East Point Corner Tavern: A Neighborhood Kitchen and Bar Near Atlanta’s Airport
If you’re in Atlanta and looking for a laid-back kitchen and bar on the south side, East Point Corner Tavern is one of those spots locals mention when they want a casual drink, reliable bar food, and a neighborhood feel near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
This guide walks through what to expect, where it fits into the Atlanta dining scene, and how to decide if it’s the right choice for your next night out.
Where East Point Corner Tavern Fits in the Atlanta Food Scene
East Point Corner Tavern is best understood as a neighborhood tavern:
a mix of restaurant, bar, and hangout spot that serves a full menu alongside beer, cocktails, and nonalcoholic drinks.
For Atlanta residents, it tends to serve a few key roles:
- Pre- or post-flight meet-up spot (being close to the airport and MARTA)
- Casual local bar for East Point and southside neighborhoods
- Comfort-food kitchen when you want burgers, wings, and bar bites instead of fine dining
- Game-watching option if you’re into sports on TV without the intensity of a massive sports bar
If you live in Midtown or Buckhead, it may not be a “destination restaurant,” but if you’re on the south side, headed to the airport, or staying nearby, it can be a convenient, relaxed choice.
Location, Access, and Getting There
Neighborhood: East Point (just southwest of the Atlanta city limits, within the metro area)
East Point Corner Tavern is in a walkable pocket of downtown East Point, surrounded by small businesses, other eateries, and a mix of residential streets.
Getting There from Around Atlanta
By MARTA 🚆
For many Atlantans, MARTA is the simplest way to reach East Point:
- Take the Red or Gold line southbound toward the airport.
- Get off at East Point Station.
- From the station, it’s typically a short walk or a quick rideshare to the tavern’s block.
This can be handy if you’re:
- Coming from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead
- Staying near MARTA-accessible hotels
- Wanting to avoid driving after drinks
By Car 🚗
From central Atlanta, the basic drive pattern is:
- Take I-75/85 South out of downtown.
- Connect to local roads leading into downtown East Point.
Parking around East Point’s main streets is generally a mix of:
- Street parking (watch for signs and time limits)
- Nearby public or shared lots
Because street and lot conditions can change, it’s wise to:
- Allow extra time during peak evening hours
- Check posted signs for any parking restrictions or time limits
Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside
Most people experience East Point Corner Tavern as:
- Casual and unpretentious: Think jeans, T‑shirts, and after-work attire.
- Neighborhood-focused: You’re likely to see regulars, locals, and service-industry workers.
- Bar-forward but still a restaurant: It’s very much a kitchen and bar, so food and drinks both matter.
Typical features you might encounter:
- Bar seating plus tables and booths
- TVs tuned to major sports games
- Background music and conversation rather than a “quiet” dining room
If you’re looking for:
- A place to grab a beer and a burger
- A relaxed meetup spot before an early flight
- A less polished, more local feel than the airport-area hotel bars
…this type of tavern usually fits that need.
Food: What’s on the Menu at a Neighborhood Kitchen and Bar
Exact offerings can change, but taverns like East Point Corner Tavern in the Atlanta area commonly serve:
Bar Classics and Comfort Food
You can usually expect a range of:
- Burgers and sandwiches
- Chicken wings (often with multiple sauce options)
- Nachos, quesadillas, and shareable appetizers
- Fries, tater tots, and bar-style sides
These menus are generally designed for:
- Casual dining rather than fine dining
- Sharing plates with friends over drinks
- Watching a game while snacking
Vegetarian or Lighter Options
Atlanta’s bar and kitchen scene increasingly includes:
- Veggie burgers or black bean burgers
- Salads or grain bowls (availability varies)
- Sometimes plant-based or vegan substitutions
If you have specific dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-sensitive), it’s wise to:
- Check the current menu before you go
- Ask your server which items can be modified (e.g., removing cheese, swapping buns, etc.)
Late-Night and Game-Day Eating
A tavern like this can work well for:
- Later-night meals after events downtown or on the south side
- Game-day snacks while watching Atlanta United, the Falcons, or college games
Hours can shift, especially around holidays or special events, so confirm kitchen closing times if you’re planning to eat late.
Drinks: Beer, Cocktails, and Nonalcoholic Choices
As a corner tavern, the bar program is a core part of the experience.
Beer Selection
You’ll typically see:
- A mix of domestic staples
- Craft beers, often including some from Georgia breweries
- Rotating seasonal or limited-time offerings
Tap lists and bottle/can selections can vary, so if you’re particular about your beer, ask what’s on draft when you arrive.
Cocktails and Spirits
Most neighborhood taverns around Atlanta offer:
- Classic cocktails (e.g., old fashioneds, margaritas, simple mixed drinks)
- Standard selections of whiskey, vodka, rum, tequila, and gin
This isn’t usually a “craft cocktail bar” in the same sense as some BeltLine spots, but it generally covers the basics well.
Nonalcoholic Options
If you don’t drink alcohol, or you’re the designated driver, you can often find:
- Soft drinks and iced tea
- Basic mocktail-style drinks on request (e.g., soda + juice mixes)
- Sometimes NA beer or specialty nonalcoholic beverages
If you’re planning to stay dry, mention it to your server or bartender so they can suggest options.
Pricing and Value for Atlanta Diners
In the context of Atlanta’s restaurant scene, a place like East Point Corner Tavern generally falls into a moderate price range:
- Food: Often more affordable than intown gastropubs or high-end spots, with typical bar-food pricing (burgers, wings, and appetizers).
- Drinks: Beer and well drinks are usually in line with other neighborhood bars, often cheaper than tourist-heavy areas.
What many locals weigh:
- Value for money: Portions vs. price compared with downtown or Midtown.
- Convenience: Distance from home, work, or the airport.
- Parking and transit: Ease of getting in and out, especially at night.
If you’re watching your budget, you can make it work by:
- Sharing appetizers or larger entrées
- Limiting specialty cocktails in favor of more affordable options
- Checking if there are daily specials or happy-hour-style offerings (these can change, so ask on arrival).
When East Point Corner Tavern Works Best
This type of tavern tends to shine in a few specific scenarios:
1. Southside Locals’ Night Out
If you live in East Point, College Park, Hapeville, or nearby:
- It’s a convenient “regular” bar and grill option.
- You avoid driving across town to Midtown or Inman Park when you just want drinks and a bite.
2. Pre- or Post-Flight Stop
Because East Point is so close to Hartsfield-Jackson, some Atlanta travelers and visiting friends:
- Grab a meal and drink before heading to the airport.
- Meet up here if they’re picking someone up and want a comfortable wait.
This can feel less chaotic than eating inside the airport itself.
3. Casual Group Meetups
For small groups looking for:
- A no-reservations-needed type of hangout
- Shared appetizers, wings, and drinks
- A place where it’s fine to talk, watch a game, and stay a bit
…it’s often more relaxed than high-traffic areas like the BeltLine.
Practical Tips for Atlantan Visitors
To make the most of a visit to East Point Corner Tavern—or a similar neighborhood kitchen and bar in the Atlanta area—keep these points in mind:
1. Check current hours and kitchen times.
Bar hours and kitchen closing times don’t always match, and they can change. Confirm before heading out, especially late at night.
2. Plan your ride.
- If you’re drinking, line up a rideshare or MARTA plan in advance.
- From East Point, MARTA connects easily to downtown, Midtown, and the airport.
3. Watch for big event days.
Game days, concerts, or festivals can affect:
- Crowds and wait times
- Noise levels and TV availability
- Parking availability on nearby streets
4. Ask about daily specials.
Many taverns run rotating specials on:
- Wings or burgers
- Beer or select cocktails
- Certain nights of the week
5. Consider nearby stops.
If you’re exploring the south side:
- Combine a visit with time in downtown East Point, College Park, or Hapeville, all of which have small local restaurant clusters.
- This can turn a simple bar visit into a low-key neighborhood outing.
Quick Snapshot: Is East Point Corner Tavern a Fit for You?
| If you want… | East Point Corner Tavern is likely… |
|---|---|
| A dressy, high-end dinner with craft cocktails | Not the best match |
| A casual kitchen and bar near the airport | A solid, convenient option |
| A spot to watch the game with bar food | Typically a comfortable choice |
| A quiet, low-noise dining room | May be too bar-focused or loud during peak times |
| A neighborhood feel on Atlanta’s south side | Exactly the kind of place many locals look for |
| Easy transit access from MARTA | Often a good pick, given proximity to East Point Station |
If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and staying on the south side, East Point Corner Tavern fits neatly into the city’s network of unpretentious, local kitchen-and-bar spots—especially handy when you want something more personal than an airport food court, but more relaxed than a night out in Midtown.
