Colony Square Atlanta: Where Midtown Meets Dessert and Sweet Treats

Colony Square in Midtown Atlanta has evolved from a traditional mixed-use complex into one of the city’s most walkable, social, and dessert‑friendly destinations. If you’re looking for a place to grab ice cream, pastries, gelato, or a sweet snack after work, a show at the Fox, or an afternoon at Piedmont Park, Colony Square is one of Midtown’s most convenient spots.

This guide walks through what Colony Square is, where it is, and—most importantly—where to find the best dessert and sweet treats in and around the development.

Where Colony Square Is and Why It Matters for Dessert Lovers

Colony Square sits at the intersection of Peachtree Street NE and 14th Street NE in Midtown, roughly between Downtown and Buckhead, and within walking distance of both Piedmont Park and the Arts Center MARTA Station.

Address (main complex):
1175 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30361

Colony Square is part of what many locals think of as Midtown’s “outdoor living room”—a mix of restaurants, offices, residential towers, and public gathering spaces. For dessert fans, that means:

• Lots of walk-up options before or after dinner
• A central plaza where you can sit and enjoy a treat outdoors
• Easy access from MARTA, rideshare, or a short walk from nearby neighborhoods like Ansley Park, Home Park, and the heart of Midtown

If you already live or work in Midtown, Colony Square is a natural dessert stop. If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying near Peachtree Street or in the Arts District, it’s one of the simplest places to sample multiple types of sweets in one compact area.

What Kind of Dessert Scene Does Colony Square Have?

Colony Square doesn’t feel like a traditional “mall food court.” Instead, it’s built around:

• Politan Row at Colony Square – a chef-driven food hall with stalls often including bakeries, ice cream, and specialty sweet vendors
• Street-level restaurants and cafés around the plaza, many with dessert menus and grab‑and‑go options
• Seasonal and rotating pop-up vendors, especially during events, that may feature cupcakes, donuts, cookies, or seasonal treats

Because tenants in food halls and mixed-use properties can change over time, the specific dessert concepts can rotate. However, you can generally expect to find at least some of the following categories at any given time:

• Ice cream or gelato
• Pastries and baked goods (cookies, brownies, cakes)
• Coffee + dessert combos
• Chocolate or candy-style treats
• Seasonal or specialty desserts tied to events or holidays

Types of Sweet Treats You’ll Commonly Find at Colony Square

While the exact vendors change, the overall dessert experience at Colony Square tends to cover several reliable styles:

Ice Cream, Gelato, and Frozen Treats

If you’re heading to or from Piedmont Park or walking Peachtree, a cold treat is usually easy to find:

• Scooped ice cream or gelato in cups or cones
• Soft serve or specialty sundaes depending on the current vendor lineup
• Occasional dairy-free or vegan options, especially in food hall concepts
• Milkshakes or blended desserts that double as a snack and drink

💡 Tip: If you’re sensitive to ingredients (dairy, nuts, gluten), staff at smaller dessert stalls in food halls are often used to ingredient questions and can walk through what’s in each flavor.

Pastries, Cakes, and Baked Goods

For those who prefer something baked:

• Brownies, cookies, and bars that travel well if you’re heading back to the office or hotel
• Individual slices of cake or cheesecake
• Morning‑leaning options like muffins, croissants, or sweet rolls, especially at coffee‑adjacent spots

Colony Square is popular with office workers and residents, so it’s common to find grab‑and‑go sweets that pair with coffee or tea.

Coffee + Dessert Pairings

Midtown locals frequently use Colony Square as a mid-day or after-dinner stop. You’ll often be able to:

• Order espresso drinks or brewed coffee with a cookie, pastry, or small sweet
• Sit outdoors in the plaza and people‑watch over dessert
• Use Colony Square as a meetup spot after shows at the Woodruff Arts Center or events along Peachtree

If you prefer your dessert on the lighter side, sweet lattes, flavored iced coffees, or specialty teas can hit the mark without feeling like a full dessert course.

Date-Night and After-Dinner Desserts

Colony Square’s sit‑down restaurants typically offer:

• House-made desserts like pies, tarts, or warm skillets
• Shared desserts perfect for a date or group
• Wine, dessert cocktails, or mocktails alongside sweets

Because this is Midtown, dress codes are generally flexible—people stop by in everything from office attire to casual outfits after a day at Piedmont Park.

Quick Snapshot: Dessert Options at and Around Colony Square

Below is a general-style overview of what you can expect, not a fixed tenant list (since specific vendors may change):

When Colony Square Is Best for Dessert

Colony Square’s dessert experience feels a bit different depending on the time of day.

Weekday Daytime

• Strong coffee + pastry culture, especially from nearby offices
• Good time for quieter visits and working remotely while enjoying a treat
• Often easiest to find shorter lines and more seating

Evenings and Weekends

• More of a social vibe—ideal for after-dinner desserts
• Outdoor seating in the plaza feels more lively, especially when there’s:
  • Live music
  • Movie nights
  • Seasonal events
• Dessert stands or pop-ups may appear during special events, especially in cooler months or around holidays

If you’re sensitive to crowds, late afternoon or early evening on weeknights can be a sweet spot—enough energy without long waits.

Getting to Colony Square for a Dessert Stop

Colony Square is intentionally designed to be accessible from multiple parts of Atlanta.

By MARTA

• Arts Center MARTA Station (Red/Gold Line) is the closest rail stop.
• From the station, it’s roughly a 5–10 minute walk along Peachtree Street NE.

If you’re coming from Downtown, Buckhead, or Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, MARTA is often the simplest way to avoid traffic and parking.

By Car

Public parking garages and decks serve Colony Square, with vehicle entry points off:

• Peachtree St NE
• 14th St NE

Parking availability and rates can vary by time of day and events. Many locals plan dessert at Colony Square as part of a longer evening in Midtown, combining:

• Dinner
• A show or movie
• A final dessert stop in or near the plaza

Walking and Biking

Colony Square is in one of Atlanta’s more walkable districts:

• Easy to reach on foot from Midtown condos, apartments, and offices
• Close to Piedmont Park, making it a popular add‑on after park time
• Bike and scooter users can typically find racks or drop areas nearby (availability can vary)

How Colony Square Compares to Other Dessert Areas in Atlanta

If you’re planning a dessert crawl or just trying to understand where Colony Square fits into the larger Atlanta dessert scene, here’s how it generally compares:

• Colony Square (Midtown) – Compact, walkable, and centered around a plaza + food hall setting. Good for variety in a small footprint and for pairing dessert with events.
• Ponce City Market / BeltLine Eastside Trail – Larger concentration of dessert and snack options with strong BeltLine walking and skyline views, but usually more spread out and often busier on weekends.
• Buckhead (Lenox / Phipps vicinity) – More mall-based desserts with several upscale options, often requiring more driving and structured parking.
• Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward – Trendy spots with independent bakeries and ice cream shops, often paired with neighborhood walking and dining.

If you’re already in Midtown for work, school, or arts events, Colony Square is one of the most convenient places to satisfy a sweet tooth without leaving the neighborhood.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Dessert at Colony Square

To make the most of your visit:

• Check current vendors: Food hall and dessert concepts can rotate, so if you’re craving something specific (like vegan ice cream or a particular pastry), it can be helpful to look up the current food hall lineup or restaurant menus before you go.
• Plan around events: Nights with outdoor movies, performances, or seasonal celebrations can be great for atmosphere, but expect more crowds and lines at dessert counters.
• Share to sample more: Many dessert portions in Midtown tend to be generous. Splitting a couple of treats lets you try more than one vendor or style without overdoing it.
• Use Colony Square as a meet-up point: If you’re meeting friends from different parts of Atlanta, Midtown’s central location and easy MARTA access make Colony Square a simple rendezvous spot with plenty of sweet options once everyone arrives.

Nearby Midtown Spots to Pair With Your Colony Square Dessert Trip

Because of its location, you can easily build a larger Midtown outing around a dessert stop at Colony Square:

• Piedmont Park – About a 10–15 minute walk east; many people grab ice cream or a pastry at Colony Square before or after a park stroll.
• Woodruff Arts Center / High Museum of Art – Just north along Peachtree St NE; ideal to combine museum time or a show with dessert back at the square.
• Midtown Mile on Peachtree – Stretch of Peachtree Street with additional restaurants and cafés if you decide to expand beyond the square itself.

This cluster of attractions makes Colony Square especially useful if you’re visiting Atlanta and want to experience art, parks, and city life without constant driving.

Is Colony Square the Right Dessert Spot for You?

Colony Square is a strong fit if you:

• Are already in Midtown and want a low‑effort dessert stop
• Prefer a mix of indoor and outdoor seating in a lively but manageable setting
• Like having multiple types of sweets (ice cream, pastries, coffee, and more) within a short walk
• Want an easy-to-find meetup location with dessert options for different tastes

For Atlantans and visitors alike, Colony Square offers a modern, walkable slice of Midtown where dessert fits naturally into your day—whether that’s a quick ice cream, a carefully plated restaurant dessert, or a coffee and cookie in the plaza while you watch the city go by.