Public House 28 in Atlanta: What to Know About This Neighborhood Kitchen and Bar
If you’re searching for a comfortable, neighborhood-style kitchen and bar in Atlanta, a place like Public House 28 is exactly the kind of spot many locals have in mind: casual, food‑forward, and drink‑friendly, with a focus on hanging out rather than dressing up.
While individual businesses change over time, this guide walks through what Atlantans can typically expect from a “Public House”–style kitchen and bar, how it usually fits into the city’s restaurant and nightlife scene, and how to decide if a place like this is right for your next night out.
What “Public House 28” Usually Means in Atlanta
In Atlanta, a venue called Public House 28 (or anything with “Public House” in the name) will almost always fall into the casual restaurant + bar category:
- Full kitchen with a menu that works for both dinner and late‑night snacking
- Full bar offering beer, wine, and cocktails
- Relaxed, pub‑like atmosphere that works for groups, dates, and after‑work meetups
- Often televisions for sports, especially Falcons, Hawks, Braves, United, and college games
- A focus on local neighborhood traffic, not just tourists
You’ll typically see it grouped locally under “kitchen and bar” or “gastropub” rather than fine dining or a dedicated sports bar.
Typical Food and Drink at a Public House–Style Kitchen and Bar
While menus differ from place to place, kitchens branded as a public house in Atlanta tend to follow a recognizable pattern.
Food You’re Likely to See
Most Atlanta public house kitchens blend pub comfort food with a few lighter or more modern options:
Starters and sharables
- Wings, fries, loaded tots, nachos
- Soft pretzels, sliders, fried pickles
- Hummus or dip boards in slightly more food‑focused spots
Mains and handhelds
- Burgers (including turkey or veggie options in many intown neighborhoods)
- Sandwiches like fried chicken, BLTs, clubs, or cheesesteaks
- Fish and chips or shrimp baskets in places with a coastal influence
- Flatbreads or pizzas in more contemporary concepts
Salads and bowls
- Caesar, house, and chopped salads
- Grain bowls or protein add‑ons in areas with heavier lunch traffic
Weekend brunch (if offered)
- Breakfast sandwiches, biscuits, shrimp and grits
- Chicken and waffles, French toast, or brunch burgers
- Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and coffee drinks
In Atlanta, public house menus often nod to Southern flavors—think pimento cheese, house pickles, hot honey, or collards alongside more classic bar food.
Drinks You Can Usually Expect
A typical public house bar program in Atlanta includes:
Beer
- Domestic drafts and bottles
- A rotating selection of Georgia craft beers, often including breweries like:
- SweetWater Brewing Company (off Ottley Drive NE)
- Monday Night Brewing (West Midtown and The Garage)
- Atlanta Brewing Co. (on the Westside)
- Seasonal and limited releases depending on the bar’s relationship with distributors
Wine
- House red and white by the glass
- A modest list of bottles, often with approachable, mid‑range options
Cocktails
- Classic cocktails (Old Fashioned, Margarita, Mule, Martini)
- A handful of house cocktails built around bourbon, rye, or gin
- Occasionally frozen drinks, especially in warmer months
Non‑alcoholic options
- Sodas, juices, coffee, tea
- Increasingly, many Atlanta bars offer NA beers or mocktails for those avoiding alcohol
Where a Place Like Public House 28 Fits in Atlanta’s Neighborhoods
Atlanta’s restaurant and nightlife scene is spread across many small pockets. A public house–style kitchen and bar usually aims to be a neighborhood’s living room rather than a destination fine‑dining spot.
Here’s how that typically looks in different areas:
Intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Grant Park)
- Expect a young professional crowd, heavier craft beer selection, and more emphasis on brunch and patio seating.
- These bars often draw people before and after events at places like State Farm Arena, the Fox Theatre, or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
Westside and Upper Westside
- Mix of families and young professionals, with more parking and somewhat larger spaces.
- Good for groups after youth sports, brewery hopping, or casual dinners.
Suburban corridors (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Decatur area, Smyrna/Vinings)
- Often surrounded by apartments and office parks, making them popular for after‑work drinks, office meetups, and family dinners.
- Menus here may skew slightly more family‑friendly, with kids’ options and earlier closing times on weeknights.
Wherever it’s located, a “Public House 28”‑type venue usually serves people who live and work nearby, with visitors tapping in when they’re staying at local hotels or visiting friends.
What Locals Typically Use a Public House–Style Spot For
People in Atlanta usually turn to this kind of kitchen and bar when they want:
- A casual dinner without the formality or cost of fine dining
- Game‑day viewing if they don’t have tickets to the stadium or arena
- A meet‑up spot before a concert, festival, or neighborhood event
- Happy hour or low‑key drinks after work
- A flexible place where one person can just get a drink while others order full meals
Because Atlanta traffic can make cross‑town trips slow, many locals like to have one or two go‑to public houses within a 10–15 minute drive from home or work.
How to Decide if a Public House Kitchen and Bar Is Right for You
If you’re looking at a place like Public House 28 and trying to decide whether to go, it helps to think through your priorities.
Quick Fit Check
Use this simple guide to see how a public house–style place usually lines up with common needs in Atlanta:
| Your Priority | How a Public House–Style Spot Usually Fits in Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Casual, not fussy atmosphere | Strong fit – jeans and sneakers are the norm |
| Full meal options plus bar snacks | Strong fit – menus are built for both |
| Craft beer and basic cocktails | Good fit – strong on beer, solid on classics |
| Quiet, intimate conversation | Mixed – can be loud on weekends or game nights |
| Kid‑friendly dinners | Varies – more likely earlier in the evenings |
| Watching big sports events | Often ideal – many screens, neighborhood crowds |
| Late‑night dining | Varies – check kitchen hours, especially weekdays |
Practical Tips for Visiting a Public House–Style Kitchen and Bar in Atlanta
Because Atlanta’s layout and traffic patterns affect nearly every outing, it’s worth planning a little before you go.
1. Check Kitchen vs. Bar Hours
Many Atlanta bars keep the bar open later than the kitchen. If you’re planning to eat:
- Verify kitchen closing time, not just overall hours.
- Weeknights may have an earlier last call for food.
- Game days and weekends can sometimes extend food hours, but it’s not guaranteed.
2. Think About Transportation and Parking
Depending on where the bar is located, your experience will differ:
Intown (Midtown, Virginia‑Highland, Old Fourth Ward)
- Street parking can be tight.
- Rideshare (Lyft, Uber) is often easier, especially if you’ll be drinking.
- Some spots are walkable from MARTA rail stations like Midtown, North Avenue, or Inman Park/Reynoldstown; others require a short ride.
More suburban or commercial corridors (Perimeter, Cumberland, North Druid, etc.)
- Larger parking lots are common.
- These areas are more car‑dependent, with less frequent MARTA rail access.
- Still, many Atlantans use rideshare home if they’ve been drinking.
🍺 Safety tip: In Georgia, DUI enforcement is active. If you plan to drink, use rideshare, taxis, or a designated driver.
3. Consider Game Days and Event Nights
On days when the Falcons, Hawks, Braves, or United play—or when there are big concerts or festivals—public house–style bars can get very busy:
- Expect higher noise levels and longer waits for tables.
- Some spots run game‑day food or drink specials or set minimum spending for large groups.
- If you prefer a quieter meal, aim for early evening or choose a non‑game night.
4. Group Reservations and Large Parties
If you’re organizing:
- A birthday gathering
- A work happy hour
- A watch party for a big game
Call ahead to ask:
- Whether they take reservations or only first‑come, first‑served
- If there’s a separate area or high‑top section that can be grouped
- How checks can be split (individually, couples, or one tab)
Policies vary across Atlanta, and knowing in advance can prevent surprises at the end of the night.
Dietary Needs and Accessibility Considerations
Atlanta’s restaurant scene has become steadily more accommodating, but policies can differ from one kitchen and bar to another.
Dietary Preferences and Restrictions
At a public house–style spot, you’re increasingly likely to find:
- Vegetarian options like veggie burgers, salads, and meatless starters
- Some gluten‑conscious choices, often salads or bun‑less burgers
- Occasional vegan dishes, particularly in intown neighborhoods
Still, if you have strict restrictions or allergies:
- Review the menu in advance if possible.
- Ask staff about ingredients, cross‑contact, and preparation methods once you arrive.
- Many Atlanta kitchens can adjust items (e.g., remove cheese, swap sides), but it’s best to confirm.
Physical Accessibility
Accessibility varies by building age and neighborhood:
- Newer spaces and those in renovated mixed‑use developments tend to have better step‑free access and restrooms.
- Older buildings or converted houses may have stairs, narrow entryways, or limited accessible restrooms.
If accessibility is important, consider calling ahead to ask about:
- Step‑free entrance options
- Accessible restrooms
- Seating types (tables vs. high‑tops, bar seating, patio layout)
How Public House–Style Bars Fit into Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene
Atlanta offers everything from high‑end Buckhead dining rooms to tiny counter‑service spots. A place like Public House 28 typically sits in the middle of that spectrum:
- More food‑focused and comfortable than a pure bar
- More relaxed and budget‑friendly than upscale restaurants
- Suitable for regular weeknight visits, not just special occasions
For many Atlanta residents, this kind of spot becomes:
- A default meet‑up location with friends
- An easy pre‑event stop before heading to arenas, theaters, or festivals
- A fallback for “I don’t feel like cooking” nights with a crowd‑pleasing menu
How to Find and Verify a Public House–Style Spot in Atlanta
If you’re specifically searching for “Public House 28 Atlanta” or a similar kitchen and bar:
- Search by name + “Atlanta GA” to confirm current address and hours.
- Check that the listing shows it under restaurants, bar, or kitchen and bar, which indicates it offers food as well as drinks.
- Look at:
- Recent photos for menu boards, food, and interior
- Guest comments about noise level, service, and crowd type
- Notes on parking and nearby landmarks
If the venue is located in a well‑known corridor (for example, near Ponce City Market, the BeltLine, Westside Provisions District, or around Perimeter Center), factor in:
- Traffic patterns at the times you plan to go
- Whether you want to walk to another stop before or after (such as a brewery, dessert shop, or another bar)
When a Public House–Style Kitchen and Bar Is a Good Choice in Atlanta
You’re likely to be happy choosing a place like Public House 28 if you:
- Want simple planning—no dress code, no complicated reservation process
- Need food and drinks in the same spot, with enough menu variety to please a group
- Are meeting people spread across the city and want a central, neutral, casual middle ground
- Enjoy a lively but not club‑like environment, especially on weekends and game days
If you’re looking for the quietest possible date night, or a strictly family‑oriented restaurant with kids’ activities, a public house may or may not be the best match—checking recent reviews and photos for crowd vibe will help you decide.
By understanding how a public house–style kitchen and bar typically operates in Atlanta, you can quickly tell whether a place like Public House 28 suits your plans, your group, and the part of the city you’ll be in.