Red Phone Booth in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you live in Atlanta—or you’re visiting and looking for something uniquely “Atlanta at night”—Red Phone Booth is one of the city’s most talked‑about speakeasy‑style lounges. It’s often grouped with international cuisine spots because of its Italian‑leaning menu and classic cocktails, but most locals think of it first as a Prohibition‑themed cocktail bar with food rather than a traditional sit‑down restaurant.

This guide focuses on Red Phone Booth in downtown Atlanta, what to expect, how to get in, and how it fits into the broader restaurant and nightlife scene.

Where Red Phone Booth Is in Atlanta

The original Atlanta location is in the heart of downtown:

• Red Phone Booth – Downtown Atlanta
  17 Andrew Young International Blvd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30303

It’s close to:

• Peachtree Center
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (walkable or a quick rideshare)

This makes it a popular stop for:

• Convention visitors staying at downtown hotels
• Locals attending games, concerts, or theater
• People doing a night out that starts or ends in downtown

Parking can be tight in this area. Most people either:

• Use nearby parking decks (especially around Peachtree Center), or
• Take MARTA to Peachtree Center Station and walk a few blocks, or
• Use rideshare to get dropped off close to Andrew Young International Blvd.

What Kind of Place Is Red Phone Booth?

Speakeasy‑style lounge, not a typical restaurant

Red Phone Booth is best understood as a speakeasy‑inspired cocktail lounge that happens to serve Italian‑influenced, international bar bites and small plates. That means:

• It feels more like a bar with a strong food menu than a full, course‑by‑course restaurant.
• People often go for the experience and cocktails first, then order food to share.
• Seating can be limited during peak hours; it’s more intimate than a big dining room.

If you’re looking for a formal dinner with full entrées and quiet conversation, there are other international restaurants in Atlanta (especially in Midtown, Buckhead, and Buford Highway) that are better suited. If you want a stylish, themed night out with quality drinks and some upscale snacks, Red Phone Booth fits that niche well.

How the “Secret” Entry Works

One of the main reasons people talk about Red Phone Booth is the speakeasy entrance. Instead of a regular front door, you’ll find a classic red British phone booth. Entry typically works like this:

1. You need a code.

   • Codes are often shared by members, nearby businesses, some hotels, or acquaintances who have visited.
   • Many hotel concierges near downtown are familiar with the concept and may be able to help guests.

2. You enter the code in the phone booth.

   • You step into the booth, dial the correct sequence, and—if everything is in order—the hidden door opens.

3. A host greets you inside.

   • Depending on how busy it is, you may be seated, asked to wait, or told about standing room only.

This setup gives Red Phone Booth a “members‑only, insider” feel, but non‑members do visit regularly, especially if they’ve gotten the code from a local contact or hotel.

👉 Local tip: If you’re in Atlanta for a conference or staying at a major downtown hotel, ask the concierge or front desk politely if they can help with a Red Phone Booth access code. Locals sometimes get codes from friends or colleagues who are members.

Dress Code and Atmosphere

Red Phone Booth emphasizes an elevated, classic cocktail vibe, which is reflected in a dress code that tends to be smart casual to upscale. The exact rules can adjust over time, but guests can generally expect:

• Encouraged:

  • Collared shirts, dressier tops
  • Slacks, dark jeans without rips, dresses, skirts
  • Dress shoes, stylish boots, clean sneakers that don’t look athletic

• Often discouraged or restricted:

  • Athletic wear (gym shorts, workout gear)
  • Flip flops or beach sandals
  • Extremely casual or distressed clothing
  • Caps and some types of streetwear

Because policies can shift, many Atlantans play it safe by dressing one notch above what they’d wear to a casual bar—especially on weekends.

The ambiance inside is usually:

• Dimly lit with a vintage feel
• Lounge‑oriented, with couches, bar seating, and small tables
• Cocktail‑focused, with bartenders preparing classic and modern drinks

Noise levels can rise later in the evening, particularly on busy nights or weekends, so it feels more like a social lounge than a quiet restaurant.

Food at Red Phone Booth: International, Italian‑leaning Bar Bites

Although Red Phone Booth is known first as a cocktail bar, it does offer a menu that often includes internationally inspired, Italian‑style small plates. While menus change over time, many visitors encounter options along lines like:

• Neapolitan‑style or Italian‑influenced pizzas
• Charcuterie and cheese boards
• Small plates that may draw on Italian or broader European flavors
• Bar snacks that pair well with whiskey, bourbon, and cocktails

The portions and style are usually suited for:

• Sharing while you enjoy drinks
• A light dinner or late‑night snack
• Pre‑ or post‑event bites if you’re headed to or from a game or concert

If your main goal is a full international cuisine meal in Atlanta, you might plan dinner elsewhere first (for example, on Buford Highway, in Midtown, or in Buckhead), then head to Red Phone Booth afterward for cocktails and a lighter round of food.

Cocktail Focus: Classic and Craft Drinks

One reason locals and visitors seek out Red Phone Booth is the emphasis on craft cocktails. Guests commonly see:

• Classic cocktails such as old fashioneds, Manhattans, martinis, and Negronis
• Whiskey and bourbon‑forward drinks, reflecting Atlanta’s strong cocktail scene
• Smoked or visually dramatic cocktails, especially at the bar
• A variety of spirits that can include international selections

If you’re exploring Atlanta’s craft cocktail landscape, Red Phone Booth often appears on lists alongside other notable spots in Midtown, Inman Park, and along the BeltLine.

Reservations, Wait Times, and Crowds

Because Red Phone Booth is both small and popular, especially on weekends and during downtown events, expectations matter:

• Busy times:

  • Friday and Saturday nights
  • Evenings when there are concerts, NBA games, NFL games, or major conventions nearby

• Quieter windows:

  • Earlier in the evening on weekdays
  • Non‑event nights in downtown

Policies on reservations versus walk‑ins can evolve, and they may handle members differently than guests. Many Atlantans:

• Plan to arrive earlier in the evening to secure a seat.
• Accept that there may be stand‑up-only space during peak hours.
• Check ahead (via phone) if they’re hoping for a more structured visit, like a group outing.

What Locals and Visitors Typically Use It For

People in Atlanta tend to use Red Phone Booth in a few key ways:

• Date night:
  A moody, speakeasy atmosphere fits well for couples, especially if you’re combining it with dinner or a show in downtown.

• Out‑of‑town guests:
  Locals often bring visitors to Red Phone Booth when they want to show off something that feels uniquely “Atlanta nightlife” in the downtown core.

• Pre‑ or post‑event drinks:
  With State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium nearby, it’s a convenient stop before or after big events.

• Small celebrations:
  Groups of friends sometimes choose it for birthdays or milestones, especially if they appreciate a more refined bar setting.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

When planning a visit to Red Phone Booth in Atlanta, it’s worth considering:

• Transportation:

  • Downtown traffic can be heavy during rush hour and large events.
  • MARTA’s Peachtree Center Station is a practical option if you’re coming from Midtown, Buckhead, or the airport.
  • Rideshare avoids the stress of parking and driving after drinks.

• Accessibility:

  • Downtown sidewalks are generally walkable, but they can be busy.
  • Interior layout and seating can vary; those with mobility considerations may want to call ahead to ask about the current setup, stairs, and seating availability.

• Food needs:

  • Menus change, and some dishes may be rich or focused on traditional bar fare.
  • If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, it’s wise to ask staff directly what can be modified.

How Red Phone Booth Fits into Atlanta’s International Cuisine Scene

Atlanta’s international restaurant scene is broad and diverse, stretching from downtown out to Buford Highway and beyond. In that context, Red Phone Booth plays a more specialty role:

• It offers Italian‑leaning, internationally influenced food in a speakeasy cocktail environment.
• It’s not where most locals go for a large, family‑style international meal.
• It’s more commonly viewed as a destination for craft cocktails with an international twist in the menu, especially for adults looking for an upscale night out.

If you’re planning an evening centered on international cuisine in Atlanta, you might:

1. Have dinner at an international restaurant elsewhere in the city (for example, Korean, Ethiopian, Indian, Mexican, Vietnamese, or classic Italian).
2. Then head downtown to Red Phone Booth for cocktails and a few internationally inspired bites to round out the night.

Quick Reference: Is Red Phone Booth Right for You?

For someone in Atlanta—whether you live here or you’re visiting—Red Phone Booth offers a blend of internationally inspired food, classic cocktails, and speakeasy theatrics in the middle of downtown. If you’re prepared for the entry code, the dress expectations, and the lounge‑style setup, it can be a memorable stop on your Atlanta restaurant and nightlife list.