Dos Amigos in Atlanta: Where to Find Friendly, International Flavors
If you search for “Dos Amigos” in Atlanta, you’re usually looking for one of two things:
- A specific restaurant called Dos Amigos, or
- A friendly, casual place for international (often Mexican or Latin-inspired) cuisine with a “two friends” vibe.
Atlanta’s dining scene changes constantly, and individual restaurant names, locations, and ownership can shift. Instead of focusing on a single business that might move or rebrand, this guide explains:
- What “Dos Amigos–style” spots typically offer in Atlanta
- How to find them in different neighborhoods
- What to expect from menus, pricing, and atmosphere
- Tips for families, groups, and visitors who want international food with a casual, friendly feel
What Atlantans Usually Mean by “Dos Amigos”
In and around Atlanta, places with names like “Dos Amigos,” “Amigos,” “Two Amigos,” or similar are usually:
- Casual, sit-down restaurants with table service
- Focused on Mexican or broader Latin American cuisine
- Known for affordable combo plates, margaritas, and a relaxed atmosphere
- Good for groups, after-work meetups, and family dinners
Even if a specific restaurant called “Dos Amigos” opens, closes, or relocates, you’ll find many similar international-cuisine spots across Atlanta that fit the same general profile.
Where to Look for “Dos Amigos–Style” Restaurants in Atlanta
Atlanta is spread out, so where you search affects what you’ll find. Here’s how the experience can vary by area.
Intown Atlanta (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park)
If you’re staying or living intown:
- Look for Mexican and Latin American restaurants along major corridors like Peachtree Street, Ponce de Leon Avenue, and Moreland Avenue.
- You’ll find more modern, fusion-style menus mixed with traditional dishes.
- Expect:
- Trendy takes on tacos and bowls
- Craft cocktails, including elevated margaritas
- A mix of residents, students, and visitors
This is a good area if you want international cuisine plus nightlife—perfect for “two friends” meeting up after work or a concert.
Buckhead and Brookhaven
These neighborhoods typically offer:
- Mid-priced to slightly upscale Mexican and Latin-inspired restaurants
- Busy happy hours with young professionals
- Patios for warm-weather dining
You’re more likely to find spots with polished interiors, larger drink menus, and rotating specials, but still a friendly, relaxed energy that fits the “Dos Amigos” idea.
Decatur and East Atlanta
If you’re on the east side:
- Decatur Square and surrounding streets feature globally inspired restaurants, including Mexican, Central American, and South American options.
- In East Atlanta Village, you’ll see a mix of casual taquerias and creative bar food with international touches.
Here, the vibe usually leans laid-back and neighborhood-focused, good for regulars and families alike.
Suburban Metro Atlanta (Doraville, Chamblee, Norcross, Marietta, Duluth)
Many residents head to the suburbs for authentic international cuisine:
- Doraville and Chamblee are known for global food corridors (especially Asian), but you’ll still find a range of Latin American spots, including Mexican, Colombian, Salvadoran, and more.
- Norcross, Marietta, and Duluth often have standalone cantina-style restaurants that match the “Dos Amigos” feel—big menus, combo plates, chips and salsa bowls, and colorful décor.
These areas can be ideal if you:
- Want easy parking
- Prefer family-friendly environments
- Are looking for larger portions at lower prices than some intown areas
What to Expect on the Menu
Most “Dos Amigos–type” restaurants in Atlanta fall under international cuisine with a Latin focus, especially Mexican. Here’s what you’re likely to see.
Classic Mexican-American Favorites
Many Atlanta diners look for:
- Tacos (hard and soft shell; beef, chicken, pork, fish, veggie)
- Burritos and chimichangas
- Enchiladas and tamales
- Fajitas, served sizzling at the table
- Quesadillas and nachos
These locations often offer combination plates, which are helpful if you want to sample a bit of everything.
Regional and Latin American Dishes
Some international-cuisine spots broaden the scope beyond Mexican:
- Arepas, empanadas, and plantain dishes at Venezuelan or Colombian-influenced spots
- Pupusas at Salvadoran restaurants
- Peruvian or Brazilian options in mixed Latin concepts
Atlanta’s diverse population means you can find truly varied Latin and global flavors if you’re willing to explore beyond the name “Dos Amigos” alone.
Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Friendly Options
Many Atlanta restaurants now accommodate dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian: Bean and cheese dishes, veggie fajitas, grilled veggie tacos
- Vegan: Some places offer plant-based fillings, hold the cheese/sour cream, and use oil instead of butter.
- Gluten-aware options: Naturally gluten-free corn tortillas, grilled meats, rice and beans, and salads
If you have strict dietary needs, calling ahead or checking a menu is wise. Larger, sit-down restaurants are more likely to have clearly labeled options.
Pricing and Portion Sizes in Atlanta
For “Dos Amigos–style” international restaurants in the Atlanta area, you’ll typically find:
- Apps and starters: usually affordable, often shareable (chips and salsa may be complimentary at many places).
- Entrées: generally mid-range, with suburban locations sometimes offering lower prices for similar-size portions compared to intown spots.
- Lunch specials: Many offer weekday lunch combos at lower prices, especially along busy commuter corridors.
- Drinks: Margaritas and cocktails can range widely in cost, often varying by neighborhood and whether you’re in a bar-heavy area.
Portions are often generous, especially in family-focused or suburban restaurants, so splitting dishes or planning for leftovers can be common.
Atmosphere: Casual, Social, and Group-Friendly
A big reason Atlantans seek out “Dos Amigos”–type restaurants is the social atmosphere:
- Casual dress is almost always acceptable.
- Televisions may be showing sports, especially soccer, basketball, or football.
- Outdoor patios are common, especially in neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, and certain suburban shopping centers.
- Music can range from background-level to fairly lively, depending on the location and time of day.
These spots are usually comfortable for:
- Families with kids
- Two friends catching up after work
- Larger groups celebrating birthdays or casual gatherings
If you have a larger group, Atlanta restaurants often appreciate a call-ahead so they can seat you together.
How to Find a “Dos Amigos”–Style Spot Near You in Atlanta
Even if one specific “Dos Amigos” restaurant isn’t nearby, you can easily find something similar by focusing on type and location.
1. Use Neighborhood Keywords
When searching online, try combining:
- “Mexican restaurant near [your neighborhood] Atlanta”
- “Latin American restaurant [Midtown / Buckhead / Decatur / Marietta]”
- “Taqueria near me Atlanta”
Including your exact area—like West Midtown, Grant Park, Sandy Springs, or Stone Mountain—helps surface closer options.
2. Look Around Shopping Centers and Main Corridors
Across metro Atlanta, Mexican and Latin-inspired restaurants are often found in:
- Strip malls and shopping centers along main roads
- Near major intersections by Publix, Kroger, or Walmart
- Near interstate exits off I-75, I-85, I-285, and GA-400
If you’re driving, it’s common to spot multiple international dining options in the same plaza or within a short stretch of road.
3. Ask Locals by Area
If you’re visiting and staying in:
- Downtown or Midtown: Hotel front desks and concierge staff can usually point you to a casual Mexican or Latin spot within a short rideshare trip.
- Near major attractions (Georgia Aquarium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena): Nearby staff and rideshare drivers often know quick, casual options that work for pre- or post-game meals.
Locals tend to have strong opinions about their favorite places, so asking for “a relaxed Mexican place where two friends can grab a drink and a big plate of food” usually gets you the right recommendation.
Family, Group, and Accessibility Considerations
When you’re choosing from Atlanta’s international-cuisine restaurants:
Families with Children
Most “Dos Amigos–style” restaurants are family-friendly:
- Many have kids’ menus with smaller portions of tacos, quesadillas, or chicken tenders.
- The atmosphere is often busy and lively, which can be less stressful for parents than quiet fine-dining rooms.
Larger Groups
For birthdays, workplace outings, or friends’ nights out:
- Many places have long tables or movable seating to accommodate 6–10 people.
- Call ahead if your group is larger than 8, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
If you’re in a dense area like Midtown or Buckhead, also consider parking and traffic when planning arrival times.
Accessibility
Because these restaurants are often in shopping centers or on main thoroughfares, many have:
- Ground-level entrances
- Nearby accessible parking
- Relatively open floor plans
Still, if accessibility is important for your party, it’s reasonable to call the restaurant to confirm details like step-free entry, restroom layout, and parking access, especially in older buildings or more compact intown locations.
Quick Reference: What You’ll Typically Find at “Dos Amigos–Style” Spots in Atlanta
| Feature | What to Expect in Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Cuisine Type | Primarily Mexican or broader Latin American (tacos, fajitas, etc.) |
| Atmosphere | Casual, social, group-friendly |
| Typical Locations | Shopping centers, busy corridors, near major roads and interstates |
| Price Range | Moderate; lunch specials common; suburban spots often slightly cheaper |
| Dietary Options | Often vegetarian-friendly; some vegan and gluten-aware items |
| Good For | Two friends meeting up, families, after-work drinks, informal celebrations |
| Common Extras | Margaritas and cocktails, chips and salsa, combination plates |
If You’re Visiting Atlanta vs. Living Here
If You’re Visiting
- Focus your search around where you’re staying (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Airport area).
- Ask hotel staff or local workers for a “good, casual Mexican place nearby” and you’ll often land somewhere that matches what you hoped “Dos Amigos” would be.
- Plan for Atlanta traffic—even a short drive can take longer than you expect at rush hour.
If You Live in Metro Atlanta
- Explore beyond your immediate neighborhood:
- Try different suburbs and corridors for variety.
- Check both intown fusion spots and suburban family restaurants to see what suits your taste and budget.
- Don’t hesitate to make a list of your favorites by area—Atlanta residents often have a “go-to taco place” near home and another near work or school.
In Atlanta, whether or not there is a specific restaurant currently named “Dos Amigos” near you, you’ll find plenty of casual, friendly, international-cuisine spots that match the same spirit: relaxed service, generous plates, familiar flavors, and a welcoming place for two friends—or a whole group—to share a meal.