Downwind Restaurant & Lounge in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Downwind Restaurant & Lounge is a long-running, aviation-themed spot located at DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK) in the Atlanta area. While it’s more relaxed and family-friendly than a traditional white-tablecloth venue, many locals treat it as a destination restaurant for a memorable meal with a unique view—especially if you’re into airplanes, sunset views, or quieter alternatives to Buckhead and Midtown.

If you’re exploring fine dining and special-occasion restaurants in Atlanta, Downwind is worth understanding as a niche choice: it combines classic American fare, bar and lounge service, and front-row views of the runway, which can feel surprisingly upscale and special despite the casual dress code.

Where Downwind Restaurant & Lounge Is in Atlanta

Location (PDK Airport):

• Address: Usually listed within or adjacent to the main terminal area at DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK) in Chamblee, just north of Buckhead.
• Area: Northeast side of the metro, convenient to Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, and North Buckhead.

You’ll typically access Downwind by turning into the DeKalb–Peachtree Airport complex and following signs toward the main terminal or restaurant/observation area. Parking is usually in surface lots near the terminal.

If you’re visiting from:

• Downtown Atlanta: Plan ~20–30 minutes by car outside of rush hour via I-85 N.
• Midtown: Often 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Brookhaven / Chamblee: Around 5–15 minutes by local roads.

Public transit riders can often connect via MARTA’s Gold Line to the Chamblee or Brookhaven/Oglethorpe stations, then use a short rideshare to the airport entrance.

Atmosphere: Aviation Views With a Relaxed Lounge Feel

Downwind is best known in Atlanta for its runway-side seating and aircraft views, which gives it a different feel than a typical neighborhood restaurant.

You can expect:

• Large windows and outdoor seating (in many seasons) with direct views of takeoffs and landings at PDK.
• An aviation-inspired interior, with decor that nods to small aircraft and the airport setting.
• A mix of families, pilots, business lunches, and date-night diners, especially on pleasant-weather evenings.
• A lounge/bar area where you can order drinks, watch planes, and linger without feeling rushed.

Although it’s categorized here under fine dining and celebrity-chef restaurants, the on-site experience is generally:

• Casual to smart casual in dress
• Comfortable and lively, not hushed or formal
• More of a “special casual” destination than a tux-and-tie fine dining room

For many Atlanta residents, Downwind occupies a sweet spot between a family grill and a special-occasion restaurant, especially if you’re hosting out-of-town guests or kids who love planes.

Food & Drink: What’s Typically on the Menu

Menus can change, but Downwind tends to focus on accessible, classic American dishes with a focus on:

• Burgers and sandwiches
• Salads and wraps
• Grilled or baked mains (such as chicken, seafood, or steaks depending on the season)
• Appetizers and shareables suitable for groups or lounge-style snacking

Typical Dining Experience

You’ll generally find:

• Lunch and dinner service, with weekend and evening visits being popular for plane-watching.
• Full-service tables in the main dining room and patio.
• A bar and lounge area for cocktails, beer, and wine alongside bar bites or full meals.

Because this is Atlanta, you can usually expect familiar favorites—think wings, burgers, salads, grilled items, and comfort-food sides—executed reliably and served in generous portions.

Drinks & Lounge Options

The lounge side usually offers:

• Beer and wine selections
• Classic cocktails and simple mixed drinks
• Nonalcoholic options for families and designated drivers

If you’re meeting friends or colleagues near Brookhaven, Chamblee, or Dunwoody and want something a bit more memorable than a strip-mall bar, Downwind’s combo of drinks and runway views can be a strong choice.

When to Go: Timing, Reservations, and Crowds

Availability and policies can change, so it’s wise to call ahead to confirm current hours and whether reservations are accepted, but Atlanta diners often notice the following patterns:

• Peak times:
  • Weekend lunches and early dinners, especially in nice weather
  • Evenings close to sunset, when views over the runway are most dramatic
• Quieter times:
  • Weekday afternoons, outside of lunch rush
  • Later weeknights when business traffic slows

If you’re planning a special occasion or bringing a larger group, calling ahead to ask about:

• Wait times
• Group seating
• Patio availability

…can make your visit smoother, especially during Atlanta’s busier travel seasons or when events are happening nearby (such as festivals in Brookhaven or conferences that bring more visitors to PDK).

Who Downwind Restaurant & Lounge Works Best For

Because it bridges casual dining and “destination” feel, Downwind can fit several Atlanta use-cases:

1. Families and Kids

• Kids often enjoy watching planes taxi, take off, and land just outside the windows.
• The menu is typically broad enough to accommodate picky eaters and simple kid favorites.
• The environment is lively without being rowdy, making it practical for families, especially daytime.

2. Date Nights With a Twist

If you want something less formal than a Buckhead fine-dining room, but more unique than a chain:

• Request or ask about window seating or patio spots.
• Time your reservation or arrival for sunset on a clear day.
• Combine the visit with a walk around nearby Brookhaven or Chamblee for coffee or dessert afterward.

3. Business Lunches & Informal Meetings

For professionals based along the I-85 corridor (Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville, Dunwoody), Downwind can be a good compromise between:

• Central location
• Easy parking compared with intown spots
• A setting that is memorable but not overly formal

It’s often used for:

• Vendor lunches
• Casual client meetups
• Team celebrations

4. Aviation Enthusiasts & Out-of-Town Guests

If you or your guests love aviation or are flying in/out of PDK on charter or private flights, Downwind can be a natural choice:

• A comfortable meal before or after a flight
• A way to show visitors a different side of Atlanta’s food scene, beyond Midtown and Buckhead
• A chance to get close-up airfield views without going through TSA or main-terminal crowds

Practical Tips for Atlanta Diners

Here are focused tips to help you plan a visit from anywhere in the metro:

Getting There & Parking

• Driving:

  • Use navigation to DeKalb–Peachtree Airport and follow signs to terminal/restaurant parking.
  • During peak rush hours, I-85 and Peachtree Industrial can back up, so allow extra time if you’re coming from Downtown, Midtown, or the Westside.

• Rideshare:

  • Rideshare drop-off is generally straightforward; drivers can follow signs to the airport terminal.
  • Good option if you plan to enjoy drinks in the lounge.

• MARTA + Rideshare:

  • Ride the Gold Line to Chamblee Station, then take a short rideshare or taxi to the airport.
  • This can help avoid parking and congestion around I-85.

What to Ask When You Call Ahead ☎️

When you call Downwind (or check their most current listing), consider asking:

• Today’s hours, including kitchen closing time.
• Whether patio or window seating is open and how long waits typically are.
• If they can accommodate dietary needs you may have (such as vegetarian, gluten-conscious, or certain allergies).
• Whether they are hosting any private events that may limit seating.

Sample At-a-Glance Snapshot for Atlanta Visitors

How Downwind Compares Within Atlanta’s “Special Occasion” Scene

In a city known for upscale dining in Midtown, Buckhead, and Inman Park, Downwind fills a different niche:

• It’s less formal and generally less expensive than many traditional fine-dining rooms.
• The “wow factor” comes from the runway views and aviation setting, not elaborate tasting menus or celebrity-chef branding.
• It’s especially convenient for northside residents who want something distinctive without driving into the core of the city.

For a fully polished fine-dining night, you might look to high-end restaurants in Buckhead Village, Midtown, or along the BeltLine. But if your definition of a special Atlanta meal includes:

• Planes gliding in just beyond your table
• Comfortable, familiar food
• Easy parking and a relaxed setting

…then Downwind Restaurant & Lounge at PDK can be a strong, locally flavored choice for your next outing.