Local’s Guide to Atlanta’s Hip Westside

By Beth Clark

Published July 21, 2016
Last Updated September 18, 2020

Over the past decade, Atlanta’s Westside has really come into its own, reinventing itself from an industrial area to a hip, spacious and distinctly modern culture. From Westside Provisions to Atlantic Station, old buildings and businesses in West Midtown are getting a makeover and new life. Here are a few favorite Westside spots:

Eat:

• Amélie’s French Bakery: If you go bananas for baked goods, Amélie’s has everything you need from brownies to baguettes.
• Antico: This Atlanta favorite is a staple for fans of delicious pizza and a fun atmosphere. 
• Bacchanalia: One of Atlanta’s most celebrated restaurants featuring contemporary seasonal American cuisine with masterful preparation and presentation.
• Bartaco: With a tagline like “tacos + tequila,” this place is leaving a trail of happy bellies at its multiple nautical-themed locations popping up all over Atlanta. 
• JCT Kitchen: Upscale-yet-casual dining experience with a Southern farmstead style of cooking. 
• Marcel: A first-rate steak house and bar by chef Ford Fry; great date night spot. 
• Nuevo Laredo Cantina: Voted the Best of Atlanta every year since 1992. 
• Octane Coffee: The definition of Atlanta’s hip coffee scene, with a friendly staff that’s passionate about serving up great coffee drinks. Great for morning caffeination or meeting up after work.
   
• The Optimist: Known as “The Hamptons Meets The South” with a sustainable seafood selection and tasty cocktails.
• Pauley’s Crepe Bar: A new addition to the Westside, featuring sweet and savory crepes and accompanying cocktails.
• West Egg: Serving heaping platefuls of Southern comfort food, with a popular Sunday brunch. 

Enjoy:

• Goat Farm Arts Center: Off-the-beaten-path arts space that regularly hosts theater and music shows, markets and other events.
• King Plow Arts Center: Versatile arts and events space popular for weddings and parties.  
• Ormsby’s: A modern-day “Cheers,” Ormsby’s is a place to relax, have fun and play a game or two, like bocce, shuffleboard or darts.
• Terminal West: Excellent music venue that attracts worldwide musical acts. 
   
• TopGolf: Work on your golf swing while enjoying a full menu and bar. Arrive early, especially on the weekends. 
   
• Washington Park: a 20-acre green space at the northern end of the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail.
  

Interesting:

• Much of Atlanta’s industrial and Civil War history transpired in West Midtown. Several buildings still in use today are located next to the historic Norfolk Southern rail lines General Sherman used when he captured Atlanta in 1864.
• West Midtown has also become a popular location for the offices of tech companies, including the Atlanta offices of Facebook and Scoutmob.
• Shop all things textiles and furniture at specialty shops like Lewis + Sheron, Kings Home Furnishing & Design Center, Westside Market Antiques & Interiors, and Room & Board.
• Connect with art at the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center and tour local galleries like the Saltworks Gallery, Sandler Hudson Gallery, Jennifer Schwartz Gallery and the Emily Amy Gallery during the Westside Arts District Art Walk.

New:

• Atlanta continues to make a name for itself in the craft beer industry, and several breweries are located on the Westside, including Red Brick Brewery, Second Self Beer Company, Hop City Craft Beer & Wine, Monday Night Brewing and 5 Seasons Brewery.

Beth Clark is a writer and foodie who loves to roam around Atlanta, uncovering the city’s quirky, glam, upscale and down-home character. Curiosity is her compass, and you’ll find her writing on www.thecitydweller.me.