Dantanna’s in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go
If you’re searching for a grill-style restaurant in Atlanta that blends an upscale feel with a laid‑back sports bar atmosphere, Dantanna’s is one of the better-known local names. Here’s a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to help you decide if it fits what you’re looking for and how to make the most of a visit.
What Kind of Restaurant Is Dantanna’s?
Dantanna’s is best described as a grill and sports bar hybrid:
- A full grill menu (steaks, burgers, seafood, salads, appetizers)
- Multiple TVs for watching games
- A setting that’s more polished than a typical bar but more relaxed than a fine‑dining steakhouse
Atlanta diners often use it for:
- Watching big games with a group
- Casual business lunches or post‑work meetups
- Pre‑ or post‑event meals near key city venues
The atmosphere is generally lively, social, and slightly upscale without being formal.
Locations in Atlanta
Dantanna’s has had different locations over the years. Before you go, it’s a good idea to confirm the current operating locations, hours, and parking details, as these can change.
Two historically important Atlanta spots to know about:
Dantanna’s Downtown / CNN Center Area
This location has commonly served:
- Downtown workers looking for lunch or happy hour
- Tourists and event-goers visiting State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, or Centennial Olympic Park
Being near central downtown attractions, it has often been a go‑to for:
- Dinner before a Hawks, Falcons, or United game
- Eating after a concert or convention
- Meeting up if your group is staying at downtown hotels
If you’re planning a game day or concert outing, Dantanna’s in the downtown area (when open) typically offers:
- Plenty of TVs for pre‑game viewing
- A menu broad enough to satisfy different tastes
- Access to public parking decks and MARTA stations nearby
Dantanna’s Buckhead / Lenox Area
A Buckhead‑area location near Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza has often drawn:
- Shoppers looking for a sit‑down meal with drinks
- Locals meeting for after‑work bites
- Visitors staying in the cluster of Buckhead hotels
This area is convenient if you’re already visiting:
- Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza
- The Peachtree Road corridor in Buckhead
- Nearby office towers and residential high‑rises
Parking, traffic, and valet options can vary by property, so checking current details and any parking validation policies is helpful.
What’s on the Menu at Dantanna’s?
The exact menu can change, but you can expect a grill‑forward selection with both casual and more elevated options.
Typical Grill and Entrée Options
Common categories include:
- Steaks and chops – Grilled steaks, often with classic sides like potatoes and vegetables
- Burgers and sandwiches – Beef burgers, turkey or specialty burgers, chicken sandwiches, and sometimes fish sandwiches
- Seafood dishes – Grilled or pan‑seared fish, shrimp-focused plates, and seafood appetizers
- Salads – Entrée salads with options to add protein (chicken, steak, shrimp)
You’ll typically find game‑day‑friendly appetizers as well:
- Wings or boneless wings
- Nachos or loaded fries
- Spinach/artichoke dips, sliders, or other shareable plates
Drinks and Bar Options
Dantanna’s usually offers:
- Full bar with cocktails, wine, and spirits
- Draft and bottled beer, including domestic and craft options
- Non‑alcoholic beverages, including soft drinks and often tea or lemonade
If you’re attending for a game or a group gathering, it’s common for diners to time their arrival around drink and appetizer specials, which may be tied to happy hour or particular events. These offers change, so it’s worth asking when you call.
Atmosphere: What to Expect
Dantanna’s is known for mixing sports bar energy with a grill-style menu and decor.
You can generally expect:
- Multiple screens visible from most seats
- A mix of high‑top tables, bar seating, and standard tables/booths
- Noise levels that can rise during popular games or weekend evenings
Dress is typically casual to smart casual:
- Jeans and a nice shirt are common
- Game jerseys during sporting events are widely seen
- Business‑casual attire is typical for lunch or post‑work visits
If you prefer a quieter meal, consider:
- Weekday lunches
- Early dinners before major game times or big local events
- Calling ahead to ask which areas are usually quieter (for example, patio vs. bar area, if available)
Good Situations for Choosing Dantanna’s
For Atlanta residents and visitors, Dantanna’s often works best when you need:
- A place to watch the game with more substantial food than typical bar fare
- Group dining where some want burgers and wings while others prefer steak or seafood
- Pre‑ or post‑event meals near major venues and hotels
It may be less ideal if you’re looking for:
- A very quiet, intimate dinner
- Extremely specialized cuisine (such as strict vegetarian-only menus)
Because of the sports focus, big events—Falcons, Hawks, United, college football, playoffs—can make the restaurant crowded and energetic, especially in the bar and TV areas.
Practical Tips for Visiting Dantanna’s in Atlanta
1. Check Current Hours and Location Status
Restaurant hours and even locations can change. To avoid surprises:
- Look up current hours, especially on weekends and game days
- Ask whether they are showing specific games you care about (NFL, NBA, college, international competitions)
When you call, you can also ask:
- When they’re busiest on the day you plan to visit
- If they recommend a reservation for your party size
2. Consider Reservations for Groups
For larger groups or game‑day gatherings, it’s often smart to:
- Call ahead to ask about group seating
- Share your group size, time, and whether you want to watch a particular game
- Confirm any time limits on tables during peak events
This is especially relevant if you’re meeting colleagues, hosting out‑of‑town guests, or celebrating an occasion in busy areas like downtown or Buckhead.
3. Plan Your Transportation and Parking
Because locations are in busy parts of Atlanta, think about:
Driving and parking:
- Nearby parking decks or lots are common downtown and in Buckhead
- Ask whether they offer validation or valet at the time of your visit
MARTA access:
- Downtown/CNN area is often within walking distance of GWCC/CNN Center Station or Five Points Station
- Buckhead‑area locations may be a short ride from Lenox Station or Buckhead Station, with a walk or quick ride‑share from there
If you’re headed to a concert or game, planning to park once and walk between the venue and Dantanna’s can simplify your evening.
4. Clarify Dietary Needs
If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, call ahead and ask:
- Which dishes can be prepared without certain ingredients
- Whether they can offer simple grilled items (for example, grilled chicken or fish with vegetables)
- How they handle common allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten, shellfish) in the kitchen
Grill-focused restaurants often have some flexibility in how items are prepared, but policies vary.
Quick Reference: Is Dantanna’s Right for You?
Here’s a simple snapshot to help you decide:
| Question | How Dantanna’s Typically Fits in Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Want a sports bar with a full grill menu? | Yes – strong mix of steaks, burgers, seafood, appetizers |
| Need a spot near stadiums/arenas? | Often convenient near downtown venues and hotels |
| Looking for a quiet, intimate dinner? | Maybe not during big games or weekends |
| Have a group with mixed tastes? | Good choice – menu usually broad and flexible |
| Relying on MARTA or hotel proximity? | Practical near central transit and hotel clusters |
How Atlantans Commonly Use Dantanna’s
Locals and visitors often choose Dantanna’s when:
- They’re staying downtown and want a straightforward place with TVs and a varied menu
- They’re in Buckhead shopping or working and want a sit‑down meal that isn’t overly formal
- They’re hosting out‑of‑towners who want an Atlanta stop where they can eat, drink, and watch a game without leaving the hotel/venue area for long
If you frame it as a sports‑friendly grill with a more polished environment than many basic bars, you’ll have a realistic expectation of what Dantanna’s offers within the Atlanta dining scene.
From there, the main decisions are which location is most convenient, whether you need a reservation, and how you’ll time your visit around games and events.