Confab Kitchen and Bar in Atlanta: Comfort Food, Cocktails, and Community
Confab Kitchen and Bar is a casual dining spot in Atlanta that focuses on comfort food, creative drinks, and a laid-back neighborhood vibe. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are deciding where to eat around the city, this guide walks you through what to expect, how to plan a visit, and how it fits into the local dining scene.
What Kind of Place Is Confab Kitchen and Bar?
Confab Kitchen and Bar fits squarely into Atlanta’s casual dining/comfort food lane. Think:
- Relaxed, sit-down atmosphere
- Classic favorites like burgers, sandwiches, and shareable appetizers
- Comfort-focused mains that lean hearty rather than fussy
- A full bar with cocktails, beer, and wine
- Enough polish to work for a casual date, but relaxed enough for a weeknight dinner
Compared with some of Atlanta’s trendier concepts in places like Inman Park, West Midtown, or the BeltLine, Confab typically leans more approachable and everyday, not “special-occasion only.”
Location, Getting There, and Parking in Atlanta
Where Confab Kitchen and Bar is located in Atlanta will shape your experience:
Intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Westside)
- Often busier, especially on weekends and event nights
- More walkable and connected by MARTA routes or ride-share
- Parking can be a mix of decks, lots, and paid street parking
Intown-adjacent or suburban-style areas (Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Smyrna)
- More likely to have free surface parking
- Easier for family groups and drivers
- Slightly less transit-friendly but better for meeting friends from multiple parts of the metro
If you’re planning to visit Confab Kitchen and Bar:
- Call ahead to ask:
- Is there a dedicated parking lot or deck?
- Are there time limits on nearby street parking?
- Is the area easy to access at peak times (e.g., after Braves games, concerts, or major events)?
If you rely on transit, check:
- Closest MARTA rail station
- Nearby bus routes and frequency in the evening
- Whether the area has safe, well-lit walking paths from the stop to the restaurant
Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside
Most Atlanta spots that identify as “kitchen and bar” aim for a blend of:
- Neighborhood hangout feel
- Bar energy without being a full-on nightclub
- A setting that works for:
- Casual dates
- Happy hour meetups
- Small group dinners
- Solo dining at the bar
At Confab Kitchen and Bar, you can typically expect:
- Casual dress code – jeans, casual dresses, and sneakers are common
- Mixed crowd – after-work groups, couples, and locals from nearby neighborhoods
- TVs at the bar – especially tuned to Atlanta sports (Falcons, Hawks, Braves, United) on game days
- Music at a conversational volume – usually not so loud that you can’t talk, especially earlier in the evening
If you’re sensitive to noise or planning a serious conversation, it’s worth:
- Going earlier in the evening
- Asking staff which areas are usually quieter
- Avoiding big game times if you want a more low-key setting
Food: Comfort-Forward, Atlanta-Style
Confab Kitchen and Bar falls under comfort food, which in Atlanta usually means:
- Familiar flavors with some local twists
- Dishes meant to be filling rather than minimalist
- Menus that work well for groups with mixed tastes
Typical Menu Sections You’re Likely to See
While specific options will vary, most Atlanta comfort-focused kitchens and bars offer:
- Starters & Shareables
- Wings, sliders, loaded fries or tots
- Spinach dip, fried pickles, or other fried shareables
- Salads & Lighter Options
- House salad and Caesar
- Protein add-ons like chicken, shrimp, or salmon
- Sandwiches & Burgers
- Classic burgers with customizable toppings
- Chicken sandwiches (grilled, fried, or spicy)
- Wraps or club-style sandwiches
- Comfort Mains
- Pasta dishes, grilled items, or Southern-influenced plates
- Hearty items suitable for dinner rather than a quick snack
- Sides
- Fries, slaw, veggies, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables
- Desserts
- A small selection of sweet options; some Atlanta spots lean toward Southern-style desserts like cobbler or bread pudding
Dietary Considerations
Atlanta diners often look for flexibility. When you visit Confab Kitchen and Bar, you can usually ask about:
- Vegetarian options (e.g., salads without meat, veggie-based appetizers, or a meatless entrée if available)
- Gluten-conscious choices (e.g., bun substitutions, certain salads, grilled proteins without breading)
- Ingredient details for allergies or sensitivities
It’s reasonable to:
- Call ahead if you have a serious allergy
- Ask your server how dishes are prepared (fried on shared equipment, sauces, marinades, etc.)
- Request basic modifications where possible (sauces on the side, no cheese, no nuts)
Drinks: Full Bar and Local Flavor
As a kitchen and bar, Confab typically offers:
- Cocktails
- Classic options like margaritas, old fashioneds, and vodka-based drinks
- House specialties that may feature Southern flavors (peach, citrus, or spice)
- Beer
- Domestic and imported options
- Often at least a few Georgia or Atlanta-area brews, given the strong local beer scene
- Wine
- A small but functional selection of reds, whites, and possibly sparkling
- Non-Alcoholic
- Soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade
- Some Atlanta spots now add mocktails or NA beers; it’s worth asking
If you plan to drink:
- Factor in parking and rideshare when you choose when and how to visit
- Be aware that certain Atlanta police zones and major roads are more heavily monitored late at night
Typical Price Range and What You Get for It
Prices at a casual Atlanta kitchen and bar like Confab are usually mid-range:
- Starters: Moderate per plate, especially if shareable
- Burgers/Sandwiches: Typically come with a side
- Entrées: More than bar snacks, less than fine dining
- Cocktails: Comparable to other sit-down bars in the city
What you’re paying for:
- Table service rather than counter ordering
- A comfortable place to sit for a while
- Access to a full bar and a range of food, not a limited menu
- An environment that can work for both “just grabbing a bite” and a more planned outing
If you’re budgeting:
- Ask about daily specials or happy hour deals
- Check whether gratuity is included for larger groups
- Factor in tax and tip to avoid surprises for group checks
When to Go: Timing Your Visit in Atlanta
Atlanta dining patterns can affect your experience at Confab Kitchen and Bar.
Quieter times often include:
- Weekday lunches
- Early evenings before 6:30–7:00 p.m.
- Later Sunday evenings after the weekend rush
Busier times often include:
- Friday and Saturday evenings
- Game days and big event nights (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, local festivals)
- Holiday weekends
If you’re going with a group:
- Call ahead to ask:
- Whether they accept reservations
- If they can hold a table for larger parties
- How they handle split checks
Some Atlanta casual restaurants are walk-in only, while others use call-ahead seating during peak hours.
Group Dining, Families, and Special Occasions
A casual spot like Confab Kitchen and Bar can work for several scenarios:
Groups and Meetups
For friends, coworkers, or social groups:
- Confirm whether large tables or joined tables are available
- Ask about:
- Noise level during typical meeting times
- Availability of a semi-private section if you need more privacy
- Maximum group size they can comfortably accommodate
This can be handy for Atlanta-based clubs, meetup groups, or pre-event gatherings before heading to a concert or game.
Families
Many Atlanta casual restaurants welcome families:
- Ask if they offer high chairs or have kid-friendly options
- Check if there’s a kids’ menu or smaller portions
- Consider going earlier in the evening for a calmer environment
Special Occasions
For birthdays or small celebrations:
- See if you can:
- Bring a small cake or dessert (and whether there’s a plating fee)
- Reserve a table at a certain time
- Add a note to the booking for low-key recognition by staff
Confab’s style is typically better suited to relaxed celebrations rather than very formal events.
Accessibility and Practical Details
When choosing an Atlanta restaurant, accessibility and comfort often matter as much as the menu.
Questions you can ask Confab Kitchen and Bar before visiting:
- Is there step-free access into the restaurant?
- Are there accessible restrooms?
- How is the seating layout – tight or fairly open?
- Is outside seating available and how is it configured?
Outdoor seating can be a plus in Atlanta’s milder seasons, but consider:
- Shade in hotter months
- Fans or heaters if they’re open in more extreme weather
- Noise from nearby streets or venues
How Confab Kitchen and Bar Fits Into Atlanta’s Dining Scene
Atlanta’s restaurant scene offers everything from quick-service spots to chef-driven tasting menus. Confab Kitchen and Bar fills a specific niche:
- A middle ground between bars and formal restaurants
- A place suitable for:
- Pre-game or post-game meals
- Casual dates
- After-work drinks with food
- Neighborhood dinners without a long drive
For Atlantans, it may serve as a “regular spot” you rotate into your week rather than a once-a-year destination. For visitors, it can be a comforting, low-stress option if you’re staying nearby and don’t want an overly formal experience.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Here’s a quick reference to help you plan:
| What to Check | Why It Matters in Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Location & Parking | Traffic and parking can vary widely by neighborhood and event schedules. |
| Peak Times | Friday/Saturday nights and game days can mean longer waits and higher noise levels. |
| Menu Fit | Confirm options for vegetarian, gluten-conscious, or allergy needs. |
| Group Policies | Useful for work gatherings, birthday dinners, and meetups. |
| Bar Offerings | Decide in advance if you’ll drink and plan transportation accordingly. |
| Accessibility | Step-free access, restrooms, and seating can affect comfort for some diners. |
A quick phone call before you go can answer most of these in a few minutes and help you avoid unwanted surprises.
If you’re in Atlanta and looking for casual dining with familiar, comfort-driven food and a full bar, Confab Kitchen and Bar is the kind of place that can fit into your regular rotation or serve as an easygoing option during a trip. Planning ahead around location, timing, and group needs will help you get the experience you want.