Bone Garden Cantina in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Bone Garden Cantina is a colorful, Day-of-the-Dead–themed Mexican cantina tucked into Atlanta’s Westside. If you’re looking for casual international cuisine, strong drinks, and house-made Mexican dishes in a laid-back setting, this is a local spot many Atlantans keep in their regular rotation.

This guide walks through what to expect at Bone Garden Cantina, how it fits into Atlanta’s dining scene, and practical tips for planning your visit.

Where Bone Garden Cantina Is in Atlanta

Bone Garden Cantina is located in the Westside / Underwood Hills area, just off Howell Mill Road.

• Address:
  Bone Garden Cantina
  1425 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW
  Atlanta, GA 30318

It sits in a semi-industrial pocket that has turned into a low-key dining and brewery corridor. If you’re staying or living near Midtown, West Midtown, or Buckhead, it’s usually a short drive.

Parking & access:

• There is typically on-site parking in the shared lot out front.
• The area is car-centric, though rideshare is common, especially at night or if you plan to drink.
• Sidewalks exist but walking from farther Westside spots can feel industrial and not especially scenic.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

Bone Garden Cantina leans heavily into a Mexican cantina vibe with:

• Bright colors, murals, and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) imagery
• A casual, slightly funky atmosphere—more “neighborhood hangout” than fine dining
• A mix of bar seating, indoor tables, and often a small outdoor patio area

You can expect:

• Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours (evenings and weekends)
• Dress code: Very casual—jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers are completely normal
• Crowds: After-work groups, couples, small friend groups, and plenty of locals

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want somewhere that feels like an off-the-beaten-path local spot rather than a tourist strip restaurant, this fits that niche.

Food at Bone Garden Cantina: Mexican & Tex-Mex With a Twist

Bone Garden Cantina focuses on Mexican-inspired dishes with some Tex-Mex influence. Menus can change, but you’ll typically see:

Core Menu Highlights

• Tacos
  • Variety of fillings such as chicken, pork, beef, fish, and vegetarian
  • Usually available à la carte so you can mix and match
• Enchiladas & Burritos
  • Stuffed with a choice of meat or veggies
  • Topped with sauces like red, green, or mole-style depending on the current menu
• Starters & Snacks
  • Chips and salsa, queso, and guacamole
  • Sometimes nachos, street-corn–style dishes, or other shareable plates
• Mains & Specials
  • Heavier plates like carne asada-style dishes or platters with rice and beans
  • Occasional specials that lean into regional Mexican flavors

Bone Garden is known for house-made components—tortillas, salsas, and sauces often feel more carefully prepared than at generic chain Tex-Mex spots. The flavors tend to lean toward bold and sometimes spicy, but you can typically ask for milder options.

Vegetarian & Special Diet Considerations

If you’re vegetarian or trying to eat lighter in Atlanta:

• You can usually find several veggie taco options.
• Beans and rice are often available, and some plates can be made meat-free on request.
• If you have serious allergies or strict dietary needs (gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.), it’s smart to:
  • Ask your server which items are safest
  • Confirm how dishes are prepared, since menu notes are sometimes limited

Bone Garden is not a dedicated gluten-free or allergen-focused restaurant, so those with severe allergies should use extra caution and communicate clearly.

Drinks: Margaritas, Tequila, and More

As with many cantinas in Atlanta, drinks are a major draw here. Expect:

• Margaritas in different styles (classic lime, fruity variations, frozen or on the rocks)
• Tequila and mezcal selections for sipping or cocktails
• Beer and a small selection of other cocktails

If you’re planning to sample the margaritas or tequila flights, it’s wise to:

• Use rideshare to and from the Westside
• Avoid heavy driving through Howell Mill and I-75 corridors afterward, especially during busy evening hours

✅ Tip: The bar can get crowded later in the evening. If you prefer a quieter drink, aim for late afternoon or early evening.

Bone Garden Cantina vs. Other Atlanta Mexican & International Spots

Atlanta has a wide range of international cuisine options—from Buford Highway’s global stretch to taco trucks in Southwest Atlanta and polished spots in Midtown. Bone Garden Cantina tends to stand out for:

• Its Westside location, handy if you’re already in Midtown or near Georgia Tech
• A more alternative, artsy atmosphere compared to polished Buckhead or Midtown Mexican restaurants
• A menu that’s more cantina-style than deeply regional Mexican, but still more personality-driven than generic chain Tex-Mex

If you want to build an Atlanta Mexican food day, you might:

1. Start with tacos at a Buford Highway taqueria for a more traditional experience.
2. Head to Bone Garden Cantina in Westside later for drinks and a lively atmosphere.

This combo gives you a good cross-section of Atlanta’s Mexican and Latin-inspired food scene.

When to Go, Reservations, and Wait Times

Policies can change, but Bone Garden Cantina generally functions in a casual, walk-in–friendly way. Many Atlanta diners report:

• Peak hours:
  • Weeknights: 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
  • Weekends: early evening through later night
• Wait times:
  • Shorter if you arrive earlier in the evening or for a late lunch
  • Longer for big groups or on nice-weather evenings when patios are in demand

To make your visit smoother:

• Small groups (2–4 people):
  • Aim for early evening on weeknights for easier seating.
• Larger groups:
  • Call ahead to ask about the best time to arrive and whether they can accommodate your party size easily.

Because this is a single-location, independent cantina, hours and policies can shift, especially around holidays or major Atlanta events. A quick call before you head over is often the easiest way to confirm current hours and any special events.

Pricing: What You Can Expect to Spend

Pricing at Bone Garden Cantina generally falls in the mid-range for Atlanta casual dining.

You can expect something like:

This makes Bone Garden Cantina a comfortable choice for:

• Casual date nights
• After-work drinks and snacks
• A more relaxed dinner before or after exploring other Westside spots

Getting There From Key Atlanta Neighborhoods

Because Bone Garden Cantina sits in the Westside industrial corridor, it’s helpful to plan your route:

• From Midtown:
  • Usually a short drive via Northside Drive or Howell Mill Road.
  • MARTA rail does not drop directly at the door; you’d need a bus or rideshare for the last leg.
• From Downtown:
  • Drive or rideshare via Northside Drive or I-75 to Howell Mill area.
• From Buckhead:
  • Howell Mill Road or Northside Drive routes are common, depending on traffic.

Public transit is somewhat limited in that precise pocket of Westside. If you’re visiting Atlanta without a car, rideshare is typically the simplest option.

Good Use Cases: When Bone Garden Cantina Works Best

Bone Garden Cantina is especially suitable if you’re in Atlanta and want:

• A casual Mexican cantina with character and house-made food
• A Westside spot that pairs well with breweries or galleries nearby
• A laid-back place to grab tacos and margaritas before a show or event
• An Atlanta restaurant that feels local and quirky, not corporate

It may be less ideal if you need:

• Very quiet, formal dining
• Highly specialized options for severe food allergies or strict diets
• Direct MARTA rail access

Practical Checklist Before You Go

Here’s a quick run-through to make your visit smoother:

• ✅ Confirm current hours by calling the restaurant.
• ✅ Plan transportation (driving + parking vs. rideshare).
• ✅ For groups, ask about the best time to arrive to avoid long waits.
• ✅ If you have dietary needs, talk to your server when you’re seated.
• ✅ Consider earlier hours if you’re sensitive to noise or crowds.

Bone Garden Cantina offers a distinct blend of Mexican-inspired comfort food, strong drinks, and local Atlanta character—especially convenient if you’re already exploring the Westside or staying near Midtown.