Politan Row at Colony Square: Atlanta’s Modern Midtown Food Hall Guide
Politan Row at Colony Square is one of Midtown Atlanta’s most popular food halls, blending chef-driven stalls, a sleek bar, and a busy outdoor plaza feel right in the heart of Peachtree Street.
If you live in Atlanta, work in Midtown, or you’re visiting and trying to decide where to eat, this guide walks you through what to expect, how to get there, and how to make the most of Politan Row.
Where Politan Row Fits Into Atlanta’s Food Scene
Atlanta has embraced food halls and markets—from Ponce City Market in Old Fourth Ward to Krog Street Market in Inman Park. Politan Row at Colony Square fits into that same trend but with a distinct Midtown business-and-neighborhood vibe.
It’s especially convenient if you:
- Work in one of the Midtown office towers
- Are staying in a Midtown hotel
- Are already at Colony Square for a movie, rooftop bar, or an event at The Plaza
- Want a central meetup spot that’s MARTA-accessible
You’ll find:
- Multiple independent food concepts under one roof
- A full-service central bar
- Indoor seating plus quick access to outdoor plaza seating and Midtown streetscape
- Events and seasonal happenings tied into the wider Colony Square complex
Location, Address, and Getting There
Address:
Politan Row at Colony Square
1197 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30361
Politan Row is on the ground level of Colony Square in Midtown, just off Peachtree Street. It’s surrounded by office buildings, residential towers, and arts venues, making it a natural stop if you’re already in the area.
Driving and Parking
If you’re driving:
- Look for Colony Square Parking Garage entrances off 14th Street and Peachtree Street.
- Once parked, follow signs into Colony Square and then toward Politan Row / Food Hall.
Parking is usually paid, with rates that vary by time and event activity in the area. Many Midtown workers walk over, while visitors often just park once and explore multiple spots in Colony Square.
MARTA and Other Transit
For MARTA riders:
- Arts Center Station (Red/Gold line) is typically the closest major rail stop.
- From Arts Center Station, it’s roughly a short walk south along Peachtree Street to reach Colony Square.
If you’re using a rideshare service, set your destination to “Colony Square”. Most drivers are familiar with the complex and there are designated pick-up/drop-off zones nearby.
What You’ll Find Inside: Layout and Atmosphere
Politan Row feels like a modern, polished food hall rather than a traditional market. Expect:
- Stalls and counters arranged around a shared seating area
- A central bar that anchors the space
- A mix of tables, banquettes, and communal seating
- Quick access to The Plaza at Colony Square for outdoor lounging and events
The vibe changes throughout the day:
- Lunchtime: Heavier office crowd, quick-service feel
- Afternoon: More relaxed, good for remote work or casual meetups
- Evening / Weekends: Livelier atmosphere, pre- or post-dinner drinks, social groups
Types of Food and Drink at Politan Row
Vendor lineups can evolve, but in general Politan Row leans into chef-led, globally inspired, and local-forward concepts rather than big chains. You can typically expect a mix of:
- Southern and regional comfort food
- Tacos or Latin-inspired dishes
- Asian-inspired stalls (such as ramen, noodles, or rice bowls)
- Burgers, sandwiches, and handhelds
- Vegetarian-friendly and lighter options, like salads and grain bowls
- Desserts or sweets such as ice cream, pastries, or baked goods
The central bar usually offers:
- Classic and seasonal cocktails
- Beer and wine, often including local Georgia or regional picks
- Non-alcoholic options like mocktails, sodas, and juices
Because stall lineups can change, it’s smart to check the latest listings posted on-site or via Colony Square’s general information before you go if you have your heart set on a particular type of cuisine.
Typical Uses: Lunch, Dinner, and Everything in Between
Working Lunch or Midtown Break
Politan Row is a go-to spot for:
- Office workers in nearby towers
- Remote workers looking for a change of scenery
- Small teams doing casual lunch meetings
The setup makes it easy if some people want tacos while others want burgers or vegan options—everyone orders from different stalls and meets back at the same table.
After-Work Drinks and Casual Dinners
For Atlanta residents or visitors staying nearby, Politan Row works well for:
- After-work drinks at the central bar
- A casual dinner before a show at the Fox Theatre or an event in Midtown
- Meeting friends who live in different parts of the city and want a central location
Weekends and Events
On busier weekends, or when Colony Square hosts events in The Plaza, Politan Row often becomes a natural extension of the activity:
- Families can grab varied meals without needing multiple reservations.
- Groups can treat it like a flexible pre-game or post-event stop.
- During festivals, holiday events, or outdoor movie nights at Colony Square, the food hall offers convenient options without leaving the complex.
Ordering, Payment, and How It Works
Politan Row follows the general food hall model familiar across Atlanta:
- Browse the stalls: Walk around first to see menus and options.
- Order directly from the vendor you choose.
- Pay at each stall (not at a central register). Many take contactless and mobile payments.
- Get a buzzer or name call: Some stalls use a pager system; others call your name.
- Grab a seat in the shared seating area or take your food outside to The Plaza.
You can:
- Order everything from one stall, or
- Mix and match—grab an entrée from one vendor and dessert from another.
Because people move in and out frequently, table turnover is fairly quick, especially at lunch. At peak times, you may need to scan the room or wait briefly for a table to open.
Seating, Groups, and Kid-Friendliness
Seating Setup
You’ll find a mix of:
- Two- and four-top tables
- High-top communal tables
- Banquette-style seating along walls or partitions
- Bar seating at the central bar itself
For larger groups, you may not always secure one big table at peak times, but you can often cluster together at nearby tables or choose a communal table.
Coming with Kids
Politan Row can be family-friendly, particularly during the day:
- Plenty of casual seating
- Variety of kid-appealing options like fries, burgers, simpler dishes
- Immediate access to the open public spaces at Colony Square, which gives kids some visual and physical breathing room
Evenings can be louder and more focused on the bar and social crowd, so if you’re visiting with younger children, midday or early evening is often more relaxed.
Price Range and Budget Expectations
Politan Row’s prices tend to reflect its Midtown location and chef-driven style:
- Entrées are usually in the moderate range—above typical fast food, but below fine dining.
- A casual lunch might run you:
- An entrée + non-alcoholic drink: mid-teens to low 20s, depending on choice
- Dinner with cocktails or multiple small plates will cost more, especially for a group.
To keep costs predictable:
- Scan prices at several stalls before committing.
- Consider sharing larger plates or sides if you want to sample multiple vendors.
- Use water stations (if available) or share a larger drink instead of multiple individual beverages.
When to Go: Timing and Crowds
Crowds at Politan Row usually align with Midtown’s work and event cycles.
Busier times often include:
- Weekday lunch (roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
- Early evenings when nearby offices let out
- Weekend evenings, especially if Midtown or Colony Square has events
Quieter windows typically include:
- Mid-afternoons on weekdays
- Earlier on weekend days before the dinner rush
If you want shorter lines and easier seating, aim for:
- A slightly early or late lunch (before 11:45 a.m. or after 1:30 p.m.)
- Early dinner (5:00–6:00 p.m.) versus peak evening hours
Accessibility and Practical Considerations
Accessibility
Colony Square and Politan Row are designed with accessibility in mind:
- Elevator and ramp access into the complex and food hall
- Restrooms that serve the broader Colony Square area, typically with accessible stalls
- Wide pathways through the hall for strollers and mobility devices
If accessibility is a priority, it can help to:
- Use the main street-level entrances along Peachtree or 14th Street.
- Look for elevator signage coming from the parking deck.
Working or Studying There
If you’re thinking of using Politan Row as a semi-workspace:
- Ambient noise can be moderate to loud, especially at lunch and evening.
- Seating is not guaranteed to have outlet access, so charge devices beforehand.
- It’s better suited to light laptop work or informal meetings than long, focused work sessions.
How Politan Row Compares to Other Atlanta Food Halls
For Atlanta locals deciding where to go, Politan Row at Colony Square has a distinct niche:
- Most convenient for: Midtown office workers, Midtown residents, hotel guests, and visitors exploring Peachtree Street.
- Atmosphere: Sleek, business-friendly, and social—less “industrial market” and more polished city center.
- Size: Generally more compact than some of the largest food halls in the metro area, which makes it easier to navigate but also more prone to feeling full during peak times.
If you’re already in Midtown, Politan Row is often the easiest choice for variety without jumping in the car or hopping on MARTA again.
Quick Reference: Politan Row at a Glance
| Feature | What to Know (Atlanta Context) |
|---|---|
| Location | Inside Colony Square, Midtown, 1197 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA |
| Food Style | Multiple chef-driven stalls: global flavors, comfort food, sweets |
| Best For | Midtown lunch, after-work drinks, casual dinners, group meetups |
| Transit Access | Walkable from Arts Center MARTA Station; rideshare-friendly |
| Parking | Paid garage parking in Colony Square |
| Atmosphere | Modern, busy, social; more polished than industrial-market style |
| Family-Friendly | Yes, especially daytime; more bar-centric and lively at night |
| Group-Friendly | Good for groups, though large tables may be limited at peak hours |
If you’re in Atlanta and want a central, flexible place to eat in Midtown, Politan Row at Colony Square is designed for exactly that—whether you’re on a quick lunch break, meeting friends from different neighborhoods, or exploring the city and need reliable, varied food and drink options in one polished, walkable spot.
