Publik Draft House in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go
Publik Draft House is a neighborhood-style kitchen and bar in Atlanta known for its relaxed atmosphere, solid pub food, and rotating draft beer list. If you live in the city, are staying nearby, or are catching an event in Midtown, it’s the kind of spot people consider for a casual drink, a bite with friends, or a low-key night out.
Below is a practical guide to how Publik Draft House fits into Atlanta’s dining and nightlife scene and what to expect when you visit.
Where Publik Draft House Fits in Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene
Publik Draft House is best thought of as a gastro-pub–style restaurant:
a full kitchen and bar with:
- A focus on draft beers and cocktails
- A comfort-food-heavy menu (think burgers, sandwiches, shared plates)
- A setting that works for pre-game drinks, post-event food, or casual meetups
In Atlanta, it often appeals to:
- Midtown residents looking for a regular bar with dependable food
- Visitors staying in Midtown hotels who want walkable, non-chain options
- People attending shows, games, or events nearby who need a convenient spot before or after
Location, Access, and Getting There
Publik Draft House is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and has historically been tied closely to the Midtown area. Because hours, exact location, or operating status can change over time, many locals:
- Check a map app or search listing before heading over
- Confirm current hours the same day, especially on holidays or event days
Getting there from around Atlanta
- By MARTA: Midtown is one of the easiest neighborhoods to access by train. If you’re riding MARTA, the Midtown Station and North Avenue Station typically serve the surrounding area. From there, a short walk or rideshare usually gets you close.
- By car: Midtown streets can be busy and parking can be limited or paid. Many people:
- Use nearby garages or private lots
- Factor in extra time before a concert, show, or weekend outing
If you’re planning to pair Publik Draft House with a visit to nearby venues, it helps to map all your stops in advance so you’re not scrambling for parking.
Atmosphere: What It’s Like Inside
Most Atlanta diners describe Publik Draft House as:
- Casual and relaxed, with a classic bar feel
- Comfortable for small groups, dates, or solo bar seating
- More energetic on weekend nights or when there are nearby events
You can typically expect:
- Bar seating for those just grabbing a drink
- Tables for sit-down meals
- Background music and TV screens often tuned to sports or major events
It’s not a white-tablecloth restaurant; it’s more of a come-as-you-are neighborhood hangout.
Food: Kitchen Highlights and What’s Commonly Offered
As a kitchen and bar, Publik Draft House aims to balance hearty bar snacks with more substantial plates. Menus change over time, but guests usually see categories like:
Starters & Shareables
- Fries, wings, loaded tots, or shareable dips
- Items designed to pair well with beer and cocktails
Burgers & Sandwiches
- House burgers with different toppings
- Fried or grilled chicken sandwiches
- Vegetarian options may appear depending on the season or current menu
Mains & Salads
- Heavier entrees or bowls in some seasons
- Salads that can sometimes be topped with protein for a fuller meal
Late-Night Friendly Options
- Items that travel well from bar to table during a longer night out
- Sides like fries, onion rings, or slaw
Since menus can be updated, most Atlanta diners quickly check the latest posted menu online before heading over, especially if you have dietary restrictions or want to confirm vegetarian or gluten-conscious options.
Drinks: Draft Beer, Cocktails, and More
True to its name, Publik Draft House puts a lot of emphasis on its draft list.
What to expect at the bar
Draft Beer:
- Rotating selection of local Georgia breweries and regional favorites
- Mix of lagers, IPAs, stouts, and seasonal offerings
Cocktails:
- Classic cocktails (old fashioneds, margaritas, etc.)
- House specialties that may change by season
Non-Alcoholic Options:
- Standard soft drinks, and often some non-alcoholic alternatives
- If you’re avoiding alcohol, bartenders can usually recommend a mocktail or simple custom drink
In Atlanta, where craft beer has grown quickly, places like Publik Draft House can be a low-pressure way to sample local brews without visiting multiple taprooms.
When to Go: Timing, Crowds, and Use Cases
Publik Draft House tends to follow the rhythm of Midtown:
Quieter vs. busier times
Quieter:
- Earlier evenings on weekdays
- Good for casual dinners, small groups, or conversation
Busier:
- Weekend nights
- Evenings tied to Midtown events, concerts, or big game days
If you’re pairing it with a concert, game, or show:
- Aim to arrive earlier than you think, especially on Fridays and Saturdays
- Build in time for parking and waiting for a table
Price Range and What You’ll Likely Spend
Publik Draft House generally fits a mid-range bar and grill price point for Atlanta.
You can usually expect:
Food:
- Appetizers: in the typical pub range per plate
- Burgers and mains: priced similarly to other Midtown casual spots
Drinks:
- Draft beers: in the standard bar range, with specialty or high-ABV options typically costing more
- Cocktails: usually in line with other Midtown bars
Planning-wise, many locals assume:
- One drink + entree will land them in a moderate per-person total before tax and tip
- Multiple rounds or shared plates will push things up to a typical Midtown night-out spend
Good Reasons to Choose Publik Draft House in Atlanta
Publik Draft House can be a practical choice if you are:
- Meeting friends in Midtown and want a casual, no-fuss atmosphere
- Staying in a nearby hotel and prefer a bar with a full kitchen instead of just snacks
- Catching a show or a game and need a place for pre- or post-event food and drinks
- Interested in trying a mix of local and regional beers without committing to an all-beer venue
It’s less about fine dining and more about:
- Comfortable seating
- Accessible menu
- Easy-going vibe
Tips for Atlanta Visitors and Locals
Here are some quick, Atlanta-specific pointers for planning your visit:
| Tip ✅ | Why It Helps in Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Check hours before you go | Bar and kitchen hours can differ, especially on weekdays or late nights. |
| Consider MARTA or rideshare | Midtown traffic and paid parking can add stress and cost. Transit or rideshare often simplifies the night. |
| Watch the local event calendar | Big events nearby can mean longer waits and a louder atmosphere. |
| Ask about local beers | Many Atlanta-area breweries show up on rotating taps; it’s a simple way to sample what’s nearby. |
| Mention dietary needs early | Kitchens can often suggest or modify dishes if they know up front. |
How Publik Draft House Compares to Other Atlanta Options
In the context of Atlanta:
- It’s more relaxed than high-end Midtown restaurants.
- It usually has more substantial food than a pure cocktail lounge.
- It provides a familiar bar-and-kitchen format that works for a wide range of groups—locals, coworkers, visitors, and mixed-age friend groups (21+ for alcohol service).
For many Atlantans, Publik Draft House is the kind of place you keep in mind when you want:
- A reliable meeting spot in Midtown
- Good bar food without getting overly dressed up
- A balance of food, beer, and cocktails in one stop
If you’re in Atlanta and considering Publik Draft House, thinking through your transportation, timing, and group needs ahead of time will help you decide if it’s the right Midtown kitchen and bar for your night out.