Iberian Pig – Decatur: A Local’s Guide to One of Atlanta’s Favorite Tapas Spots

If you spend much time in Decatur Square or you’re planning a food-focused trip to Atlanta, Iberian Pig – Decatur will come up again and again. It’s considered one of the city’s go-to spots for Spanish-inspired small plates, cured meats, and cocktails, all in a walkable, lively part of town.

Below is a practical guide to what to expect, how to plan a visit, and tips to make the most of your meal—especially helpful if you live in Atlanta or are visiting specifically to explore the city’s international dining scene.

Where Iberian Pig – Decatur Fits in Atlanta’s Food Scene

Atlanta has a strong international cuisine presence, but Spanish-style tapas are still a relatively small, specialty niche compared with, say, Mexican, Korean, or Indian. That’s part of what makes Iberian Pig stand out.

In the Decatur location, you get:

• A focus on Spanish and Spanish-inspired dishes (not strictly traditional, but rooted in Iberian flavors).
• A menu built around tapas (small plates) meant for sharing.
• A neighborhood feel typical of downtown Decatur, which tends to attract locals, Emory students and staff, and intown visitors.

If you’re exploring international restaurants in Atlanta, Iberian Pig is a good way to experience Spanish flavors in a format that feels modern and approachable.

Location, Access, and Parking

Iberian Pig – Decatur
Located on or just off Decatur Square in downtown Decatur, GA 30030.

Because it’s right in the square area, it’s easy to pair a meal here with:

• A stroll through Decatur Square
• A visit to nearby bars, coffee shops, and dessert spots
• Events at the Decatur MARTA station plaza or festivals on the square

Getting There from Around Atlanta

• By MARTA:

  • Take the Blue Line to Decatur Station.
  • Once you exit, you’re essentially in Decatur Square—restaurants like Iberian Pig are just a short walk away.
  • This is one of the easiest car-free dining options from many in-town neighborhoods.

• By Car:

  • From Midtown or Downtown Atlanta, you can usually get to Decatur in about 15–25 minutes outside of rush hour, mostly via Ponce de Leon Ave or DeKalb Ave.
  • From East Atlanta, Kirkwood, or Inman Park, the drive is typically even shorter.

• Parking Tips:

  • Decatur has paid parking decks and street parking around the square.
  • Pay attention to time limits and posted signs—Decatur is known for enforcing meters.
  • If you’re going at a peak time (Friday/Saturday night, or during Decatur events), plan a few extra minutes to find a spot or use MARTA.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

Iberian Pig – Decatur usually offers:

• A bustling, energetic vibe, especially in the evenings and on weekends.
• A crowd that ranges from date nights and small groups of friends to families with older kids.
• A bar area that can get fairly lively, with cocktails and wine being a big part of the experience for many diners.

If you prefer a quieter visit, locals often aim for:

• Earlier in the evening on weeknights
• A later evening reservation after the pre-dinner rush

Menu Overview: Tapas, Cured Meats, and More

The menu changes over time, but the overall structure tends to stay consistent. Expect a mix of traditional Spanish elements and modern, chef-driven dishes.

1. Tapas (Small Plates)

Tapas are the heart of the experience. These are shareable plates that let your table try a wide range of flavors.

You’ll typically find:

• Vegetable-focused plates (seasonal produce, roasted or grilled, with bold sauces or cheeses).
• Seafood options, often using Spanish or Mediterranean-style seasonings.
• Meat-based dishes like pork, beef, or lamb prepared in sauces, grilled, or braised.

In Atlanta, diners often treat Iberian Pig as a “let’s order a bunch of things and share” kind of spot, so plan on 2–3 plates per person as a starting point, depending on appetite and whether you’re adding cheese, charcuterie, or dessert.

2. Charcuterie and Cheese

A standout element here is the cured meat and cheese program, with a strong nod to Spanish classics. You can usually:

• Build a custom board with a selection of cheeses, cured meats, and accompaniments.
• Ask your server for guidance if you’re new to jamón, chorizo, or manchego—staff are generally used to walking guests through flavor profiles and pairings.

This is particularly popular with Atlanta diners who enjoy wine bars and cheese boards elsewhere (like in Inman Park or Old Fourth Ward) and want to try a more Spanish-centered version.

3. Main-Style Dishes and Specials

While the menu leans heavily on small plates, there may be:

• Larger format dishes meant to be shared by the table.
• Rotating specials based on seasonal ingredients or chef inspiration.

Locals who return often tend to mix a few “must-order every time” tapas with one or two new or seasonal dishes to keep things interesting.

4. Desserts

Desserts lean into rich, comfort-style finishes, sometimes with Spanish or Latin influences. If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just want to linger on the square after dinner, desserts can be a nice way to extend the experience.

Drinks: Cocktails, Wine, and More

For many Atlanta diners, the beverage program is a key part of Iberian Pig’s appeal.

You’ll typically see:

• Craft cocktails, often with citrus, sherry, or herbal notes that pair well with savory food.
• Spanish and Old World wines, including Rioja, Tempranillo, Albariño, and others.
• Non-alcoholic options such as sodas, mocktails, or juices, helpful if you’re dining with teens or prefer not to drink.

If you’re trying to expand your wine experience beyond typical California or French bottles, this can be a practical introduction to Spanish wines without needing deep prior knowledge—servers can generally help you pick something based on what you usually enjoy.

Price Range and What to Budget

While exact pricing can change, Iberian Pig – Decatur tends to fall into the mid-to-higher range for casual Atlanta dining, especially once you factor in multiple small plates and drinks.

A typical night out might look like:

• 2–3 tapas per person
• Possibly a shared charcuterie/cheese board
• 1–2 drinks per adult
• Dessert for those who want it

For many Atlanta diners, this makes Iberian Pig a pick for:

• Date night
• Special occasions
• Small group gatherings
• “In-town night out” if you live farther OTP and want a more city-centered evening

Reservations, Wait Times, and Peak Hours

Because of its location and popularity, planning ahead matters.

Reservations:

• Commonly recommended for Friday and Saturday nights, and for larger groups any day of the week.
• If you’re flexible with time, earlier or later evening slots may be easier to secure.

Walk-ins:

• Possible, but you may experience a wait during peak times, especially on weekends or when Decatur is hosting a festival or event.
• Sitting at the bar can sometimes shorten the wait for smaller parties.

Local tip: If you know you want Iberian Pig as part of a weekend in-town itinerary—especially if you’re pairing it with a show, concert, or event in Atlanta—secure the reservation first, then plan everything else around that time.

Dietary Considerations and How to Navigate the Menu

Like many Atlanta restaurants that focus on shared plates, Iberian Pig typically offers at least some flexibility for different dietary needs.

Common considerations:

• Vegetarian:

  • You’ll often find several vegetable-based tapas and cheeses to build a satisfying meal.
  • It can help to let your server know you’re vegetarian so they can steer you away from items with hidden meat ingredients (like broths or cured meats used as garnish).

• Gluten-aware:

  • Some dishes may naturally be gluten-friendly; others may be able to be adjusted.
  • Ask specifically about bread, sauces, and fried items, which can sometimes include gluten even if not obvious.

• Pork-free preferences:

  • Given the restaurant’s focus on pork and Iberian charcuterie, those who avoid pork will want to ask about ingredient details and lean into seafood, vegetarian, and certain meat dishes.

Because menus and recipes can change, it’s wise to:

• Review the current menu shortly before your visit.
• Call ahead if you have strict medical or allergy-related needs and confirm what can be safely prepared.

When Iberian Pig – Decatur Is a Good Fit (and When It’s Not)

Based on how Atlantans typically use this restaurant, it’s often a good option if you:

• Enjoy sharing plates and trying multiple dishes.
• Want a lively, social atmosphere rather than a very quiet, formal dinner.
• Are curious about Spanish flavors, tapas, and cured meats.
• Are exploring Decatur Square and want a sit-down meal in the middle of your night out.

It might be less ideal if you:

• Strongly prefer large, single-entrée plates rather than shared small plates.
• Want a very budget-focused meal.
• Need an exceptionally fast, in-and-out dining experience, especially at peak hours.

Planning a Decatur Night Around Iberian Pig

One of the advantages of choosing Iberian Pig in Decatur rather than a more standalone location elsewhere in metro Atlanta is how easy it is to build a whole evening around it. Some common patterns among locals:

• Dinner + Walk:

  • Eat at Iberian Pig, then walk around Decatur Square, grab coffee or dessert nearby, and people-watch.

• Dinner + MARTA-Friendly Activities:

  • Use MARTA to Decatur, dine at Iberian Pig, then head back toward Downtown or Midtown for a show or game without worrying about parking at multiple locations.

• Date Night:

  • Start with a reservation here, then stroll the square, stop by a bar or dessert spot, and head home without a long commute if you live in-town or in nearby neighborhoods like Druid Hills, Avondale Estates, or Oakhurst.

Quick Reference: Iberian Pig – Decatur at a Glance

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting with an eye toward the city’s international dining options, Iberian Pig – Decatur is a practical choice for experiencing Spanish-style tapas in a neighborhood that’s easy to reach and fun to explore before and after your meal.