Most Affordable and Family-Friendly Group Dining Options in Atlanta

By Carol Carter

Published April 6, 2023
Last Updated September 12, 2023

With the Georgia World Congress Center being the nation’s third largest convention center, Atlanta restaurateurs are accustomed to accommodating large groups. It’s no surprise that the convention center attracts a myriad of youth groups to Atlanta. The city’s lively and varied restaurant scene is full of kid-friendly (and group friendly) places to eat. Check our list below to find a place for your group of hungry kids and teenagers to dine.

Almafi Pizza

Open daily for lunch & dinner, Amalfi Pizza is a traditional Neapolitan pizzeria centered around two 6,000-pound Italian wood-burning brick ovens. Named one of the Best Pizzas in America’s Biggest Cities by Food Network, the authentic Italian menu includes Neapolitan-style pizzas as well as authentic appetizers, fresh salads, traditional pasta dishes and original desserts.

Where: 17 Andrew Young International Blvd NE

Big Kahuna

Set up to handle large groups, Big Kahuna is located close to the Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park as well as several popular Downtown hotels. The menu features a variety of hamburgers, tacos, wings and finger food. Prices range from around $12 for a salad to $16 for two tacos or a burger.

Where: 303 Peachtree Center Ave.

Bowlero

Located at Atlantic Station, Bowlero offers bowling and arcade plus food. The staff is happy to arrange group events that include, perhaps, black light bowling along with plenty to eat. Menu options include burgers, wings, fries, pizza, chicken sandwiches and pretzel dippers.

Where: Atlantic Station, 261 Nineteenth St. NW

Dos Bocas

Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park and World of Coca-Cola, Dos Bocas is home to a semi-private dining room that can handle as many as 20 people. The entire restaurant can be reserved for up to 350 people. Offering a taste of Texas and a taste of Louisiana, Dos Bocas’ menu choices range from po’ boys ($18) to tacos ($16). Cajun fried catfish and the burrito de birria both are priced at $18.

Where: 275 Baker St. NW    

Chattahoochee Food Works at The Works

One of Atlanta’s newest food halls located in the Upper Westside along Chattahoochee Avenue was co-founded by celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern. Chattahoochee Food Works is home to restaurants including Mozza Bella Italian Eatery, Delilah’s Everyday Soul, Hippie Hibachi, Cubanos ATL and Philly G Steaks plus plenty more. Members of your group can spread out and pick whatever they prefer.

Where: 1235 Chattahoochee Ave. NW

Chick-fil-A

One of Atlanta’s most popular attractions is the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. It’s no surprise then that there is a Chick-fil-A located at the Hall of Fame. On the menu are perennial favorites such as the original chicken sandwich and the seasonal peach milkshake. Let your group chow down before or after touring the College Football Hall of Fame. They can choose their favorite college team at check-in and thus ensure they won’t miss a thing pertaining to that team. There is another Chick-fil-A right downtown at The Hub inside Peachtree Center. Your group can get the same original chicken sandwich and other standard Chick-fil-A menu choices plus there is room for your group to circulate and stretch their legs inside Peachtree Center. Find one more Downtown Chick-fil-A at CNN Center.

Where: At the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, 250 Marietta St. NW; inside The Hub at Peachtree Center, 225 Peachtree St. NE; and inside CNN Center at 190 Marietta St. NW.

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken serves fresh, never-frozen, natural, hormone-free chicken and fries it up in peanut oil. Gus’s location at the Mall inside Peachtree Center means that kids can eat then walk around the mall and, perhaps, do a little shopping. They can get chicken by the piece or a plate that comes with baked beans, slaw and bread. Kids 12 and younger can get a main dish such as grilled cheese, hot dog or chicken, all of which come with fries or mac & cheese plus a drink.

Where: 231 Peachtree St. NE

Hard Rock Cafe

Find Hard Rock Cafe right on Peachtree Street next to Peachtree Center. When it comes to groups, Hard Rock Cafe promises to work with any idea your group suggests in the way of themes. Burgers are a staple, and there also are sandwiches, salads and bowls. Oh, and the atmosphere is so much fun.

Where: 215 Peachtree St. NE

Hsu’s

Happy to accommodate groups ranging in size from 6 to 65, Hsu’s lunch offerings include spring rolls (two for $6.95), dumplings (4 for $7.95), soups ($3.95) and, of course, entrees, which are priced at $15 for spicy basil chicken and spicy basil beef, to name but two. Dinner choices, a bit pricier, include appetizers (fried chicken dumplings, beef satay), soups (wonton, hot and sour), and entrees (curry chicken, pork medallion).       

Where: 182 Peachtree Center Ave., inside Peachtree Center

The Hub at Peachtree Center

With more than 50 restaurants, shops and services in the heart of Downtown ATL, The Hub at Peachtree Center is a great location for affordable dining for large groups. No matter what cuisine you are craving, you’ll find it at the The Hub at Peachtree Center.

Where: 225 Peachtree St NE

Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville

The new Wyndham Margaritaville Centennial Park is open. As with other Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville locations, the Atlanta restaurant welcomes groups. Menu options include, natch, Burgers in Paradise, ($15 range);  a variety of sandwiches ($15 range) and salads ($14 to $17).

Where: 155 Centennial Olympic Park Drive

Johnny Rockets

Who doesn’t love a classic cheeseburger and fries? You can’t not try “The Original Hamburger” at Johnny Rockets. This iconic Americana restaurant takes you back in time to a ‘50s’ style diner in an upbeat atmosphere of relaxed and casual fun. Order a side of the homestyle chili cheese tots and crunchy onion rings or try the new vegan shakes and plant-based burgers for non-meat lovers.

Where: 280 Luckie St. NW

Krog Street Market

Krog Street Market is one of Atlanta’s popular food halls located just a mile east of Downtown on the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail. Restaurant choices include Fred’s Meat & Bread, Gu’s Dumplings, Jai Ho Indian Kitchen and Bar, and Soul Food & Culture, to name just a few. Members of your group can spread out and order from various choices.

Where: 99 Krog St. NE

Mary Mac’s Tea Room

If it’s Southern cooking your group craves, look no further than Mary Mac’s, an Atlanta institution since 1945. Entrees range from chicken livers ($12.99) to cube steak ($15.25) and four pieces of fried chicken ($16.99). Dining rooms for groups can handle from 20 to 200 people. Whatever you decide, be sure to order cinnamon rolls. 

Where: 224 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE  

Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria

Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria is available for private buyouts for large parties and offers pizza-making classes as part of your event. Max’s menu includes appetizers such as chicken wings ($15) and garlic flatbread ($5). Kids can build their own pizza at a starting price of $12 plus $2 for each add-on. Plus there are specialty pies and salads.

Where: 300 Marietta St. NW

Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery

Come taste all of the unique flavors at Georgia’s oldest brewery restaurant, Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery. From wood-fired steaks, seafood, burgers, ribs and pizza to signature salads and desserts, Max Lager’s has everything you need for a memorable and delicious dining experience. Be sure to try one of the award-winning fresh-brewed beers while you enjoy the view from the garden patio. 

Where: 320 Peachtree St. NE

Meehan’s Public House

Looking to “chillax?” Visit Meehan’s Public House for the ideal laid-back dining experience. Try the fried pickles and deviled eggs. Opt for jumbo pretzels with queso and Guinness mustard aioli or go all out with classic Irish bangers and mash. Whether you come with friends or family, Meehan’s has a wide range of shareable dishes.

Where: 200 Peachtree St.

Mellow Mushroom

Mellow Mushroom, founded in Atlanta, has several locations, including the Downtown location on West Peachtree Street. A private room can handle 14 people while the upstairs dining room is suitable for 60 people. Mellow Mushroom is known for its pizza, but there’s plenty more: salads, calzones, hoagies, sandwiches and burgers. There are vegan options and gluten-free pizza choices, too.    

Where: 400 West Peachtree St.

No Mas! Cantina

Serving Mexican food in Atlanta’s Castleberry Hill district, No Mas’ Cantina is set up to handle groups. Large party menu options include, among other items, parrillada buffet (steak and chicken fajitas, camarones brochette and costillas); street taco buffet; and fajita buffet.

Where: 180 Walker St. SW

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.

Politan Row at Colony Square

Politan Row at Colony Square food hall offers 11 different food options plus space for a private event. It is located in the heart of Midtown, just across the street from Woodruff Arts Center, home of the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the High Museum of Art. Politan Row is one of Atlanta’s newer food halls. It joins the growing list of these popular spots.

Where: 1197 Peachtree St. NE

Ponce City Market

The Central Food Hall in Ponce City Market, the fully renovated former Sears & Roebuck building located just off the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail in the Old Fourth Ward, is where to find Pizza Jeans, H&F Burger, Vietvana (pho noodle house), Ton Ton ramen and yakitori, and Hop’s Chicken – just for starters. Members of your group can wander around and pick their favorite then meet others in the group at a communal table.

Where: 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE 

Tin Lizzy’s

If you’re in the mood for creative taco options like grilled mahi-mahi, buttermilk fried chicken or Korean barbecue, then be sure to stop by Tin Lizzy’s. The menu also offers a wide variety of flavorful and shareable dishes like fried pickles, guacamole and queso blanco as well as buffalo chicken nachos, fried shrimp and crispy chicken tenders. Bring as many friends and family as you want because there’s plenty of food to share.

Where: 26 Andrew Young International Blvd. NE 

Twin Smokers BBQ

Conveniently located in the Centennial Park District, Twin Smokers BBQ is within walking distance of the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Aquarium, State Farm Arena and other notable attractions. The menu promises food lovers smoked meats, fresh sides and a Southern-style good time. Come taste the signature smoking technique evident in slow-cooked barbecue.

Where: 300 Marietta St. NW 

The Varsity

Varsity hats? Check. Car hops? Check. A restaurant with its own vocabulary? Check. Largest fast-food drive-in restaurant in the world? Check. Been around since 1928? Check. As they like to say at The Varsity, “When you serve 30,000 people in one day, you learn a thing or two about large groups.” On the menu: hot dogs, chili dogs, burgers, chicken, fries and fried pies. (About the vocabulary: Order a naked dog walking and you’ll get a plain hot dog to go.) 

Where: 61 North Ave.

Waffle House

The Waffle House was founded in Atlanta so there are locations everywhere including three that are Downtown. All of them offer standard Waffle House meals such as all-day breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, and steak, ham or chicken dinners.

Where: 135 Andrew Young International Blvd. , 12 Courtland St. and 300 Marietta St.

The Yard Milkshake Bar

As seen on Shark Tank, The Yard Milkshake Bar serves up sweet treats in a whole new way. The Bar offers classic, fan-favorite flavors like birthday cake and coffee, and the specialty milk shakes will surely satisfy your sugar craving. Order “The Unicorn” with cotton candy ice cream and purple marshmallow drizzle topped with rainbow whipped cream, cotton candy bites, sour rainbow chews and a sugar cone unicorn horn.

Where: 341 Marietta St. NW

North of Atlanta

Andretti Indoor Karting and Games

Andretti Indoor Karting and Games can feed your group, and it can entertain them. The event planners at Andretti will customize a package for your specific needs. Entertainment can be reserved for your group with front-of-the-line access to activities, and the staff will customize a menu. The 4,000-square-foot Grand Room easily handles large groups. VIP suites are available for smaller groups. Menu choices include several types of burgers, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, calzones plus entrees.

Where: 1255 Roswell Road, Marietta, Ga.

For a full list of dining options in Atlanta, visit our dining guide. And check our list of the Best Restaurants on Peachtree Street. Word to the wise: Call ahead to confirm hours and check with OpenTable to confirm availability.

Journalist Carol Carter writes and edits for Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.