Local Three Kitchen & Bar: A Local Favorite for Relaxed Fine Dining in Atlanta
Local Three Kitchen & Bar is one of those only-in-Atlanta spots that blends polished cooking with a laid-back, Southern personality. If you live in the city, work near I‑75, or are visiting and looking for a memorable meal that still feels casual, this restaurant is worth knowing about.
Where Local Three Fits in Atlanta’s Dining Scene
Local Three Kitchen & Bar is a “kitchen and bar” style restaurant in Atlanta that sits somewhere between upscale neighborhood spot and special-occasion destination.
You’ll notice:
- A chef-driven menu that changes with the seasons
- A strong focus on Southern and American comfort food
- A serious whiskey and bourbon selection
- A relaxed, sometimes playful vibe (including décor and music)
It’s especially popular with:
- In-town residents who want quality food without a formal dress code
- Cobb and northside commuters looking for a spot just inside the Perimeter
- Business diners from nearby office parks and medical centers
- Visitors staying near Buckhead, Vinings, or Cumberland who want something more local than a chain restaurant
Location, Parking, and How to Get There
Local Three Kitchen & Bar is located in northwest Atlanta, just inside I‑75 near the Cumberland and Buckhead corridors.
Address (at time of writing):
Local Three Kitchen & Bar
3290 Northside Parkway NW, Suite 120
Atlanta, GA 30327
This area is sometimes described as being near Vinings / Cumberland and is convenient to:
- I‑75 (Northside Parkway exit)
- I‑285 (Cobb Cloverleaf area)
- Nearby neighborhoods like Vinings, Chastain Park, Buckhead, and Smyrna
Parking and Arrival Tips
Parking and access can be a little confusing if it’s your first time, so planning ahead helps:
- Local Three is located in an office complex (Powers Ferry Square / Piazza at Paces-type developments nearby), so expect:
- Deck or structured parking, sometimes validated
- Signage guiding you to the restaurant from the garage or lot
- If you’re using a rideshare, it’s usually easiest to:
- Enter the full street address in the app
- Watch for office building signage and follow the posted signs to the restaurant entrance
If you have mobility concerns, you may want to allow a bit of extra time to find the closest accessible entry or drop-off point.
Atmosphere: Casual, Local, and Unpretentious
Even though the food at Local Three is elevated, the atmosphere is relaxed and approachable. Many Atlanta diners describe it as:
- Smart casual: You’ll see jeans, button-downs, sundresses, and business-casual outfits
- Lively but not chaotic: Enough energy for a fun night out, but usually not club-level loud
- Playful décor and personality: You may notice artwork, music, or small touches that reflect the restaurant’s sense of humor and local character
You can feel comfortable here for:
- A date night
- A business dinner that isn’t overly formal
- Dinner with friends before or after an event near Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre or Truist Park
- A special meal when family is in town
If you’re sensitive to noise, requesting a quieter table when you reserve (if available) can make the experience more comfortable.
Food: What’s on the Menu at Local Three
Local Three’s menu tends to highlight seasonal, Southern-influenced, American dishes. While specific items change over time, Atlanta diners can generally expect:
Common Menu Themes
- Starters and small plates
- Southern-style bites
- Shareable appetizers suited to cocktails or a group
- Hearty main courses
- Meat-focused dishes, often including pork, beef, or chicken
- Rich sides, sauces, and seasonal vegetables
- Comfort food with a twist
- Familiar flavors, but with chef-level execution
- Desserts
- Rotating options with Southern influences and classic sweets
Because the menu evolves, Atlantans who eat there regularly often check current offerings in advance, especially if they have strong preferences or dietary needs.
Dietary Considerations
Local Three is not strictly a “health food” or allergen-specialty restaurant, but in Atlanta it’s common for kitchen-and-bar concepts like this to:
- Note vegetarian or gluten-sensitive options on the menu when available
- Be open to reasonable modifications when possible
If you have serious food allergies, celiac disease, or complex dietary needs, it’s wise to:
- Call ahead during off-peak hours to ask what’s feasible
- Inform your server early and clearly when you arrive
Drinks: Bar Program, Whiskey, and Cocktails
As the name suggests, the bar is a major part of the experience.
You can typically expect:
- Classic and house cocktails, often with seasonal twists
- A broad whiskey and bourbon selection, which appeals to Atlanta’s large community of whiskey enthusiasts
- Beer and wine options to suit a range of tastes
If you’re planning a night focused on the bar side:
- Ask about bartender recommendations or whiskey flights (if offered)
- Consider sitting at the bar area if you prefer a more casual, conversational setting
As with any Atlanta restaurant, drink menus and availability can change, so treating them as a snapshot rather than a fixed list is reasonable.
Reservations, Wait Times, and When to Go
Local Three is popular with both local regulars and nearby office crowds, so timing matters.
Reservations
For Atlanta diners, it’s generally smart to consider reservations if:
- You’re planning a Friday or Saturday evening visit
- You have a group larger than four
- You’re aiming for a specific time before a concert or event
Walk-ins may be possible, especially:
- On weeknights
- For bar seating
- During off-peak hours
Peak Times to Expect Crowds
Times that are often busiest in this part of Atlanta include:
- Thursday–Saturday evenings
- Times that line up with Cobb Energy Centre shows or big games near Truist Park
- Occasional holiday or special-event nights
If you’re flexible, going earlier in the evening or on a weeknight can make parking and noise levels more manageable.
Pricing: What Atlanta Diners Can Expect
Local Three falls into the mid-to-upper price range for Atlanta:
- More expensive than casual chains or neighborhood pubs
- Generally less formal and often slightly more approachable than the city’s fine-dining institutions
Budget-wise, many Atlanta diners think of it as:
- A “nice night out” spot
- A place for occasional dinners, celebrations, or client meals
Because menu prices can change over time, consider:
- Checking a current menu before you go if you’re watching your budget
- Factoring in tax, tip, and parking when estimating your total night-out cost
Who Local Three Works Best For
Local Three Kitchen & Bar tends to be a good fit if you are:
- Living in Atlanta and want:
- A reliable place for date nights
- A go-to spot when friends or parents are visiting
- Working nearby in the I‑75 corridor and need:
- A comfortable place for business dinners or client meetings
- Visiting the city and staying in:
- Buckhead, Vinings, Cumberland, or near Truist Park, and looking for something more local
It may be less ideal if you’re:
- Looking for late-night dining far past typical dinner hours
- Hoping for a very low-budget meal
- Seeking a strictly quiet, formal atmosphere
Quick Reference: Local Three at a Glance
| Feature | What Atlanta Diners Should Know |
|---|---|
| Type of place | Chef-driven kitchen and bar, casual but polished |
| Location | Northwest Atlanta, near I‑75 and I‑285, convenient to Buckhead/Vinings |
| Typical dress | Smart casual: jeans, polos, casual dresses, business casual |
| Menu style | Seasonal American/Southern comfort food, shareable starters, hearty mains |
| Bar focus | Strong whiskey/bourbon selection, cocktails, beer, and wine |
| Good for | Date nights, business dinners, families with older kids, out-of-town guests |
| Reservations | Recommended for weekend evenings and larger groups |
| Price level | Mid-to-upscale for Atlanta; more “special night out” than everyday |
| Atmosphere | Lively, relaxed, and neighborhood-friendly |
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
A few Atlanta-specific pointers can help you enjoy Local Three more:
- 🕒 Build in travel time if you’re coming from Midtown, Decatur, or the Eastside during rush hour; I‑75 traffic can be heavy.
- 🚗 Plan your parking strategy before you arrive so the office-complex setting doesn’t catch you off guard.
- 📞 If you have dietary restrictions, call ahead during a slower time of day to ask what adjustments are usually possible.
- 🎟️ If you’re pairing dinner with a show or game, tell your server your time constraints so they can pace the meal appropriately.
For Atlantans and visitors alike, Local Three Kitchen & Bar offers a distinctly local mix of serious food, strong drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a solid option when you want a memorable meal that still feels comfortably laid-back.
