Nine Mile Station: A Local’s Guide to Ponce City Market’s Skyline Kitchen and Bar
Nine Mile Station is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable rooftop kitchen and bar destinations, perched on top of Ponce City Market in the Old Fourth Ward. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and want skyline views, a serious cocktail program, and elevated pub-style food, this is one of the first places people will mention.
Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to what Nine Mile Station is, how it works, and how to make the most of a visit.
Where Nine Mile Station Fits in Atlanta’s Dining Scene
Nine Mile Station is best thought of as a modern beer garden and kitchen with a strong bar program, located on The Roof at Ponce City Market:
- Location: On the rooftop level of Ponce City Market
675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30308 - Neighborhood: Old Fourth Ward / along the Eastside BeltLine
- Category: Restaurants → Kitchen and Bar / rooftop dining
Because it shares space with Skyline Park (the rooftop amusement area), a visit here often feels like a hybrid of restaurant, bar, and entertainment venue. Many Atlanta locals use it for:
- Special-occasion dinners
- Out-of-town guest visits (for the views)
- Pre- or post-BeltLine drinks
- Brunch with a skyline backdrop
Getting There: Parking, BeltLine Access, and Entry
Arriving at Ponce City Market
You have several ways to reach Nine Mile Station:
By car:
- Use Ponce City Market’s parking deck and surface lots (entrances off Ponce de Leon Ave NE and North Ave NE).
- Follow signs for “The Roof” once you’re inside the market.
- Parking is typically paid by the hour, with kiosks and app-based payment options.
By BeltLine:
- The Eastside Trail runs directly behind Ponce City Market.
- You can walk or bike in from Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, Midtown, or Krog Street Market.
- Bike racks are available; expect a short walk through the lower-level food hall to reach The Roof elevators.
Rideshare/Taxi:
- Most drivers drop off near the main entrance on Ponce de Leon Ave NE.
- From there, you’ll head inside and follow signage to “The Roof / Skyline Park / Nine Mile Station.”
How to Reach The Roof and Nine Mile Station
Once you’re inside Ponce City Market:
- Look for signs for The Roof or Skyline Park.
- You’ll check in at The Roof entry area (typically near the food hall).
- Staff will direct you to the elevator specific to The Roof.
- At rooftop level, follow signs to Nine Mile Station.
⚠️ Important: Access to Nine Mile Station is tied to The Roof admission system, so you’re not walking in from the street like a typical ground-level restaurant.
Reservations, Walk-Ins, and Roof Access
Reservations
For many Atlanta residents, reservations are the safest bet, especially for:
- Weekend evenings
- Brunch hours
- Holiday periods and special events
- Large groups
When you book:
- You’ll typically choose a date, time, and party size.
- Note whether your reservation is indoors or on the patio, as the experience and views differ.
- Some times or days may have special menus, especially around holidays.
Roof Admission and Fees
Nine Mile Station is part of The Roof at Ponce City Market, so there may be:
- General Roof admission fees
- A separate reservation or minimum spend requirement for certain areas, days, or events
Policies can shift seasonally, so many diners:
- Check current Roof access details before they go
- Plan a little extra time to get through check-in and ride up
In practice, Atlanta locals often treat it like this:
- Dinner or brunch + some time at Skyline Park, mini-golf, or just walking around the Roof after the meal.
Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Up There
Nine Mile Station balances casual comfort with special-occasion energy:
- Views: Expansive skyline views of Midtown, Downtown, and the surrounding neighborhoods.
- Seating: Indoor dining room plus an outdoor patio (the patio is a major draw).
- Decor: Modern yet warm—wood, greenery, and large windows that emphasize the city views.
- Noise level: Lively, especially during peak times and when the Roof is busy, but not usually as loud as the Skyline Park game area.
It’s common to see:
- Date nights and anniversaries
- Friend groups out for drinks or brunch
- Business meetups that turn into casual social time
Dress Code and What to Wear
There’s no strict formal dress code, but most Atlanta diners lean toward smart casual:
For evenings:
- Jeans or chinos with a nice shirt, casual dresses, blouses, or jumpsuits
- Comfortable shoes suitable for walking around The Roof
For daytime / brunch:
- Relaxed but put-together outfits—think BeltLine-ready but photo-friendly
Because much of the draw is the outdoor patio and walking around the rooftop:
- Bring a light jacket in cooler months; the wind can be stronger up high.
- In summer, expect full sun; sunglasses are useful, especially at earlier dinner seatings.
Food: What’s on the Menu at Nine Mile Station
The menu typically focuses on elevated, seasonal American dishes with a nod to pub and beer garden classics. While offerings change over time, you can expect patterns like:
Typical Menu Style
- Shareable plates:
- Charcuterie or cheese boards
- Soft pretzels, spreads, or snacks meant for the table
- Mains:
- Burgers or sandwiches built with higher-end ingredients
- Seasonal fish or meat dishes
- Well-composed vegetable plates or grain-based dishes
- Sides:
- Creative takes on fries or potatoes
- Seasonal vegetables and salads
For Atlanta locals, Nine Mile Station is often categorized as:
- A place where food and drinks are both taken seriously, not just a bar with snacks.
- A good option when you want to impress visitors with both the view and the meal.
Brunch at Nine Mile Station
Brunch service (when offered) tends to lean into comfort-forward, hearty dishes like:
- Variations on eggs, biscuits, or hash-style plates
- Sweet options like French toast or waffles (menu can rotate)
- Brunch-style cocktails and coffee drinks
Brunch is particularly popular with Atlantans who:
- Spend the morning on or near the BeltLine
- Want an elevated setting that still feels relaxed and fun
Drinks: Cocktails, Beer, and More
Nine Mile Station is as much a bar destination as it is a restaurant:
Cocktails
- Expect a rotating cocktail list built around spirits like bourbon, gin, and tequila.
- Drinks often blend classic profiles (e.g., Old Fashioned, spritz-style) with seasonal flavors.
Beer
- A curated beer list with a mix of:
- Local or regional craft choices (Atlanta and Georgia breweries are commonly represented)
- Well-known domestic and some international options
This makes it appealing for groups where some want craft beer, some want cocktails, and others may stick with wine or nonalcoholic options.
When to Go: Best Times for Locals and Visitors
Day vs. Night
Daytime / brunch:
- Clear daytime views of Midtown and the surrounding neighborhoods
- Often more relaxed energy, good for families or groups
Sunset / early evening:
- Many locals aim for reservations around sunset for the “golden hour” view
- Strong choice for date nights and special occasions
Late evening:
- More nightlife energy, especially on weekends
- The city lights make the skyline especially striking
Weekdays vs. Weekends
Weekdays:
- Typically a bit easier to snag reservations
- Good for after-work meals or casual gatherings
Weekends:
- Higher demand and busier Roof overall
- Wise to build in extra time for parking, check-in, and waiting for elevators
Cost Expectations and Budgeting
Nine Mile Station usually falls in the mid-to-upper price range for Atlanta casual dining, largely because:
- You’re paying for Rooftop access and the location
- The menu emphasizes quality ingredients and craft drinks
Plan for:
- Per-person cost increasing with multiple courses and cocktails
- Possible Roof admission or event-related pricing on certain days
Locals often treat it as:
- A special outing rather than an every-weeknight casual stop, especially when bringing guests.
Accessibility and Practical Considerations
- Elevators: Access to The Roof is via elevator; staff can help direct anyone with mobility needs.
- Seating: Indoor and outdoor seating; if you need shade, quieter corners, or standard-height tables, mention that when checking in.
- Weather: Outdoor seating and some Roof activities may be weather-dependent. Rain or high winds can affect where you’re seated or how much time you’ll want to spend outside.
If you’re planning for someone with specific accessibility needs, many Atlantans find it helpful to:
- Call ahead to ask about current elevator access and seating options
- Build extra time into the schedule in case of crowds at the check-in or elevator areas
Making Nine Mile Station Part of a Bigger Atlanta Day
Because of its location on the Eastside BeltLine and within Ponce City Market, Nine Mile Station often anchors a full Atlanta outing. Many locals pair it with:
A walk or bike ride along the BeltLine to or from places like:
- Krog Street Market
- Inman Park
- Piedmont Park (via connecting paths and surface streets)
Shopping or exploring Ponce City Market’s retail and food hall before or after the meal.
A common pattern for Atlanta visitors:
- Start with a BeltLine stroll in the afternoon.
- Explore Ponce City Market shops and lower-level vendors.
- Head up to Nine Mile Station for dinner and drinks.
- Spend extra time on The Roof enjoying the views or playing games at Skyline Park.
Key Takeaways for Atlanta Diners
Nine Mile Station is a strong choice in Atlanta if you want:
- Rooftop skyline views combined with a full kitchen and serious bar program
- A setting that works for date nights, visitors, or celebratory meals
- A place that’s easy to link with a BeltLine outing or broader Ponce City Market visit
To make the most of it:
- 📅 Reserve ahead, especially for weekends, brunch, and sunset time slots.
- ⏱️ Arrive early to account for parking, check-in, and elevator timing.
- 🧥 Plan for the weather, particularly if you want patio seating.
- 💳 Budget for both the dining experience and potential Roof admission or special event pricing.
For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Nine Mile Station is less about a quick meal and more about experiencing the city from above—with the food, drinks, and atmosphere to match the view.