Best Restaurants Near State Farm Arena in Atlanta: Where to Eat Before and After the Game

Headed to a Hawks game, concert, or special event and wondering where to eat near State Farm Arena in Atlanta? You’re in a great spot. The arena sits right in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of fast-casual spots, Southern comfort food, sports bars, and higher-end restaurants.

This guide breaks down some of the best options by distance, vibe, and price range, so you can plan a stress-free meal before or after your event.

Getting Oriented: Where You’re Eating Around State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena address:
1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303

You’re in the downtown Atlanta core, right next to:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• CNN Center area
• A short walk or quick ride to Centennial Olympic Park, Castleberry Hill, and downtown Peachtree corridor

Most people looking for restaurants near State Farm Arena fall into a few situations:

• You want something you can walk to in 5–10 minutes
• You’re okay with a short drive or rideshare for better options or less crowding
• You need something quick and kid-friendly
• You’re looking for a sit-down dinner or drinks spot before or after a show

Below, you’ll find options grouped in a way that matches those needs.

Quick Bites Within a Short Walk of State Farm Arena

If you’re cutting it close on time, these walkable spots (generally within about a 5–10 minute walk) can work well before doors open or right after an event.

Inside the Arena: Concessions and In-House Options

If you don’t want to leave the building, State Farm Arena typically offers:

• Classic stadium fare: burgers, hot dogs, nachos, pizza
• Bar-style options: beer, cocktails, snacks
• A mix of national brands and local-style stands

Food and drink inside the arena are designed for convenience, but expect:

• Higher prices
• Lines during peak times (right before tipoff or during intermissions)

This is best if you’re short on time or just want to keep things simple.

Centennial Olympic Park & CNN Center Area (Walkable)

The area around Centennial Olympic Park and the former CNN Center complex has long been a default pre-game zone. The mix can change over time, but you’ll usually find:

What to expect nearby:

• Fast-casual chains (sandwiches, burgers, salads, coffee)
• Sit-down casual spots with American fare and bar menus
• Places that are used to handling event crowds, so they move relatively fast

These are good for:

• Families needing predictable options
• Groups wanting basic bar food and drinks
• Visitors who want to stay very close to the arena

⏱️ Timing tip: For popular event nights, aim to eat 60–90 minutes before showtime to avoid the worst of the rush.

Sports Bars and Game-Day Hangouts Near State Farm Arena

If you want a spot with TVs, beer, wings, and a game-day atmosphere, downtown Atlanta gives you several options within a quick walk or short drive.

Typical Game-Day Bar Experience Downtown

Most sports bars near State Farm Arena offer:

• Big screens for pre-game or early games
• Wings, burgers, sliders, nachos, fried appetizers
• Full bar with beer, cocktails, and sometimes local brews
• A crowd that leans heavily Hawks, Falcons, and Atlanta United on game days

What to know:

• Expect wait times on big event nights
• Some places may have standing-room-only near tipoff or kickoff
• Many bars will hold the crowd longer after concerts and games, so late-night food is often easier to find here than at regular restaurants

If you’re planning a group meetup, consider:

• Arriving early to secure tables
• Calling ahead to see if they accept call-ahead seating or limited reservations on event days

Sit-Down Restaurants for a Pre-Event Dinner

If you prefer a more relaxed meal with table service before heading into State Farm Arena, focus on downtown and nearby neighborhoods within a short drive.

Downtown Atlanta (Peachtree Corridor & Surrounding Streets)

Within a 5–10 minute drive (or a longer walk), downtown has many:

• American grill and steakhouse-style restaurants
• Hotel restaurants that serve visitors going to events
• Southern-inspired menus with dishes like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and biscuits

These are useful if you want:

• A proper dinner instead of quick bites
• Cocktails and wine in a calmer setting
• To celebrate a birthday, work outing, or date night before a big show

💡 Local tip: On event nights, it’s wise to make a reservation where possible and let them know you’re heading to State Farm Arena so they can pace your meal accordingly.

Castleberry Hill: Trendy and Close to the Arena

Castleberry Hill, just southwest of the arena, is a historic arts district with a more local feel than the immediate downtown high-rises.

What you’ll typically find:

• Southern and soul food restaurants
• Creative, chef-driven spots mixing Southern flavors with modern twists
• Cafés, lounges, and bars that draw both locals and visitors

Why consider Castleberry Hill:

• It’s close enough for a quick rideshare
• You often get more character and variety than right by the arena
• Some spots are used to post-game and post-concert crowds and may stay open later

If you’re already parked near the arena, plan for:

• A short rideshare ride (often just a few minutes)
• Building in extra time for traffic right after major events

Family-Friendly & Kid-Friendly Restaurants Near State Farm Arena

If you’re bringing kids to a game or concert, you probably want:

• Straightforward menus (pizza, burgers, chicken tenders, simple pastas)
• Reasonable noise levels (at least compared to a packed sports bar)
• Restrooms and seating that don’t feel cramped

Areas to target with kids:

• Centennial Olympic Park area: usually has several fast-casual and family-oriented spots
• Downtown chains around Peachtree Street: more structured menus, familiar brands
• Inside State Farm Arena itself, where you can grab:
  • Pizza, hot dogs, fries, soft pretzels
  • Soft drinks and desserts

👨‍👩‍👧 Practical tips with kids:

• Eat before entering State Farm Arena so you’re not juggling food, seats, and excited children all at once.
• If your kids are picky, look for menus online beforehand to avoid last-minute stress.

Fast, Budget-Friendly Options Near State Farm Arena

If you’re trying to keep costs down or just want a low-key bite:

Downtown Grab-and-Go Spots

You’ll typically find:

• Sandwich shops and sub spots
• Pizza by the slice
• Burger and chicken chains
• Coffee shops with pastries, snacks, and small bites

When they’re most useful:

• If you’re rushing from MARTA (the GWCC/CNN Center or Vine City stations are commonly used for the arena area)
• If you’d rather eat quickly and spend more inside the arena on drinks or merch
• When you just need something simple before a late show

⏰ Check hours: Some downtown food spots cater heavily to weekday office workers and may have more limited evening or weekend hours, especially if there isn’t a major event in town.

Upscale & Special-Occasion Restaurants Before a Concert

If you’re attending a big concert or special event and want a nicer dinner beforehand, look slightly beyond the immediate footprint of State Farm Arena.

Where to Look for Nicer Dinner Options

Within a short drive of the arena, consider:

• Midtown Atlanta: Known for a broader restaurant scene, including:
  • Modern American and global cuisines
  • Trendy dining rooms and cocktail-focused spots
• Downtown hotel restaurants: Often more polished, with:
  • Steaks, seafood, and composed entrees
  • More formal service and dining atmosphere

Why these can work well:

• You can enjoy a longer, quieter meal away from the pre-game noise
• Uber or MARTA makes it fairly easy to get back to State Farm Arena in time
• Many restaurants in these areas are experienced with pre-event timing

🎟️ Planning tip:
If you have VIP, meet-and-greet, or early entry, factor that into your dinner time. Aim to finish eating at least 60–75 minutes before you need to be at the arena.

Planning Your Meal Around Traffic, Parking, and MARTA

Eating near State Farm Arena is about more than just good food—it’s also about beating the crowds and not missing the opening tip or first song.

How to Time Your Visit

• For weeknight games and concerts:

  • Downtown traffic can be heavy during rush hour (4–7 p.m.)
  • Consider MARTA to avoid parking delays
  • Plan dinner for 5–6 p.m. if your event starts around 7:30 p.m.

• For weekend events:

  • Restaurants can still be busy near big games and shows
  • You may find more flexible parking, but walking time from garages can still add up

Using MARTA to Eat and Get to State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena is frequently accessed via:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
• Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line, a bit farther on foot but sometimes less crowded)

You can:

• Eat near a MARTA station with better restaurant options (for example, in Midtown or downtown Peachtree area)
• Then take MARTA directly to GWCC/CNN Center and walk to the arena

This works well if:

• You’re staying outside downtown
• You don’t want to deal with event parking rates
• Your group is comfortable navigating public transit

At-a-Glance: Picking the Right Restaurant Near State Farm Arena

Here’s a simple way to match your plans with the kind of restaurant you need:

Practical Tips for Eating Near State Farm Arena

To make your night smoother:

• Reserve when you can: Especially for sit-down restaurants on weekend nights or big-game days.
• Check event time carefully: And work backwards; plan to arrive at your restaurant 1.5–2 hours before start time for a relaxing meal.
• Consider walking distance and crowds: A restaurant that’s “only” a few blocks away can feel much farther when sidewalks are full and streets are partially closed.
• Look up hours in advance: Some downtown restaurants adjust their hours based on events, weekdays vs. weekends, and holidays.
• Decide parking vs. MARTA early: Your transportation choice can determine the best area to eat (for example, parking near your chosen restaurant vs. near the arena).

By thinking through how much time you have, your budget, and the experience you want, you can easily find the right restaurant near State Farm Arena—whether you live in Atlanta or are just in town for a big night out.