CNN Center Food Court in Atlanta: What’s There Now and Where to Eat Nearby

For many years, the CNN Center food court was a go-to spot in downtown Atlanta for quick bites before a game, a concert, or a tour. If you’re searching for it now, you’re probably wondering whether it still exists and where to eat instead when you’re near State Farm Arena, the Georgia World Congress Center, or the College Football Hall of Fame.

Here’s how the CNN Center has changed, what that means for food options, and the best nearby places to grab a meal in the same area.

Is the CNN Center Food Court Still Open?

The short answer: the traditional CNN Center food court, as many Atlantans remember it, is no longer operating in the same way.

The CNN Center property has been going through major changes:

• CNN’s operations have largely moved out of the building.
• Much of the indoor retail and food court area has closed or been reconfigured.
• Visitors who remember the large, open food court with multiple chain restaurants will not find the same setup today.

Because of ongoing redevelopment and tenant changes, any remaining food options inside the CNN Center building can be limited and subject to change. If you’re planning a visit, it’s best to not rely on the former CNN Center food court as your primary dining plan.

Instead, think of the CNN Center area as a central landmark and use it as a reference point to access the many food options within a 5–10 minute walk.

Where Exactly Is CNN Center in Atlanta?

Even though the food court has changed, the location is still helpful to know, especially if you’re attending an event nearby.

CNN Center (building location)
190 Marietta St NW
Atlanta, GA 30303

Key nearby attractions:

• State Farm Arena – directly connected via internal walkways and outdoor access
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – about a 5–10 minute walk
• Georgia World Congress Center – adjacent
• Centennial Olympic Park – across the street
• College Football Hall of Fame, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium – within a short walk

When people reference the “CNN Center food court,” they’re usually talking about a central dining hub in this cluster of attractions. Today, the better approach is to look at downtown dining around CNN Center rather than expecting a single large food court inside the building.

Best Food Options Near CNN Center Today

If you used to rely on the CNN Center food court between events, you now have a few main choices:

1. Restaurants inside State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium (event days)
2. Stand-alone restaurants in the Centennial Olympic Park / Georgia Aquarium area
3. Fast-casual and quick-service spots within a short walk
4. Hotel restaurants and bars nearby

1. Event-Day Dining: Inside State Farm Arena & Mercedes-Benz Stadium

If you’re going to a Hawks game, concert, or Falcons/Atlanta United match, it’s common now to eat inside the venue rather than searching for the old CNN food court.

You’ll typically find:

• Arena/stadium concessions – burgers, chicken tenders, pizza, nachos, and local-inspired options
• Grab-and-go stands – quick snacks, drinks, and pre-packaged items
• Club and premium areas – if your ticket includes access, there are upgraded food and drink options

These food options are only available during events and can be more expensive than neighborhood restaurants, but they are extremely convenient if you’re short on time.

📝 Tip: If you want to avoid higher-priced arena food, plan a sit-down or quick-service meal within a 5–10 minute walk of CNN Center at least an hour before your event.

2. Quick Bites Within Walking Distance of CNN Center

Within a few blocks of CNN Center, downtown Atlanta offers a mix of national chains and local spots that function as an informal “replacement” for the former food court.

Common types of places you’ll find:

• Fast-casual chains – sandwiches, salads, burritos, burgers
• Coffee shops and cafés – light breakfasts, pastries, and drinks
• Casual counter-service restaurants – Mediterranean, Asian, or Southern-inspired fare

These are popular with:

• Convention attendees at Georgia World Congress Center
• Families visiting Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca-Cola, and the Aquarium
• Office workers in downtown high-rises during weekdays

Hours can be more limited on evenings and weekends, especially for spots that mainly serve office workers, so it’s wise to:

• Aim for lunch or early dinner downtown.
• Check whether a place is mostly weekday-lunch focused if you’re planning a late-night bite.

3. Sit-Down Restaurants Close to CNN Center

If you’re looking for something more substantial than a food court-style meal, consider nearby sit-down restaurants. Within a 10–15 minute walk of CNN Center, you’ll typically find:

• Casual American grills – burgers, salads, sandwiches, wings
• Sports bars – popular on game days
• Hotel restaurants – often more reliable in off-hours or on Sundays
• A handful of regional or local chains with full menus

These are good options if:

• You’re meeting a group before a game or concert.
• You want air conditioning and a guaranteed seat instead of arena concourses.
• You’re staying in a downtown hotel and want to walk.

📝 Tip: On big event nights (Hawks, Falcons, major concerts), downtown restaurants near CNN Center can get crowded. Arriving 60–90 minutes before your event makes it much easier to get seated without a long wait.

4. Hotel Dining Around CNN Center

Several hotels cluster around CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Georgia World Congress Center. Their lobbies often include cafés, lounges, or restaurants that are open to the public.

Common features:

• Breakfast buffets or à la carte menus in the morning
• Casual bar menus in the afternoon and evening
• More consistent hours than office-heavy lunch spots nearby

Hotels near CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park typically offer:

• Grab-and-go markets (snacks, drinks, pre-packaged meals)
• Sit-down hotel restaurants with American-style menus
• Lobby bars with appetizers and shareable plates

If you’re struggling to find an open spot late at night or on a Sunday, hotel dining can be one of your most reliable options in this part of downtown.

Using CNN Center as a Hub: What to Expect Today

Even without the original food court, the CNN Center area still functions as a food and activity hub for downtown events. The experience just works differently now.

What’s Gone vs. What’s Available

For residents:
If you used to cut through CNN Center for a quick bite before MARTA or a game, you’ll now need to plan for a specific restaurant or café instead of assuming the food court is an option.

For visitors:
Think of CNN Center as a landmark, not a guaranteed dining destination. Look at:

• Restaurants around Centennial Olympic Park
• Food options inside your hotel or nearby hotels
• Event venue concessions at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Practical Tips for Eating Near the Old CNN Center Food Court

To make your time downtown smoother, especially if you’re used to the former food court setup, keep these points in mind:

1. Plan Based on Your Schedule

• Before events: Eat at least one hour before tipoff or kickoff if you’re leaving the immediate area (more time if it’s a major event).
• Between attractions: If you’re visiting Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the College Football Hall of Fame in one day, look for midday lunch nearby rather than waiting until evening when some spots may close.

2. Weekday vs. Weekend Expectations

• Weekdays: More options open during lunch, especially places that serve office workers.
• Evenings & weekends: The mix shifts toward hotel restaurants, bar-and-grill spots, and venue concessions.

If you remember the old CNN Center food court being crowded on a random Tuesday, that activity has largely moved into surrounding blocks and venues.

3. Budget Considerations

Without a central food court, you’ll see a wider range of prices:

• Stadium/arena food – usually the most expensive per item
• Casual chains/fast-casual – mid-range pricing
• Hotel and sit-down restaurants – can range from moderate to higher-end

To keep costs under control:

• Look for fast-casual or café-style spots within a 10-minute walk.
• Consider eating a bigger meal earlier and just snacking at the event.

How Locals Now Use the CNN Center Area for Food

Many Atlantans who once treated CNN Center as a built-in food court have adjusted in a few ways:

• Pre-game meetups have shifted to sports bars and casual restaurants near the stadiums or along Marietta St NW.
• Families visiting attractions often plan a midday lunch near the Aquarium or park rather than counting on the old food court.
• Convention visitors tend to rely more on hotel restaurants or spots along major streets like Marietta Street and Andrew Young International Boulevard.

If you’re trying to recreate that “everything in one place” feel, the closest modern equivalent is to:

1. Pick a central restaurant near Centennial Olympic Park or your hotel.
2. Use that as your base before walking to State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or nearby attractions.

In summary, the CNN Center food court as a single, centralized dining hall is no longer a reliable option in downtown Atlanta. The building’s role has shifted, but the surrounding area still offers plenty of food choices within an easy walk of State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Centennial Olympic Park.

If you plan ahead and choose a specific restaurant or venue, you can still enjoy convenient meals in the same part of downtown where the CNN Center food court once anchored the scene.