Local Three in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Local Three is one of Atlanta’s better-known chef-driven restaurants with a strong reputation for playful, upscale Southern and internationally inspired cuisine. If you live in Atlanta or are visiting and looking for a destination restaurant on the northwest side of town, Local Three is often on the shortlist.

This guide walks through what Local Three is like, where it is, what’s on the menu, typical price points, and how to plan your visit—specifically from an Atlanta local’s perspective.

Where Local Three Is in Atlanta

Local Three is located in Northwest Atlanta in the Cumberland/Northside area, just inside the Perimeter:

• Address:
  Local Three Kitchen & Bar
  3290 Northside Parkway NW, Suite 100
  Atlanta, GA 30327

It sits in the Powers Ferry / Northside Parkway corridor, near I-75 and not far from the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and The Battery Atlanta. If you live in Buckhead, Vinings, or Smyrna, it’s typically a short drive. From Midtown or Downtown, expect a longer ride depending on traffic on I-75.

Parking and Access

Local Three is part of a larger office complex, so its entrance can feel a bit tucked away compared with street-facing spots in Midtown or Inman Park.

Common experiences for Atlanta diners include:

• Garage parking: The restaurant is typically accessed via a shared parking deck.
• Wayfinding: Look for signage toward the restaurant from the garage; first-timers sometimes find it a bit confusing, so allow a few extra minutes.
• Rideshare: Many Atlanta locals use rideshare if they plan to enjoy cocktails, especially if coming from Virginia-Highland, Midtown, or Eastside neighborhoods.

What Kind of Restaurant Is Local Three?

Local Three falls into the category of New American / International Cuisine with Southern roots. The cooking style blends:

• Classic Southern flavors (pimento cheese, local produce, comfort dishes)
• European techniques (French-inspired sauces, charcuterie-style boards)
• Global influences from Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin cuisines depending on the season

It’s not a traditional “ethnic” restaurant or a strictly Southern meat-and-three. Instead, it’s the kind of place where the menu might feature:

• A locally sourced pork dish next to
• A pasta with Italian inspiration and
• Starters or sides that reference Korean, Mexican, or Middle Eastern flavors

If you enjoy restaurants in Atlanta like those on the Westside Provisions District or along Highland Avenue that reinterpret familiar dishes in creative ways, Local Three will feel in that same universe—just in a different part of town.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

Local Three is known for a casual-but-upscale vibe. Many Atlanta diners describe it as relaxed enough for jeans but polished enough for:

• Date nights
• Special occasions
• Business dinners on the northwest side

Expect:

• Warm, slightly quirky décor with personality
• A lively bar area that makes it approachable for a drink and a bite
• A main dining room that can get energetic and somewhat noisy during peak hours

For Atlantans used to the buzzy feel of BeltLine restaurants or Buckhead hot spots, Local Three often feels a bit more tucked-away and “in-the-know,” given its office-park setting.

Local Three Menu: What You’ll Typically Find

The menu at Local Three changes with the seasons, but the overall pattern tends to include:

Starters and Shared Plates

You’ll often see:

• Charcuterie or cheese boards with local and international selections
• Seasonal vegetable dishes with global twists
• Hearty starters like deviled eggs, spreads, or croquettes, sometimes with Southern notes

These are good for groups and for those who want to sample multiple flavors.

Mains

Expect a range of:

• Seafood dishes that might draw on Mediterranean or Asian flavors
• Steaks and pork with Southern-inspired sides or sauces
• Pasta or grain-based entrées that borrow from Italian or other European traditions

The kitchen tends to emphasize high-quality ingredients and solid technique rather than extreme experimental dishes, making it approachable for a wide range of tastes.

Sides and Add-Ons

Side dishes can be a highlight, especially if you like:

• Creative takes on potatoes, greens, or seasonal vegetables
• Comfort-food elements with a refined touch

Desserts

Desserts often combine classic favorites (like chocolate-forward options) with more adventurous or seasonal sweets. Many Atlanta diners plan to share a dessert, especially after a heavier meal.

Brunch at Local Three

Many Atlantans know Local Three specifically for its brunch, which has historically leaned toward buffet-style or family-style formats with:

• Classic breakfast items (eggs, bacon, biscuits)
• Southern-influenced dishes
• Sweets such as French toast or pastries
• A mix of traditional and more creative options

Brunch service details—such as whether it’s buffet, fixed-price, or à la carte—can change over time, so Atlanta diners often check the current format and pricing before booking.

Brunch is popular with:

• Groups celebrating birthdays or showers
• Families wanting a bigger weekend meal
• Friends meeting from different parts of town, since the location is fairly central for both intown and northside suburbs

Because brunch can book quickly, reservations are commonly recommended.

Drinks: Cocktails, Beer, and Wine

Local Three generally offers a full bar, with:

• Craft cocktails that may feature seasonal ingredients or twists on classics
• A wine list including both familiar and less-common regions
• A beer selection with a mix of local Atlanta/Georgia breweries and broader options

This makes Local Three a common choice for:

• After-work drinks for people who work near Cumberland or Vinings
• Pre- or post-event meals if you’re heading to or from Truist Park or the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

If you are particular about wine or spirits, calling ahead or asking your server about current selections is typical practice among Atlanta regulars.

Price Range and Value for Atlanta Diners

Local Three generally sits in the mid-to-upper price tier for Atlanta:

• Entrées: Typically priced in the moderate-to-expensive range for a sit-down restaurant
• Starters and sides: Add up quickly if you like to share multiple dishes
• Brunch: Often structured as a fixed or higher-end experience, depending on the current format

For many locals, Local Three is:

• A splurge compared to casual BeltLine spots or neighborhood pubs
• Comparable to other chef-driven restaurants in Buckhead and on the Westside

If you’re budget-conscious:

• Consider going for drinks and a couple of shared plates instead of a full multi-course dinner.
• Plan ahead and review current menus and approximate costs so you can set expectations for your group.

Reservations, Wait Times, and When to Go

Reservations

For Atlanta, where busy weekends are common, Local Three often encourages reservations, especially for:

• Friday and Saturday nights
• Holiday periods
• Larger groups
• Brunch services

Same-day reservations are sometimes available on slower days, but many locals find it safest to book ahead.

Walk-Ins

Walk-ins can sometimes be seated at:

• The bar area
• Small tables during off-peak hours

However, if you’re driving from farther away (for example, from Decatur, College Park, or Alpharetta), it’s usually better to reserve so you don’t risk a long wait.

Best Times to Visit

• Early weeknights (Monday–Wednesday) can be calmer and easier for conversation.
• Later evenings on weekends may feel more energetic and louder.
• Brunch tends to be busiest mid-morning to early afternoon.

Dietary Preferences and Special Requests

Like many modern Atlanta restaurants, Local Three generally aims to be accommodating to:

• Vegetarians and sometimes vegans, depending on the current menu
• Diners avoiding gluten or certain ingredients
• Guests with allergies, if communicated clearly

Regular Atlanta diners often:

• Note dietary needs when booking a reservation
• Remind staff on arrival so the kitchen can help adjust dishes where possible

If you have more complex dietary requirements, calling ahead can help clarify what’s feasible on the current menu.

How Local Three Fits into Atlanta’s Dining Scene

For someone trying to understand where Local Three sits within Atlanta restaurants:

• It’s not on the BeltLine or in the densest walkable districts like Midtown or Inman Park.
• It’s a destination for people who don’t mind driving or ridesharing to a slightly hidden-feeling location.
• It caters to both nearby office crowds and food-focused locals willing to explore outside their neighborhood.

If you regularly eat at high-profile spots in Buckhead Village, West Midtown, or Old Fourth Ward, Local Three offers:

• A similar level of creativity and quality
• A different geographic pocket of the city
• A less tourist-heavy environment than some intown districts, since it’s in more of a commercial complex

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Here are quick, Atlanta-focused pointers to make your trip smoother:

1. Plan for traffic.
I-75 and Northside Parkway can back up heavily at rush hour. If you’re coming from Midtown, Downtown, East Atlanta, or Decatur, give yourself extra time, especially on weeknights.

2. Build in time to find the entrance.
Because the restaurant is inside a complex with garage parking, first-timers often need a few minutes to navigate from car to host stand.

3. Make reservations for peak times.
Weekend dinners and brunch are especially popular. Booking ahead is common practice among Atlanta locals.

4. Check current menus and service formats.
Like many chef-driven spots, menus and brunch styles can evolve. Atlantans often double-check what’s currently offered before committing to a group outing.

5. Consider combining it with nearby plans.
If you’re heading to or from Cobb Galleria, the Battery Atlanta, Truist Park, or Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Local Three can work as a pre- or post-event meal.

Quick Reference: Local Three at a Glance

This should give you a clear sense of what Local Three offers, how it fits into Atlanta’s international and upscale dining scene, and how to plan your visit so it matches your expectations, budget, and schedule.