Atlantic Station Restaurants in Atlanta: Where to Eat, Drink, and Unwind

Atlantic Station has grown into one of Atlanta’s most walkable dining districts, blending national names with local favorites, quick bites with date-night spots, and everything in between. Whether you live nearby, work in Midtown, or are staying in a hotel along 17th Street, Atlantic Station’s restaurants make it easy to park once, then explore on foot.

This guide walks through the best types of restaurants at Atlantic Station, what to expect, and how to plan a meal that fits your budget, taste, and schedule.

Atlantic Station at a Glance

Atlantic Station is a mixed-use development off 17th Street NW between I‑75/85 and Northside Drive NW, just west of Midtown. The main retail and restaurant core centers around:

• Atlantic Drive NW
• District Avenue NW
• 18th Street NW

Most restaurants are clustered in and around Atlantic Green, the central lawn and event area. Parking is primarily in the underground deck with multiple entrances off State Street NW, 16th Street NW, and Market Street NW.

Parking tip:
Most visitors use the Atlantic Station underground garage, which typically offers free parking for a limited time with upscale, casual, and quick-serve restaurants all within a short walk of the exits.

Types of Restaurants You’ll Find at Atlantic Station

You won’t find white-tablecloth fine dining on every corner here, but you will find a strong mix of casual sit‑down spots, bar-centric restaurants, dessert shops, and fast-casual counters. Think:

• American grills and burger joints
• Southern-influenced comfort food
• Mexican and Latin-inspired concepts
• Asian and sushi options
• Salads, bowls, and health‑leaning menus
• Coffee, bubble tea, and dessert spots
• Game-day bars and happy-hour destinations

It’s very group-friendly and kid-friendly, especially around Atlantic Green.

Popular Sit‑Down Restaurants at Atlantic Station

These are the places many Atlanta residents think of first when planning lunch, dinner, or a casual night out at Atlantic Station.

1. American & Southern-Inspired Spots

Atlantic Station leans toward approachable menus—burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and Southern touches—geared to both locals and visitors.

Common features you’ll see:

• Burgers, sliders, and wings
• Steaks or grilled chicken
• Mac and cheese, fries, and other comfort sides
• Craft beer and cocktail lists
• Indoor and patio seating facing the main pedestrian streets

These restaurants usually work well if you’re:

• Meeting friends before or after a movie at Regal Atlantic Station
• Grabbing a relaxed meal after shopping
• Hosting out‑of‑town visitors who want a “classic” American menu

2. Mexican & Latin-Inspired Dining

Mexican and Tex‑Mex style restaurants are common choices at Atlantic Station, often featuring:

• Tacos, fajitas, and quesadillas
• House-made salsas and guacamole
• Margaritas and tequila-focused drink menus
• Lively interiors and patios, especially on weekends and game days

These spots are particularly popular for:

• Birthday groups and casual celebrations
• Pre‑concert or pre‑game meals (Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena are a short drive away)
• Happy hour meetups for Midtown workers

3. Asian & Sushi Options

For those craving sushi, noodles, or pan‑Asian flavors, Atlantic Station generally offers at least one or two options at any given time. Menus in this category often include:

• Sushi rolls and sashimi
• Ramen or noodle bowls
• Fried rice and stir‑fry dishes
• Vegetarian and seafood-heavy choices

Because restaurant lineups can change, it’s smart to check current menus and hours before heading over, especially if you have dietary needs like gluten‑free or vegan.

Fast-Casual & Quick Bites

If you’re catching a movie, on a lunch break from a nearby office, or visiting with kids, Atlantic Station’s fast-casual choices can be more convenient than a full sit‑down meal.

Common quick options include:

• Build-your-own bowls or salads
• Sandwich and burger counters
• Pizza by the slice or fast-fired pies
• Chicken tenders, fries, and kids’ combo meals

Many fast-casual spots ring the main streets immediately around Atlantic Green, so you can grab food to go and eat on the lawn during nice weather.

When quick options make the most sense

• ⏱ You want to be in and out in 30 minutes or less
• 🎬 You’re timing dinner around a movie start time
• 👨‍👩‍👧 You’re with young kids and want flexibility if anyone gets restless
• 💼 You’re on a work lunch and need predictable timing

Coffee, Dessert, and “Walkable” Treats

A big part of the Atlantic Station experience is strolling with a drink or dessert in hand, especially during events on the lawn or holiday seasons.

You’ll typically find:

• Coffee shops with espresso drinks, iced coffees, and light pastries
• Bubble tea or specialty drink counters
• Ice cream, gelato, or frozen yogurt stands
• Cookie or cupcake shops near the main retail corridors

These are ideal for:

• Grabbing a midday pick‑me‑up when shopping
• Ending a date night with something sweet
• Keeping kids happy during events or after a movie

Atlantic Station Restaurants: At-a-Glance Guide

Use this quick reference to match what you’re in the mood for with the type of place you’re most likely to find around Atlantic Green.

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips

1. Parking & Transportation

Parking garage access
The main parking is in the Atlantic Station underground deck, accessible from:

• 16th Street NW
• State Street NW
• Market Street NW

Signs and digital boards generally guide you to available spaces. From the deck, look for exits labeled for Atlantic Green, Central Shops, or 17th Street to come up closest to the restaurant area.

Public transit options

• MARTA Rail: Many diners take MARTA to Arts Center Station, then use the free Atlantic Station shuttle (when in operation) that runs between the station and the retail district.
• Rideshare: Lyft and Uber often use designated pickup/drop‑off points along 17th Street NW or Market Street NW near the central area; check your app’s suggested location for the most accurate spot.

2. Peak Times to Expect Crowds

Atlantic Station restaurants can get busy during:

• Friday and Saturday evenings (especially 6:30–9:00 p.m.)
• Movie release weekends at Regal Atlantic Station
• Holiday events, particularly around the ice rink and Christmas tree
• Large college or pro sports events when people are pre‑gaming

For these windows, it’s a good idea to:

• Arrive 15–30 minutes early for popular sit‑down spots
• Consider weeknight dinners if you want a quieter experience
• Plan a later dinner (after 8:30 p.m.) if you prefer shorter waits

3. Reservations vs. Walk‑In

Many Atlantic Station restaurants take reservations, especially the larger sit‑down and bar-centric venues. Policies vary, but in general:

• Couples and small groups (2–4 people) can often walk in, with some wait during peak hours
• Groups of 6+ should call ahead or book a reservation to ensure seating and avoid long waits
• For birthdays or special occasions, ask about group menus or semi‑private areas if available

Eating at Atlantic Station with Kids

Atlantic Station is one of the more kid‑friendly dining areas near Midtown Atlanta, thanks to its layout and lawn.

Why families like it

• Open pedestrian areas: Kids can walk around Atlantic Green with supervision before or after meals.
• Kid‑oriented menus: Many restaurants offer chicken tenders, burgers, fries, and simple pastas.
• Entertainment nearby: The Regal theater, seasonal events, and occasional pop‑ups give families more to do around mealtimes.

Practical family tips

• Aim for earlier dinners (5:00–6:30 p.m.) to avoid the loudest crowds.
• If your kids get restless, consider fast-casual so you can eat at your own pace.
• On nice days, grab takeout and enjoy it at Atlantic Green or one of the outdoor seating areas.

Dietary Needs and Preferences

If you have specific dietary needs, Atlantic Station can usually accommodate you, but it helps to plan ahead.

Common options you’ll find

• Vegetarian and vegan:

  • Salads and grain bowls with customizable toppings
  • Vegetable-based sides and appetizers
  • Some Asian or Mediterranean-inspired items (varies by restaurant)

• Gluten-conscious choices:

  • Rice bowls, salads, and some bun‑less burger options
  • Sushi or protein‑plus-veggie preparations in certain spots

• Health‑leaning menus:

  • Bowls with greens, lean proteins, and light dressings
  • Grilled instead of fried main dishes at several casual restaurants

Because menus do change over time, it’s smart to:

• Review the current menu online
• Call the restaurant and ask about gluten-free, nut-free, or vegan options
• Mention any serious allergies to the staff when you arrive

Budgeting for a Meal at Atlantic Station

Pricing at Atlantic Station restaurants typically follows Midtown Atlanta norms—higher than suburban strip malls, but with a range from quick-budget to full night out.

Here’s a rough expectation (excluding tax and tip):

• Fast-casual lunch:
  • About $10–$18 per person for a bowl, salad, sandwich, or similar
• Sit‑down lunch or casual dinner:
  • Around $15–$30 per person for an entrée and nonalcoholic drink
• Dinner with cocktails:
  • Often $25–$50+ per person, depending on drinks and appetizers

Money-saving ideas:

• Look for weekday lunch specials at sit‑down spots
• Consider splitting appetizers or desserts
• Choose fast-casual if you’re primarily there for the movie or shopping and don’t need table service

Special Situations: Dates, Groups, and Events

Date Night at Atlantic Station

For a simple date night plan:

1. Park in the underground deck and walk up near Atlantic Green.
2. Choose a sit‑down spot with cocktails or wine.
3. Stroll around the shops or catch a movie at Regal afterward.
4. Finish with coffee or dessert from one of the nearby shops.

If you prefer quieter dates, consider weeknights or later seating, especially when major events aren’t scheduled.

Group Outings and Celebrations

For birthdays, coworkers’ send‑offs, or friend groups:

• Pick a restaurant with ample indoor seating or a sizable bar area.
• Call ahead to ask about group reservations, large table policies, or maximum party sizes.
• Check whether there’s an automatic gratuity added for larger groups (common in Atlanta).

Atlantic Station is also a useful meeting spot if some people live in Midtown, some in West Midtown, and others are driving up from Downtown.

How Atlantic Station Compares to Other Atlanta Dining Areas

If you’re deciding between Atlantic Station and other parts of Atlanta:

• Versus Midtown (Peachtree St. corridor):

  • Atlantic Station feels more like a contained, walkable complex with easier parking.
  • Midtown has more independent restaurants and chef-driven spots tucked along Peachtree St., West Peachtree St., and Juniper St.

• Versus West Midtown (Howell Mill / Marietta St. area):

  • West Midtown leans trendier and more experimental in some pockets.
  • Atlantic Station is more family- and visitor-oriented, with a focus on mainstream tastes and retail adjacency.

• Versus Buckhead (Lenox / Phipps / Buckhead Village):

  • Buckhead often skews more upscale and price-heavy.
  • Atlantic Station usually offers a more casual, laid-back environment.

Your choice might come down to parking convenience, whether you want to pair your meal with shopping and a movie, or if you’re looking for a specific type of restaurant.

Quick Checklist Before You Go

To make your Atlantic Station restaurant visit smoother:

• ✅ Decide if you want fast-casual or a full sit‑down meal
• ✅ Check current restaurant listings and hours (lineups can change)
• ✅ Consider reservations if it’s a weekend or you have a large group
• ✅ Plan parking: use the underground deck and remember your level/section
• ✅ Leave extra time on event nights or holidays for parking and walking

With walkable streets, a wide range of Atlantic Station restaurants in Atlanta, and plenty to do before and after you eat, this district can easily fill a quick lunch hour or an entire evening out—whether you’re a longtime local or visiting the city for the first time.