Woody’s Cheesesteaks and Sports Pub in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go
If you’re looking for a sports bar in Atlanta that also leans hard into cheesesteaks and comfort food, Woody’s Cheesesteaks and Sports Pub is likely to pop up on your radar. This guide breaks down what to expect, how it fits into Atlanta’s sports-bar scene, and how to decide if it’s the right spot for your next game watch, casual night out, or pregame bite.
Where Woody’s Fits into Atlanta’s Sports Bar Scene
Atlanta is full of sports bars, especially around Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and the Battery. Woody’s Cheesesteaks and Sports Pub fits the niche of:
- Neighborhood-style sports bar rather than a massive arena-style venue
- Food-forward, with cheesesteaks and bar bites at the center of the experience
- Game-watching friendly, with TVs and a pub setting
If you live in Atlanta or are visiting for a Braves, Falcons, Hawks, United, or college game, Woody’s is the kind of place people consider when they want:
- A casual atmosphere with a local feel
- Hearty food that goes beyond wings and fries
- A spot to catch a game without the full chaos of a mega-sports complex
Typical Atmosphere and Vibe
Most Atlanta sports bars fall into one of three buckets: high-energy party spots, family-friendly grills, or low-key neighborhood pubs. Woody’s Cheesesteaks and Sports Pub generally lands in the:
- Casual, laid-back pub category
- With a sports focus (games on TV, jerseys, and memorabilia are common in places like this)
- Often drawing locals, small groups of friends, and regulars
You can usually expect:
- Multiple TVs with national and local games on
- A bar area that’s more lively, with tables or booths that are a bit quieter
- Game-day crowds when the Falcons, Bulldogs, Braves, or big SEC matchups are on
If you’re sensitive to noise, big game days and evenings will likely be louder, as is typical for Atlanta sports bars.
Location, Getting There, and Parking
Woody’s Cheesesteaks and Sports Pub is positioned to be accessible to Atlanta residents and visitors. When planning your visit, consider:
1. Driving and Parking
Around Atlanta, sports bars can have very different parking situations depending on the neighborhood:
Intown locations (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park):
- Expect a mix of street parking, small lots, or shared parking with neighboring businesses.
- Some areas have metered or time-limited parking. Always check posted signs.
More suburban-style corridors (along larger roads or near strip centers):
- You’re more likely to find on-site parking lots or shared commercial parking.
If you’re planning to visit Woody’s on a weekend night or during a major game, it’s smart to:
- Arrive 15–30 minutes early to avoid parking stress
- Have a backup plan (street parking within a few blocks, or be prepared to walk a bit)
2. MARTA and Rideshare
For many Atlantans, especially when drinking is involved, using MARTA or rideshare is the default:
- MARTA rail plus a short walk or rideshare hop can be a practical choice if you’re staying near major stations like Midtown, North Avenue, Five Points, or Arts Center.
- Rideshare is often easier than circling for parking on busy game nights.
If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying in a central hotel, checking the bar’s distance from your hotel on a map before game day helps you decide whether to walk, take MARTA, or use rideshare.
Food Focus: Cheesesteaks and Pub Classics
As the name suggests, Woody’s Cheesesteaks and Sports Pub is built around cheesesteaks, with a typical mix of bar-friendly sides and snacks. While specific menus can change, Atlanta sports bar menus with this style usually include:
- Cheesesteaks (often with options like:
- Classic steak and cheese
- Variations with onions, peppers, mushrooms
- Sometimes chicken cheesesteaks for a lighter twist)
- Fries and tots (plain, loaded, or seasoned)
- Wings or tenders, if the bar leans more toward the traditional sports-bar experience
- Basic appetizers like mozzarella sticks, onion rings, or nachos
If you’re trying to decide whether to eat here or just grab drinks:
- Expect hearty, filling food—good for pregame or late-night, less so for a light, health-focused meal.
- Portions at Atlanta sports pubs tend to be generous, which works well if you’re sharing.
Drinks: What You’ll Typically Find
Most Atlanta sports bars, including pubs like Woody’s, tend to offer:
- Draft beer (rotating taps with domestic, some imports, and often a few local Georgia brews)
- Bottled or canned beer
- A basic selection of spirits and mixed drinks
- Sometimes a handful of simple cocktails
If you care about local beer, it’s worth asking staff if they carry options from:
- SweetWater Brewing Company
- Monday Night Brewing
- Creature Comforts (commonly found around Atlanta)
Sports bars like Woody’s typically skew more toward beer and simple mixed drinks than craft-cocktail programs.
Game-Day Experience at Woody’s
Atlanta is a sports-heavy city, and game days transform many bars. At Woody’s Cheesesteaks and Sports Pub, you can usually expect a few common patterns seen across local sports bars:
- Priority on big games: Falcons, Braves, Hawks, United, Georgia/Georgia Tech, and major national matchups
- Larger crowds and higher energy during playoffs or rivalry games
- Possible TV and audio focused on one or two main games, with other games muted
Tips for Game-Day Visits
- Arrive early for major games, especially on weekends
- If you’re with a group, call ahead to ask about:
- Whether they take call-ahead seating or reservations
- The best time to arrive to find a table
- If you care about one specific game, ask staff which TVs are dedicated to that league or team
Who Woody’s Cheesesteaks and Sports Pub Is Best For
This kind of Atlanta sports bar is usually a fit for:
- Locals looking for a regular hangout to watch games and grab casual food
- Visitors staying nearby who want a neighborhood bar instead of a tourist-heavy spot
- Small groups of friends looking for a relaxed spot to eat, drink, and watch sports
- People who prioritize cheesesteaks and comfort food over trendy cocktails or fine dining
It may be less ideal if you are:
- Looking for a quiet, low-noise environment during major games
- Focused on specialty cocktails or upscale dining
- Trying to have a formal business meeting or serious conversation during peak hours
Typical Hours and Best Times to Go
Sports pubs in Atlanta generally follow a few patterns:
- Open midday to late night, especially Wednesday–Sunday
- Busier evenings, particularly Thursday–Saturday
- Extra traffic on:
- NFL Sundays
- College football Saturdays (huge in Georgia)
- Playoff runs for Braves, Hawks, United, or big national events like the Super Bowl or NCAA tournaments
For a more relaxed experience:
- Try weekdays in the late afternoon or early evening
- Avoid major game nights if you don’t like crowds
For a high-energy sports atmosphere:
- Lean into Saturday afternoons, Sunday afternoons/evenings, or big weekday games
Quick Snapshot: What to Expect at Woody’s Cheesesteaks and Sports Pub
| Category | What You Can Generally Expect in Atlanta at a Place Like Woody’s |
|---|---|
| Type of Spot | Sports bar and neighborhood pub with a food focus |
| Signature Food | Cheesesteaks and bar-style comfort food |
| Vibe | Casual, game-focused, neighborly feel |
| Noise Level | Moderate; loud during big games |
| Dress Code | Casual (jerseys, T-shirts, and jeans are the norm) |
| Best For | Watching games, grabbing a casual bite, hanging with friends |
| Parking | Varies by location; commonly street or lot parking nearby |
| Transit Options | Often reachable by a mix of MARTA plus short walk or rideshare |
Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors
Here are a few Atlanta-specific pointers to make your visit smoother:
- Check the schedule: If you’re not a sports fan and want it quiet, look up major Atlanta or SEC game times before going.
- Plan your ride: On busy game days, Uber, Lyft, or MARTA can be more predictable than hunting for parking.
- Group meetups: For larger groups, it helps to call ahead to ask about seating, especially if your group wants to sit together for a big game.
- Food timing: During big events, food can take longer at any sports bar. If you’re on a schedule (for example, heading to State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium), build in some extra time.
How Woody’s Compares to Other Atlanta Sports Bar Options
Within Atlanta, Woody’s Cheesesteaks and Sports Pub tends to appeal to people who:
- Prefer a neighborhood pub over huge multi-level sports concepts
- Want cheesesteaks or hearty sandwiches as their main meal
- Are looking for a comfortable, low-frills, game-watching environment
If you’re staying or living nearby and want a reliable, casual sports bar with solid food and a focus on cheesesteaks, Woody’s is the kind of spot many Atlantans keep in their rotation for game days, casual evenings, and simple nights out.