ParkGrounds in Atlanta: A Neighborhood Coffee Shop, Dog Park, and Hangout in One

If you spend any time in Reynoldstown, you’ve probably heard about ParkGrounds—a laid-back coffee shop with its own fenced dog park that has become a neighborhood staple. For locals, it’s a go-to spot to work, meet friends, or grab a bite with the dog in tow. For visitors, it’s a very “Atlanta” experience: casual, pet-friendly, and tucked just off the BeltLine.

This guide walks through what ParkGrounds is, what to expect when you visit, and how it fits into Atlanta’s broader “things to do” and attractions scene.

What Is ParkGrounds?

ParkGrounds is a combination:

• Coffee shop and café
• Casual bar and brunch spot
• Fenced off-leash dog park for customers

Located in Reynoldstown on Atlanta’s east side, it feels more like a neighborhood backyard than a traditional café. Inside you’ll find coffee, breakfast and lunch options, and an easygoing crowd. Outside, you’ll see picnic tables, shaded seating, and a separate fenced space where dogs can run around while their owners eat and relax.

It’s best thought of as:

• A place to bring your dog and hang out
• A remote work or study spot (especially in the mornings and weekdays)
• A casual weekend brunch and day-drinks kind of place
• A low-key meetup point near the BeltLine and eastside neighborhoods

Where ParkGrounds Fits Among Atlanta Attractions

Atlanta has big-name attractions—like the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, and the BeltLine—but ParkGrounds is more of a local lifestyle attraction:

• For dog owners, it’s like a mini destination where you can eat and let your dog play without driving out to a large dog park.
• For visitors staying nearby (Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, East Atlanta, Grant Park), it’s an easy way to experience a more neighborhood-based side of the city.
• For remote workers and students, it’s part of Atlanta’s growing scene of work-friendly cafés with outdoor spaces.

If you’re planning a day of exploring, ParkGrounds pairs well with:

• A walk or bike ride on the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Exploring Reynoldstown, Cabbagetown, or Inman Park
• Visiting nearby street art walls and small local shops

Location, Parking, and Getting There

Neighborhood: Reynoldstown (east Atlanta, just south of Inman Park and right off the BeltLine corridor)

ParkGrounds is tucked into a residential area, so it has more of a “hidden gem” vibe than a major tourist attraction.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

• From Downtown/Midtown:
  A quick drive via I-20 or surface streets like Dekalb Avenue; typically 10–20 minutes depending on traffic.
• From the BeltLine:
  Many people bike or walk from the Eastside Trail using connecting neighborhood streets.
• By MARTA:
  The closest rail station is usually Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station. From there, it’s a short drive, bike ride, or longer walk through the neighborhood.

Parking

Parking is usually street-based around the café:

• Expect neighborhood street parking on nearby side streets.
• Pay attention to any resident-only or time-limited parking signs.
• Weekday mornings are typically calmer; weekend brunch hours can be busier.

If you’re visiting Atlanta and using a rideshare service, getting dropped off right out front is generally the easiest option.

What to Expect: Atmosphere and Crowd

ParkGrounds is known for its casual, unpretentious atmosphere:

• Mornings and weekdays:
  More laptops, remote workers, dog owners starting their day, and people grabbing breakfast or coffee.
• Evenings and weekends:
  More social—friends meeting up, people hanging out after a BeltLine walk, and pet owners using the dog park.

Common themes you’ll notice:

• A friendly, neighborhood feel with regulars.
• Mix of students, young professionals, and local residents.
• Dogs are very common, especially outdoors, but you’ll also see people without pets who come for the food, drinks, and chill environment.

Food, Coffee, and Drinks

While menus can change over time, ParkGrounds is generally known for:

Coffee and Café Drinks

• Espresso drinks, drip coffee, iced coffee, and cold brew
• Teas and non-coffee options
• Usually options for non-dairy milk and simple flavor add-ins

This makes it a solid “first stop” café for people heading out onto the BeltLine or settling in to work for a few hours.

Food Options

ParkGrounds typically offers:

• Breakfast items such as sandwiches, bagels, or simple plates
• Brunch-style dishes on busier days
• Lunch options, often including sandwiches, wraps, and quick bites

The food is casual and designed to be easy to eat outdoors or at your table while you work.

Alcoholic Beverages

Part of ParkGrounds’ appeal is that it serves beer and other adult beverages, making it a natural place to:

• Grab a drink with friends after a dog park session
• Relax outdoors with a beer on weekends
• Combine casual dining with a bar-style atmosphere

If you’re planning to drink, bring valid ID as you would at any other bar or restaurant in Atlanta.

The Dog Park: How It Works and What to Know

The fenced dog park area is what makes ParkGrounds stand out among Atlanta attractions.

Basic Setup

• Fenced, off-leash area behind or adjacent to the café
• Dog owners can sit inside the park or nearby while their dogs play
• Usually a mix of regulars and new visitors with dogs of different sizes and breeds

Common Expectations and Etiquette 🐶

To keep things safe and pleasant:

• Dogs should be friendly and social enough for an off-leash environment.
• Owners are expected to stay attentive to their dog, not just drop them off and leave.
• Clean up after your dog using provided bags or your own.
• Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccines and parasite prevention, as with any public dog area.
• If your dog is nervous, reactive, or easily overwhelmed, consider starting with quieter times (weekday mornings or off-peak hours).

ParkGrounds is not a formal city-run dog park, but it functions in a similar way to many private or semi-private dog spaces in Atlanta.

Is ParkGrounds Family-Friendly?

Families with children do visit, but ParkGrounds is primarily oriented toward adults and dog owners.

Things to keep in mind if you’re visiting with kids:

• The outdoor area often has off-leash dogs, so children should be comfortable around pets.
• Parents typically keep kids near their own table and avoid letting them run unsupervised into the dog area.
• Mornings and daytime hours are usually more low-key than later evenings.

If you want a place where kids can run around more freely, Atlanta’s public parks—like Grant Park, Piedmont Park, or Historic Fourth Ward Park—may be a better match, and you can still visit ParkGrounds afterward for coffee or food.

Working or Studying at ParkGrounds

ParkGrounds is a popular choice for remote workers, freelancers, and students in Atlanta who want a spot that’s less formal than an office but still functional.

Why Locals Use It as a Work Spot

• Indoor and outdoor seating, useful in good weather
• Access to coffee, food, and drinks throughout the day
• A generally laid-back noise level, especially on weekdays

Expect typical café-style work conditions:

• Limited seating during peak hours
• Power outlet availability can vary by table
• A mix of people working quietly and others socializing

If you’re planning a longer work session:

• Aim for weekday mornings for the most predictable environment.
• Be prepared to share tables or adjust seats as the crowd shifts.
• Bring headphones if you need more focus, especially later in the day.

When to Visit ParkGrounds

Different times of day offer different experiences:

If you’re visiting Atlanta and only have one chance to go, late morning to mid-afternoon on a weekend gives you the fullest sense of its neighborhood energy—just be ready for a bit more crowd.

How ParkGrounds Compares to Other Atlanta “Things to Do”

Within Atlanta’s “Things to Do” → “Attractions” scene, ParkGrounds sits in a unique niche:

• Unlike major attractions, it’s not about tickets, lines, or exhibits—this is about experiencing local daily life.
• Unlike standard dog parks, you can enjoy a full meal, coffee, or a drink while your dog plays.
• Unlike typical cafés, the dog park and social outdoor space make it feel more like a community hub.

It pairs well with:

• A BeltLine walk from Old Fourth Ward or Inman Park
• Exploring street art in Cabbagetown and Reynoldstown
• Visiting Krog Street Market or nearby retail areas before or after

If you’re building an Atlanta itinerary, consider ParkGrounds as a half-day anchor: breakfast or lunch, an hour or two of relaxing or working, then a walk or ride to other eastside attractions.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

A few quick pointers to make your time at ParkGrounds smoother:

• Check current hours before you go; café and bar hours can change seasonally or over time.
• If you’re bringing a dog:
  • Bring a leash, collar with tags, and waste bags.
  • Visit during less busy times if your dog is new to off-leash play.
• For work or study:
  • Bring a charged laptop and headphones.
  • Plan for limited seating at peak brunch and weekend times.
• For out-of-towners:
  • Use a map app to confirm the best route into Reynoldstown from your hotel or rental.
  • If you’re exploring without a car, combine ParkGrounds with nearby BeltLine and neighborhood walks.

ParkGrounds is not the kind of attraction that will show up on every tourist brochure, but for many people in Atlanta, it’s exactly the kind of place that makes the city feel livable—dog-friendly, relaxed, and rooted in its neighborhoods. Whether you live here or you’re just in town for a few days, it’s worth a visit if you want to see how Atlantans actually spend their time between the big-name sights.