Where To Eat on Memorial Drive in Atlanta: A Local Guide

Memorial Drive runs east from downtown Atlanta through Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown, Kirkwood, East Lake, and into the suburbs. Along the way, it’s packed with restaurants, cafes, and neighborhood spots that locals rely on for everything from quick tacos to sit-down Southern meals.

If you live near Memorial, are staying nearby, or just want to plan an eating tour, this guide walks through key stretches of Memorial Drive in Atlanta, what kinds of restaurants you’ll find, and how to choose where to go.

How Memorial Drive’s Food Scene Is Laid Out

Memorial is long, and the restaurants tend to cluster in a few main sections:

• Downtown to Capitol Gateway / Memorial–Park (near the State Capitol)
• Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown & Edgewood area
• Kirkwood & East Lake stretch
• Further east toward DeKalb County suburbs

Each section has a different feel:

• Closer to downtown: lunch-friendly, quick stops, a few tavern-style spots
• Reynoldstown / Edgewood: trendy, mixed-use developments with modern restaurants
• Kirkwood / East Lake: neighborhood joints and family-friendly spots
• Eastern suburbs: casual chains, international options, and everyday dining

Downtown & Capitol Gateway: Quick Bites Near the City Core

If you’re near the Georgia State Capitol, Atlanta City Hall, or MARTA’s Georgia State Station, Memorial Drive gives you a few convenient options without going far.

What to Expect Here

• Mostly weekday-friendly spots that serve nearby workers and residents
• A mix of American, casual Southern, and fast-casual options
• Easier access by car, MARTA bus, or walking from Capitol-area offices

You’ll typically find:

• Grill and pub-style food – burgers, sandwiches, wings
• Quick-service lunch spots – subs, salads, and bowls
• Coffee and snack stops suitable for working lunches or meetings

If you’re going to an appointment downtown or exploring historic sites and need something straightforward and close, this section of Memorial is practical, though not as destination-worthy as the neighborhoods to the east.

Cabbagetown & Reynoldstown: Trendy, Walkable Memorial Drive

Heading east from downtown, Memorial Drive passes close to Cabbagetown and Reynoldstown, some of Atlanta’s most walkable intown neighborhoods. This stretch has become a favorite for locals meeting up after work, BeltLine users, and people staying in nearby rentals or hotels.

Types of Restaurants You’ll Find

• Modern Southern and New American restaurants
• Bar-centric spots with strong food menus
• Pizza, tacos, and other shareable foods for groups
• Coffee shops and bakeries ideal for remote work or light bites

Why This Area Stands Out

• Easy to pair with a walk on the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Many spots have patios or outdoor seating
• Popular for weekend brunch and evening hangouts

If you’re staying near Memorial Drive SE in Cabbagetown or Reynoldstown, this is a prime area to explore on foot, especially in the evenings and on weekends.

Edgewood & Nearby Memorial Drive: Nightlife + Food

As you continue east, Memorial connects you to the broader Edgewood and Old Fourth Ward dining ecosystem, even when the restaurant entrances may technically be just off Memorial.

What This Area Is Known For

• Lively nightlife with food options before or after going out
• Casual restaurants serving burgers, sandwiches, and comfort food
• A mix of longtime Atlanta spots and newer concepts aiming at locals and young professionals

Expect:

• Restaurants that stay open later on weekends
• Bar food menus that go beyond basics (loaded fries, specialty wings, etc.)
• Takeout and delivery–friendly places if you’re staying nearby

If you’re taking Memorial Drive home from downtown or Midtown in the evening, this stretch can be a convenient place to stop for a relaxed, no-fuss meal.

Kirkwood & East Lake: Neighborhood Restaurants on Memorial

Further east, Memorial Drive runs along or near Kirkwood and East Lake, two residential neighborhoods with strong local followings at their restaurants.

The Feel of This Stretch

• Family-friendly and neighborhood-centered
• A mix of sit-down restaurants, casual cafes, and quick stops
• Easier parking than closer-in intown neighborhoods

You’ll typically find:

• Southern cooking and meat-and-three style plates
• Breakfast and brunch spots popular with families and long-time residents
• Carry-out–oriented places that many locals treat as weekly staples

For people living in East Atlanta, Kirkwood, East Lake, and nearby areas, Memorial Drive can be the main route to:

• Pick up weeknight dinner
• Grab weekend breakfast before errands
• Meet friends without driving into heavier traffic closer to downtown

East of I-285: Everyday & International Dining

Once Memorial Drive crosses I-285 on Atlanta’s east side, the feel becomes more suburban, but it still matters for many Atlanta residents who commute or live nearby.

What You’ll Find Out Here

• National and regional chains for quick, predictable meals
• International restaurants (often along or branching from Memorial) serving:
  • Latin American
  • Caribbean
  • Asian cuisines
• Drive-thru and takeout-focused spots for commuters

This area is useful if:

• You’re commuting to or from Atlanta via Memorial Drive
• You want parking-friendly options
• You’re looking for budget-conscious meals or large-group–friendly places

Practical Tips for Choosing Restaurants on Memorial Drive

Because Memorial is long and varied, it helps to narrow your search based on what you actually need.

1. Decide Which Section Fits Your Plans

• Near downtown / Capitol area – best for quick workday meals or before civic appointments
• Cabbagetown / Reynoldstown – ideal for trendy dinners, date nights, and brunch
• Edgewood vicinity – good if you want food plus nightlife
• Kirkwood / East Lake stretch – neighborhood comfort food and more relaxed outings
• East of I-285 – everyday chains, international options, and commuter-friendly stops

2. Think About Traffic and Parking

Memorial Drive can be busy at rush hour. To make things easier:

• 🚗 Driving? Look for spots with onsite lots or easy side-street parking, especially farther east.
• 🚶 Walking/Biking? Around Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown, and Kirkwood, sidewalks and BeltLine connections make it easy to go car-free.
• 🚌 Transit? Check MARTA bus routes that run along or cross Memorial; some riders combine a short bus ride with a short walk to restaurants.

3. Time of Day Matters

• Breakfast & brunch: More options closer to neighborhoods (Reynoldstown, Kirkwood, East Lake) than downtown.
• Lunch: Strongest around downtown/capitol area and the trendy mixed-use sections, where offices and daytime traffic support mid-day service.
• Dinner: Cabbagetown/Reynoldstown and Edgewood-adjacent areas are especially active. Many suburban locations keep solid evening hours but may close earlier than intown spots on weeknights.

Simple Snapshot: Types of Memorial Drive Restaurant Areas

How Locals Use Memorial Drive for Eating Out

People in Atlanta often think about Memorial Drive restaurants in three main ways:

1. “On the way home” stops

   • Grabbing takeout after work, especially from the downtown side heading east.

2. Destination evenings

   • Meeting friends at Reynoldstown or Cabbagetown spots and then strolling, bar-hopping, or heading to nearby venues.

3. Neighborhood standbys

   • Eastside residents treating certain Memorial Drive places as “their” weekly wing place, brunch spot, or pizza pickup option.

If you’re new to Atlanta or just unfamiliar with the corridor, it can help to pick one section—for example, Cabbagetown / Reynoldstown—and explore a couple of restaurants there first, then branch out as you get more comfortable with the drive and traffic patterns.

Practical Next Steps for Finding Specific Spots

Since restaurant openings and closings change over time, it’s smart to:

• Search by neighborhood name plus “Memorial Drive” (e.g., “Reynoldstown restaurants on Memorial Drive Atlanta”)
• Check current hours and menus before you go, especially for brunch or late-night plans
• Consider parking and transit access if you’re coming from another part of Atlanta

By focusing on the section of Memorial Drive that fits your plans, you can quickly narrow down the kind of restaurants you want—whether that’s a trendy BeltLine-adjacent spot, a reliable family diner, or a quick grab-and-go meal east of I-285.