Taco Mac in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go
If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and asking about “Taco Mac,” you’re really asking about one of the city’s most recognizable casual restaurants for wings, beer, and sports. While it sounds like a Mexican spot, Taco Mac is better described as an American sports bar with Tex‑Mex and international-style pub food, and it has become a go-to hangout across metro Atlanta.
Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to what Taco Mac is, what to expect, and how it fits into the city’s restaurant and international cuisine scene.
What Is Taco Mac in Atlanta?
Taco Mac is a casual, family-friendly sports bar and restaurant with multiple locations in and around Atlanta. It’s known for:
- Wings and pub food
- Large beer selections, including many local Georgia brews
- Wall-to-wall TVs for watching games
- A mix of American, Tex-Mex, and global-inspired dishes
While it appears under “International Cuisine”, most Atlanta diners think of Taco Mac as:
- A sports bar with some Mexican and Tex-Mex influences, rather than a traditional Mexican restaurant
- A place to watch Falcons, Braves, Hawks, United, college football, and major national games
Where You’ll Find Taco Mac Around Atlanta
Taco Mac has several locations across the Atlanta metro area, typically in busy retail or entertainment corridors. A few well-known Atlanta-area locations include:
Taco Mac – Virginia-Highland
1006 N. Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
A neighborhood-style spot in a walkable intown area.Taco Mac – Metropolis (Midtown)
933 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Popular with Midtown residents, office workers, and visitors staying in nearby hotels.Taco Mac – Prado (Sandy Springs)
5600 Roswell Rd NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30342
Convenient if you’re in north Atlanta or along GA‑400.Taco Mac – Perimeter
Near the Perimeter Center office and shopping district, often used as an after-work meetup spot.
Hours, menus, and exact offerings can vary by location, so Atlanta locals often check directly with the specific restaurant before heading over, especially for late-night hours or big game days.
What Kind of Food Does Taco Mac Serve?
Even though “taco” is in the name, the core of the menu is American bar food with some international and Tex-Mex touches.
Core Menu Categories
You can typically expect:
- Wings (bone-in and boneless)
- Burgers and sandwiches
- Tacos and quesadillas (Tex-Mex style)
- Nachos and loaded fries
- Salads and wraps
- Kids’ meals and simple options for picky eaters
Many diners in Atlanta treat Taco Mac as a wing destination first, with other items as backup choices for mixed groups.
International & Tex-Mex Influences
While not a traditional Mexican restaurant, Taco Mac often incorporates:
- Tacos with different proteins (fried chicken, shrimp, beef, etc.)
- Quesadillas and nachos with familiar Tex-Mex toppings
- Occasionally, sauces or seasonings inspired by international flavors (e.g., Asian-style wing sauces, spicy global-style rubs)
If your primary goal is authentic regional Mexican cuisine, you may want to look at other Atlanta restaurants. But if you’re after comfort food with some international flair—especially while watching sports—Taco Mac fits that niche.
Drinks and Atlanta Beer Culture at Taco Mac
One of Taco Mac’s biggest draws in Atlanta is its extensive beer list, often featuring:
- Local Georgia breweries, such as those located in and around Atlanta
- A mix of domestic and imported beers
- Rotating draft options and seasonal or limited-run brews
For many Atlantans, Taco Mac functions as:
- A casual introduction to local craft beer, thanks to easy access to multiple options in one place
- A meeting point before or after events at venues in Midtown, Downtown, or near Perimeter
If you don’t drink alcohol, locations usually offer:
- Soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade, and non-alcoholic options
- Sometimes non-alcoholic beers or specialty drinks, depending on the location
What to Expect When You Visit a Taco Mac in Atlanta
Atmosphere
Most Atlanta Taco Mac locations have a similar feel:
- Casual, loud, and energetic, especially during big games
- Plenty of TVs visible from nearly every table or bar seat
- Family-friendly during the day and early evening, more of a sports-bar vibe later at night
- A mix of locals, coworkers, college students, and sports fans
If you’re trying to carry on a long, quiet conversation, avoid major game times. If you want to soak in the “Atlanta game day” experience, going during Falcons, Braves, or college football games gives you that atmosphere.
Service Style
- Seat-yourself at the bar, host seating in dining areas
- Server-based ordering for food and drinks
- In many locations, bar service is faster for drinks during peak game times
- Expect longer waits for tables on weekends and during major sporting events
When Is the Best Time to Go?
In Atlanta, timing can make a big difference in your experience at Taco Mac.
Easier, quieter visits:
- Weekdays for lunch
- Late afternoon before major sports events
- Non-game nights, especially Monday–Wednesday
Busier, game-day energy:
- Thursday–Sunday evenings during football season
- During big playoff games (NBA, MLB, MLS, college championships)
- Saturdays and Sundays in the fall for college and pro football
If you’re visiting Atlanta and want that high-energy local sports bar experience, game days show you how the city comes together around sports. If you’re dining with young kids or want faster service, avoid those peak windows.
Is Taco Mac Kid-Friendly?
For many Atlanta families, Taco Mac is a go-to casual option because:
- It usually offers a kids’ menu with basics like chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and fries.
- The atmosphere is relaxed and tolerant of noise, especially earlier in the day.
- Large booths and big tables can work well for families or groups.
Consider:
- Earlier hours (lunch or early dinner) if you’re bringing kids.
- Avoiding the bar area if you prefer a quieter seating area.
Price Range and Budget Expectations
Taco Mac typically sits in the moderate price range for Atlanta casual dining:
- Appetizers and shareables: lower to mid-range casual dining prices
- Wings: priced by portion size and style
- Burgers, tacos, and entrees: mid-range, similar to other chain sports bars
- Beer and alcohol: prices vary by type, with local or specialty beers sometimes costing a bit more
For Atlanta diners, this makes Taco Mac a realistic option for:
- After-work meetups
- Casual group dinners
- Game-day hangouts without the cost of stadium concessions
Tips for Atlantans and Visitors Using Taco Mac
Here are some Atlanta-specific, practical tips if you’re planning a visit:
1. Pick the Location That Fits Your Plans
- Intown (Virginia-Highland, Midtown) works well if you’re staying in neighborhoods close to Downtown, Midtown, or along the BeltLine.
- Perimeter or Sandy Springs locations are convenient if you’re near GA‑400, I‑285, or in the northern suburbs.
2. Account for Atlanta Traffic and Parking
- Evening rush hour (roughly 4–7 p.m.) can make cross-city trips to Taco Mac slow.
- Some locations sit in busy mixed-use centers with shared parking, so give yourself time to find a spot.
- In intown neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, you may rely on street parking or nearby decks.
3. Plan Around Big Games
If you’re in town for a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Truist Park:
- Taco Mac can serve as a pre- or post-game meetup.
- Expect crowds and possible waits at nearest locations, especially on weekends.
- Arriving earlier than you think you need to helps if you want a good seat with a TV view.
How Taco Mac Fits Into Atlanta’s International Cuisine Scene
Although it’s not a traditional international restaurant, Taco Mac sits at an interesting intersection:
- It offers Tex-Mex dishes like tacos and quesadillas.
- It serves global-inspired sauces and flavors on wings and appetizers.
- Its large beer list often includes international imports alongside Georgia and U.S. brews.
For someone exploring international flavors in Atlanta, Taco Mac is:
- A comfortable, familiar starting point where you can get Tex-Mex staples and try global-style flavors in a sports bar environment.
- Not a substitute for Atlanta’s many regional Mexican, Latin American, Asian, African, or Middle Eastern restaurants, which offer more traditional menus.
If you’re visiting and want to ease into Atlanta’s food scene with something recognizable but still varied, Taco Mac is a straightforward option.
Practical Next Steps if You Want to Try Taco Mac in Atlanta
To make the most of a visit:
- Choose your location based on where you’re staying or living (Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Perimeter, Sandy Springs, etc.).
- Decide your goal:
- 🏈 Loud, energetic sports bar environment
- 🍗 Casual meal with wings and Tex-Mex options
- 🍺 Exploring local beers in a low-pressure setting
- Time your visit around Atlanta traffic and game schedules to match the atmosphere you prefer.
For many Atlantans, Taco Mac is a convenient choice when they want familiar food, plenty of TV screens, and a broad selection of drinks without having to dress up or plan too far ahead.