656 Sports Bar & Grille in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re looking for a casual grill in Atlanta where you can watch the game, grab comfort food, and hang out with a group, 656 Sports Bar & Grille is one of the local options that often comes up for sports fans in the city. This guide walks through what Atlantans and visitors typically want to know: location basics, what it’s like inside, what kind of food to expect, how it fits into Atlanta’s sports and nightlife scene, and practical tips for planning a visit.

Where 656 Sports Bar & Grille Fits into Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene

In Atlanta, sports bars and grills are a big part of the city’s social life, especially around big games for the Falcons, Hawks, Braves, United, and local college teams. 656 Sports Bar & Grille fits the “Grill” subcategory in the broader “Restaurants” category, meaning you can expect:

• A full bar plus grill-style food
• Multiple TVs showing live sports
• A casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere
• A setup that works for groups, pre-game meetups, and late-night hangs

Compared with a quiet neighborhood bistro or a fine-dining restaurant, a place like 656 is geared more toward:

• Watching the game with a crowd
• Eating fried and grilled favorites
• Socializing, music, and nightlife energy

Location, Parking, and Getting There

656 Sports Bar & Grille has typically been associated with in-town Atlanta, close enough that people can pair it with other city activities like:

• Going to a Falcons or Atlanta United game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Catching a Hawks game or concert at State Farm Arena
• Spending time in Downtown, Midtown, or Castleberry Hill before or after events

Because Atlanta is car-heavy, most people plan for either:

• Driving and parking – looking for nearby lots, decks, or street parking
• Rideshare – often the simplest option at night or during big games

If you’re visiting Atlanta, you’ll notice that traffic patterns change on game days. When the Falcons, United, or a major touring artist is in town, expect:

• Heavier traffic around downtown
• Higher rideshare prices during peak hours
• Parking lots filling quickly near stadiums and popular bars

🧭 Tip: If you’re planning to watch a major game at 656 Sports Bar & Grille, arriving at least an hour before kickoff or tipoff can make a big difference in finding parking and seats.

Atmosphere: What It’s Like Inside

Like many Atlanta sports bars and grills, 656 typically offers:

• Multiple TV screens tuned to different games
• Loud, energetic sound during big matchups
• A mix of bar seating, high-tops, and tables
• A social, nightlife-forward vibe, especially late nights and on weekends

This kind of spot generally attracts:

• Local sports fans in team gear
• Groups celebrating birthdays or meetups
• People bar-hopping through nearby neighborhoods
• Visitors looking for a “real Atlanta” game-day experience

If you prefer quiet conversation, a sports bar during a big SEC or NFL game might not be ideal. But if you enjoy cheering with a crowd and hearing the whole room react to a big play, a place like 656 is exactly built for that.

Food at a Grill-Style Sports Bar Like 656

As a grill within the restaurant category, 656 Sports Bar & Grille is usually associated with hearty, casual American fare—the kind of menu you see all over Atlanta’s sports-bar scene. While specific items can vary, you can generally expect options like:

Typical Food Options

• Starters & shareables
  • Wings (often with multiple sauce choices)
  • Mozzarella sticks, loaded fries, or nachos
  • Sliders or mini burgers
• Grill items
  • Burgers with various toppings
  • Grilled chicken sandwiches
  • Sometimes Philly-style cheesesteaks or similar items
• Bar favorites
  • Fried shrimp or fish baskets
  • Quesadillas or flatbreads
  • Salads for something lighter

Dietary Considerations

In Atlanta, more people are asking about dietary needs even at casual bars. At a grill-type sports bar, options may be more limited, but it’s reasonable to ask:

• Whether anything can be grilled without breading
• If there are salads or veggie-forward options
• How dishes are prepared if you’re avoiding certain ingredients

Because kitchens at busy bars get slammed during big games, it’s helpful to:

• Ask about modifications early
• Be prepared that not everything can be customized at peak times

Drinks and Game-Day Experience

Most Atlanta sports bars and grills, including places like 656, are known for pairing grill food with drinks suited to watching the game:

• Beer – domestic and often some imports or local selections
• Mixed drinks and cocktails – from simple well drinks to signature house cocktails
• Non-alcoholic options – sodas, juices, and sometimes mocktails

On big game days, you may find:

• Game audio turned up loud
• Fans wearing jerseys and team colors
• A more crowded, party-like feel

If you’re visiting from out of town, Atlanta’s sports culture is strong—especially for:

• Falcons (NFL)
• Hawks (NBA)
• Braves (MLB)
• Atlanta United (MLS)
• SEC and HBCU football on Saturdays

A place like 656 Sports Bar & Grille often becomes a hub for fans who want to feel the crowd energy without going inside the stadium.

When to Go: Timing, Lines, and Crowd Levels

Crowd size and wait times at an Atlanta sports bar and grill usually depend on:

• Day of the week – Fridays, Saturdays, and game days are busiest
• Time of day – evenings and late nights draw more people than afternoons
• Event schedules – local pro and college games, major fights, and playoff series

Typical Patterns to Expect

If you prefer shorter waits and a calmer vibe, aim for:

• Earlier in the evening on weekends
• Non-primetime games
• Weekdays without major sporting events

Making 656 Part of a Bigger Atlanta Outing

Because it’s an in-town sports bar and grill, you can easily pair 656 with other Atlanta activities. Common pairings include:

• Before or after the game
  • Falcons or United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Hawks or concerts at State Farm Arena
• Day in the city
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • Then food and drinks at a bar and grill to wind down

If you’re staying in nearby areas like Downtown, Midtown, or Castleberry Hill, a place like 656 can serve as a convenient meetup spot for groups before exploring the rest of the city.

Practical Tips for Visiting an Atlanta Sports Bar & Grill Like 656

A few Atlanta-specific pointers can make your visit smoother:

• Check current hours and specials
  • Hours can shift for holidays, big events, or late nights.
• Plan your transportation
  • Driving? Build in time for traffic, especially on I‑75/85 and around downtown.
  • Using MARTA? Know your closest station and return times.
  • Rideshare often simplifies late-night travel.
• Arrive before the rush on game days
  • For major games, consider showing up at least an hour early to secure seats.
• Have a backup plan
  • Atlanta has many sports bars and grills. If one spot is at capacity, nearby options can still give you a solid game-day experience.

How 656 Sports Bar & Grille Compares Within Atlanta

Within Atlanta’s restaurant and nightlife ecosystem, 656 Sports Bar & Grille generally appeals to people who want:

• A grill-style menu with wings, burgers, and bar food
• A lively, sports-focused environment
• A place to watch games with a crowd, not just in the background
• A spot that fits into a night out rather than a quiet dinner

If you live in Atlanta, 656 can be one of several go-to options when you’re deciding where to watch the game. If you’re visiting, it offers a window into how locals mix sports, food, and nightlife in the city—especially on big game days and weekends.

Always verify the current address, phone number, hours, and any reservation policies before you head out, since these details can change over time in Atlanta’s constantly evolving restaurant scene.