Bulla Gastrobar in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go
If you’re searching for “Bulla restaurant Atlanta”, you’re almost certainly looking for Bulla Gastrobar, a popular Spanish-style tapas spot in Midtown Atlanta. This guide walks you through what it’s like, what to order, when to go, and how to make the most of your visit as an Atlanta local or visitor.
Where Bulla Gastrobar Is in Atlanta
Bulla Gastrobar – Atlanta
60 11th Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 900-6926
You’ll find Bulla in Midtown’s 12th & Midtown area, a walkable part of the city surrounded by apartments, offices, and other restaurants.
Getting there
- By MARTA:
- Nearest heavy rail stop is usually Midtown Station. From there, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk, or a short rideshare.
- By car:
- Close to Peachtree St NE, Spring St NW, and the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85).
- Expect typical Midtown traffic, especially on weeknights from 5–7 p.m. and weekend evenings.
- Parking:
- Midtown often uses parking garages, decks, and paid street parking. Give yourself extra time to park, especially on Friday and Saturday nights or before big shows at Fox Theatre or events in Piedmont Park.
What Kind of Restaurant Bulla Is
Bulla is best described as a modern Spanish tapas restaurant and bar:
- Tapas-focused: Small plates meant for sharing.
- Gastrobar style: Emphasis on both food and drinks—it feels more relaxed than fine dining but more polished than a casual pub.
- Social atmosphere: Designed for groups, date nights, and after-work meetups.
If you’re familiar with Atlanta’s dining scene, imagine something in between a lively Midtown bar and a sit-down dinner spot, with a Spanish twist.
Atmosphere and Crowd
Vibe
- Energetic and social, especially during happy hour and weekend evenings.
- Modern décor, open kitchen, and a busy bar area.
- Not a white-tablecloth place, but not super casual either.
Typical occasions
People in Atlanta often choose Bulla for:
- Date nights and anniversaries
- Birthday dinners with friends
- Pre-show meals before Fox Theatre or Alliance Theatre
- After-work drinks for Midtown professionals
- Brunch meetups before or after a walk in Piedmont Park
Noise level
Expect a lively noise level—conversation is easy enough at smaller tables, but it’s not a quiet, hushed environment. If you want something calmer:
- Aim for earlier in the evening on weekdays.
- Ask for a patio or corner table if available.
What’s on the Menu at Bulla Atlanta
Menus can change, but Atlanta diners can typically expect a range of Spanish and Spanish-inspired dishes.
Classic tapas you’re likely to find
Common small plates that show up often include:
- Patatas bravas – Crisp potatoes with a spicy sauce and aioli
- Croquetas – Fried croquettes, often with ham or chicken
- Tortilla española – Spanish omelette with potatoes and eggs
- Pan con tomate – Toasted bread with tomato and olive oil
- Gambas al ajillo – Shrimp with garlic and olive oil
These are good entry points if you’re new to Spanish food and want familiar, shareable bites.
Larger plates and mains
Alongside tapas, there are usually:
- Paella-style dishes (often with seafood, chicken, or mixed)
- Steaks or grilled meats with Spanish-style accompaniments
- Fish dishes with Mediterranean flavors
- Seasonal or chef specials that reflect local Georgia ingredients
If you’re dining with a group, it’s common in Atlanta to mix a few tapas to share with individual main courses.
Brunch options
Bulla’s weekend brunch is a draw for Midtown residents. Brunch often features:
- Egg dishes with Spanish twists
- Sweet brunch items (like French toast variations)
- Brunch cocktails such as mimosas, sangrias, and other daytime drinks
Brunch hours can vary, but plan for late morning to early afternoon on weekends and consider reserving ahead—Midtown brunch crowds can be heavy, especially on sunny days.
Drinks: Sangria, Cocktails, and More
Bulla’s bar is a major part of the experience:
- Sangria: Often a house specialty with red and white options
- Cocktails: Spanish-inspired drinks plus more traditional cocktails
- Wine: Selection of Spanish wines and familiar international varietals
- Beer: A mix of local and imported options
If you’re bar-hopping in Midtown, Bulla can work well as:
- A first-stop for tapas and drinks
- A mid-evening spot to share snacks and cocktails before exploring other nearby bars
Price Range and Budget Tips
Bulla falls into the mid to upper-mid price range for Atlanta:
- Tapas: Typically priced per small plate, so costs can add up if you order many dishes without tracking.
- Mains: Generally more than casual chain restaurants but less than high-end steakhouses.
- Drinks: In line with other Midtown cocktail bars and gastropubs.
How locals often manage cost
- Share several tapas among 3–4 people instead of each person ordering many individual dishes.
- Focus on happy hour or bar specials when available.
- Use Bulla as a pre-dinner stop (a drink and 1–2 tapas) and finish the night somewhere lighter on the budget if needed.
Reservations, Wait Times, and When to Go
Reservations
Reservations are commonly recommended for:
- Friday and Saturday nights
- Weekend brunch
- Larger groups (4 or more), especially around holidays or big event weekends in Midtown
Walk-ins may be possible, but comfort with waiting depends on your schedule.
Typical busy times
While exact crowd levels change, common patterns for Bulla in Midtown are:
- Weeknights (Mon–Thu):
- Quieter early evening, busier around 7–9 p.m.
- Fridays:
- Busy from happy hour onward, especially if there’s a major event nearby.
- Saturdays:
- Brunch crowds late morning
- Dinner and drinks crowds from 7 p.m. onward
- Sundays:
- Brunch can still be active, but evenings are often calmer than Friday/Saturday.
If you want a more relaxed visit, consider:
- Early dinner on a weekday
- Later brunch after peak times
Good Occasions to Choose Bulla in Atlanta
Bulla fits well into a lot of Atlanta plans:
1. Before or after a show
If you’re catching a performance at:
- Fox Theatre
- Alliance Theatre
- High Museum of Art events
Bulla works both as a pre-show dinner or post-show snack and drink spot. Just be sure to build in time for Midtown traffic and parking.
2. Midtown date night
For couples:
- Start with a walk around Piedmont Park or the BeltLine Eastside Trail
- Head to Bulla for tapas and sangria
- Finish with dessert nearby or a quiet drink at another Midtown lounge
3. Group dinners and celebrations
The shared small plates make Bulla comfortable for:
- Birthday gatherings
- Farewell parties
- Team dinners after work
If you have a larger group, requesting a reservation and asking about group seating is usually helpful.
Dietary Considerations
Spanish-inspired menus often include a mix of:
- Meat and seafood
- Cheese and eggs
- Vegetable-forward dishes
If you have dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten concerns, etc.):
- Review the current menu before you go if possible.
- Let your server know your restrictions; staff at restaurants like Bulla in Atlanta are commonly used to answering ingredient questions or suggesting alternatives.
Because recipes and offerings can change, it’s best not to assume a dish is suitable without asking.
Quick Reference: Bulla Gastrobar Atlanta at a Glance
| Aspect | Details (Atlanta-Specific) |
|---|---|
| Type of restaurant | Spanish-style tapas gastrobar |
| Location | Midtown Atlanta, 60 11th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 |
| Atmosphere | Lively, social, modern; good for dates and groups |
| Typical price range | Mid to upper-mid; tapas format can add up with larger orders |
| Best suited for | Tapas, sangria, brunch, after-work drinks, pre-show dinners |
| Dress code feel | Smart casual; typical Midtown going-out attire |
| Reservations | Recommended for weekends, brunch, and larger groups |
| Nearby highlights | Fox Theatre, Piedmont Park, High Museum, 12th & Midtown area |
Tips for a Smooth Visit
Here are a few simple strategies for Atlantans and visitors:
- Plan your transportation: Midtown parking can be tight; consider MARTA, rideshare, or allowing extra time to park.
- Reserve for peak times: For weekend evenings or brunch, a reservation can reduce wait times significantly.
- Share widely: Tapas are meant for sharing—order a variety and split everything so you can try more of the menu.
- Watch the clock before shows: If you’re heading to Fox Theatre or another venue, aim to be seated at least 1.5–2 hours before curtain time.
- Check current hours: Opening and closing times can change seasonally or on holidays, so verify same-day information if you’re on a tight schedule.
With a clear sense of what Bulla Gastrobar offers and how it fits into Atlanta’s Midtown scene, you can decide whether it’s the right spot for your next tapas night, brunch meet-up, or pre-show dinner.