Bulla Gastrobar in Atlanta: A Local Guide to This Popular Kitchen and Bar
If you’re looking for a modern Spanish kitchen and bar in Atlanta, Bulla Gastrobar in Midtown is one of the better-known spots for tapas, drinks, and a lively, urban atmosphere. This guide walks you through what to expect, when to go, where it is, and how it fits into Atlanta’s broader restaurant scene.
Where Bulla Gastrobar Fits into Atlanta’s Dining Scene
Atlanta’s kitchen and bar options range from Southern comfort spots to high-end tasting menus and casual patios. Bulla Gastrobar stands out as:
- A Spanish-inspired gastrobar with a focus on tapas, shared plates, and cocktails
- A Midtown Atlanta restaurant, convenient to major offices, hotels, and cultural attractions
- A place that leans more social and lively than quiet and formal
If you live in Atlanta or visit often, Bulla tends to appeal to people who like:
- Meeting friends or coworkers for small plates and drinks
- Having a weekend brunch in a walkable, busy part of town
- Grabbing dinner before or after events at places like the Fox Theatre or the Woodruff Arts Center
Location, Parking, and Getting There
Bulla Gastrobar – Atlanta (Midtown)
Address: 60 11th Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Neighborhood: Midtown / 12th & Midtown area
It sits in one of Midtown’s mixed-use developments, surrounded by apartments, condos, offices, and other restaurants.
Getting There
- By car: Convenient to Peachtree Street, I-75/85, and 10th Street NE. Many locals drive in from Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, and the Westside.
- MARTA: The Midtown Station is the closest rail stop. From there, it’s typically a walk or short rideshare, depending on your comfort with walking and weather.
- On foot: Walkable if you live or are staying in Midtown, especially near Peachtree Street, 14th Street, or the Arts Center area.
Parking
Parking options in this area usually include:
- Garage parking in the 12th & Midtown complexes (check posted rates on-site)
- Limited street parking on nearby streets, often metered or time-restricted
- Rideshare drop-off along 11th Street or adjacent corners
Because Midtown can be busy during evenings and weekends, many Atlanta diners prefer rideshare to avoid circling for parking.
The Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside
Bulla is designed as a gastrobar, which typically means:
- A bustling, energetic dining room
- A prominent bar area serving cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options
- High-top and standard tables, sometimes with outdoor seating depending on configuration and weather
Most Atlanta diners experience Bulla as:
- Lively and social rather than quiet
- Good for groups, dates, and after-work meetups
- Less ideal if you’re looking for a hushed, slow-paced meal
Noise levels can be higher during peak dinner times, weekends, and brunch, which is common among Midtown kitchen-and-bar concepts.
What’s on the Menu: Tapas, Plates, and Drinks
While menus can change, Bulla typically focuses on Spanish-influenced dishes and shared plates. When you’re planning a visit in Atlanta, here’s what you can generally expect:
Tapas and Small Plates
These are often the core of the experience:
- Classic tapas like croquettes, patatas bravas, or charcuterie-style boards
- Seafood and meat options, often grilled or pan-seared
- Vegetarian-friendly dishes that highlight fresh produce and cheeses
Atlanta diners often use tapas as:
- A way to share multiple dishes among the table
- A lighter meal paired with drinks
- A starter before larger plates
Larger Plates and Mains
In addition to tapas, you’ll usually find:
- Hearty entrees such as paella-style rice dishes or protein-focused mains
- Options that can satisfy guests who prefer a single, full entrée over shared plates
Drinks and Bar Program
As a kitchen and bar, Bulla typically emphasizes:
- Cocktails inspired by Spanish flavors (for example, variations of gin and tonic, sangria-style drinks, and spirit-forward options)
- A wine list with Spanish selections alongside widely recognized varietals
- Beer options, often including European and domestic choices
- Non-alcoholic choices such as sodas, juices, and sometimes mocktails
Atlanta visitors often come specifically for drinks plus a few plates, especially before or after Midtown events.
Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner: When to Go
Bulla Gastrobar in Atlanta usually serves multiple dayparts, which can help you plan around traffic, crowds, and your schedule.
Lunch
For Midtown workers or visitors:
- Quicker meals and business meetups
- Slightly less busy than weekend dinner, though this can vary
- Good if you’re visiting Piedmont Park or local museums and want a midday meal nearby
Dinner
Many people experience Bulla first at dinner:
- Prime time for the restaurant’s social atmosphere
- Tapas and drinks-style dining works well for groups and date nights
- Can be crowded on Fridays and Saturdays, so locals often book ahead or plan off-peak times
Brunch
Weekend brunch is popular across Atlanta, and Midtown is no exception:
- Bulla’s brunch typically includes Spanish twists on classic brunch dishes, plus breakfast-style items and lighter fare
- Many Atlantans use it as a starting point for a weekend in Midtown, then walk to Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, or nearby shops
Because brunch in Atlanta can be competitive for tables, planning your timing helps—earlier in the day is usually calmer.
Typical Price Range and Budget Tips
Bulla Gastrobar is generally considered:
- Moderately priced for Midtown, centered between casual and upscale
- Comparable to many full-service kitchen and bar concepts in central Atlanta
You can keep an eye on your budget by:
- Sharing multiple tapas instead of several individual entrees
- Splitting a carafe-style drink among the table where available
- Visiting during lunch or early evening when some diners find portions and prices balance well for casual meetups
Because menu details and prices can change, many Atlantans check the current menu directly with the restaurant before visiting.
Reservations, Wait Times, and Group Visits
In a busy Midtown location, planning ahead makes a big difference.
Reservations
- Evenings and weekends often benefit from reservations, especially for groups
- If you’re heading to a concert, theater performance, or sports event, booking earlier time slots can help you avoid rushing
Walk-ins
Walk-in experiences can vary:
- On weeknights or earlier in the evening, walk-ins may find seats more readily
- On Friday and Saturday nights or popular brunch hours, you may face a wait, especially for larger parties
Groups and Special Gatherings
If you’re hosting:
- A birthday dinner
- A work gathering
- Or a pre-event meetup
It’s common for Atlanta hosts to call ahead, confirm group policies, and ask what seating options are available.
How Bulla Compares to Other Atlanta Kitchen and Bar Options
In the context of Atlanta:
- Cuisine: Bulla’s Spanish tapas niche differs from many of Midtown’s Southern, Italian, or New American spots.
- Location: Its central Midtown position makes it convenient if you’re coming from Downtown, Buckhead, or Virginia-Highland.
- Vibe: It tends to feel more upbeat and contemporary than traditional white-tablecloth restaurants, but a step above very casual bar food concepts.
If you like the idea of:
- Sharing plates
- Having a robust bar program
- Being close to Midtown attractions
Bulla fits into the set of restaurants Atlantans often consider for that mix.
Tips for Atlantans and Visitors Planning a Visit
To make the most of Bulla Gastrobar in Atlanta:
Time your visit:
- 🕔 Go earlier in the evening if you want a bit more space and shorter waits.
- 🕒 Choose a late lunch or earlier brunch to avoid the heaviest crowds.
Think about transport:
- Rideshare helps bypass Midtown parking headaches.
- If you use MARTA, plan the walk from the Midtown Station and factor in weather and time of day.
Plan around other activities:
- Combine a meal at Bulla with a visit to Piedmont Park, the High Museum of Art, or a show at the Fox Theatre for an efficient Midtown day or night out.
Check current details:
- Menus, hours, and special offerings can change. Many locals make a quick call or online check right before heading over.
Quick Reference Summary
| Aspect | What to Know in Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Type of place | Spanish-inspired kitchen and bar with tapas and drinks |
| Neighborhood | Midtown Atlanta, near 12th & Midtown |
| Atmosphere | Lively, social, modern; good for groups and dates |
| Best for | Shared plates, drinks, brunch, pre- or post-event meals |
| Transport | Drive, rideshare, or MARTA to Midtown Station |
| Parking | Nearby garages; limited street parking; rideshare-friendly |
| Price level | Moderate for central Midtown |
| Good to know | Reservations recommended for peak dinner and brunch times |
With this context, you can decide whether Bulla Gastrobar in Midtown Atlanta fits your plans—whether you live in the city, are visiting for a weekend, or are simply mapping out where kitchen-and-bar concepts like this fit into Atlanta’s dining options.