Local Three Restaurant in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Local Three Kitchen & Bar is one of Atlanta’s best-known neighborhood restaurants for upscale comfort food, bourbon, and a lively, slightly quirky atmosphere. If you’re searching for “Local Three Restaurant Atlanta,” you’re probably wondering what it’s like, where it is, and whether it fits what you have in mind for dinner, brunch, or drinks.

This guide walks through what to expect, how to get there, when to go, and tips specific to Atlanta locals and visitors.

Where Local Three Is in Atlanta

Local Three is located in the Northwest Atlanta area, just inside the Perimeter, in the Powers Ferry / Northside Parkway corridor off I-75.

Basic location details:

  • Neighborhood: Near Vinings / Northside Parkway area
  • General area: Northwest Atlanta, inside I-285
  • Setting: Ground floor of an office complex with garage parking

This part of Atlanta sits between Buckhead and Smyrna/Vinings, so it’s convenient if you live or are staying:

  • In Buckhead and want something a little more relaxed than Peachtree Road
  • In Vinings or Smyrna and don’t want to drive all the way into Midtown
  • Near Truist Park and are looking for a nicer dinner before or after a game or concert

Because the restaurant is tucked into an office complex rather than on a walkable commercial strip, first-time visitors often rely on GPS. It’s worth giving yourself a few extra minutes to find the entrance and parking, especially on busy nights.

The Vibe: What It’s Like Inside

Local Three leans into a fun, slightly irreverent, Southern-meets-gastropub feel. Think:

  • Warm wood, dim lighting, and an open kitchen
  • Movie and pop-culture touches, including art and decor that don’t take themselves too seriously
  • A mix of professionals, food-focused locals, and families depending on the time and day

If you’re comparing it to other Atlanta spots:

  • It’s more casual than a white-tablecloth Buckhead steakhouse
  • But more polished and chef-driven than a typical bar or neighborhood grill

You’ll see everything from jeans and a nice top to business-casual outfits, especially on weeknights when nearby offices empty out. On weekends, expect more date-night energy, birthdays, and groups.

Food & Drink: What’s on the Menu

Local Three is known for Southern-influenced, seasonal American food with a comfort-food backbone. Menus change, but there are some consistent themes Atlanta diners can expect.

Core menu style

You’ll usually find:

  • Hearty mains:
    • Burgers or a signature cheeseburger
    • Pork, steak, or roast chicken
    • Rotating fish dishes
  • Southern touches:
    • Grits, pimento cheese, biscuits, or collard greens may work their way into starters or sides
  • Shareable starters:
    • Deviled eggs, small plates, and boards
  • Vegetable-forward options:
    • Seasonal salads and veggie sides, with at least one vegetarian entrée or easily modified dish

If you’re used to Midtown or Inman Park prices, Local Three will typically feel in line with other upscale-casual Atlanta restaurants: not budget dining, but not ultra-fine-dining either.

Drinks and bar program

Local Three is especially noted for its bourbon and whiskey selection. You can expect:

  • A wide range of bourbons and ryes, including some harder-to-find labels
  • Classic cocktails (Old Fashioneds, Manhattans) plus house creations
  • Local beers from Atlanta and Georgia breweries
  • A reasonably curated wine list that pairs with richer, comfort-style dishes

If you’re just looking for a place in Northwest Atlanta to grab a good cocktail and a bite at the bar, Local Three is set up well for that.

Brunch at Local Three: A Major Draw

For many Atlantans, brunch is the main way they experience Local Three.

What brunch is like

Brunch here is often described as lively, filling, and very Southern-friendly. Expect:

  • Hearty dishes:
    • Takes on chicken and waffles, biscuits, breakfast skillets, or shrimp and grits
  • Egg-focused plates:
    • Omelets, benedicts, and scrambles
  • Sweet options:
    • Pancakes, French toast, or similar items that rotate with the menu
  • Brunch cocktails:
    • Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and often more creative daytime drinks

Brunch can get busy, particularly with:

  • Groups of friends doing weekend catch-ups
  • Families celebrating birthdays or visiting from out of town
  • Locals from Buckhead, Vinings, and West Midtown who want something a little special but not overly formal

If you’re planning brunch around a Braves game at Truist Park or a day at The Battery, Local Three can work as a substantial meal before heading to the ballpark, especially if you’re coming from inside the Perimeter.

Who Local Three Is Best For

Local Three generally fits well if you’re looking for:

  • A date-night spot that feels special but not stiff
  • A place to impress out-of-town visitors with Atlanta food that isn’t a tourist trap
  • Drinks and dinner with coworkers in Northwest Atlanta
  • A celebratory brunch that’s more memorable than a basic diner

It may be less ideal if you want:

  • A walkable, street-front restaurant in Midtown or Inman Park
  • Very strict quiet, white-tablecloth fine dining
  • Rock-bottom prices or quick-service speed

Reservations, Wait Times, and When to Go

Atlanta diners often find that Local Three is busiest:

  • Friday and Saturday evenings
  • Weekend brunch blocks, especially late mornings through early afternoon
  • Holiday periods and special event weekends

To make the most of your visit:

  • Reserve in advance for:
    • Friday and Saturday dinner
    • Brunch (especially for larger groups)
  • Call ahead if:
    • You’re unsure about walk-in availability
    • You have a larger party, accessibility needs, or timing constraints

If you’re flexible, weeknights (especially Monday–Wednesday) can feel more relaxed and easier for last-minute plans, particularly if you’re local to the area and want less of a crowd.

Parking and Getting There (Atlanta-Specific Tips)

Because Local Three sits in an office complex, parking and access work differently than spots on Peachtree or in Virginia-Highland.

Parking

Most diners use:

  • Attached or adjacent parking garage/lot
  • Short walk into the restaurant through the building corridors or direct entrance, depending on where you park

Compared with beltline-adjacent neighborhoods, parking in this area is usually considered less stressful, especially during evenings when office traffic is low.

Getting there from common Atlanta areas

  • From Buckhead:
    • Drive west via West Paces Ferry or take I-75 north a short distance
  • From Midtown:
    • Head north on I-75 and exit near Northside Parkway / Powers Ferry
  • From Smyrna/Vinings or Truist Park:
    • Come south on I-75 or use surface roads down Powers Ferry / Cobb Parkway

Ride-share is a straightforward option, especially if you plan to fully enjoy the bourbon selection and don’t want to navigate I-75 traffic afterward.

Dietary Considerations and Flexibility

Like many Atlanta restaurants with chef-driven menus, Local Three typically offers some flexibility for:

  • Vegetarians:
    • Salads, vegetable sides, and sometimes a dedicated main
  • Gluten-conscious diners:
    • Certain mains and salads that can be prepared without gluten-heavy components
  • Other dietary needs:
    • Staff can often suggest or adjust dishes if you mention restrictions early

If you have more complex dietary needs or food allergies, calling ahead before a busy night can help you gauge how easily the kitchen can accommodate you that day.

How Local Three Fits Into the Atlanta Dining Scene

In the context of broader Atlanta restaurant neighborhoods:

  • It gives Northwest Atlanta residents a destination spot so they don’t have to always head to Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Inman Park for chef-forward food.
  • It appeals to Buckhead and Vinings diners who want something with personality but without the full “special-occasion-only” tone and price of high-end steakhouses.
  • For visitors, it offers a local-feeling experience that’s different from chains near the Perimeter malls or around Truist Park.

If you’re building an Atlanta dining itinerary, Local Three often pairs well with:

  • A Buckhead shopping day, then dinner here on the way back
  • A Braves game weekend, with brunch or dinner at Local Three before or after
  • A stay near Cumberland, Vinings, or Northside Parkway, when you want one “nicer” dinner close by

Practical Tips Before You Go

To make your visit smoother:

  • ✅ Check current hours before you head out; Atlanta restaurants sometimes adjust service times seasonally.
  • ✅ Make a reservation for weekend dinner or brunch, especially for groups.
  • ✅ Plan a little extra time the first visit to navigate the building/parking layout.
  • ✅ Consider ride-share if you want to explore the whiskey and cocktail list without worrying about the drive.
  • ✅ Mention any dietary needs early in the meal or when booking so staff can guide you to the best options.

For anyone searching “Local Three Restaurant Atlanta,” the short version is: expect a lively, chef-driven, Southern-influenced spot in Northwest Atlanta with serious comfort food, a strong bourbon focus, and a relaxed-but-polished atmosphere that works well for dates, groups, and brunch-focused weekends.