Houlihan’s in Atlanta: What to Know About This Casual International-Inspired Restaurant

If you’re searching for Houlihan’s in Atlanta, Georgia, you’re probably wondering whether there’s still a local location, what kind of food they serve, and what your alternatives are nearby.

Here’s a clear look at how Houlihan’s fits into Atlanta’s dining scene and what that means for you.

Is There a Houlihan’s in Atlanta Right Now?

As of the most recent information available, Houlihan’s does not operate a restaurant within the city of Atlanta or in the immediate metro area.

The brand has gone through changes over the years, and many locations around the country have closed or shifted ownership. While there have been Houlihan’s locations in Georgia in the past, you should not currently expect to find an open Houlihan’s in the City of Atlanta or its major close-in suburbs.

Because restaurant openings and closures can change, it’s always a good idea to:

• Confirm via a current online map search or Houlihan’s official website.
• Call any location you find listed to make sure it’s still operating and to check current hours.

What Kind of Restaurant Is Houlihan’s?

Even if there isn’t a current Atlanta location, it helps to know what Houlihan’s is like so you can find something similar nearby.

Houlihan’s is typically:

• A casual sit-down restaurant and bar
• With a broad, internationally influenced American menu
• Aimed at families, groups, and after-work diners

Common features of a Houlihan’s menu include:

• American classics: burgers, steaks, sandwiches, salads
• International-style dishes: tacos, Asian-inspired appetizers, pasta with global twists, flatbreads
• Bar-forward options: cocktails, beer, wine, and happy-hour–style small plates
• Vegetarian and lighter options: salads, bowls, vegetable sides, and sometimes plant-based proteins

Many people think of Houlihan’s as a place that fits in the same general category as other casual “grill and bar” chains—but with more globally influenced starters and entrées than a basic diner or sports bar.

What to Look for in a Houlihan’s-Style Restaurant in Atlanta

Because you can’t walk into a Houlihan’s in Atlanta right now, the practical question becomes: How do you find something that feels similar?

Here’s what characterizes that experience and what to look for locally:

1. Casual, Comfortable Atmosphere

Houlihan’s usually sits between “upscale casual” and “neighborhood bar.” In Atlanta, that translates to:

• Places where you can show up in jeans but still get a full meal and cocktails.
• Restaurants that are lively but not nightclub-loud—fine for a date night, family dinner, or catching up with friends.

Look for descriptors like “grill,” “bistro,” “bar & kitchen,” or “tavern” in areas such as:

• Midtown
• Buckhead
• Cumberland/Galleria
• Perimeter Center (Dunwoody/Sandy Springs area)
• Atlantic Station

These parts of town tend to have the highest concentration of chain and chain-adjacent casual restaurants that mirror a Houlihan’s vibe.

2. Internationally Inspired American Menu

Houlihan’s is filed under “International Cuisine” because its food is largely American but borrows flavors from different regions—think Asian-inspired sauces, Mexican-style flavors, Mediterranean touches, and more.

In Atlanta, you’ll find similar “global American” menus at:

• Modern American grills that mix tacos, flatbreads, bowls, and burgers on one menu.
• Hotel restaurants in Midtown, Downtown, and near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which often offer American fare with global twists to appeal to travelers.
• Upscale-casual chains around major malls, especially at:
  • Lenox Square (3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326)
  • Phipps Plaza (3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326)
  • Cumberland Mall (2860 Cumberland Mall SE, Atlanta, GA 30339)

You’re looking for menus that feature:

• Burgers and steaks
• Pastas and flatbreads
• Tacos or Asian-inspired bowls
• A good appetizer list (spinach dips, potstickers, wings, sliders, etc.)

Quick Comparison: What You Might Want vs. What Atlanta Offers

Use this simple guide if you’re trying to replace a Houlihan’s outing with something local in Atlanta.

Where in Atlanta You’re Most Likely to Find a Houlihan’s Alternative

While specific restaurant names change over time, certain Atlanta districts are reliably good hunting grounds for a Houlihan’s-style night out.

Buckhead & Lenox Area

• Dense mix of casual and upscale-casual restaurants
• Many chain and chain-adjacent grills with international-leaning American menus
• Easy to pair with shopping or a movie

Useful reference point:

• Lenox Square
  3393 Peachtree Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30326

You’ll find multiple casual bar‑and‑grill style options in and around this area.

Midtown Atlanta

• Popular with residents, office workers, and visitors
• Good for after-work dinners, pre-show meals before the Fox Theatre, or weekend evenings
• A lot of places that combine cocktails + shareable starters + globally influenced entrees

Look along main corridors like Peachtree St NE, Piedmont Ave, and near Atlantic Station.

Perimeter Center (Dunwoody/Sandy Springs)

Around Perimeter Mall (4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30346) and nearby office parks, you’ll find:

• Many sit-down casual restaurants with full bars
• Menus that offer burgers, salads, pastas, and some international flavors
• Convenient access off I‑285 and GA‑400

Cumberland / Galleria Area

Near Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta, plus:

• Cumberland Mall (2860 Cumberland Mall SE, Atlanta, GA 30339)
• Surrounding office parks and hotels

This area is dense with:

• Casual bar & grill options
• Pre- and post-game dining spots
• Restaurants that offer the same general social, casual vibe people often look for at Houlihan’s

Tips for Choosing the Right Houlihan’s-Style Spot in Atlanta

To narrow things down once you’re in Atlanta, focus on:

1. Menu Fit for Your Group

Ask yourself:

• Do you need kid-friendly options? Look for places advertising kids’ menus or family dining.
• Are you prioritizing vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-sensitive dishes? Many modern American grills in Atlanta label these clearly on the menu.
• Does your group want small plates to share or traditional entrées? If it’s apps and drinks you’re after, look for restaurants emphasizing happy hour or shareables.

2. Parking and Transit

Traffic and parking can affect your experience more than the menu, especially in Atlanta.

• Driving? Areas like Perimeter Center, Cumberland, and many parts of Buckhead typically offer larger surface lots or decks serving multiple restaurants.
• Using MARTA? Midtown and Buckhead spots near MARTA rail stations can make the night simpler:
  • Arts Center Station or Midtown Station for Midtown
  • Buckhead Station or Lenox Station for Buckhead/Lenox

3. Timing Your Visit ⏰

For a more Houlihan’s-like feel:

• Weekday evenings often have a more relaxed, after-work atmosphere.
• Game days or big event nights (especially near Downtown or Truist Park) can be louder and more crowded, which can be fun or overwhelming depending on your plans.

How Visitors vs. Locals Might Approach It

If You Live in Atlanta

If you’re local and used to Houlihan’s from another city, think in terms of neighborhood substitutes:

• Find a go-to “default” casual spot near your home or workplace that:
  • Serves a broad, globally influenced menu
  • Has a full bar
  • Feels comfortable for both a quick dinner and a longer hangout

Once you’ve identified a few such places in your usual areas (e.g., near your office in Midtown and near home in Sandy Springs), you’ll rarely miss having an exact Houlihan’s brand nearby.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

If you’re only in town for a few days and wanted Houlihan’s because it’s familiar:

• Look near your hotel first—many hotels in Downtown, Midtown, Airport area, and Perimeter have in‑house or nearby restaurants that mirror that same American-plus-global menu style.
• Ask hotel staff for a “casual bar & grill with a big menu” within walking distance or a short ride; that description usually gets you close to a Houlihan’s-like experience.

When You Should Double-Check for a New Houlihan’s

Restaurant brands sometimes re-enter markets or open new franchised locations. If you specifically want Houlihan’s:

• Run a quick online search for “Houlihan’s near Atlanta, GA.”
• Confirm:
  • The address
  • Current hours
  • Whether they’re dine-in, takeout, or both
• Call the restaurant directly before driving a long distance, since listings can lag behind real changes.

This is especially important if you’re coming from farther out in the metro area—such as Gwinnett, Cobb, Henry, or Cherokee counties—and planning a specific trip.

In practical terms, Atlanta doesn’t currently have a Houlihan’s, but it does have plenty of casual, international-influenced American restaurants that can give you nearly the same experience: a comfortable seat, a wide-ranging menu, and a drink in hand while you catch up with friends or family.