here” location when friends are visiting from out of town

If you live in Atlanta, it can be a convenient place to meet visiting family or friends staying at downtown hotels, especially around Centennial Olympic Park.

Tips for a Smooth Visit

To make your visit to Park Bar in Atlanta easier:

  • Check event schedules: See if there’s a major game, concert, or convention nearby. Expect more crowds and longer waits on those days.
  • Arrive early on busy nights: If there’s a big event, aim to arrive at least an hour or more beforehand.
  • Plan transportation: Decide in advance whether you’ll use MARTA, drive and park, or rely on rideshare—especially for late nights.
  • Be flexible with timing: If you want a calmer atmosphere, lean toward weekday afternoons or early evenings on non‑event days.

How Park Bar Fits Into Atlanta’s Bar Scene

In the context of Atlanta’s nightlife, Park Bar is:

  • More relaxed than midtown club scenes or high‑energy nightspots
  • More local‑feeling than some hotel bars
  • More food‑focused than bars that mainly emphasize cocktails

It’s a solid choice if you want:

  • A straightforward bar with good pub food in downtown
  • A place where locals and visitors mix
  • Easy access to Atlanta’s biggest venues and attractions without traveling far between stops

For many people in Atlanta—whether you live in the city, commute in for work, or are visiting—Park Bar serves as a reliable, casual hangout in one of the busiest parts of town.