La Parrilla Mexican Restaurant in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go
If you’re searching for La Parrilla Mexican Restaurant in Atlanta, you’re probably looking for good fajitas, fresh chips and salsa, and a relaxed, family-friendly spot. La Parrilla is a popular Mexican restaurant group with several locations around the Atlanta metro area, and it’s become a go-to for many locals and visitors who want familiar Tex‑Mex style dishes, margaritas, and a casual atmosphere.
This guide walks through what to expect, how the Atlanta locations differ, what’s typically on the menu, and tips to make your visit smoother.
Where You’ll Find La Parrilla Around Atlanta
La Parrilla doesn’t have just one restaurant in Atlanta. Instead, it operates multiple locations across the metro. While exact addresses can change over time, you’ll commonly find La Parrilla in or near:
- Intown / Inside the Perimeter (ITP)
- Areas like Midtown, Buckhead, Grant Park, or near major shopping centers and mixed‑use developments.
- North Atlanta & Suburbs
- Along corridors like Peachtree Boulevard, Roswell Road, and GA‑400 in places such as Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, and Alpharetta.
- East, West, and South Metro
- Near big retail centers and highways, such as along I‑20, I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285.
Because specific addresses and hours can change, it’s smart to:
- Check a map app and search for “La Parrilla Mexican Restaurant” near your current Atlanta location.
- Look at the closest major intersection or shopping center to plan parking and traffic timing.
If you’re staying in a hotel downtown or in Midtown, there’s often a La Parrilla within a 15–25 minute drive depending on traffic.
What Kind of Mexican Food Does La Parrilla Serve?
La Parrilla is best described as Tex‑Mex and American‑Mexican rather than strictly traditional regional Mexican cuisine. It’s the kind of menu many Atlantans expect when they think of “Mexican restaurant night.”
Common menu sections include:
- Appetizers
- Cheese dip (queso), guacamole, nachos, queso fundido, bean dips.
- Tacos
- Hard or soft shells, with fillings like ground beef, shredded chicken, grilled steak, fish, or shrimp.
- Fajitas
- Typically served sizzling with onions and peppers, with options like chicken, steak, shrimp, or combos.
- Enchiladas & Burritos
- Often smothered in red, green, or cheese sauces; can be stuffed with chicken, beef, beans, or veggies.
- Combination Plates
- Mixes of tacos, enchiladas, tamales, rice, and beans.
- Specialties
- Dishes with grilled meats, seafood, or house sauces; sometimes regionally inspired plates.
- Kids’ Menu
- Smaller portions like tacos, quesadillas, and simple rice/beans or fries options.
Most Atlanta diners describe La Parrilla’s food as familiar, crowd‑pleasing, and consistent rather than experimental. If you’re looking to introduce picky eaters or kids to Mexican flavors, this style often works well.
Typical Experience: Atmosphere, Service, and Crowd
Atmosphere
La Parrilla locations around Atlanta are usually:
- Casual and family-friendly – suitable for kids, mixed‑age groups, and post‑game team dinners.
- Lively but not formal – music, conversation, and the sounds of sizzling fajitas are common.
- Colorful décor – bright colors, murals, and traditional decorative elements.
Many locations have:
- A bar area with TVs (often tuned to sports).
- A dining room separated from the bar, which can be a bit quieter and better for families.
- Sometimes an outdoor patio, which is especially popular in Atlanta’s milder months.
Service & Wait Times
In Atlanta, La Parrilla is often:
- Very busy on Friday and Saturday evenings and on game days or holidays.
- Quicker to seat smaller groups at off‑peak times (early lunch, weekdays around 3–5 p.m.).
You can typically expect:
- Fast chips, salsa, and drinks soon after sitting down.
- Entrées that come out relatively quickly, especially at lunch, since many office workers rely on a tight schedule.
If you need to keep a schedule (for events at State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, or Fox Theatre), consider:
- Going earlier than standard dinner time (for example, 4:30–6 p.m.).
- Letting your server know you’re on a deadline.
Pricing: What Atlantans Typically Spend
Pricing can vary slightly by location, but a rough Atlanta‑area expectation is:
| Item Type | Typical Price Range (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Appetizers | $5 – $11 |
| Combination plates | $10 – $16 |
| Fajitas (per person) | $14 – $22 |
| Specialty entrées | $13 – $22 |
| Kids’ meals | $6 – $9 |
| Margaritas / cocktails | $7 – $14 |
| Soft drinks | $2 – $4 |
These ranges are approximate and can change over time, but they give a sense of mid‑range casual dining rather than fast food or fine dining.
For a typical Atlanta outing:
- A family of four might spend a moderate amount, depending on drinks and appetizers.
- A lunch for one (entrée + drink, before tip) is generally in a reasonable mid‑range for city dining.
Drinks: Margaritas and More
La Parrilla is a common choice in Atlanta for margarita nights and group outings. You’ll usually find:
- Frozen and on‑the‑rocks margaritas in various sizes.
- Flavor options like lime, strawberry, mango, or other fruit variations.
- Upgrades with premium tequilas or specialty house drinks.
- Beer (often both domestic and Mexican labels) and basic cocktail options.
If you’re driving in Atlanta traffic after dinner, it’s wise to:
- Pace your drinks, especially if you’re leaving during rush hour or late-night congestion.
- Consider a ride-share if you plan to fully enjoy the bar menu.
Dietary Considerations: Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten‑Sensitive Diners
La Parrilla’s menu, like many Tex‑Mex–style restaurants in Atlanta, can be flexible if you ask. Availability varies by location, but common options and adjustments include:
Vegetarian Options
You can often find or request:
- Cheese enchiladas
- Bean burritos or bean tacos
- Veggie fajitas (grilled peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, and other vegetables)
- Cheese quesadillas and veggie quesadillas
- Rice and beans plates
If you’re vegetarian, you can:
- Ask to substitute beans or grilled veggies instead of meat in many dishes.
Vegan-Friendly Adjustments
Vegan options may be more limited, but you can:
- Ask for no cheese, no sour cream, and no dairy-based sauces.
- Focus on beans, rice, guacamole, salsa, and grilled vegetables.
Since preparation methods differ by location, it’s helpful to:
- Confirm how beans and rice are prepared (for example, whether they use animal fats or broths).
Gluten Considerations
Gluten-sensitive diners might:
- Opt for corn tortillas instead of flour when available.
- Avoid items that are breaded or fried in shared oil.
Because gluten management can be complex, especially with shared fryers and sauces, it’s important to:
- Clearly tell your server about your needs and ask what they can safely accommodate at that specific location.
Takeout, Curbside, and Delivery in Atlanta
Many La Parrilla locations in Atlanta support:
- Call‑in takeout orders for pick‑up.
- Online ordering through their own system or popular third‑party delivery apps.
- Curbside pickup, especially in shopping centers where quick parking is available.
This can be especially useful if you:
- Live in busy intown neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, or West Midtown, where parking is tight but driving to a nearby shopping center isn’t too difficult.
- Want to bring food home for a gathering, game day, or office lunch.
When ordering for a group:
- Consider large trays of fajitas, tacos, chips and salsa, and queso.
- Ask how many people each platter is meant to feed and whether they include utensils, plates, and condiments.
Planning Your Visit: Atlanta-Specific Tips
1. Timing Your Meal Around Traffic
Atlanta traffic is a major factor in any dinner plan. Consider:
- I‑75/I‑85 through Downtown/Midtown and I‑285 can back up heavily during rush hours (roughly 4–7 p.m.).
- If you’re arriving from outside the Perimeter, a location closer to your side of town (north, south, east, or west) can save you time.
If you’re going before or after events at:
- Truist Park (Cumberland area)
- State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Downtown)
- Gas South Arena (Duluth, in the broader metro)
…you may want to choose a La Parrilla location that aligns with your drive home to avoid doubling back through congested routes.
2. Parking
Most La Parrilla locations in the Atlanta area are in shopping centers or stand‑alone buildings with:
- Surface parking lots
- Usually free parking, although some urban or mixed‑use developments may have garages with time limits or validation
If you’re dining in dense intown areas:
- Allow time to navigate parking decks or find street parking.
- Check posted signs for time restrictions or permit requirements.
3. Large Groups and Celebrations
La Parrilla is a common Atlanta choice for:
- Birthday dinners
- After‑practice team meals
- Office outings
If you have a large group (8 or more):
- Call the specific location ahead to see if they take call‑ahead seating or reservations, since policies may vary.
- Ask about separate checks, especially for work groups or large parties.
Comparing La Parrilla to Other Atlanta Mexican Options
If you’re deciding where La Parrilla fits into your Atlanta dining rotation, it helps to understand its niche:
La Parrilla:
- Comfortable, familiar Tex‑Mex style menu.
- Good for groups, kids, and casual nights out.
- Multiple locations across the metro area.
More traditional or regional Mexican spots (for example in areas with strong Mexican communities along Buford Highway or in Doraville, Norcross, or Forest Park):
- May focus more on specific regional dishes, house-made tortillas, seafood, or street‑style tacos.
- Atmosphere can range from casual taquería to more specialized restaurants.
If your priority is:
- Predictable menu and atmosphere for a mixed group → La Parrilla is often a straightforward choice.
- Exploring diverse regional Mexican flavors → You might also explore Mexican restaurants and taquerías along Buford Highway, in Doraville, Chamblee, or Norcross in addition to La Parrilla.
Quick Checklist for Visiting La Parrilla in Atlanta
Use this as a simple guide before you go:
- ✅ Find the nearest location using your map app; note major crossroads and parking options.
- ✅ Plan around Atlanta traffic, especially evenings and game days.
- ✅ Expect a casual, lively setting that works well for families and groups.
- ✅ Look for Tex‑Mex favorites: fajitas, tacos, burritos, queso, and combination plates.
- ✅ Ask about dietary adjustments if you’re vegetarian, vegan, or gluten‑sensitive.
- ✅ Consider takeout or delivery if you want to avoid driving or parking at peak times.
- ✅ Call ahead for large parties to check seating, wait times, and separate check policies.
For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, La Parrilla Mexican Restaurant is a familiar, accessible option when you want classic Tex‑Mex, a relaxed environment, and locations spread across the metro area.
