Best Restaurants Near The Tabernacle in Downtown Atlanta
If you’re heading to a show at The Tabernacle in Downtown Atlanta and searching for great food nearby, you’re in luck. The venue sits right in the heart of the city, surrounded by restaurants that work well for a quick bite before doors open, a sit-down dinner, or a late-night snack after the concert.
Below is a practical guide to restaurants near The Tabernacle Atlanta, with options for different budgets, cuisines, and timeframes.
Quick Orientation: Where You’re Eating
The Tabernacle
152 Luckie St NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
The Tabernacle is just off Centennial Olympic Park and within easy walking distance of:
- Luckie St NW
- Marietta St NW
- Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
- Ted Turner Dr NW
Most restaurants listed here are within roughly a 5–10 minute walk of the venue, which is ideal on busy show nights.
At-a-Glance: Nearby Dining Options
| Need This? | Try These Nearby Options* | Walking Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Fast, casual, in-and-out | Food courts, counter-service spots on Marietta St & Peachtree Center | 5–12 minutes |
| Classic sit-down American/comfort | Restaurants along Marietta St NW & Ted Turner Dr NW | 5–10 minutes |
| Upscale or “date night” dinner | Spots near Centennial Olympic Park & Peachtree St | 8–15 minutes |
| Late-night options after a show | Quick-service chains and bars in the Downtown core | 5–12 minutes |
| Something walkable with a big group | Casual taverns and grills near the park and hotels | 5–10 minutes |
*Specific restaurant names and offerings can change, so it’s smart to quickly check current hours before you head out, especially on weeknights and Sundays.
Planning Around Your Show Time
How Early Should You Eat?
For most concerts at The Tabernacle, doors open 1–2 hours before showtime. To avoid feeling rushed:
- For a full sit-down dinner, plan to eat 60–90 minutes before doors and choose somewhere within a 5–10 minute walk.
- For casual or counter-service, you can usually cut it closer, around 30–45 minutes before doors.
On weekend evenings or during major events near State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or Georgia World Congress Center, restaurants can fill up fast. Many locals try to:
- Arrive downtown earlier than rush-hour traffic
- Eat before typical pre-game or pre-concert crowds
- Park once and then walk between the restaurant and the venue
Types of Restaurants You’ll Find Near The Tabernacle
1. Casual American and Bar Food
If you want something familiar that works well with a drink before a show, Downtown Atlanta near the Tabernacle has several taverns, grills, and American-style restaurants. Common themes you’ll see:
- Burgers, wings, sandwiches, and salads
- Craft beers or cocktails, often with TVs showing sports
- Indoor and sometimes patio seating near Centennial Olympic Park
These are especially good if:
- You’re with a group and need an easy crowd-pleaser
- You want to split appetizers and keep things relaxed
- You want to grab one more drink before heading to the venue
When you search locally, focus on Marietta St NW, Ted Turner Dr NW, and the blocks around Centennial Olympic Park for these options.
2. Southern & Soul-Food-Inspired Spots
Being in Atlanta, you’re never far from Southern-style comfort food. Within a short drive—or a longer walk—you can usually find:
- Fried chicken, catfish, or pork chops
- Mac and cheese, collard greens, cornbread
- Shrimp and grits or other classic Southern plates
Many visitors like to build their Tabernacle night around a “Southern dinner + concert” combo, especially if they’re from out of town and want a taste of local flavor. Because Southern spots can get busy on weekends and game days, consider:
- Calling ahead to confirm wait times
- Allowing a bit more time if you’re going farther than a short walk from the venue
3. Pizza, Sandwiches, and Quick Bites
If you’re trying to get in and out before a show without committing to a full sit-down meal, look around Marietta St NW, Peachtree St, and nearby cross streets for:
- Slice pizza or whole pies
- Sub shops and sandwich counters
- Grab-and-go style eateries connected to hotels or office buildings
These work best when:
- You’re arriving close to doors opening
- You’d rather eat something simple and fast
- You’re okay eating at the counter or taking food to go and finishing it at a nearby park or seating area
Keep in mind that some quick-service locations in the downtown core focus heavily on weekday lunch crowds and may have limited evening or weekend hours, so checking same-day hours is important.
4. International and Diverse Cuisines
Within walking or a short ride from The Tabernacle, you can often find:
- Mexican or Latin American restaurants with tacos, fajitas, and margaritas
- Asian options like sushi, noodle bowls, or stir-fries
- Mediterranean or Middle Eastern spots with wraps, salads, and grilled meats
Because Downtown Atlanta serves tourists, office workers, and convention visitors, many of these restaurants aim to be:
- Group-friendly, with sharable plates
- Flexible on timing, especially on event nights
- Open late enough to accommodate pre-show dinners
When you search, look around Peachtree St, Centennial Olympic Park, and nearby hotel clusters.
5. Upscale or Special-Occasion Dining
If your show at The Tabernacle is part of a date night or celebration, the broader Downtown and nearby Midtown area offers more elevated experiences. Near the venue, you’ll typically find:
- Restaurants with multi-course menus or chef-driven plates
- Seasonal, locally influenced dishes
- Strong wine and cocktail programs
These are often located:
- In or near high-rise hotels
- Along Peachtree St and near the park
- Within a short ride via car or rideshare from the Tabernacle
For these spots, it’s wise to:
- Make a reservation, especially Thursday–Sunday
- Allow extra time for service so you’re not rushing the meal
- Check the dress expectations, which may be a bit more polished than a basic concert outfit
How to Choose the Right Restaurant for Your Tabernacle Night
Consider Your Timeline
Think through your door time, openers, and when you want to arrive. Then choose:
- Very close (0–5 minutes walk) if you’re tight on time
- Moderately close (5–10 minutes walk) for a relaxed pace
- Short ride away if the restaurant is the main event and you’re fine with a quick trip back to the venue
Factor in Parking and Transportation
Downtown Atlanta can be busy, especially when:
- There’s a game or concert at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- A convention is happening at Georgia World Congress Center
- Multiple events overlap on the same night
To keep it simple:
- Many people park once near The Tabernacle or Centennial Olympic Park, then walk to dinner and the show.
- MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system) can be convenient; the Five Points and Peachtree Center stations are both a walk from the venue and many downtown restaurants.
- Rideshare services frequently drop off near Luckie St NW and Marietta St NW; plan a pickup point that isn’t in the middle of heavy post-show traffic.
Practical Tips for Eating Near The Tabernacle
Here are some details Atlanta locals often keep in mind:
Check hours carefully 🕒
Downtown restaurants may have different hours on weekdays, weekends, and game days. Some are busier or only open later when big events are happening.Build in wait time
On a normal night, you might be seated quickly. On a big event night, walk-in waits can stretch, especially for popular spots and family-friendly places.Ask about show-night timing
Staff at restaurants near the Tabernacle are used to concert-goers. If you mention your show time, they may guide you toward menu options that work well with your schedule.Know your budget range
Around the venue, you’ll find everything from fast-food prices to high-end dining. Scanning menus online beforehand can help you avoid surprises.Think about noise level
Bars and taverns near the park can get loud, especially before big events. If you want to talk easily, you might opt for a more traditional dining room.
Where to Look as You Get Closer to Show Day
When you’re finalizing plans within a day or two of the concert, focus on:
Streets and areas to search around:
- Luckie St NW
- Marietta St NW
- Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
- Ted Turner Dr NW
- Peachtree St in the Downtown area
What to check:
- Updated hours for that specific day
- Whether the restaurant takes reservations
- Any mention of event-night menus or limited offerings
This approach gives you flexibility while still keeping everything centered around The Tabernacle and Downtown Atlanta.
Planning where to eat near The Tabernacle in Atlanta mostly comes down to timing, budget, and how far you’re willing to walk. With plenty of options—fast, casual, Southern, international, and upscale—most visitors can find something that fits their night out, all within easy reach of the venue.