Elliott Street Deli & Pub: A Neighborhood Staple Under the Bridge in Atlanta

If you spend any time around Downtown Atlanta, Castleberry Hill, or the Gulch, you’ve probably heard someone mention Elliott Street Deli & Pub. Tucked under the bridge on the edge of downtown, this spot has a reputation as a laid‑back local bar, a solid deli, and a low‑key live music venue—all in one.

This guide walks through what to expect, what to order, how to get there, and how Elliott Street fits into Atlanta’s broader kitchen and bar scene.

Where Elliott Street Deli & Pub Fits in Atlanta

Category: Restaurants
Sub-category: Kitchen and Bar
Type: Casual neighborhood pub, deli, and music bar

Elliott Street Deli & Pub is the kind of “if you know, you know” Atlanta place:

• It functions as a kitchen with a focused menu of sandwiches and bar-friendly bites.
• It’s very much a pub, with a relaxed bar area, regulars, and a rotating selection of beer and cocktails.
• It sits in a walkable pocket near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the CNN Center area, and Castleberry Hill’s lofts and galleries.

People in Atlanta tend to use it as:

• A pre‑game spot before games or concerts.
• A local hangout for service industry workers, musicians, and neighborhood residents.
• A late‑night stop after events downtown or in Castleberry Hill.

Location, Vibe, and Layout

Where it is in Atlanta

You’ll find Elliott Street Deli & Pub in Castleberry Hill / Downtown South, near the stadiums and the railroad tracks. It sits underneath an elevated street, which gives it a slightly hidden, industrial feel that’s common in this part of Atlanta.

Because of its location, it tends to attract:

• Downtown workers looking for a laid-back spot after office hours.
• Eventgoers heading to or from games and shows.
• Locals from Castleberry Hill and West End who want a chill bar that’s not overly polished.

What the atmosphere is like

Expect a casual, no‑frills atmosphere:

• Dim, cozy interior with bar seating and small tables
• Outdoor or street-side feel depending on current setup and any events
• Music-focused crowd on nights when bands or DJs are booked
• Friendly-but-direct bar staff, typical of long-running Atlanta neighborhood bars

If you’re used to high-end restaurants in Midtown or Buckhead, Elliott Street feels intentionally opposite: simple, comfortable, a little gritty, and very local.

Food: What the “Deli” Side Offers

Elliott Street’s kitchen focuses on straightforward, satisfying bar food, with an emphasis on:

• Sandwiches (hot and cold)
• Subs and hoagie-style options
• Chips or simple sides rather than elaborate entrées

You’re not going for a white-tablecloth dinner here; you’re going for something you can eat at the bar with a drink without overthinking it.

Common types of menu items

While specifics can change, you’re likely to see:

• Classic deli-style sandwiches
  • Turkey, ham, roast beef, or mixed cold cuts
  • Often with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and basic condiments
• Hot sandwiches or melts
  • Griddled or pressed, with melted cheese and toasted bread
• Vegetarian-friendly options
  • A veggie sandwich or grilled vegetable combination is often available
• Bar snacks
  • Chips, pickles, and other easy add-ons

If you’re in Atlanta and want a quick, filling bite near the stadium that doesn’t feel like a chain, this is a reliable choice.

Drinks: What to Expect from the Pub

The bar side of Elliott Street Deli & Pub is just as important as the kitchen. It usually offers:

• Beer
  • Mix of domestic staples and rotating selections
  • Often includes Georgia and regional brews
• Spirits and simple cocktails
  • Classic mixed drinks
  • No need to know obscure cocktail terms—this is a straightforward bar
• Non-alcoholic options
  • Soft drinks, water, and sometimes NA beers or basic alternatives

Atlanta locals tend to appreciate that:

• It’s casual and not overly curated—you’re not paying extra for “scene.”
• It’s easy to grab a drink before or after events without feeling rushed.
• The bar feels like a community hub more than a destination for bottle service or high-end mixology.

Live Music and Events

Elliott Street Deli & Pub has long been associated with live music, jam sessions, and creative nights. It’s not a massive concert venue; it’s more of a small-stage bar environment where you’re close to the performers.

You might encounter:

• Local bands and singer-songwriters
• Jazz, rock, funk, or experimental sets
• Pop-up performances on certain nights

For Atlantans:

• It’s a place to discover local talent without a big cover charge environment.
• Musicians often see it as a place to try new material or meet other artists.
• It can be a spontaneous night out—you grab a sandwich and drink, then stay because the band is good.

If you’re planning around music, it’s wise to:

• Check day-of schedules or posted flyers for that week.
• Expect more energy and noise on live music nights compared to a normal weekday bar visit.

When to Go and What to Know About Timing

Hours can shift based on day of week, events, and operations, so it’s best to verify day-of. That said, here’s how Atlanta locals usually think about timing:

Best times for different experiences

If you’re heading there on a Falcons, United, or large concert night, build in:

• Extra time for traffic around Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Extra time to find parking or rideshare drop-off
• Flexibility in case the bar is more crowded than usual

Getting There: Parking, MARTA, and Walkability

Driving and parking

Elliott Street Deli & Pub sits in an area with a mix of surface lots, private parking, and street parking. For Atlanta drivers:

• Street parking may be available on surrounding roads but can fill quickly on event days.
• Pay lots near the stadium and in Castleberry Hill are common.
• Always check posted signs to avoid tickets or towing, especially under bridges or near rail lines.

If you’re new to Atlanta, note that road closures and event traffic plans around the stadium can temporarily change how you approach the area.

Using MARTA

Public transit is a realistic option:

• Closest major MARTA rail stops typically include Garnett or Five Points, depending on your route.
• From these stations, you’ll walk several blocks through downtown or across the Gulch area.

Many Atlantans choose MARTA on big event nights to avoid stadium traffic and parking prices. Build in time for:

• The walk from the station to the pub.
• Crowded trains if you’re traveling right before or after a major game or concert.

Walking from nearby neighborhoods

If you’re staying or living in:

• Castleberry Hill – It’s a reasonable walk through a mix of residential lofts and older commercial buildings.
• Downtown hotels – The walk is doable but can feel industrial, especially at night; people often use rideshare if they’re unfamiliar with the area.

How Elliott Street Compares to Other Atlanta Kitchen-and-Bar Spots

Within the broader Atlanta restaurants and bars landscape, Elliott Street is:

• More low-key than Midtown nightlife
• More music-and-regulars driven than many chain pubs
• Less polished, more “underground” feeling than newer West Midtown concepts

Reasons Atlanta locals keep it in their rotation:

• Consistency: You generally know what you’re going to get—solid sandwiches, a drink, unfussy service.
• Location: It’s one of the more relaxed bar options near such a major stadium complex.
• Character: The bridge, the trains, and the mix of regulars give it a sense of place you can’t easily replicate in a newer development.

If you’re planning a night out in Atlanta and trying to decide where this fits:

• Pair it with a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or concert at State Farm Arena.
• Use it as a starting point before exploring Castleberry Hill’s galleries or other bars.
• Treat it as a “local flavor” stop if you’re visiting from out of town and want something distinctly Atlanta and unpolished.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Visitors and Locals

A few Atlanta-specific pointers can make your visit smoother:

• Check hours the day you go. Smaller, independent pubs sometimes adjust hours around events, holidays, or maintenance.
• Bring ID. Georgia law requires valid ID for alcohol, and bars around downtown can be strict.
• Plan your ride home. On busier nights, consider rideshare or MARTA instead of driving, especially if you plan to drink.
• Expect some noise. Between trains, traffic, and live music, this is not a quiet wine bar; it’s an urban pub under a bridge.
• Have a backup parking plan. On event days, lots can fill or raise prices quickly.

Is Elliott Street Deli & Pub Right for You?

Elliott Street Deli & Pub is a good fit if you’re in Atlanta and want:

• A casual, character-filled bar near downtown and the stadiums
• Simple, satisfying deli-style food rather than a multi-course meal
• A local, music-friendly environment instead of a club or ultra-modern lounge

It may be less ideal if you’re seeking:

• Fine dining or extensive chef-driven menus
• A very quiet, formal setting
• A family-oriented restaurant with kids’ activities

For many Atlantans, Elliott Street Deli & Pub is one of those places that anchors a neighborhood—a small, unpretentious kitchen and bar that reflects the city’s mix of art, sports, and rail-side grit. If you’re trying to understand how Atlanta really feels beyond the tourist brochures, it’s a spot that often ends up on the list.