If you’re headed to Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, don’t make the rookie move of eating wherever you find a parking spot. The area surrounding the stadiums have some serious gems, with everything from sushi and Thai food to soul food, tacos, and craft beer.
This is your big list of places to eat and drink before or after a game, concert or event, all within reach of the action. Whether you need a quick bite, a pregame hang or somewhere to keep the night going, these are the spots to put on your radar.
El Tesoro
Put El Tesoro on the list for a before the game meal, especially when the weather is nice. The South Downtown location has a spacious patio and outdoor bar that practically begs for a pregame hang. Load up on authentic, flavorful tacos, burritos, chips and queso, then order a margarita or two. The food is satisfying and will hold you over through the game, so you can head into the stadium fueled up and ready to go. 171 Mitchell St. SW, Atlanta, eltesoroatl.com
Bottle Rocket
Bottle Rocket is the kind of neighborhood bar you’re glad to have in your rotation. The longtime Castleberry Hill favorite recently landed in South Downtown near the stadiums, bringing its wonderfully random mix of sushi, burgers, wings, cocktails and late night dive bar energy with it. Order a specialty roll, tuna burger, or a basket of wings, then grab a drink and settle in before a game. The vibe is casual and unpretentious, and with the bar open until 2 a.m. most nights, it’s an easy post-game move. 231 Mitchell St. SW, Atlanta, bottlerocketatl.com
Tyde Tate Kitchen
Tyde Tate Kitchen is a solid move when you want something delicious and quick before the game. Family recipes translate into comforting Thai dishes like pad see ew, panang curry, basil chicken, curry puffs, and classic pad Thai. It’s casual, easy on the wallet, and the kitchen moves quickly, which is clutch when you’re working against the clock. Grab a bite and keep it moving. Seating in the dining area is limited, but don’t let that stop you. The food is worth the fast stop. 229 Mitchell St. SW, Atlanta, tydetatekitchen.com
Delilah’s Everyday Soul
Delilah’s brings that comfort-food energy to South Downtown. Think fried chicken, collard greens, fried green tomatoes, cornbread and the star of the show, the famous mac & cheese. Delilah’s mac was crowned best in the nation on The Oprah Winfrey Show and even faced off with Bobby Flay on Food Network. Grab a plate before making your way over to the stadium. Just give yourself a little time to walk it off on the way. 227 Mitchell St. SW, Atlanta, delilahseverydaysoul.com
Paschal’s
This longtime soul-food institution has been feeding the city since 1947, and it became an important gathering place during the Civil Rights Movement. Today, you can still pull up for fried chicken, catfish, greens, mac and cheese and the Southern dishes that made Paschal’s a staple. If you’re headed to Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, this is a meal with a little Atlanta history on the side. 180 Northside Dr. SW, Atlanta, paschalsatlanta.com
Rosie’s Cafe
Rosie’s is your answer for those times when an event starts early. The Northside Drive location serves breakfast favorites like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, pancakes, and classic breakfast platters. It’s location across the street from Mercedes-Benz Stadium makes it simple to grab a real breakfast without stressing about the clock or the walk. Order a coffee, grab a plate, and give yourself a little breathing room before joining the crowds. 48 Northside Dr. NW, Atlanta, rosiescoffeecafe.com
Atlantucky Brewing
Atlantucky Brewing is where Atlanta’s beer culture and hip-hop culture intersect. Founded by members of Grammy-nominated rap group Nappy Roots, it’s located just steps from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, making it an easy pregame stop for beer, food and Atlanta energy. Grab a pint of the Mile High Pale Ale, then dig into a Hazy Chicken Pizza, Dixieland Delight Panini or Buffalo Lemon Pepper Wings. 170 Northside Dr. SW, Ste. 96, Atlanta, atlantucky.com
Thrive
Thrive has been around for years, so it’s a solid option Downtown when your crew wants broader food choices. The menu is eclectic, with sushi and nigiri alongside traditional American favorites like steak, and salmon and salads. But the sushi is definitely the star. The location is within walking distance of both State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, making it convenient for travelers, convention visitors, and anyone looking for a good meal before the event. Thrive closes at 10 p.m., so plan to eat here before the game or show, not after. 101 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta, thriveatl.com
The Irish Exit
Downtown Atlanta just got a very good Irish pub, and not the cheesy, shamrock-covered kind. The Irish Exit comes from the team behind New York’s Dead Rabbit and brings a contemporary take on Irish hospitality to Centennial Yards, located directly across the street from the arenas. Expect Guinness, cocktails, pub food, and a lively indoor-outdoor setup. The garage-style doors open onto the plaza, making this especially fun when the area is buzzing before a game or concert. 85 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Ste. D-400, Atlanta, irishexitatl.com
Capolinea
Located inside the Signia by Hilton adjacent to the arenas, this Italian restaurant brings a polished, grown-up energy to the stadium district, with housemade pastas, steaks, cocktails and one of the more entertaining pre-event rituals in town: tableside martinis. It’s a great pick for date night, celebrations or when you have visitors in town. Build in time for the martini service, it is not to be rushed. 159 Northside Dr. NW, Atlanta, capolineaatlanta.com
Wild Leap Atlanta
This South Downtown multi-level taproom has plenty of space to hang with friends, plus cocktails and the Midnyt Burger food truck on site seven days a week serving smashburgers, loaded fries, and chicken tenders. Show up in your game-day gear, grab a burger and a beer, then take the pedestrian walkway over to the stadiums across Nelson Street Bridge. Or, stop in after the event and keep the night going. 125 Ted Turner Dr. SW, Atlanta, wildleap.com
Brewhouse Cafe Downtown
Atlanta soccer fans already know Brewhouse Cafe, and the Downtown location brings that beloved fútbol-bar energy right into the heart of the city. Burgers, wings, fries and shareables are exactly what you want with a match or game on in the background. If you’re an Atlanta United fan heading to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, you already know the move. Grab a beer, order some wings and join the crowd before heading over to the match. 91 Broad St. SW, Atlanta, brewhousecafe.com
STATS Brewpub
STATS is your spot when you want to be close to the action, even if you don’t have a ticket. This massive Downtown sports bar has been a staple for more than a decade, featuring more than 70 TVs, multiple levels, and its own brewing operation. The menu covers all the game-day favorites, from burgers and wings to brisket, fish and chips and plenty of snacks for sharing. It’s a great pick, especially if you’re hanging with the entire posse. 300 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta, statsatl.com
Westside Motor Lounge
Westside Motor Lounge is a five-minute drive from the stadiums. This sprawling Westside hangout has multiple bars, a courtyard, games, live music, and DJs. It’s especially good for groups. Grab a drink, order some wings or bar bites, and post up in the courtyard. It’s open until midnight most nights. 725 Echo St. NW, Atlanta, westsidemotorlounge.com
Zephyr Southern Brasserie
Located inside Hotel Phoenix in Centennial Yards, just across from the arena, this French-inspired Southern brasserie brings a vibrant energy to the Downtown scene without feeling too buttoned-up. Expect upscale dishes with Southern ingredients and flavors, plus an extensive wine list and a solid lineup of cocktails and zero-proof drinks. And when the rooftop DJ is spinning, grab a cocktail and settle in. It’s the perfect way to ease out of the stadium madness and keep the night going. 70 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta, zephyratlanta.com
