Kwan’s Deli and Korean Kitchen in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you spend any time in Downtown Atlanta, you’ll hear Kwan’s Deli and Korean Kitchen mentioned as a quick, no-frills spot for a mix of classic deli staples and Korean comfort food. For office workers near Peachtree Street, convention visitors around Centennial Olympic Park, or locals exploring the city core, it’s a convenient option when you want something fast but more interesting than a basic sandwich chain.

Below is a practical guide to how Kwan’s fits into Atlanta’s restaurant scene, what to expect from the menu, and how to make the most of a visit.

Where Kwan’s Fits in Atlanta’s Food Scene

Atlanta has a wide range of Korean restaurants, from full-on barbecue in Duluth and Doraville to trendy fusion spots along the Eastside BeltLine. Kwan’s Deli and Korean Kitchen is different in a few key ways:

• It operates more like a downtown deli than a sit-down Korean restaurant.
• It focuses on counter service and quick meals, which works well if you’re on a lunch break or between meetings.
• It offers a hybrid menu: American-style breakfast and deli items alongside Korean dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi.

For people living or working in Downtown Atlanta, Kwan’s often fills that gap between fast food and a longer, full-service meal.

Location, Contact Info, and Getting There

Kwan’s Deli and Korean Kitchen is located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, within easy walking distance of:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia World Congress Center
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Many office buildings and hotels along Peachtree and Marietta Street

A typical listing for Kwan’s will show it in the 30303 ZIP code area, which is heavily served by MARTA buses and the Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center rail station. If you’re staying in a downtown hotel, it’s often walkable.

Because restaurant hours can change, it’s wise to:

• Check posted hours on the door if you’re nearby
• Call ahead to confirm they’re open, especially on weekends or holidays
• Allow extra time on game days or during large conventions, when downtown crowds are heavier

🚗 Parking tips for downtown:

• Most visitors rely on paid parking decks or surface lots around Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia World Congress Center.
• Street parking is limited and usually metered.
• If you’re close to a MARTA station, taking transit often saves time and parking costs.

What’s on the Menu: Deli Meets Korean Kitchen

Kwan’s combines international cuisine—specifically Korean flavors—with familiar deli options, which makes it approachable even if you’re new to Korean food.

While menus can change, you can generally expect:

American Deli & Breakfast Favorites

Many downtown workers stop by Kwan’s for quick breakfasts and sandwiches. Common offerings include:

• Breakfast plates – eggs, toast, breakfast meats
• Breakfast sandwiches – egg and cheese with bacon, sausage, or ham
• Cold and hot sandwiches – turkey, ham, roast beef, tuna salad, grilled options
• Burgers and simple lunch plates – depending on the day and crowd

These items work well if you’re with a group where not everyone wants Korean food, or if you’re in the mood for something simple.

Korean Comfort Dishes

The “Korean Kitchen” side of the menu is what sets Kwan’s apart from typical downtown delis. You’ll often see:

• Bulgogi – thinly sliced, marinated beef served with rice and sides
• Bibimbap – a rice bowl with vegetables, sometimes meat, and a fried egg, often with gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• Korean-style chicken dishes – may include marinated or stir-fried options
• Kimchi and sides – classic Korean pickled cabbage and other banchan-style sides

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want a quick introduction to Korean flavors without committing to a long, sit-down experience, these dishes are a practical place to start.

Typical Experience: What It’s Like to Eat at Kwan’s

Kwan’s is best understood as a fast-casual downtown lunch spot with an international twist. You can expect:

• Counter service – order at the counter, pick up your tray, and find a seat.
• Short waits – it can get busy around weekday lunch, but service is generally designed for people on a schedule.
• Functional, low-key space – more practical than decorative, reflecting its role as a daily stop for nearby workers and convention-goers.

If you work downtown, it can become part of a regular rotation with other nearby spots. If you’re just visiting Atlanta, it’s a way to get something a bit different without leaving the downtown area.

Pricing and Portion Expectations

Compared with full-service Korean restaurants in Atlanta’s suburbs, Kwan’s is generally priced like other downtown quick-lunch options:

• Breakfast and deli items – usually in line with typical sandwich shops.
• Korean entrees – often a bit more than a basic sandwich but still accessible for a weekday lunch.

Many diners find that:

• Portions are practical and filling, with rice and sides on Korean plates.
• It can be more cost-effective than some sit-down restaurants near major attractions, especially if you skip table service and tipping is simpler.

Because downtown prices can vary over time, it’s smart to check the posted menu when you arrive so there are no surprises.

When Kwan’s Works Best for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

Kwan’s Deli and Korean Kitchen is especially useful in a few scenarios:

1. Working or Living Downtown

If you’re based near Peachtree Street, Marietta Street, or the government and business district:

• It’s a reliable weekday lunch or breakfast option.
• You can get both American and Korean dishes, which is practical if coworkers have different tastes.
• It’s close enough to walk from many offices, avoiding a drive to Midtown or the suburbs.

2. Convention or Stadium Days

If you’re attending an event at:

• Georgia World Congress Center
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena

Kwan’s can be a faster, often more affordable option than some of the sit-down restaurants directly next to venues. It’s useful if you:

• Need to grab a meal between panels or before a concert/game
• Prefer something heartier than a snack bar but don’t have time for a long meal

3. Short Atlanta Visits Focused on Downtown

If you’re in town for a day or two and staying near Centennial Olympic Park, Kwan’s lets you:

• Try Korean-inspired dishes without leaving the downtown core
• Mix and match Korean items with classic deli food if you’re traveling with cautious eaters or kids
• Keep your meal simple and quick, so you can get back to sightseeing

Comparing Kwan’s to Other Korean Food Options in Atlanta

For context, here’s how Kwan’s generally differs from other Korean restaurants around metro Atlanta:

If your priority is a full Korean barbecue experience, you’ll likely want to head to Buford Highway, Duluth, or Doraville. If you need something fast and walkable in Downtown Atlanta, Kwan’s fits that need better.

Practical Tips for Visiting Kwan’s in Atlanta

Here are some simple ways to make your visit smoother:

• Aim for off-peak hours ⏰
  If possible, go slightly before or after the lunch rush (typically around noon on weekdays) to avoid longer lines.

• Decide between deli vs. Korean before you order 🍱
  Skim the menu posted near the counter and decide whether you’re in a sandwich mood or want to try a Korean plate—it speeds up ordering.

• Ask about spice levels 🌶
  Some Korean dishes can be spicy. If you’re unsure, ask what’s mild, medium, or on the hotter side.

• Plan for limited lingering
  Seating is designed for quick dining, not long work sessions. If you need a place to sit and work afterward, nearby hotel lobbies or coffee shops may be a better fit.

How Kwan’s Fits Into an Atlanta Day Plan

If you’re planning a day in Downtown Atlanta, Kwan’s can be a practical meal stop between major attractions. For example:

• Morning at the Georgia Aquarium → Walk to Kwan’s for lunch → Afternoon at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Tour of the College Football Hall of Fame → Lunch at Kwan’s → Walk through Centennial Olympic Park and nearby sights
• Pre-game meal before an event at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, especially if you want something more substantial than concession food

Because it’s close to so many downtown landmarks, you can usually fit it into your route without needing to drive or re-park.

For anyone in Atlanta—whether you’re downtown every day or just visiting for a weekend—Kwan’s Deli and Korean Kitchen is a straightforward option when you want a fast, casual meal with both deli standards and Korean flavors, all within walking distance of major downtown attractions.