Politan Row at Colony Square: Your Guide to This Midtown Atlanta Food Hall with Southern Flavor

Politan Row at Colony Square is one of Midtown Atlanta’s most popular food halls, and it’s an easy go-to if you’re looking for Southern and soul food along with a wide range of other cuisines in one place.

Located in the heart of Midtown’s Colony Square complex at 1197 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30361, Politan Row blends local chef-driven concepts with a polished, urban atmosphere. It’s walkable from office towers, condo buildings, and MARTA, which makes it a frequent stop for Atlanta residents, workers, and visitors alike.

Below is a detailed guide to what to expect, how to get there, and how Politan Row fits into Atlanta’s Southern and soul food scene.

What Is Politan Row at Colony Square?

Politan Row is a modern indoor-outdoor food hall with multiple independently operated food stalls, a central bar, and shared seating. Instead of one restaurant, you get:

• Multiple small restaurant counters (“stalls”) with different cuisines
• A full bar that serves cocktails, beer, and wine
• Communal seating inside and outside
• A casual, lively vibe that works for lunch, after-work drinks, or a weekend outing

While not every vendor is Southern-focused, Politan Row almost always includes at least one Southern or soul food–leaning option, and many stalls pull in Southern ingredients and flavors even if they aren’t strictly traditional.

Where It’s Located and How to Get There

Address:
Politan Row at Colony Square
1197 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30361

You’ll find it inside the Colony Square development at the corner of Peachtree St NE and 14th St NE in Midtown.

Getting There by MARTA

For many Atlantans and visitors, MARTA is the easiest way to reach Midtown:

• Rail: Take the Red or Gold Line to Arts Center Station.
• From Arts Center Station:
  • Walk south on West Peachtree St and cut over to Peachtree St (about 5–10 minutes), or
  • Use local buses that stop near Colony Square.

This is convenient if you’re staying in Downtown, near the airport, or in Buckhead and want to avoid parking.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving:

• Enter the Colony Square parking garage via Peachtree St NE or 14th St NE.
• Parking is typically paid by the hour, and rates can be higher during peak Midtown times (weekday lunch, weekend evenings, event nights).
• Elevators and escalators from the garage lead directly up to the main plaza, where you’ll see entrances to Politan Row.

Tip: On busy evenings or when there’s an event at the Fox Theatre or in Piedmont Park, garage spaces can fill quickly. Arriving a bit early helps.

Politan Row as a Southern & Soul Food Destination

Politan Row isn’t a traditional single-menu soul food restaurant, but it’s a strong option if you:

• Want Southern-inspired dishes and
• Are dining with a group that craves different types of food in one spot.

You’ll often find:

• Fried chicken or hot chicken–style dishes
• Shrimp and grits or Southern-style grain bowls
• Mac and cheese, collards, cornbread, or Southern-style sides
• Dishes using local produce, hot sauces, or regional ingredients

Because Politan Row’s lineup changes over time, stalls may rotate. Some vendors lean heavily into Southern comfort food, while others add Southern flair to global cuisines. This rotation is part of its appeal for locals who come back regularly.

What to Expect Inside: Layout, Atmosphere, and Seating

Stepping inside Politan Row, you’ll see a bright, contemporary space with:

• Multiple chef stalls around the perimeter
• A central bar with counter seating
• Shared tables, banquettes, and bar-height seating
• Access to outdoor seating via Colony Square’s open-air plaza

Atmosphere

The vibe shifts a bit by time of day:

• Weekday lunch: Office workers, Midtown residents, and visitors; a little busy but efficient.
• After work: Happy hour feel, especially at the bar and outdoor spaces.
• Evenings and weekends: More social, with groups, couples, and families.

Noise levels can be moderate to high during peak times, typical for a food hall. If you prefer quieter seating, aim for off-peak hours or look for outdoor tables in the plaza when weather allows.

Example of What You Might Find: Styles & Options

Exact vendors can change, but here’s the kind of mix Politan Row typically offers:

• Southern & Comfort Food: Fried chicken sandwiches, chicken and waffles, loaded fries, biscuits, or mac and cheese–based dishes.
• Seafood & Lowcountry-Inspired Dishes: Shrimp, crab, or fish dishes that borrow from coastal Southern traditions.
• Global Comfort Food: Tacos, noodles, burgers, or wings using sauces and spices that nod to Southern flavor profiles.
• Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Grain bowls, veggie plates, salads, and sides that still feel hearty.
• Desserts & Sweets: Ice cream, baked goods, or specialty treats that can cap off a soul-food-leaning meal.

Because the lineup can evolve, many locals get in the habit of checking what’s currently open when they arrive and then circling the hall once before ordering.

Ordering Food and Drinks: How It Works

Food halls like Politan Row operate a bit differently than traditional table-service restaurants:

1. Explore the Stalls
   Walk around to check the menus posted at each stall. Many have clear boards or digital screens listing signature dishes and sides.

2. Order at the Counter
   You order and pay directly at the stall of your choice. Some stalls offer handheld pagers or text alerts when your food is ready.

3. Pick a Seat
   After ordering, grab a seat in the shared seating area or outside in the plaza. Seating is first-come, first-served.

4. Visit Multiple Vendors
   You’re not limited to just one stall. One person can grab Southern comfort food, while another orders tacos or ramen, and you all sit and eat together.

5. Drinks at the Bar
   For alcoholic drinks, order at the central bar. Soft drinks and specialty beverages are available from various stalls, depending on what you’re eating.

This setup works especially well for groups with mixed cravings or for locals who want to try a few different vendors over multiple visits.

When to Go: Hours, Crowds, and Best Times

Hours can shift slightly by day and vendor, but general patterns at Politan Row at Colony Square usually look like this:

If you’re in Atlanta for major events at Piedmont Park, the Fox Theatre, or Midtown festivals, Politan Row becomes a convenient pre- or post-event stop—but that also means extra crowds, especially evenings.

Family-Friendliness and Group Dining

Politan Row can work well for families, coworkers, and large friend groups:

• Kids: Casual seating, fast-casual ordering, and plenty of fries, chicken, and mac and cheese make it approachable for children.
• Groups: Since seating is shared, you can often push a couple of tables together, though very large groups might need to arrive a little early to secure space.
• Dietary needs: With multiple vendors, it’s often easier to find gluten-free, vegetarian, or lighter options alongside heavier Southern dishes.

If you’re coordinating a birthday, team lunch, or informal gathering, a food hall avoids the hassle of everyone agreeing on a single restaurant style.

How Politan Row Compares to Traditional Southern & Soul Food Spots in Atlanta

Atlanta has a long list of classic Southern and soul food restaurants serving meat-and-three plates, smothered pork chops, oxtails, and more. Politan Row fits into the local landscape a bit differently:

• Modern vs. Traditional:
  Politan Row tends to lean more modern, chef-driven, and fusion-oriented than strictly old-school soul food.

• Variety:
  Instead of one style, you get multiple takes on comfort food and other cuisines side-by-side.

• Location:
  Its position in Midtown makes it especially convenient if you’re staying or working near Peachtree St, in the Arts Center area, or around Piedmont Park.

If you’re trying to decide where to go in Atlanta:

• Choose Politan Row if you want variety, a lively food hall experience, and easy Midtown access.
• Choose a traditional soul food restaurant if you’re craving a full plate of classics in a more singular, sit-down environment.

Many locals enjoy both: Politan Row for casual meetups, weekday lunches, or mixed-group outings, and traditional spots when they specifically want a big Sunday-style Southern meal.

Practical Tips for Visiting Politan Row at Colony Square

A few Atlanta-specific pointers can make your visit smoother:

• Check Midtown traffic: Evening and rush hour traffic along Peachtree St NE, 14th St, and nearby corridors can be heavy. MARTA or rideshare may be easier.
• Plan for parking fees: If you’re driving, factor in garage parking as part of your outing budget.
• Look for Midtown events: During big events or festivals, Politan Row can get busier, but it’s also one of the more convenient food options nearby.
• Rotate through stalls over time: If you live or work in Atlanta, you can treat Politan Row as a regular lunch or dinner option, testing a new stall each visit.
• Use it as a Midtown hub: It works well as a starting point before heading to Piedmont Park, the High Museum of Art, the Fox Theatre, or other Midtown attractions.

Key Takeaways for Atlantans and Visitors

• Location: Central Midtown, at Colony Square (1197 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30361).
• Style: A modern food hall with multiple vendors, including Southern and soul food–inspired options.
• Best For: Groups with mixed tastes, casual lunches, after-work hangouts, and visitors wanting an easy introduction to Atlanta’s food scene.
• Access: Walkable from much of Midtown and close to Arts Center MARTA Station, with paid garage parking on-site.

For anyone living in, working in, or visiting Atlanta, Politan Row at Colony Square is a convenient way to experience Southern-influenced comfort food alongside a broad mix of other cuisines, all in the middle of one of the city’s busiest neighborhoods.