The Definitive Food and Booze Guide to Atlanta
Explore my picks for Atlanta's food and drink, featuring top-notch breweries, bustling food halls, and irresistible barbecue that will leave your taste buds wanting more
Atlanta’s journey is deeply intertwined with the history of railroads, which laid the groundwork for the city’s early development and economic growth. Over time, this bustling southern hub transformed into a vibrant melting pot of cultures, reflecting a rich tapestry of traditions that feed into its culinary scene today. The city has gained recognition for its diverse food and beverage offerings, showcasing the fusion of flavors that define Atlanta’s identity. My many trips to Atlanta includes two iconic barbecue joints, celebrated for their mouthwatering smoked meats and time-honored recipes that keep locals and visitors coming back. Additionally, we’ll explore three remarkable food halls, each offering an array of dishes from various cuisines and tastes. To top off the experience, a visit to a Belgian brewery adds a unique twist, where you can savor rich, flavorful beers crafted in the spirit of European brewing traditions, making Atlanta a true feast for the senses. Whatever you choose from this guide, you will not go hungry!
Food Hall, Shops and Stay at Ponce City Market
I’ll never forget visiting here for the first time in the Fall of 2015 with friends when this place first opened, and I was blown away at the vision of repurposing a beautiful old brick factory building into something new and fresh. I truly love seeing beautiful old architecture restored and remastered for a new generation. Housed in a former Sears, Roebuck & Co. building, this bustling marketplace offers a unique mix of shops, eateries, and entertainment options. As you walk through the expansive space, you’ll encounter a variety of local vendors showcasing everything from artisanal crafts to gourmet food. The food hall is a highlight, featuring a diverse array of culinary options, where you can savor everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine. You can also stay here, as Ponce City Market offers options for both long term and short term stays. Don’t forget to check out the rooftop amusement park, which provides stunning views of the Atlanta skyline and a fun atmosphere for all ages. It’s not only a great place to grab a bite to eat or have a drink, it’s also a great place to stay for a while if you’re so inclined.
Ponce City Market is located on 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE in Atlanta, GA. It is also located along the Atlanta Beltline walkway. Open daily, check website for hours. No fee to visit, other than parking fees, and it is recommended to take mass transit if possible.
Enjoy Amazing BBQ at Fat Matt’s
I’ll never forget an experience I had where I had arrived around 7pm, and there was a line out of the door, which usually indicates how good the food is! You’ll notice it has that “shack” look to it, but don’t fooled, the food is awesome here. Fat Matt’s Rib Shack in Atlanta is a beloved spot known for its mouthwatering barbecue and vibrant atmosphere. This local gem offers a variety of delicious ribs, barbecue and sides. Live music can be heard here from local artists a few times a week as well.
Fat Matt’s Rib Shack is located at 1811 Piedmont Ave NE in Atlanta, GA. Check the website for hours, and musical guests. Most of all - COME HUNGRY!
Relax, Eat and Drink at the The Food Hall at Lee + White
This location is mostly a series of old factory buildings that have since been converted to a food hall with office space and shops. Monday Night Garage by Monday Night Brewing is the main attraction here, as many of their beers are “barrel-aged” along with more sour-type beers. The selection and beers are really good here. There’s also Wild Heaven and other breweries within walking distance. You’ll also discover a range of local eateries and food choices within this space, including burgers, pizza, hot dogs, Korean, Vietnamese, pasta, cocktail bars, a sake bar, and several breweries. It’s spacious enough with plenty of options to enjoy an afternoon or evening here, and on nice weather days - take advantage of the abundant outdoor seating, as it is incredibly peaceful.
The Food Hall at Lee + White is located at 929 Lee Street SW, 1070 White St SW #1000 in Atlanta, GA right along the Atlanta Beltline walkway. Open daily, so check the website for hours as it varies between the food hall and breweries.
Have More Good BBQ at Das BBQ!
Counter service barbecue restaurant offering a menu of hickory smoked meats, southern-style sides, beer and desserts. This is a terrific secondary option if Fat Matt’s is too busy or not in the vicinity.
Das BBQ has two locations within Atlanta, the West Midtown location is at 1203 Collier Rd NW in Atlanta, GA and the Grant Park (close to Downtown) location is at 350 Memorial Dr SE in Atlanta, GA. Both locations are open daily, check their website for hours.
Eat and Drink at Chattahoochee Food Works and Relax at TheWorksATL
Created by celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern and Robert Montwaid, the founder of New York’s Gansevoort Market, this spot on the upper west side of Atlanta is a prime example of that, and it’s also a fantastic place to explore. It seems to be a renovated old factory complex that now houses a huge food hall, apartments, offices, restaurants, breweries, and even a self-serve winery, among other establishments as part of a larger complex. During my travels, I usually set aside a “chill day” to visit breweries and unwind and I decided to stop by this location for some delicious food and drinks. I kicked things off at the food hall, where the selection was both overwhelming and tantalizing. From seafood to BBQ to street food from around the globe, the options were endless and there’s plenty of seating. Adjacent to the main food hall is TheWorksATL, a cool area featuring a dog park, social gaming space and numerous breweries, wineries and restaurants. When I was there, a local cover band was playing music on the lawn, creating a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere.
Chattahoochie Food Works and TheWorksATL is located at 1235 Chattahoochee Ave NW in Atlanta, GA and is open daily. Several events occur such as Farmers Markets and "Indie Markets" throughout the year. Parking is available on site for a fee, otherwise you can utilize Uber/Lyft, which is probably your best option - especially if you plan to do a little day drinking on site!
A Taste of Belgium at the Bold Monk Brewing Co
Vibrant Belgian-style brewery that features a fairly extensive menu that includes appetizers, salads, burgers, frites, mussels and pizza. And of course, you will find an extensive beer menu including Belgian beers (dubbels, tripels, etc), lagers, barrel-aged, IPA’s and stouts. Beer flights are also available for purchase, of which I had a flight myself and it was quite good!
Bold Monk Brewing Co is located right around the corner from Chattahoochie Food Works on 1737 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Suite D1 in Atlanta, GA. Open daily, check the website for the menu and hours.
Create Your Own Atlanta Food Adventure
Inspired to take your own food adventure? Here’s a list of food tours and classes you can book during your next visit to Atlanta:
Atlanta Beltline Food, Street Art, and History Walking Tour: Enjoy lunchtime dining at 6 locally owned award-winning restaurants, experiencing the best of Southern Food today. See Victorian Houses in Atlanta's first suburb and iconic murals along the Eastside Trail.
Atlanta Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour: Taste the best of Atlanta’s street food without the streets, or the humidity, in Atlanta's largest food hall—Ponce City Market. Enjoy a filling lunch over 5 restaurants at this trendy hotspot which lies adjacent to outdoor murals on the Eastside trail.
Atlanta Historic Market Food Tour and Biscuit Cooking Class: Enjoy the ultimate food and history experience with a tour of Atlanta's historic Municipal Market. Savor delicious food tastings and learn how to make the perfect Southern biscuit in a hands-on class.
Midtown Atlanta Food Tour with 6 Tastings of Southern Flavors: On our Secret Food Tour: Atlanta, you’ll discover a city of the future with strong ties to its past. Our experienced guides will welcome you on a delicious journey through the capital of the South, where you’ll see firsthand why we’re known for being the epitome of true Southern hospitality. After all, this is the home of Coca-Cola, the Braves, and some of the best darn food you’ll ever put in your mouth! Seriously, our cuisine feels like a warm hug for the soul (that’s why we call it soul food!) and we cannot wait to share it with you. From down south specialties like chicken and waffles to international delights like yucca fries, we’ve got a little something for everyone. So, come on in, set a spell, and get ready to dig in while we share some stories of “The City Too Busy To Hate.”
Atlanta Brew Bus Tour: Sample Atlanta’s best beers on a half-day brewery bus tour to three unique breweries. Enjoy tastings at each location, starting with a private tour and guided tasting at SweetWater Brewing. Get an insider’s take on Georgia’s vibrant craft brewing culture, and hear about the hops, malts, and brewers behind each sip. Take in the breweries stress-free and with a fun group of fellow beer lovers while exploring the beers of the ATL from the comfort of a chauffeured, air-conditioned bus.