Der Biergarten: A Local’s Guide to Atlanta’s German Beer Hall Experience

If you’re craving German food and beer in downtown Atlanta, Der Biergarten is one of the city’s most recognizable spots. Perched above Marietta Street near Centennial Olympic Park, it’s designed to feel like a classic Munich-style beer garden—just with a clear Atlanta twist.

This guide walks through what to expect, what to order, and how to make the most of a visit, whether you live in Atlanta or are just in town for a convention or game.

Where Der Biergarten Fits in Atlanta’s Dining Scene

Der Biergarten is an international cuisine restaurant focused on traditional German dishes and beer culture. It sits in the heart of downtown’s tourist and convention district, surrounded by:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Multiple GWCC (Georgia World Congress Center) convention halls

For locals, it’s a convenient choice before a Hawks/Falcons/United game or a show at State Farm Arena. For visitors, it works as a one-stop intro to German food and a lively Atlanta crowd in the same place.

Location, Parking, and Getting There

Typical location used by many visitors:
Der Biergarten
300 Marietta St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

Because downtown streets and parking can be confusing—especially during big events—plan your route and timing carefully.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

• From Midtown:
  Usually under 10 minutes by car outside rush hour. Many people take West Peachtree/Peachtree to Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd or Williams St, then walk a block or two.

• From Buckhead:
  Expect 20–30 minutes depending on traffic on I-75/85 South.

• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

  • By car/rideshare: roughly 20–30 minutes via I-85 North.
  • By MARTA: Red/Gold line to Peachtree Center or GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center stations, then about a 10–15 minute walk.

Parking Tips 🚗

Downtown parking can be pricey and fills up for big events. Practical options include:

• Nearby parking decks and surface lots along Marietta St NW, Baker St NW, and Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd
• Event-rate parking during Falcons, United, or major concerts (budget extra time and money)
• MARTA + walking if you want to avoid parking completely

If you’re heading in for a casual weeknight dinner, it’s usually easier to find a spot than on a weekend game night.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

Der Biergarten is built to resemble a German beer hall with an outdoor-style beer garden feel, but you’re still very much in downtown Atlanta.

Expect:

• Long communal tables and smaller tables for groups and couples
• Soccer (football) and other sports on TVs, especially Bundesliga and international matches
• A mix of locals, convention-goers, tourists, and game-day crowds
• Staff in German-inspired attire and plenty of Bavarian decor

If you prefer quieter dining, earlier weekday evenings are usually calmer. On weekend nights or before large events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, it can be loud, energetic, and busy.

Food: Classic German Dishes in Atlanta

The menu centers on German comfort food—rich, hearty, and beer-friendly. Offerings can change, but these are the typical categories you’ll find:

Popular German Staples

• Bratwurst & Sausages
  Grilled sausages served with sauerkraut, mustard, and sides like potatoes or pretzels.

• Schnitzel
  Breaded and fried cutlets (often pork or veal), sometimes served plain or topped (e.g., mushroom gravy styles).

• Sauerbraten & Roasts
  Slow-cooked meats, often marinated, with sides such as red cabbage and potatoes.

• Pretzels (Brezeln)
  Large, soft pretzels typically served with mustard or cheese-based dips—very popular for sharing.

• Spätzle
  German egg noodles, sometimes served as a side or in cheesy, casserole-style preparations.

Sides and Snacks

You’ll often see:

• Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage, tangy and savory)
• Rotkohl / Red cabbage (sweet-sour braised cabbage)
• Potato salad or fried potatoes
• Obatzda or cheese spreads with bread or pretzels

Vegetarian-Friendly Options 🌱

German restaurants are traditionally meat-heavy, but most visitors report at least a few vegetarian-friendly dishes, such as:

• Giant pretzels and cheese spreads
• Salads
• Potato or noodle-based sides
• Occasionally vegetable-focused mains or sandwiches

If you’re vegetarian or have other dietary restrictions, it’s wise to:

• Ask staff which items are fully vegetarian (broths and sauces can contain meat)
• Confirm whether fried items share oil with meat-based foods

Beer and Drinks: German Beer Culture in the Heart of Atlanta

Der Biergarten focuses heavily on German and Bavarian-style beers, often including well-known brands and regionally specific varieties.

Typical Beer Styles You Might Find

• Pilsner – Light, crisp, and easy-drinking
• Hefeweizen (wheat beer) – Cloudy, with banana and clove notes
• Dunkel – Dark lager with malty, toasty flavors
• Märzen / Festbier – Often tied to Oktoberfest traditions
• Bock or Doppelbock – Stronger, malt-forward beers

You’ll usually have draft and bottled options, sometimes offered in:

• Half-liter glasses
• Full liter steins
• Sampler flights (if available) for trying multiple styles

Non-beer drinkers can generally expect:

• Wine options (often a small but focused list)
• Non-alcoholic drinks, such as sodas and sometimes non-alcoholic beer

If you’re sensitive to alcohol or don’t drink, ask for non-alcoholic German-style beer options, which are increasingly common.

Prices and Budgeting for a Visit

Prices can shift, but you can expect typical downtown Atlanta restaurant pricing:

• Appetizers: Moderately priced, especially items like pretzels and sausages to share
• Main dishes: Often in line with other sit-down restaurants near Centennial Olympic Park
• Beer: Varies by size and type—large steins and specialty imports cost more

To keep costs predictable:

• Consider sharing a large pretzel or platter as a group starter
• Ask about daily or event-day specials
• Factor in event pricing and higher demand around stadium events and conventions

When to Go: Timing and Crowd Patterns

Quieter Times

• Early weekdays (Mon–Thu), especially before 6:30 pm
• Non-event evenings when there are no major games or concerts nearby

These are better if you:

• Want easier parking
• Prefer a conversation-friendly noise level
• Are visiting with kids or older family members who dislike loud environments

Busier Times

• Friday and Saturday evenings
• Before and after big games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
• During large conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center

During those times, expect:

• Longer waits for a table
• Crowded bar areas
• Louder atmosphere with sports fans and out-of-town visitors

If you’re heading there with a large group on a busy night, consider:

• Calling ahead to ask about wait times and large-party options
• Arriving early to beat peak crowds

Good for Groups, Events, and Game Days

Der Biergarten is often chosen for:

• Birthday gatherings or casual celebrations
• Pre-game meetups for Falcons, United, or visiting college fans
• Convention group dinners within walking distance of the GWCC

If you’re planning something specific—like a birthday, alumni meetup, or team dinner—it’s reasonable to:

• Call ahead to discuss group seating
• Ask about fixed menus, sharing platters, or reserved space (if offered)

Because it’s close to major venues, many Atlanta locals treat it as a rally point before walking over to a game or show.

What Atlanta Locals Often Want to Know

Is It Kid-Friendly?

Many families do bring kids, especially earlier in the evening or on non-event days. Kids may enjoy:

• Pretzels and fries
• Watching sports on TV
• The lively, open atmosphere

Later at night and on heavy game days, the environment skews more adult and bar-like, so families often opt for earlier reservations.

Dress Code

The atmosphere is casual. You’ll typically see:

• Jeans, shorts, and casual tops
• Team jerseys on game days
• Comfortable shoes for walking around downtown

There’s generally no need to dress up unless you’re coming from or going to a more formal event nearby.

Accessibility

Downtown Atlanta eateries like Der Biergarten usually provide:

• Building access via elevators or ramps
• Standard indoor seating that accommodates most mobility needs

If accessibility is a priority, you can call ahead and:

• Confirm elevator access
• Check details on seating arrangements and restrooms

Sample Visit Scenarios (Atlanta-Specific)

Here’s how Der Biergarten often fits into a broader Atlanta day or night:

1. Pre-Game Stop for Locals

• Park near downtown or take MARTA
• Meet friends at Der Biergarten 1.5–2 hours before kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Share pretzels and sausages, grab a beer, then walk about 10–15 minutes to the stadium

2. Tourist Day Around Centennial Olympic Park

• Visit Georgia Aquarium in the late morning
• Walk to Der Biergarten for a mid-afternoon lunch (often less crowded than prime dinner)
• Then continue on to World of Coca-Cola or stroll through Centennial Olympic Park

3. Convention Dinner

• Attend sessions at the Georgia World Congress Center
• Walk with colleagues to Der Biergarten for dinner and drinks
• Head back to your hotel on foot or via rideshare, without needing to move your car

Quick Reference: Der Biergarten at a Glance

For anyone in Atlanta looking for German food, big beers, and a lively environment near the city’s major attractions, Der Biergarten is a straightforward, centrally located choice. Planning around downtown traffic, event schedules, and your noise-level preference will make your visit smoother and more enjoyable.