Where To Eat at Colony Square in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Restaurants

Colony Square in Midtown Atlanta has become a major dining hub, mixing sit-down restaurants, fast-casual spots, and a lively food hall. Whether you work nearby, are staying in Midtown, or are planning a night out around Peachtree Street, Colony Square offers a concentrated mix of options without having to drive all over the city.

Below is a practical guide to restaurants in Colony Square Atlanta—what’s there, what to expect, and how to make the most of a visit.

Overview: Dining at Colony Square, Midtown Atlanta

Location:
Colony Square is located at 1197 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30361, on the corner of Peachtree St NE and 14th St NE, in the heart of Midtown.

Why locals use it:

• Central spot for lunch breaks if you work in Midtown
• Easy pre- or post-show dining if you are headed to the Fox Theatre or Alliance Theatre
• Walkable from nearby condos, offices, and MARTA’s Arts Center Station
• Good mix of quick bites, date-night restaurants, and group-friendly options

Most of the fast-casual and food hall spots cluster in Politan Row at Colony Square, while the full-service restaurants line the plaza and surrounding street level.

Full-Service Restaurants in Colony Square

These are the sit-down, linger-a-while spots that are popular for dinner, dates, business meetings, or weekend outings.

1. Casual + Upscale American & Global-Inspired Spots

These restaurants work well for mixed groups where everyone wants something a bit different but on the familiar side.

Common features:

• Indoor and often patio seating looking out over Colony Square’s plaza
• Full bar with cocktails, wine, and beer
• Suitable for business lunches, date nights, and pre-theatre meals

Check for:

• ⏱️ Wait times on peak evenings and weekends
• 🎟️ Reservations if you’re pairing dinner with a show or event in Midtown

2. Date-Night & Social Gathering Restaurants

Several Colony Square restaurants are set up for evening energy—cocktails, ambient lighting, and shareable plates.

Good use cases:

• Meeting friends before heading to Midtown bars or events
• A low-driving night out if you live in the area
• Entertaining out-of-town guests who want to stay central

Look for:

• Outdoor seating on nice evenings
• Later kitchen hours on Fridays and Saturdays (common in Midtown but always worth confirming directly)

3. Brunch & Weekend-Friendly Spots

Midtown locals often treat Colony Square as a weekend meetup point because of easy parking and pedestrian access.

You’ll typically find:

• Brunch menus on Saturdays and Sundays at several sit-down restaurants
• Coffee, pastries, and lighter options in and around the complex for slower mornings
• The ability to walk to Piedmont Park after brunch if you want to make a day of it

Politan Row at Colony Square: The Food Hall

One of the biggest dining draws inside Colony Square is Politan Row, a modern food hall on the property.

What to expect:

• Multiple independent food stalls sharing a common seating area
• A central bar with cocktails, beer, wine, and nonalcoholic options
• Indoor seating (with some areas that feel like lounge space) and, depending on the stall mix, some outdoor spillover

This is ideal if:

• Your group can’t agree on one type of food
• You want a quick but higher-quality meal than a typical mall food court
• You’re grabbing something before a movie, performance, or meeting nearby

Types of Cuisine You’ll Typically Find in the Food Hall

The specific vendors can change over time, but Politan Row usually balances a variety of:

• Southern-influenced and comfort foods
• Asian-inspired concepts (noodles, rice bowls, street-style dishes)
• Latin or Caribbean flavors
• Burgers, sandwiches, and handhelds
• Vegetarian and sometimes vegan-friendly stalls
• Dessert or sweets-focused vendors (like ice cream, pastries, or specialty treats)

Because food hall lineups can rotate, it’s smart to:

• Scan the vendor list when you arrive
• Walk the hall once before committing—menus are usually posted clearly
• Double-check for allergen or dietary info with each individual stall

How Politan Row Works (Practical Tips)

• 💳 Payment: Most vendors are set up for cashless or card-heavy payments; having a card or mobile pay option is safest.
• 👥 Seating: Find a table after you order; some people save a seat first during peak hours.
• ⏰ Timing: Lunchtime on weekdays and early evening on weekends can be busiest. If you’re on a tight schedule, arrive early.
• 🧒 Families: The shared seating and quick service can be easier with kids than a long sit-down meal, but noise levels can be higher during peak times.

Quick Bites, Coffee, and Grab-and-Go Options

If you work or stay nearby, Colony Square is convenient for coffee runs, snacks, or fast-casual meals.

You’ll typically find:

• Coffee shops offering espresso drinks, drip coffee, teas, pastries, and sometimes light bites
• Fast-casual counters for salads, grain bowls, or sandwiches
• Bakery or dessert spots for an afternoon pick-me-up

These are especially useful if:

• You’re going between meetings in Midtown offices
• You’re staying at a nearby hotel and want something close and predictable
• You are using MARTA Arts Center Station and need a quick bite within walking distance

Outdoor Dining & The Plaza Experience

One of the biggest perks of eating at Colony Square in Atlanta is the central plaza:

• Many restaurants have patio or terrace seating overlooking the square.
• The plaza often hosts public events, screenings, or seasonal programming, so you may get built-in entertainment.
• The area is pedestrian-friendly, making it good for kids or groups who want to move around without crossing busy streets during the meal.

Tips:

• In good weather, patios can fill up quickly—try to arrive on the earlier side for patio seating.
• Bring a light layer or jacket; shaded areas can feel cooler in spring and fall.

Parking, Transit, and Getting There

Parking at Colony Square

Most diners rely on the on-site parking garage connected directly to Colony Square.

Common patterns:

• Paid parking, with rates that vary by time of day and length of stay
• Usually garage access from multiple entry points off Peachtree St NE and 14th St NE
• Validation offers may be available at some restaurants—ask when you’re seated or when you pay

Parking tips:

• Allow a few extra minutes to navigate the garage, especially on weekend evenings.
• Take a quick photo of your parking level and section to make your exit easier.

Arriving by MARTA or On Foot

MARTA:
The closest rail station is Arts Center Station, generally within a walk that most Midtown visitors find manageable.

From there, many people:

• Walk south along Peachtree St NE toward Colony Square
• Use rideshare for a short hop if the weather is bad or they prefer not to walk

Walking from Nearby Midtown Destinations:

Colony Square is easy to pair with:

• Midtown office towers along Peachtree
• Piedmont Park (about a moderate walk east, often via 14th St NE)
• Cultural institutions in Midtown’s arts district

If you’re planning to walk at night, consider:

• Sticking to well-lit main streets like Peachtree and 14th
• Checking restaurant hours so you’re not rushing to catch last call for the kitchen

Dining for Different Needs at Colony Square

1. Business Lunch or Client Meeting

Colony Square is popular with Midtown professionals because it offers:

• Full-service restaurants with comfortable seating and quieter corners (often better before 12 pm or after 1:30 pm)
• Fast-casual options if you only have 30–45 minutes
• Indoor seating that’s climate-controlled, important for hot Atlanta summers

Helpful approaches:

• For a more formal feel, choose a sit-down restaurant instead of the food hall.
• For a quick lunch between meetings, Politan Row or a fast-casual spot usually works better.

2. Families and Groups

For families, Colony Square offers:

• Food hall flexibility—everyone can get what they want
• Restrooms and shared facilities on-site
• A central plaza where kids have space between meals (with supervision)

Group tips:

• For large groups, call ahead to full-service restaurants to ask about seating policies.
• In Politan Row, arrive a bit early to secure a cluster of tables together.

3. Dietary Preferences and Restrictions

Colony Square restaurants and food hall stalls often include:

• Vegetarian options (salads, veggie bowls, flatbreads, etc.)
• Some vegan or dairy-free choices, depending on the concept
• Gluten-conscious dishes at select vendors and restaurants

Because menus can change:

• Ask staff about ingredients and preparation if you have allergies.
• Food hall stalls may customize dishes more easily than fixed menus, but it varies.

Sample Use Cases: How Locals Actually Eat at Colony Square

To help you picture how Colony Square fits into real Atlanta routines, here are some common scenarios:

Scenario 1: After-Work Meetup
You work in Midtown, finish around 5:30 pm, and want a casual drink and bite with coworkers. Many people:

• Meet at a bar inside Politan Row or a full-service restaurant
• Start with light bites and drinks on the patio
• Either stay in the plaza or head out to another Midtown bar afterward

Scenario 2: Pre-Show Dinner
You have tickets to a performance nearby. A typical schedule might be:

• Park in the Colony Square garage around 5:45–6:00 pm
• Have a sit-down dinner or quick meal in the food hall
• Walk or rideshare to the show
• Possibly return for dessert or a drink if places are still open

Scenario 3: Weekend Brunch + Midtown Stroll

If you live or stay in the area:

• Start with brunch at a Colony Square restaurant
• Grab a coffee to go from a cafe on-site
• Walk toward Piedmont Park for the rest of the morning or early afternoon

Quick Reference: Dining at Colony Square Atlanta

If you’re planning where to eat in Midtown, Colony Square in Atlanta is a practical, centralized option with a mix of full-service restaurants, a modern food hall, and quick-service spots. For the most up-to-date information on specific restaurant names, hours, and menus, check directly with Colony Square or the individual restaurants before you go, especially if you’re coordinating a group or a time-sensitive outing.