Kitty Dare in Atlanta: What to Know About This Playful International Dining Spot

If you’ve heard people in Atlanta mention “Kitty Dare” and wondered what kind of restaurant it is, you’re not alone. The name sounds more like a pop-up art project than a place to grab dinner, but it’s actually a stylish international restaurant and bar in West Midtown that leans into playful cocktails, globally inspired small plates, and a lounge-style vibe.

This guide walks you through what Kitty Dare is like, what kind of food and drinks to expect, how it fits into Atlanta’s international dining scene, and practical tips for locals and visitors who want to check it out.

What Is Kitty Dare?

Kitty Dare is an international-style restaurant and cocktail lounge in Atlanta that blends:

• A bar-focused, social atmosphere
• Small plates and shareable dishes influenced by different world cuisines
• A design-forward, slightly theatrical interior
• A crowd that often mixes Westside residents, food lovers, and people out for a night of cocktails

It sits in one of Atlanta’s more active dining corridors, close to other well-known spots in West Midtown / Westside Provisions District, so it often becomes part of a longer night out—dinner, drinks, or a mix of both.

Where Kitty Dare Fits in Atlanta’s International Cuisine Scene

Atlanta’s international food scene is usually associated with:

• Buford Highway for Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Mexican, and Central American food
• Chamblee and Doraville for East Asian and Latin American markets and restaurants
• Decatur, Midtown, and Buckhead for more polished “global” restaurants

Kitty Dare leans closer to the Midtown/Buckhead side of “international”—not a traditional, single-culture restaurant, but an elevated, globally influenced concept. Think:

• International flavors adapted into bar-friendly plates
• A menu written for people who like to try multiple dishes and cocktails
• A setting that feels more like a cosmopolitan lounge than a neighborhood mom-and-pop

If you want deeply traditional, regional dishes, you’ll probably head to Buford Highway. If you want a stylish night out with a global twist, Kitty Dare is more in that lane.

Location & Practical Details

Kitty Dare is located in Atlanta’s West Midtown / Westside area, which has become a dense cluster of restaurants, lofts, and creative offices.

While details like hours can change, here’s how to think about visiting:

Getting There

Most diners:

• Drive and park in nearby decks or lots
• Use rideshares (especially at night or if drinking)
• Combine a trip to Kitty Dare with other Westside stops (like nearby restaurants, coffee shops, or the Westside Provisions District)

Traffic on the Westside can be heavy, especially during:

• Evening rush hour (roughly 4–7 p.m.)
• Weekend nights

⏱️ Tip: Build in extra time if you’re coming from Downtown, Buckhead, or the Eastside, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

Kitty Dare is built for people who like a scene as much as they like food. Expect:

• Dimmer lighting and moody, design-focused interiors
• A lounge-like bar area that can get lively, especially on weekends
• Music that’s typically present enough to give energy but can get louder later in the night
• A mix of dates, friend groups, and small celebrations

Compared to many traditional international restaurants in Atlanta, Kitty Dare leans much more into:

• Cocktail culture
• A “going out” vibe
• Presentation and aesthetics, from the drinks to the décor

If you want a quiet, low-key, no-frills meal, this may feel a bit extra. If you’re looking for a spot that combines global flavors with nightlife energy, it can be a good fit.

Food: International-Inspired Small Plates & Shareables

Kitty Dare focuses on small plates, snacks, and dishes that pull ideas and flavors from around the world, rather than sticking to one regional cuisine.

Typical patterns you might see:

• Mediterranean or Middle Eastern touches (spreads, dips, flatbreads, herbs, citrus, spices)
• Asian-influenced bites (crispy dishes, soy-based glazes, sesame, chili, or ginger)
• European comfort elements (cheeses, charcuterie-style boards, rich sauces, or pastas, depending on the menu rotation)
• American bar favorites with a twist (elevated fries, sliders, or fried items with global sauces)

Because Atlanta diners are used to snacking, splitting, and trying multiple kitchens in one night, Kitty Dare’s approach fits nicely into the way many Atlantans now eat out—especially in restaurant-dense neighborhoods like the Westside and Old Fourth Ward.

How to Approach Ordering

To get the most out of a visit:

• Go with 2–4 people if possible—small enough to share but not chaotic
• Plan to order several plates to share instead of individual entrées
• Ask what’s:
  • The most popular shareable
  • The spiciest option
  • Something that shows the “most international” side of the menu

If you have dietary preferences or restrictions (vegetarian, dairy-free, etc.), it’s reasonable in Atlanta to:

• Ask staff which dishes can be modified
• Confirm ingredients if you’re avoiding something specific

Most Atlanta international-style restaurants are used to these questions and can usually offer workarounds or point out naturally friendly options.

Drinks: Cocktails Front and Center

Kitty Dare’s bar program is a major part of its identity. You can expect:

• Signature cocktails that may lean:
  • Herbal and citrusy
  • Strong and spirit-forward
  • Sweet-leaning or dessert-ish
• A mix of:
  • Classic cocktails (often with small riffs)
  • House creations with playful names
• A supporting list of:
  • Wine by the glass and bottle
  • Beer, often including regional or national options

In Atlanta’s international dining scene, you’ll see everything from traditional sake at Japanese spots to Mexican spirits at taquerias. Kitty Dare sits in the lane of “craft cocktail bar that happens to serve global small plates” rather than a bar attached to a single-heritage restaurant.

If You Don’t Drink Alcohol

Atlanta’s restaurant scene has become more inclusive to non-drinkers, and Kitty Dare is likely to offer:

• Mocktails or “zero-proof” cocktails
• Simple options like:
  • Sparkling water with citrus
  • Sodas or tonics with garnishes

You can always ask the bartender for a non-alcoholic drink with similar flavors to one of their signature cocktails.

When to Go: Timing & Crowds

Atlanta dining patterns matter a lot here. For a place like Kitty Dare:

Early Evening (Around Opening to ~7 p.m.)

• Generally less crowded
• Easier to talk and linger
• Good if you want to focus on food more than the nightlife aspect

Primetime (7–10 p.m., Especially Friday & Saturday)

• Busiest window
• Can feel lively and energetic
• Better suited if you want:
  • A social, buzzy atmosphere
  • Drinks and snacks before or after other Westside plans

Later Night

• Leaning more heavily into bar/lounge energy
• Good for after-dinner drinks or a final stop on a night out

⏰ Tip for locals: If you live in areas like West Midtown, Midtown, or Downtown, slipping in on a weeknight can give you the atmosphere without heavy weekend crowds.

Dress Code & Overall Vibe

Kitty Dare is in a part of Atlanta where people usually dress a notch above casual:

• Common looks:
  • Casual dresses, jumpsuits
  • Jeans with a nice top or jacket
  • Trendy sneakers or casual boots
• Less common:
  • Gym clothes
  • Very formal outfits (unless you’re heading somewhere else before/after)

If you’ve ever gone out around Midtown, Inman Park, or Westside Provisions, you’ll recognize the balance: stylish but not stiff.

How Kitty Dare Compares to Other Atlanta International Spots

To place Kitty Dare in context, here’s a simple overview of how it compares to other common international-dining experiences in Atlanta:

If you enjoy places like stylish cocktail bars with small plates or fusion-style restaurants, Kitty Dare will feel familiar, just with its own personality and menu choices.

Tips for Atlantans and Visitors Planning a Visit

A few practical considerations if you’re thinking about going:

1. Think About Your Purpose

You’ll get the most out of Kitty Dare if you’re looking for:

• A date night with cocktails and shared plates
• A girls’ or guys’ night out before or after exploring West Midtown
• A pre- or post-event stop if you’re attending something nearby

If you’re mainly looking for a large, full, traditional meal with minimal distractions, one of Atlanta’s more classic international restaurants may be a better fit.

2. Plan Transportation

Because West Midtown can be busy:

• Rideshares are common and help avoid parking stress, especially on weekends
• If you’re driving:
  • Check nearby parking decks or lots
  • Give yourself a time buffer if you have a reservation or want to catch a specific time frame

3. Combine It with Other Westside Activities

A lot of locals treat Kitty Dare as one stop in a multi-stop evening. The surrounding area commonly lends itself to:

• Coffee or dessert at another nearby spot
• Window-shopping or strolling in Westside Provisions District earlier in the day
• Hopping between a couple of bars or lounges

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying in Midtown, Downtown, or West Midtown, this can make for a full evening without covering a lot of miles.

Is Kitty Dare Right for You?

Kitty Dare is likely a good match if you:

• Enjoy international flavors but don’t need strict traditional authenticity
• Like the idea of sharing multiple dishes and tasting lots of things
• Want a stylish bar atmosphere with a solid food menu
• Are planning a night out in West Midtown with friends or a date

It may be less ideal if you:

• Prefer very quiet, low-key meals
• Are mainly looking for classic, regional dishes from one specific country
• Strongly dislike bar or lounge-style spaces

For Atlantans and visitors alike, Kitty Dare fits into the city as a playful, international-inspired restaurant and cocktail lounge—a place where the energy of going out is just as important as what’s on the plate.