Best Restaurants Near the Atlanta Convention Center: Where to Eat Around Downtown Atlanta

If you’re heading to a conference, game, or concert in downtown Atlanta, you’re probably asking the same thing everyone else does: where are the best restaurants near the Atlanta convention centers?

Atlanta has two major convention hubs people usually mean:

• Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) – 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart – 240 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Both are in the heart of downtown, surrounded by restaurants that range from quick grab-and-go to polished, sit‑down dining. This guide focuses on walkable and short-ride options that work well for conference schedules, large groups, and visitors who don’t know the city well.

Quick Orientation: Dining Near Atlanta’s Convention Centers

Most visitors end up in one (or more) of these nearby pockets:

• GWCC / Mercedes‑Benz Stadium / State Farm Arena – good for sports‑bar style food, Southern comfort, and pre‑event bites.
• Centennial Olympic Park area – a mix of tourist‑friendly restaurants, casual chains, and a few local gems.
• Peachtree Center & AmericasMart – indoor food courts, quick lunches, and a few nicer spots for business meals.
• Fairlie‑Poplar & Luckie Street – more local character, cafes, bars, and late‑night options.

If you only remember one thing: you don’t need a car to eat well around the convention centers. Many of the best options are within a 5–15 minute walk.

Top Sit‑Down Restaurants Near Georgia World Congress Center

These are ideal if you have a little time between sessions or want a real meal after a long conference day.

1. Southern and Upscale Comfort Near GWCC

1.1. Paschal’s (Historic Southern Dining)

• Address: 180 Northside Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Distance: About a 10–15 minute walk or short rideshare from GWCC
• Why go:
  • Classic fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and other Southern staples.
  • Deep Atlanta history, often associated with civil rights era gatherings.
  • Good for groups who want a “true Atlanta” Southern meal.

1.2. The Atlanta Breakfast Club

• Address: 249 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Distance: Roughly a 10-minute walk from GWCC
• Known for:
  • Comfort breakfast and brunch—think chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, fluffy biscuits.
  • Lines can form during peak times, especially when big events are in town, so plan ahead.

1.3. Waffle House (for late‑night or quick Southern‑style breakfast)

• Address (near GWCC): 170 Northside Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Why it matters:
  • Atlanta is Waffle House territory; many locals consider it essential.
  • Open 24/7 in many locations, handy after late sessions or games.
  • Casual, fast, and very no‑frills.

2. Sports Bars and Casual Spots Near GWCC

If you’re bouncing between the convention center and a Falcons, United, or Hawks game, these spots are convenient.

2.1. Dantanna’s (Downtown/State Farm Arena vicinity)

• Address: Often associated with the CNN Center area (check current location details before you go).
• What to expect:
  • Sports‑bar atmosphere with burgers, steaks, wings, and a strong game‑day vibe.
  • Popular for watching major games if you’re in town for a sports‑related convention.

2.2. STATS Brewpub

• Address: 300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Distance: Around a 10-minute walk from GWCC
• Highlights:
  • Large TV screens for sports, in‑table taps at some seating, and pub‑style menu.
  • Great for larger groups and networking meetups where people want to mingle.

2.3. Taco Mac (Downtown)

• Address: 100 Techwood Dr NW (CNN Center area, check current status)
• Why people go:
  • Wings, tacos, burgers, and a large beer selection.
  • Feels familiar for visitors from out of town, but still has a local Atlanta identity.

3. Restaurants Around Centennial Olympic Park (Between GWCC and AmericasMart)

You’ll walk through or around Centennial Olympic Park if you’re going from GWCC to AmericasMart or nearby hotels. This area is dense with options.

3.1. Twin Smokers BBQ

• Address: 300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Style:
  • Barbecue focusing on both Texas and Southern styles.
  • Brisket, ribs, smoked chicken, and classic sides like baked beans and coleslaw.
• Good for:
  • A genuine BBQ fix without leaving downtown, casual group meals.

3.2. Der Biergarten

• Address: 300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Why it stands out:
  • German‑style beer garden with sausages, pretzels, schnitzel, and a large beer list.
  • Outdoor seating is nice when Atlanta weather cooperates.
  • Easy walking distance from both GWCC and many downtown hotels.

3.3. Googie Burger (Park‑side casual)

• Location: In or near Centennial Olympic Park area
• What to know:
  • Casual burgers, fries, shakes, and simple bites.
  • Works well if you don’t want to leave the park zone for lunch between sessions.

Best Restaurants Near Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart

AmericasMart and the ATL Convention Center sit right off Peachtree Street and are connected to Peachtree Center by indoor walkways. That means you can stay indoors for many of your dining choices—very welcome on hot summer days or rainy afternoons.

4. Business‑Friendly and Nicer Sit‑Down Options

These work well for client dinners, team celebrations, or anyone who wants something a bit more polished than a fast‑casual spot.

4.1. Cuts Steakhouse (Downtown)

• Address: 60 Andrew Young International Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Distance: Short walk from AmericasMart and many Peachtree Street hotels
• Highlights:
  • Steakhouse menu: steaks, chops, seafood, and classic sides.
  • Atmosphere is suited for business dinners or more formal meals.

4.2. Pittypat’s Porch

• Address: 25 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Why it’s notable:
  • Old‑school Atlanta restaurant emphasizing Southern hospitality and dishes.
  • Decor plays up a nostalgic “Old South” vibe; many visitors consider it a uniquely local experience.
• Best for:
  • Out‑of‑towners who want a sit‑down Southern meal within walking distance of the convention campus.

4.3. Alma Cocina (Downtown)

• Address: 191 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• What to expect:
  • Modern Latin‑inspired menu with tacos, ceviche, and creative cocktails.
  • Good for after‑conference happy hours or moderately upscale dinners.

5. Fast‑Casual and Food Court Options in Peachtree Center

If your schedule is packed or you’re in sessions all day, Peachtree Center is your friend. It connects to various hotels and office towers and has a large food court.

5.1. Peachtree Center Food Court

• Address: 225 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Why it’s useful:
  • Dozens of quick options: sandwiches, salads, Asian, Mediterranean, burgers, coffee, and more.
  • Many vendors are set up for quick service, ideal for 30–45 minute lunch breaks.
  • Indoor, climate‑controlled, and mostly accessible via skybridges from nearby hotels and buildings.

5.2. Pan‑Asian, Mediterranean, and Bowl‑Style Spots
In and around Peachtree Center you’ll find rotating selections of:

• Noodle and rice bowl stands
• Mediterranean counter-service (gyros, falafel, hummus bowls)
• Salad and grain bowl shops

These are practical if you’re looking for lighter or more customizable meals while in conference attire.

Local Flavor Within a Short Walk of Either Convention Center

Step just a bit away from the most touristy corridors and you’ll find more local‑feeling options, especially in the Fairlie‑Poplar area and along Luckie Street.

6. Casual Atlanta Favorites

6.1. Ted’s Montana Grill (Downtown)

• Address: 133 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Why people like it:
  • Known for bison and beef burgers, meatloaf, and hearty American comfort food.
  • Cozy setting, often a manageable walk from both AmericasMart and Centennial Olympic Park.

6.2. Moe’s and Joe’s style local pubs & cafes
In the surrounding blocks near Luckie St and Broad St, you’ll find:

• Casual pubs and taverns with simple bar food
• Coffee shops that double as light‑lunch spots
• Places with outdoor seating, good if you want a break from convention lighting

These are ideal if you prefer a less corporate, more neighborhood feel, even while staying downtown.

Quick Bites Before or After Events

Conference days aren’t always predictable. Sometimes you only have 20 minutes; other times you’re heading straight to a concert. Downtown Atlanta has plenty of grab‑and‑go options.

7. Coffee, Breakfast, and Snack Stops

Look for:

• Local coffee shops around Peachtree Street and Fairlie‑Poplar for pastries, cold brew, and quick breakfast sandwiches.
• Hotel lobby cafés (especially in the big downtown hotels near AmericasMart and GWCC) which often serve coffee, pastries, and small plates earlier or later than typical hours.
• Convenience‑market style spots inside some hotels or large office buildings, useful for snacks and bottled drinks between sessions.

8. Late‑Night and Post‑Event Eating

After a game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or an evening keynote, many visitors want something quick and still open.

Common late‑night categories near the convention corridors:

• 24‑hour or late‑night diners (including Waffle House locations)
• Pizza by the slice along Peachtree and nearby streets
• Hotel bars and restaurants, which often keep kitchens open a bit later when big events are in town

If you’re leaving an event at the GWCC, State Farm Arena, or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, the safest bet for late food is usually:

• Head toward Peachtree Street downtown for slices and fast‑casual.
• Or back toward your hotel, since many big hotels keep a scaled‑down menu available for guests.

Comparing Restaurant Types Near the Convention Centers

Here’s a simple overview to help you pick the right type of place based on your schedule and needs.

Practical Tips for Eating Near Atlanta’s Convention Centers

A few Atlanta‑specific pointers make dining near the convention centers easier:

• Check event calendars. On days with major games, concerts, or overlapping conventions, popular spots near GWCC and Centennial Park can fill quickly. Calling ahead or using wait‑list apps can save time.
• Plan around MARTA stations.
  • GWCC is near GWCC/CNN Center Station.
  • AmericasMart and Peachtree Center are near Peachtree Center Station.
    Restaurants cluster around these stops, so they’re good wayfinding anchors.
• Dress codes are usually relaxed. Most downtown spots near the convention centers are used to people in business casual, jeans, or team jerseys on game days.
• Account for walking hills and heat. Downtown Atlanta has a few inclines, and summer heat can be intense. For long walks between GWCC and Peachtree Center, many people use indoor connectors and hotel lobbies where available.
• Group reservations help. If you’re with a large conference group, calling ahead to BBQ spots, brewpubs, or steakhouses near GWCC and AmericasMart often makes seating smoother, especially between 6–8 p.m.

With both the Georgia World Congress Center and the Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart surrounded by food options, you rarely have to go far for a good meal. Whether you want classic Southern comfort, barbecue, burgers, or something lighter and quick, downtown Atlanta offers plenty of choices within walking distance or a short rideshare of the convention halls.