Boqueria at Colony Square: A Local’s Guide to Spanish Tapas in Midtown Atlanta

If you’re looking for Spanish tapas in Atlanta, Boqueria at Colony Square in Midtown is one of the most recognizable names. It brings a classic Barcelona-style tapas bar into a very Atlanta setting: office towers, apartments, and the busy corner of Peachtree and 14th.

This guide walks through what to expect, what to order, when to go, and how Boqueria fits into the broader international cuisine scene in Atlanta.

Where Boqueria Fits in Midtown Atlanta

Location:
Boqueria – Colony Square
1197 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30361

Boqueria sits inside Colony Square, a mixed-use development that has become a central spot for Midtown dining, especially if you live or work nearby or are staying in one of the Peachtree Street hotels.

From an Atlanta perspective, it’s useful to think of Boqueria as:

• A Spanish tapas restaurant with a strong bar program
• A convenient option if you’re going to or coming from:
  • The Woodruff Arts Center
  • The High Museum of Art
  • The Alliance Theatre
  • Midtown offices and apartments along Peachtree or Spring Street
• A good choice for groups, date nights, and pre-show dinners

What Kind of Food Boqueria Serves

Boqueria focuses on Spanish and Catalan-style dishes with an emphasis on sharing. If you’re new to tapas, the format is simple: order several small plates for the table, plus maybe a few larger items if you’re hungry.

Core Tapas Experience

Common menu sections you’ll usually find:

• Tapas clásicas (classic small plates)
• Vegetable-focused dishes
• Seafood options
• Larger shared plates or mains
• Paella (often for 2 or more people)
• Desserts like churros or flan-style options

A typical Atlanta diner might order:

• 2–3 tapas per person if you’re sharing everything
• 1–2 tapas plus a larger plate or paella if you prefer a more traditional entrée style

⚠️ Tip: Tapas portions are designed for sharing but are still relatively small. Locals often underestimate how much to order on their first visit. When in doubt, start conservatively and add more—service is usually set up to handle staggered ordering.

Popular Dishes to Know Before You Go

Specific items may rotate, but many Boqueria locations keep certain signature dishes that Atlanta guests often ask about.

Typical favorites include:

• Patatas bravas – Fried potatoes with a spicy sauce and aioli
• Croquetas – Fried, creamy croquettes (often ham, chicken, or mushroom-based)
• Pan con tomate – Toasted bread with tomato, olive oil, and salt
• Gambas al ajillo – Shrimp in garlic and olive oil
• Chorizo or other Spanish sausages – Sometimes served with peppers or potatoes
• Tortilla española – A Spanish-style egg and potato omelet

For larger plates, you might see:

• Paella – Classic rice dish with seafood, chicken, or mixed meats
• Grilled meats or fish – Often served simply with olive oil, herbs, and vegetables

If you’re used to Southern or American-style entrées, tapas may feel more “snack-like.” Atlanta diners often treat Boqueria as:

• A long, social meal with multiple rounds of small plates
• A light dinner before a show or concert
• A place to pair food with wine, sangria, or cocktails rather than focus on big entrees

Drinks: Sangria, Wine, and More

The bar is a major part of the experience at Boqueria in Atlanta.

Common drink options include:

• Sangria – Often red and sometimes white; usually fruit-forward and approachable
• Spanish wines – Rioja, Albariño, Cava, and other regional options
• Gin & tonics – Spanish-style G&Ts are often featured with botanical garnishes
• Cocktails – Many menus include Spanish-inspired or Mediterranean-influenced cocktails
• Beer and non-alcoholic options – Typically a mix of Spanish and local selections

If you’re headed to a play at Alliance Theatre or a concert at Symphony Hall, Boqueria can work well for:

• A single drink and one or two tapas at the bar
• A shared pitcher of sangria for the table before walking over

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

From an Atlanta resident’s point of view, Boqueria at Colony Square feels:

• Lively and social, especially in the evenings
• Casual but polished – You don’t need to dress up, but it works for a nicer night out
• Busy on weekends and before major Midtown events

Most people use it for:

• Date nights
• Groups of friends or coworkers
• Pre-theater or post-work dinners

If you prefer a quieter experience, locals often recommend:

• Earlier dining times on weekends
• Weeknight dinners (Monday–Wednesday)
• Sitting farther from the bar for a calmer environment

When to Go: Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner

Boqueria at Colony Square typically offers different experiences depending on the time of day.

Lunch

• Convenient if you work in Midtown offices or are visiting the High Museum midday
• Often faster-paced, and you may see more lunch specials or streamlined menus
• Works well if you want an international option beyond usual salad/sandwich spots

Dinner

• The main draw for most Atlanta diners
• Expect more energy, louder rooms, and larger groups
• Reservations are often recommended for weekend nights or larger parties

Brunch (if offered at the time you visit)

Many diners look for:

• Brunch tapas and egg dishes with a Spanish twist
• Brunch drinks like mimosas, sangria, or cocktails

Brunch at a tapas bar can be a good fit if your group wants to try many dishes without committing to one big entrée per person.

Price Range: What Atlanta Diners Can Expect

Pricing can vary with time, but Atlanta guests generally experience Boqueria as mid-range to slightly upscale:

• Tapas: Usually in the lower-to-mid price range per plate
• Larger plates / paella: Higher per item, often meant for sharing
• Drinks: Comparable to other Midtown Atlanta cocktail or wine prices

For budgeting purposes, many local diners find:

• Light snack and a drink: Suitable for a quick Midtown stop
• Full meal with multiple tapas + drinks: Can add up, especially for groups, but can be controlled by how many plates you order

If you’re cost-conscious, a few Atlanta-oriented strategies:

• Share a paella or larger dish and only add a couple of tapas
• Focus your order on more filling items (potato dishes, tortillas, croquetas)
• Consider water or a single drink per person instead of multiple rounds

Getting There and Parking

Because Boqueria is part of Colony Square in Midtown, you have several options:

MARTA Access

• Nearest major station: Arts Center MARTA Station
• From the station, it’s roughly a short walk south along Peachtree Street NE to Colony Square
• This option is especially convenient if:
  • You’re staying Downtown and don’t want to deal with Midtown parking
  • You’re heading to or from events at the Woodruff Arts Center

Parking

Colony Square typically offers:

• Garage parking beneath or adjacent to the development
• Validation or reduced rates may be available depending on restaurant partnerships and timing
• Multiple vehicular entrances from surrounding streets

In Atlanta, it’s common for diners to:

• Park once at Colony Square
• Dine at Boqueria
• Then walk to nearby shows, events, or other bars

Always check posted signs or payment machines in the garage before heading in, as pricing and policies can change.

Rideshare

Boqueria is well-positioned for:

• Rideshare drop-off along Peachtree or designated Colony Square pickup areas
• A straightforward landmark to give drivers: “Colony Square in Midtown, near the High Museum”

This can be especially helpful on busier nights or if you plan to have several drinks.

How Boqueria Compares Within Atlanta’s International Dining Scene

Atlanta has a broad international cuisine landscape, and Midtown in particular offers:

• Italian, Korean, Japanese, Mexican, Indian, Middle Eastern, and more within a short distance
• A mix of sit-down restaurants, fast-casual options, and food-hall stalls

Boqueria stands out as:

• A Spanish-specific tapas bar, which is less common than other cuisines in the city
• A Midtown-based option that’s easy to reach from both Buckhead and Downtown via Peachtree or MARTA
• A good introduction to Spanish dining customs (small plates, shared dishes, late-evening style) for Atlanta diners who usually eat more traditional American meals

If you’re planning an “around-the-world in Atlanta” pattern of dining, Boqueria is a strong choice for your Spain stop, especially combined with:

• An afternoon at the High Museum
• A show at the Alliance Theatre or Atlanta Symphony Hall
• A walk through Midtown’s arts district

Practical Tips for Atlanta Diners

Here’s a quick, skimmable summary of what’s most useful to know.

When Boqueria at Colony Square Makes Sense for You

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, Boqueria at Colony Square is especially useful if you:

• Want a Spanish tapas experience without leaving Midtown
• Are planning a night around Midtown arts and entertainment
• Enjoy sharing multiple dishes and trying a variety of flavors
• Prefer an environment that feels more bustling and social than quiet and formal

With its central Midtown location, flexible menu style, and strong emphasis on shared plates and drinks, Boqueria has become a go-to option for Atlantans looking for international cuisine with a distinctly Spanish focus.