Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse: Dinner, Drinks, and Live Shakespeare in the Heart of Atlanta

If you’re looking for a place in Atlanta where you can enjoy a pub-style meal, a drink, and a live Shakespeare play all in one evening, the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse is one of the city’s most distinctive spots. It’s a fully operating theater and a kitchen-and-bar experience rolled into one, located just off downtown.

Where It Is and How to Get There

The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse is located at:

Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse
499 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (404) 874-5299

It sits along Peachtree Street NE, within easy reach of major downtown landmarks and is especially convenient if you’re already in Midtown or Downtown.

Getting there:

• MARTA rail:

  • Nearby stations often used by patrons include North Avenue Station and Civic Center (service patterns can change, so it’s worth checking current maps and schedules).
  • From the station, you can usually walk or take a short rideshare.

• Driving:

  • Peachtree Street NE is a main corridor, and the Playhouse is relatively accessible from the Downtown Connector (I-75/85).
  • Parking options in the area often include nearby lots or garages; many locals plan for a short walk and arrive a little early.

• Rideshare / taxi:

  • Popular for evening shows, especially if you plan to enjoy the bar.

What Makes the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse Unique in Atlanta

The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse is not just another bar with a stage. It’s a theatrical pub built around a specific idea: combining classic plays, casual pub-style food, and drinks in a space designed to feel like an Elizabethan-style tavern.

Key characteristics that stand out in Atlanta:

• Dedicated to Shakespeare and classics:
  The main focus is on Shakespeare’s works and other classic plays, which is unusual among Atlanta’s restaurant and bar options.

• Integrated kitchen and bar:
  You can order food and drinks in the same building where you’re watching the show instead of going to a separate restaurant beforehand.

• Old-world tavern atmosphere:
  Wooden beams, candle-like lighting, and a cozy layout give it a distinct, immersive vibe compared with more modern Midtown or Inman Park restaurants.

• Local theater community hub:
  Many Atlanta residents know it as a training and performing ground for classical actors, not just a night-out destination.

Kitchen and Bar: What to Expect

While menus can change, the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse generally offers hearty, pub-style fare and a full bar appropriate for an evening in the theater.

Typical Food Experience

You’ll usually find:

• Savory, comfort-food options such as:

  • Shepherd’s pie or similar baked dishes
  • Sandwiches or handheld items
  • Salads, soups, and lighter fare depending on the season

• Desserts and snacks:

  • Sweets you can enjoy at your seat
  • Smaller bites that work well during intermission

Food service is designed around the performance schedule, so you’re encouraged to arrive early, order, and eat before the show begins or during intermission rather than throughout the entire performance.

Drinks and Bar Service

The bar usually includes:

• Beer (often a mix of domestic and imported options)
• Wine by the glass or bottle
• Basic mixed drinks and spirits

Because it’s a working theater, the bar is structured to be efficient before curtain time and at intermission, not as a late-night standalone bar. If your priority is a long bar hangout, this isn’t a typical sports bar or cocktail lounge; it’s centered on the show experience.

How Dining Works With the Show

If you’re planning a night out in Atlanta at the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, it helps to understand the flow of the evening:

1. Arrive early

   • Many Atlantans plan to arrive 30–60 minutes before curtain to get food and find their seats without rushing.
   • Earlier arrivals normally have an easier time with seating and ordering.

2. Order food and drinks before the show

   • The kitchen and bar are usually busiest in the pre-show window.
   • You order at the bar or dedicated counters, then bring your food to your seat or table.

3. Eat before or at the start of the performance

   • The atmosphere is casual; people often finish their meals as the show starts.
   • Noise is kept in check once the performance is fully underway, in keeping with theater etiquette.

4. Intermission

   • A second opportunity to grab another drink, dessert, or snack.
   • Lines at the bar may be shorter if you go as soon as intermission begins.

5. After the show

   • Some audience members linger briefly, but the focus is on the performance rather than late closing hours.

Sample Evening Plan for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

Here’s a simple outline if you’re planning a night at the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse:

Timings can vary, so always confirm actual curtain times when booking.

Types of Shows and Seasonal Considerations

As a playhouse first and foremost, the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse has an active performance calendar that shapes how its kitchen and bar operate.

Performances You’re Likely to See

• Shakespeare classics:
  Productions of plays such as Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and others are regularly featured.

• Other classic works:
  You may also encounter plays from other historical periods and authors.

• Seasonal favorites:
  Around holidays or specific times of year, the Playhouse may stage crowd favorites that draw repeat Atlanta audiences.

Why This Matters for Your Visit

• Some shows sell out:
  Popular productions and weekend performances can be busy, affecting seat selection, food lines, and parking.

• Atmosphere may vary:
  A lighthearted comedy night will feel different from a heavier tragedy, even though the setting is the same rustic tavern.

If you’re sensitive to crowds, a weekday evening often provides a more relaxed dining-and-show experience than a Saturday.

Planning Your Visit as an Atlanta Resident

If you live in the Atlanta area, the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse can function as:

• A special-occasion night out with a built-in activity (the performance)
• A way to introduce teens or students to live Shakespeare in a less formal environment than some larger venues
• A destination to take out-of-town guests who want something more local and distinctive than a standard chain restaurant

Many locals find it useful to:

• Check the performance calendar in advance
• Purchase tickets ahead of time, particularly for weekend shows
• Build in extra time for traffic on the Downtown Connector if coming from the suburbs

Tips for Visitors Staying in Downtown or Midtown

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying near Downtown, Midtown, or the Peachtree Corridor, the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse is relatively straightforward to include in your plans.

Helpful points:

• Walkable or a short ride from many hotels along Peachtree Street, in Midtown, or near Downtown convention hotels.
• Easy to pair with a day exploring:
  • Centennial Olympic Park area
  • Attractions near Peachtree Center
  • Midtown arts spots like the Fox Theatre area (even if you’re not seeing a show there).

For visitors:

• Reserve tickets as part of your trip planning to avoid last-minute surprises.
• Consider using MARTA or rideshare if you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta’s downtown parking and one-way streets.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

While specifics should always be confirmed directly with the Playhouse when you book, some practical notes many Atlanta consumers consider:

• Seating layout:
  Designed as a tavern-style theater, with tables and chairs rather than just rows of fixed seats.

• Noise and crowd level:
  Expect a lively pre-show atmosphere in common areas, transitioning to quieter, theater-appropriate behavior during the performance.

• Age-appropriateness:
  Some shows may be suitable for teens and older children, while others might have mature themes. Checking the show description can help families decide.

• Dietary preferences:
  The kitchen often provides several options, but those with strict dietary needs may want to look at the current menu in advance or plan a light meal elsewhere and focus on snacks or drinks at the Playhouse.

How to Decide If the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse Is Right for You

The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse can be a strong choice in Atlanta if you:

• Want dinner and entertainment in one place
• Enjoy live theater, especially Shakespeare and classics
• Prefer a casual, pub-style setting over formal fine dining
• Are looking for a distinctly “Atlanta” cultural experience in the downtown/Midtown area

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re seeking a purely late-night bar experience without a show
• You need a very quiet, traditional restaurant environment
• You’re not interested in theater or longer, seated performances

For many Atlantans and visitors, though, it offers a memorable mix of kitchen, bar, and stage that you won’t easily find elsewhere in the city.