Holeman and Finch in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Holeman and Finch has become one of Atlanta’s most talked‑about names in Southern and soul‑inspired dining, especially for its cult‑favorite burger and thoughtful approach to cocktails and charcuterie. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are just trying to understand what the buzz is about, this guide walks through how Holeman and Finch fits into the city’s food scene and how to make the most of a visit.

Where Holeman and Finch Fits in Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene

Holeman and Finch is best known as:

  • A chef-driven, Southern-influenced restaurant and bar
  • A spot where classic techniques meet Southern ingredients
  • A place long associated with one of Atlanta’s most talked‑about burgers

Rather than a traditional “meat‑and‑three” soul food joint, Holeman and Finch leans into:

  • Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
  • Housemade charcuterie and careful butchery
  • Craft cocktails and a serious bar program
  • A menu that often includes Southern staples interpreted in a modern way

It attracts a mix of local regulars, industry folks, and food-focused visitors, especially people interested in Atlanta’s evolution beyond classic fried chicken and mac and cheese—without abandoning those roots.

Location, Parking, and Getting There

Holeman and Finch is in one of Atlanta’s intown neighborhoods, and its setting matters when you’re planning a night out.

Typical things to keep in mind in this part of Atlanta:

  • Parking:
    • Expect a mix of shared lots, parking decks, and limited street parking.
    • Arriving a little early can reduce parking stress, especially on weekends.
  • Rideshare:
    • Many locals use Uber, Lyft, or taxis to avoid parking altogether and fully enjoy the bar program.
  • Transit:
    • Depending on the exact location and your starting point, MARTA rail plus a short walk or rideshare can be workable, but most diners still rely on cars.

If you’re visiting from out of town and staying in Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown, Holeman and Finch is typically a short drive away, making it easy to include in a weekend food itinerary.

What’s on the Menu: Southern and Soul Food Influence

The menu changes over time, but certain themes are consistent. Expect Southern techniques and ingredients to show up in elevated, sometimes unexpected ways.

Core Themes You’re Likely to See

  • The famous burger

    • Known around Atlanta as one of the must‑try burgers in the city.
    • Typically a double patty with American cheese, pickles, onions, and a soft bun.
    • Often cooked to highlight beef flavor over heavy toppings.

  • Southern small plates
    You may find:

    • Dishes using local vegetables like okra, field peas, or collards
    • Takes on deviled eggs, pimento cheese, or cornbread
    • Rich, shareable bites that make it easy to sample several flavors

  • Charcuterie and offal

    • Holeman and Finch helped popularize nose‑to‑tail eating in Atlanta.
    • You may see housemade sausages, pâtés, terrines, or more adventurous cuts.
    • This appeals especially to diners looking for more than standard bar food.

  • Classic Southern comfort, refined

    • Fried or roasted chicken dishes with thoughtful sides
    • Potatoes, grits, or greens with elevated sauces or garnishes
    • Rich flavors that still nod directly to traditional Southern comfort food

Because the menu can change with the seasons, locals often check the current offerings before a visit, especially if they’re hoping for a specific item.

Drinks: A Serious Bar with Southern Character

Holeman and Finch is also considered a destination for drinks in Atlanta:

  • Cocktails

    • Expect a classic cocktail foundation—Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and sours—with house twists.
    • Many drinks highlight American whiskeys, seasonal syrups, and bitters.
    • Bartenders are typically comfortable with both off‑menu classics and house signatures.

  • Beer and wine

    • Rotating selections that may include local Georgia breweries alongside national and international options.
    • A wine list curated to match rich Southern dishes—think fuller-bodied reds and food‑friendly whites.

For many Atlantans, Holeman and Finch works as both a full dinner spot and a place to drop in for a burger and a drink at the bar.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

People often describe Holeman and Finch as:

  • Lively but not chaotic
  • More polished than a casual bar, more relaxed than a white-tablecloth restaurant

Common features:

  • Bar-centric layout: The bar is usually a visual and social focal point.
  • Dim, comfortable lighting: Good for date nights and evening meetups.
  • Mixed crowd: Couples, small groups of friends, and food-focused solo diners at the bar.

Dress is typically smart casual:

  • Jeans are generally fine.
  • Many locals opt for neat casual wear (button-downs, blouses, casual dresses) especially on weekends or for date nights.

Reservations, Wait Times, and Best Times to Go

As one of Atlanta’s better-known names, planning ahead can make your experience smoother.

Reservations

  • Dinner reservations are strongly recommended, especially:
    • Thursday–Saturday
    • For groups larger than two
    • On holiday weekends or big event nights in the city

Walk‑ins

  • Bar seating may be first‑come, first‑served.
  • On weeknights, you may have better luck walking in early.
  • On busy weekends, expect potential wait times, especially during peak hours (7–9 p.m.).

Tips for Locals and Visitors

  • 🕕 Early dinners (around 5–6:30 p.m.) can be less crowded.
  • 🕘 Late‑night visits may offer a more laid‑back vibe once peak dinner rush passes.
  • If your schedule is tight—before a show, game, or event—secure a reservation and arrive on time to avoid rushing.

Price Range and What You Can Expect to Spend

Holeman and Finch sits in the mid‑to‑higher range for casual Atlanta dining:

  • Burgers and sandwiches: Typically in the moderate‑to‑upper burger price range, reflecting quality ingredients and reputation.
  • Small plates: Add up if you’re sharing several; many Atlantans treat it as “order and share” dining.
  • Cocktails: Priced in line with other serious Midtown/Buckhead‑area cocktail bars.

To plan:

  • A burger + drink will cost more than fast casual, but less than a full fine‑dining experience.
  • A full dinner with shared plates, cocktails, and dessert can reach special-occasion levels, especially for two or more people.

Locals often choose Holeman and Finch for:

  • Date nights
  • Celebratory dinners that don’t require suits and ties
  • Food‑focused visits from out‑of‑town friends

Dietary Considerations and Menu Flexibility

Like many chef-driven restaurants in Atlanta, Holeman and Finch often has options for different dietary needs, though it’s not a specialized diet restaurant.

If You Have Restrictions

  • Vegetarian:

    • Look for vegetable-forward small plates and sides.
    • The menu is meat‑heavy overall, but creative veg dishes are commonly offered.

  • Gluten-sensitive:

    • Some dishes are naturally gluten-free, particularly proteins with vegetables and salads.
    • Burgers and sandwiches may be adaptable (for example, no bun), but options depend on current offerings.

  • Allergies or strict dietary needs:

    • It’s wise to call ahead or inform your server clearly as soon as you’re seated.
    • Staff at chef-driven restaurants in Atlanta are often used to navigating allergies, but options can be limited depending on the menu that day.

Because the menu can be seasonal and rotate, checking current offerings and calling with specific questions is the most reliable strategy if your diet is tightly restricted.

When Holeman and Finch Makes Sense—and When It Might Not

Great Fit For

  • Atlanta locals who enjoy:

    • Trying modern takes on Southern flavors
    • A strong cocktail and bar program
    • Sharing small plates in a social setting

  • Visitors to Atlanta who:

    • Want a recognizable Atlanta dining name beyond basic soul food
    • Are curious about the city’s chef-driven Southern scene
    • Appreciate a memorable burger as part of their trip

Might Not Be Ideal If

  • You want a traditional, down‑home soul food plate (big portions of fried chicken, mac and cheese, collards, cornbread) at a lower price point. In that case, you might look to more classic soul food spots around Southwest Atlanta, West End, or Cascade.
  • You’re looking for a super quick, budget meal.
  • You prefer extremely quiet, formal dining—Holeman and Finch typically has energy and buzz, especially at peak times.

How to Plan a Visit if You’re New to Atlanta

If you’re building a food-focused day or weekend around Atlanta and want to include Holeman and Finch, here’s a simple approach:

  1. Choose your neighborhood base
    Staying in Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, or Buckhead puts you within a manageable drive.

  2. Reserve in advance for a prime night
    Aim for:

    • Friday or Saturday dinner if you want maximum energy
    • Weeknight if you prefer a slightly calmer atmosphere

  3. Pair your visit with nearby activities
    Before or after dinner, you can:

    • Explore nearby bars or dessert spots
    • Walk around neighboring streets if the area is pedestrian‑friendly
    • Combine with a visit to attractions like Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, or local galleries, depending on where you’re starting from

  4. Budget time for parking and traffic
    Atlanta traffic—especially near major corridors and during events—can be unpredictable. Build in extra time so you’re not rushing.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Diners

  • Holeman and Finch is a modern, chef-driven take on Southern and soul-influenced food, best known for its burger, charcuterie, and serious bar program.
  • It’s a strong choice for locals and visitors who want to experience a contemporary side of Atlanta’s Southern dining—more refined than a cafeteria-style soul food line, but still rooted in regional flavors.
  • Reservations are helpful, particularly for peak nights and prime times.
  • Prices are mid‑to‑high compared with casual spots, making it a popular option for date nights, celebrations, and food‑centric visits.
  • Parking, traffic, and timing are worth planning around, as with most popular intown Atlanta restaurants.

With a bit of advance planning, Holeman and Finch can fit naturally into an Atlanta evening out—whether your priority is a standout burger, thoughtful cocktails, or a deeper look at how Southern and soul food traditions are evolving in the city.