Trendy Places to Meet Up and Hang Out in Atlanta
Published August 2, 2023
Last Updated July 17, 2024
Whether you’re in town for a convention, visiting a friend or a local looking for a new spot for kicking back, these trendy places in Atlanta are the perfect one-stop for all things dining, playing and having fun. A stop by any of these locations gives you an excuse play hard after working hard.
Ponce City Market
Located in one of Atlanta’s most established neighborhoods, Old Fourth Ward, Ponce City Market is a vibrant gathering place, complete with a food hall, shops and living space.
Where: 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE
Where to Eat Dinner
The Ponce City Market food hall takes you through a wide range of cuisines from different cultures. If you a fan of Persian food you can’t go wrong with the newly opened Bibi. Make a reservation for the aesthetically pleasing eatery, Atrium, for modern American cuisine and cocktails.
Where to Play
Entertainment is hard to miss at Ponce City Market. Take an elevator ride up to the rooftop for endless games, attractions and mini-golf at Skyline Park. Also on the roof, stay and play at RFD Social if you’re looking for a cozy gaming parlor to go with fun drinks.
Where to Grab Drinks
Enjoy a lemon drop with a smoky presentation at Slutty Vegan. Veg out on the rooftop beer garden, 9 Mile Station, for local brews and city views. Or relax with a glass of vino at City Winery.
Late Night
Enjoy an intimate experience at 12 Cocktail Bar hidden above RFD Social. This unique space offers a sophisticated environment with rare spirits and classic cocktails. It is open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Krog District
Home to popular eateries and shops right off the Beltline, Krog District is the perfect place to eat and spend time on the Eastside.
Where: 99 Krog St. NE
Where to Eat Dinner
Atlantans love Krog Street Market because it offers a wide variety of cuisine all in one place. Visit Soul Food & Culture if you’re in the mood for fried chicken and catfish or enjoy plant-based options at Planta.
Where to Play
BrewDog is the perfect choice if you’re looking for entertainment. Visit the event schedule to see if you are in town for one of the popular bingo, trivia or karaoke nights. You can also play shuffleboard and old-school arcade games.
Where to Grab Drinks
Take a few steps over and have a speakeasy experience at The James Room. Try the Espresso en Noir if you’re in need for another coffee boost to enjoy with classy bar bites. Stay inside Krog Street Market and enjoy a beverage at Ticonderoga Club. Known for its unique craft cocktails, this colonial era-inspired tavern is the perfect stop for those who appreciate the art of crafting both cocktails and mocktails.
Late Night
Grab a scooter and ride along the Atlanta Beltline before ending your night at Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall. Open until midnight, this American bar and restaurant is just right if you’re looking for a late-night option. Chill on the patio with spiked juice pouches or enjoy a late-night bite.
The Works
In the heart of Atlanta’s Upper Westside, The Works is a mixed-use development with plenty of options for dining, shopping and goofing off with friends and family.
Where: 1295 Chattahoochee Ave. NW
Where to Eat Dinner
Take your pick from the many options inside Chattahoochee Food Works. This food hall is at the center of The Works and is filled with a variety of cuisines. From Italian and South African to soul food and sweet treats, you’ll have to visit a few times to really enjoy them all.
Where to Play
Have a furry friend with you? Or maybe you’re just in need a some puppy love? Stop by Fetch Park and enjoy a cold beer while playing with pups whether you have one of your own or not. Let some steam off while throwing axes at American Axes or embrace your inner child and play games at Your 3rd Spot. This massive game hall will keep you busy through the night as it stays open until 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. You might even find yourself taking a ride down the slide because who doesn’t want to feel like a kid again?
Where to Grab Drinks
Enjoy a crafted cocktail at The Forum Cocktail Co. or head to the back for a speakeasy experience at the Midnight Room where you can indulge in a personalized cocktail paired with small plates. Choose from an assortment of new beers at Scofflaw Brewing. Taste Wine Bar offers the perfect atmosphere to discover a new favorite wine while mingling with friends over a charcuterie board.
The Interlock
This Westside destination is perfect for all things work, play and stay. It is a one-stop-shop if you need a day’s worth of things to do without leaving the area.
Where: 1115 Howell Mill Road NW
Where to Eat Dinner
Right across the street from the Interlock is Cooks & Soldiers, an upscale option if you’re looking for tapas and large shareable dishes cooked on a wood-burning grill for dinner. Check out Kinjo for an intimate a la carte sushi experience.
Where to Play
While there are plenty of places to work, there are even more places to play at the Interlock. Start your night at Puttshack for a round of tech-infused mini-golf while vibing out to upbeat tunes.
Where to Grab Drinks
Drawbar inside the Bellyard Hotel is the perfect stop if you looking for cocktails and a view. The rooftop patio is a prime pick for having a glass or two with the option for delicious bar bites. Holiday Bar is another choice within the Interlock that’s a great option if you are all about caffeine and cocktails.
Late Night
Visit the newly opened, Lock and Key, a luxury sports bar with a wide selection of beverages that is open until midnight during the week and 2 a.m. on weekends. Take a walk across Howell Mill Road to Westside Provisions District and grab a late-night scoop of ice cream from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, open Sunday through Thursday until 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until midnight.
Atlanta Dairies
A vibrant mixed-use development in the heart of Atlanta, Atlanta Dairies is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, a brewery and a music venue.
Where: 777 Memorial Drive SE
Where to Eat Dinner
Vegans, you’re in luck. Take a few steps over to envegan for a casual and quick vegan comfort meal or check out La Semilla for modern Latin vegan dishes in a chic atmosphere. Head to Grindhouse Killer Burgers a few blocks away for a juicy bite or Petit Chou for laid-back French cuisine.
Where to Play
Are you a music junkie? Catch a show at The Eastern for an unrivaled night in a venue with a multitiered floor plan and a rooftop perfect for enjoying a summer night.
Where to Grab Drinks
Imaginarium is an innovative brewery that focuses on craft brews that aim to delight your senses. The hip vibe with plenty of outdoor seating and space inside the posh interior will make you want to stay a while.
Lee + White
As one of Atlanta’s mixed-use destinations, Lee + White is the perfect choice if you’re planning to spend time around the historic West End community.
Where: 929 Lee St. SW
Where to Eat Dinner
Enjoy a Taproom chicken club or a hearty buffalo mac and cheese at Hop City’s Boxcar. Head to Best End Brewing Co. and catch a deliciously cheap happy hour food menu. Munch on cheeseburger sliders, wings, “cauli nugz” and more for only $5.
Where to Play
Dance your heart out at drag brunch or Sunday fun day brunch at Best End Brewing. Check Instagram for dates and details. Take on a fun challenge and stop by the Overlook for a rock-climbing adventure.
Where to Grab Drinks
There’s no shortage of drinks at Lee + White. Park your car in the main lot and go brewery hopping with your pals. Lucky for you the breweries are all close if not right next to each other. From Monday Night Garage, ASW Distillery, Wild Heaven Beer to Cultured South, Boxcar and Best End Brewing Co., you’re in for an evening of endless brews.
Late Night
If you’re looking to stay late, Monday Night Garage remains open until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
The Battery
Whether you’re catching a Braves game at Truist Park or looking to dine, shop and play all in one area, The Battery is always a hit.
Where: 800 Battery Ave. SE
Where to Eat Dinner
Enjoy a Latin American meal from El Super Pan. Expect great margaritas in a casual atmosphere with flavorful bites. Watch a game and enjoy a burger from Yard House, an upscale sports bar with a large draft beer selection. Take a walk around The Battery and you’ll probably find something new.
Where to Play
Punch Bowl Social is the perfect spot for a fun night of gaming. Keep the good times rolling with a large spiked punch bowl to share with friends while you bowl or play other games. Need an adrenaline rush? Head to iFLY for indoor skydiving. Practice your swing at Good Game, an interactive virtual game center with both golf and other games.
Where to Grab Drinks
Any trip to The Battery isn’t complete without a drink (or two) from Live! At the Battery. This upbeat sports bar will keep you entertained with two floors of fun and frequent live entertainment. CRU Food & Wine Bar is a perfect option if you’re looking for a more relaxed environment to enjoy a glass of wine with pizza and cheese plates.
Late Night
You can never go wrong with a frozen cocktail at Fat Tuesday, which stays open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Check out TAPS for a variety of late-night drinks to go with the range of food options you’ll find in the food hall, PH’EAST. TAPS is open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and midnight Sunday through Thursday.
Star Metals District
A new thriving location for people to gather, create and live, this district is an exciting addition to West Midtown.
Where: 1050 Howell Mill Road
Where to Eat Dinner
Looking for a MICHELIN-star experience? Check out Hyakawa and immerse yourself in an exceptional dining experience that brings a taste of Japanese culture. Look for a fast, casual and healthy bite? You can’t go wrong with a fresh salad from Sweetgreen. Prevail Union ATL is another great spot for a small bite and energy boost with delicious coffee and teas.
Where to Play
Who knew there were so many different ways to enjoy a game of darts? Flight Club Atlanta provides an engaging experience for gaming lovers whether you’re a darts pro or a first-timer. Choose from several gaming options while ordering bites and craft cocktails while playing.
Where to Grab Drinks
Not only is Fishmonger another option when hungry for fresh seafood but it’s also the perfect spot for a unique cocktail. If you’re stopping by during the summer the outside patio goes hand-in-hand with the rotating cocktail menu. Enjoy both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to complement this MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant.
Late Night
Keep the good times going with gaming as Flight Club Atlanta stays open until midnight on Friday and Saturday and 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Atlantic Station
This upscale neighborhood has plenty of opportunities for endless fun, dining and places to relax and spend time with friends. Whether you want to do a little shopping or take on a free and fun fitness class, Atlantic Station is a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
Where to Eat Dinner
Have a bite of Mexican food at Azotea Cantina. The loaded nachos go perfectly with the signature margarita. Enjoy upscale bar food while watching a game at Yard House or get something on the go from the wide selection of casual spots including Salata, BGR The Burger Joint, Poke Bar and more.
Where to Play
Bowlero makes bowling fun with upbeat music, glow-in-the-dark sessions, arcade games and a menu of food and cocktails to fuel your team. Get your cameras ready and head to the Museum of Illusions for a fascinating experience as you walk through a world of illusions that might leave you stunned.
Where to Grab Drinks
HOBNOB is a great choice for casual drinks on the upstairs patio. Enjoy while overlooking the green space and order from a wide menu of upscale bar bites. Looking to impress a friend? Rose Bistro & Champagne Bar is the perfect stop to enjoy a selection of rose and classy cocktails to go with the menu of delicious Parisian fare.
Late Night
Grab a late-night margarita at Azotea Cantina as it stays open until midnight on Friday and Saturday. If you’re hungry, Atlantic Grill and The Burger Joint stay open until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday as well. Film fanatics can catch a late-night showing at Regal Cinemas.
Colony Square
Located in the heart of the arts in Midtown, Colony Square is home to many dining and entertainment options. Whether you’re enjoying a night out with friends or challenging yourself with yoga on the green space, it’s hard not to want to visit Colony Square more than once.
Where to Eat Dinner
There’s plenty to choose from when it comes to dining at Colony Square. If you’re indecisive you can pick and choose from multiple eateries at Politan Row at Colony Square food hall. You’ll find a wide range of eats from Pretty Little Tacos, sandwiches from Zaddy’s or a sweet treat from Fit for a Cookie. Head to Saints + Council if you’re looking for an upscale dining experience or 5Church Midtown for dinner and drinks with a view.
Where to Play
Check the Colony Square events calendar for year-round events and engaging activations. From Movies On The Square to Groovin On The Square, there is always something fun to look forward to for both kids and adults.
Where to Grab Drinks
Dancing and drinks go hand in hand at the popular speakeasy JoJos Beloved. Nestled in the back corner of Politan Row at Colony Square food hall, you’ll find a hidden door that leads into a retro cocktail bar with a unique drink selection, old-school tunes and a dance floor for grooving.
Late Night
After you finish grooving at Jojos Beloved you can make your way for more drinks at Establishment. This fancy bar stays open late even after the kitchen closes at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Looking to hang out late? Check out our Ultimate Guide to the Best Nightlife Spots for Every Occasion in Atlanta.
Aubree is a content creator with a passion for all things food and travel. You can find her around Atlanta tasting some of the most iconic bites or burning it all off on the dance floor.
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