Best Restaurants in Westside Atlanta: Where to Eat, Drink, and Hang Out

Westside Atlanta has turned into one of the city’s most popular dining areas, stretching from West Midtown around Howell Mill Road and Marietta Street to newer developments near The Works, the Upper Westside, and the BeltLine Westside Trail. Whether you live nearby or are visiting from another part of Atlanta, the Westside offers some of the city’s most interesting restaurants in a compact, easy-to-explore area.

Below is a practical guide to restaurants in Westside Atlanta—what kinds of food you’ll find, where key clusters are located, and how to plan a great meal out without getting overwhelmed.

What Counts as “Westside Atlanta” for Dining?

When locals talk about “the Westside,” they usually mean:

  • West Midtown / Westside Provisions District
    Around Howell Mill Rd NW and 14th Street NW

  • Marietta Street Artery & Georgia Tech area
    Along Marietta St NW heading west from Midtown

  • Upper Westside / Bolton / Riverside
    Centered near Marietta Blvd NW, Moore’s Mill Rd NW, and The Works

  • Westside BeltLine Trail area
    Spots near the BeltLine between Bankhead, Blandtown, and West End

These pockets are all within Atlanta city limits and are relatively close together, but each feels a little different in terms of restaurants, price range, and atmosphere.

Quick Snapshot: Popular Westside Dining Areas

Area / NodeVibeGood For
Westside Provisions DistrictTrendy, walkable, stylishDate night, brunch, shopping + bites
Howell Mill & 14th–17th StreetsBusy, mixed-use, modernGroup dinners, after-work meals
Marietta Street near GA TechCasual, student-friendlyQuick eats, burgers, bars
The Works / Upper WestsideFamily-friendly, destinationAll-ages outings, breweries, food halls
Westside BeltLine access pointsActive, outdoorsyWalk + eat, casual bites, coffee

Types of Restaurants You’ll Find in Westside Atlanta

Upscale and Special-Occasion Dining

Westside is known citywide for some of Atlanta’s higher-end restaurants, particularly around Westside Provisions District and Howell Mill.

Expect:

  • Chef-driven menus
  • Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
  • Craft cocktails and curated wine lists
  • Patio seating overlooking Howell Mill or the railroad tracks

These spots are popular for:

  • Date nights
  • Business dinners
  • Celebratory meals before a concert or game downtown

Many of these restaurants recommend or require reservations, especially on Thursday–Saturday nights and on Georgia Tech game days.

Casual Neighborhood Spots and Comfort Food

You’ll also find plenty of casual Westside restaurants serving:

  • Southern comfort food (fried chicken, biscuits, mac and cheese)
  • Burgers and sandwiches
  • Pizza and wings
  • Tacos and Tex-Mex

These places usually have:

  • Order-at-the-counter or casual table service
  • TVs showing Atlanta sports
  • Easy parking in surface lots or shared decks

They’re good options if you want a relaxed meal before heading back to I-75 or downtown.

International and Global Flavors

Westside restaurants reflect Atlanta’s broader diversity. In and around Westside you can find:

  • Latin American and Mexican: tacos, birria, street-style snacks, and sit-down cantinas
  • Asian-inspired spots: ramen, sushi, pan-Asian fusion, and fast-casual noodle or rice bowls
  • Mediterranean and Middle Eastern: kebabs, hummus, and grilled meats
  • West African and Caribbean (depending on the specific block and recent openings)

Many of these are in small strip centers along Howell Mill Rd NW or scattered down Marietta Blvd NW and nearby cross streets. Parking is usually straightforward, but lots can fill up during weekend evenings.

Coffee Shops, Bakeries, and Quick Bites

If you’re working remotely, meeting a friend, or just passing through, Westside has several spots for coffee, pastries, and light meals, especially near:

  • Westside Provisions District
    Walkable cluster of coffee shops, bakeries, and sit-down brunch places.

  • Marietta Street / Georgia Tech corridor
    Cafés and quick-service chains catering to students and office workers.

  • The Works (1295 Chattahoochee Ave NW)
    Mixed-use development with a large food hall and dessert shops.

Here you’ll find:

  • Espresso drinks and pour-overs
  • Croissants, biscuits, and grab-and-go breakfasts
  • Lunch-friendly salads, grain bowls, and sandwiches

These can be great places to start before exploring the BeltLine or heading to Midtown.

Key Westside Restaurant Clusters (and What to Expect)

1. Westside Provisions District & Howell Mill Corridor

General area: Around 1198 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

This area is one of Atlanta’s best-known dining and retail districts. It’s built around a former industrial complex and connected via a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks.

What you’ll find:

  • Upscale, design-driven restaurants
  • Highly regarded brunch and dinner spots
  • Cocktail-forward bars attached to restaurants
  • Ice cream, dessert, and coffee options

What to know:

  • Parking:
    • Shared decks and pay-to-park surface lots
    • Validation may be available at some businesses
  • Best times to go:
    • Weeknights for easier parking and shorter waits
    • Earlier brunch times on weekends
  • Dress code:
    • Generally casual but stylish; many people dress up more on weekend nights

This zone is ideal if you want a “night out” feel without going all the way into Downtown or Buckhead.

2. Marietta Street Artery & Georgia Tech Edge

General area: Marietta St NW, from roughly Northside Dr NW heading west toward Joseph E. Lowery Blvd NW

This strip connects Midtown/Georgia Tech with Westside Provisions and has a mix of:

  • Casual restaurants and bars
  • Student-friendly pricing and options
  • Late-night bites near Georgia Tech
  • Spots tucked into old warehouses and industrial buildings

You’ll see:

  • Burger joints and sandwich shops
  • Pizza places popular with students
  • Small breweries or beer-focused spots (varies by block)

What to know:

  • Parking:
    Mix of street parking, small lots behind buildings, and shared lots. Pay attention to posted signs, especially near residential streets.
  • Crowds:
    Heavier around Tech game days or campus events.

This area is good if you want something casual, quick, and close to both Midtown and the Westside.

3. The Works & Upper Westside

General area: Around The Works at Chattahoochee
1295 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

The Upper Westside is a growing area north of the traditional West Midtown core. The Works is a major anchor, featuring:

  • A large indoor food hall with multiple vendors
  • Full-service restaurants and bars
  • Breweries and taprooms
  • Dessert and snack stands

Why locals like it:

  • Lots of variety in one place—easy for groups with different tastes
  • Family-friendly layout with open spaces and seating
  • Typically easier parking than denser parts of West Midtown

What to know:

  • Parking:
    Large surface lots and parking decks; free or low-cost depending on the section.
  • When to go:
    Afternoons and early evenings are great for families; it can get louder and more bar-focused later at night on weekends.

Beyond The Works, nearby stretches of Marietta Blvd NW, Moore’s Mill Rd NW, and Bolton Rd NW have a mix of sit-down restaurants, casual neighborhood spots, and a few fast-food chains.

4. Westside BeltLine Trail Access

The Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail has brought new attention to the west side of the city, with restaurants and bars clustering near major access points.

Look around areas connected to:

  • Bankhead / Westside Park vicinity
  • Parts of Blandtown and Howell Station near the trail
  • Areas stretching toward West End (if you’re exploring a bit farther south)

Along or near the trail, you’ll find:

  • Breweries with food trucks or on-site kitchens
  • Casual, bike-friendly restaurants with patios
  • Coffee shops where people stop mid-walk or ride

What to know:

  • Parking:
    Many people arrive by foot or bike; if you drive, check for designated lots or nearby street parking.
  • Trail safety and hours:
    The BeltLine is generally busier (and feels more active) during daytime and early evening hours.

How to Choose the Right Westside Restaurant for Your Visit

1. Think About Timing and Traffic

Westside sits near I-75/I-85 and several busy surface streets. Traffic patterns can influence your dining choice:

  • Weekday lunch:
    Expect heavier traffic from office workers and Georgia Tech. Aim for slightly early or late lunches if you want easier seating.

  • Weekday dinner:
    Traffic tends to ease after 7 p.m., but Westside Provisions can still be busy.

  • Weekends:
    Brunch is popular, especially near Howell Mill and 14th Street. Nighttime crowds cluster around the larger mixed-use developments and popular bars.

🚗 Tip: If you’re driving from another part of Atlanta, build in extra time for parking around Howell Mill, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

2. Decide on Atmosphere: Trendy vs. Laid-Back

Westside has a wide range of vibes:

  • Trendy / Instagram-friendly:

    • Stylish interiors, curated menus, and crafted cocktails
    • Ideal for date nights and special occasions
  • Neighborhood casual:

    • Straightforward décor, approachable menus, families and locals
    • Perfect for weeknight dinners or easy group meetups
  • Industrial-cool / brewery style:

    • Repurposed warehouses, communal tables, and outdoor seating
    • Good for big groups and mixed ages, especially near Upper Westside and BeltLine-adjacent areas

Knowing what you want your night to feel like—“big night out” vs. “quick and relaxed”—will narrow your choices fast.

3. Consider Parking, Walking, and Transit

While most people drive to Westside restaurants, there are a few other options:

  • Driving:

    • Many Westside restaurants have shared lots or decks.
    • Pay attention to pay-to-park systems and time limits in retail centers.
  • MARTA + Rideshare:

    • The Georgia Tech / Northside Dr area can be reached via MARTA bus routes from Midtown or Downtown stations, with a short walk or rideshare to specific restaurants.
    • Rideshare is common for nights out to avoid dealing with parking.
  • Bike or walk via BeltLine:

    • If you live near the Westside Trail or nearby neighborhoods, some restaurants will be reachable by foot or bike, especially around BeltLine-adjacent clusters.

🚶 Tip: If you plan to visit multiple spots in one night (for example, dinner, dessert, then a bar), look for a walkable cluster like Westside Provisions District or The Works so you can park once and stroll.

Useful Anchors and Addresses in Westside Dining Areas

While specific restaurants change over time, these stable points can help you orient yourself when searching for places to eat nearby:

  • Westside Provisions District
    1198 Howell Mill Rd NW
    Atlanta, GA 30318

  • Howell Mill & 14th–17th Street Corridor
    General reference: Intersection of Howell Mill Rd NW & 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

  • The Works at Chattahoochee
    1295 Chattahoochee Ave NW
    Atlanta, GA 30318

  • Georgia Tech / Marietta Street Edge
    Marietta St NW near Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

You can search for restaurants around these anchors to discover options within walking distance, then check current hours and menus before you go.

Practical Tips for Eating Out in Westside Atlanta

  • Make reservations when you can
    Especially for weekend dinners or buzzy new openings around Westside Provisions and Howell Mill.

  • Check for shared lots and parking rules
    Many centers use paid parking or validation—look for signs when you pull in.

  • Plan around events
    Georgia Tech games, concerts at nearby venues, or citywide events can affect traffic and wait times.

  • Have a backup option
    If your first-choice restaurant has a long wait, it’s often easy to walk or drive a few minutes to another good spot nearby, especially in clusters like The Works or Howell Mill.

  • Consider noise levels
    Some popular Westside restaurants can be quite loud, especially at peak times. If you need a quieter meal (for example, with older relatives or work discussions), consider an earlier reservation or ask about quieter seating when you arrive.

Westside Atlanta is one of the city’s best areas to explore if you want variety, personality, and a distinctly urban feel without leaving the city core. By focusing on a few key clusters—Westside Provisions, Howell Mill, Marietta Street, The Works, and BeltLine-adjacent spots—you can quickly find restaurants that match your taste, budget, and the kind of night out you have in mind.