Cheat Sheet: Best Places to Eat Around Atlanta’s Convention Center
Published March 31, 2023
Last Updated September 12, 2023
With all the nuances of attending an event, sometimes the basic things get overlooked — like eating. Fret not. Here is a cheat sheet of a few restaurants not far from Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. Most are within walking distance or they are a short Uber ride away. There’s plenty of variety nearby (and throughout the city) to fuel you for your next round of meetings.
Restaurants Within Walking Distance of Georgia World Congress Center
Der Biergarten
Attendees can kick back after a long day of meetings at the outdoor beer garden. Paired with hearty German food, it’s a perfect way to unwind.
Where: 300 Marietta St. NW
Dos Bocas
Overlooking Centennial Olympic Park, Dos Bocas will satisfy your craving for Cajun or Tex Mex.
Where: 275 Baker St. NW
Hudson Grille
This popular sports bar serves up plenty of beer to go with just about any game you want to watch. Bonus: There’s a really big patio.
Where: 120 Marietta St. NW
Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria
New York-style pizza made to order sound good? This place is for you.
Where: 300 Marietta St. NW
McCormick & Schmick’s
Stop here for fresh fish, aged steaks, poultry, entree salads and pasta.
Where: 190 Marietta St. NW
Park Bar
At Park Bar, start with Savannah Spuds or Southwest egg rolls before moving on to a New York strip steak, Chattahoochee chicken or grilled mahi mahi. There are salads or you may build your own burger. The ice cream sandwich cake will have you feeling content and ready to get back to work.
Where: 150 Walton St.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
This should be on your list if you like custom-aged, USDA prime steaks served with the signature sizzle, and an award-winning wine list.
Where: 267 Marietta St. NW inside Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park
Top Draft
Inside Omni Atlanta Hotel, Top Draft offers a sophisticated sports bar and dining experience with views of Centennial Olympic Park from the expansive terrace. Guests can enjoy an extensive list of beers and wines on tap and top-shelf cocktails. The menu features elevated bar fare such as house-made pork rinds, steak chili and butter-poached lobster fries. Other restaurants inside the Omni are New South Kitchen, a good spot for breakfast and lunch, and Centennial Grounds, a coffee bar where you can also get pastries and sandwiches.
Wyndham-Margaritaville Atlanta Centennial Park
No surprise, appetizers at Wyndham-Margaritaville Atlanta Centennial Park include a Key West chicken quesadilla. Chicken also is included in two of the salad choices — Southwest chicken salad and chicken Caesar. Among entrees are fish and chips, fish tacos and crab cakes. Meat lovers might choose the New York strip steak or the ribs. Of course, it IS Margaritaville, so the menu offers Burgers in Paradise. For dessert — what else — key lime pie.
Where: 155 Centennial Olympic Park Drive
Waffle House
This Southern staple is a must-have when visiting Atlanta for the first time, and especially for those looking to satisfy late-night cravings. With 24-hour food service, dining at Waffle House is most enjoyable when ordering the all-star breakfast special, smothered and covered hash browns or the irresistible Texas patty melt.
Where: 300 Marietta St NW
Restaurants a Few Blocks Away from Georgia World Congress Center
Ray’s in the City
Head to Ray’s for seafood, made-to-order steaks and fresh sushi.
Where: 240 Peachtree St.
Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View
Go up, up, up to the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city as you dine. Reservations required.
Where: 210 Peachtree St NW.
Ted’s Montana Grill
Everything is fresh, made from scratch at this American grill founded by Atlanta media mogul Ted Turner and restaurateur George McKerrow. It’s an iconic Atlanta place to dine.
Where: 133 Luckie St NW
Thrive Restaurant
You can get salad, soup, sushi, a sandwich, steak and seafood here. Pair your choice with wine, beer or sake.
Where: 101 Marietta St NW
Wyndham-Margaritaville Atlanta Centennial Park
No surprise, appetizers at Wyndham-Margaritaville Atlanta Centennial Park include a Key West chicken quesadilla. Chicken also is included in two of the salad choices — Southwest chicken salad and chicken Caesar. Among entrees are fish and chips, fish tacos and crab cakes. Meat lovers might choose the New York strip steak or the ribs. Of course, it IS Margaritaville, so the menu offers Burgers in Paradise. For dessert — what else — key lime pie.
Where: 155 Centennial Olympic Park Drive
Castleberry Hill
Castleberry Hill is a hip neighborhood offering a touch of Atlanta’s rich culture and only a short, 10-minute walk from Georgia World Congress Center. Here are some restaurants in Castleberry Hill:
Bottle Rocket
A cheeky sense of humor runs throughout this sushi spot. Craft cocktails and local beers help bolster the community feel. Bottle Rocket is on Walker Street SW.
Where: 180 Walker St SW
Match Bar & Oven
Polynesian treats and tiki drinks are abundant at this festive bar. It is the perfect place to kick back and relax after a day of meetings. It is located on Walker Street.
Where: 199 Walker St SW
No Mas! Cantina
Located just four blocks from the convention campus, No Mas! is the place to enjoy delicious Mexican fare in a delightful atmosphere created with artisan-crafted décor. With a 50-foot travertine bar, expansive outdoor patio and hand-blown glass light fixtures, No Mas! is a great choice for enjoying a margarita or two before heading to the game. This restaurant is operating at a limited capacity in order to respect social distancing guidelines.
Where: 180 Walker St SW Ste B
Paschal’s Restaurant
Steeped in tradition, Paschal’s was a popular gathering spot for civil rights leaders to meet and discuss the issues of the day over a plate of fried chicken. The chicken is still frying.
Where: 180 Northside Dr SW
Discover Our Neighborhood Dining Scene
If you’re game for venturing further out to experience the rest of Atlanta’s vibrant neighborhoods, start with our neighborhood dining guide. From Downtown to Midtown, to Buckhead and beyond, you’ll come away with a memorable only-in-ATL dining experience.
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