How long has it been since you enjoyed a delicious meal at your favorite restaurant? For a while, Atlanta residents couldn’t dine in at restaurants or bars. But recently, restaurants and bars in Atlanta have started to open up again with increased safety precautions.
Guests can now rest assured that restaurants and bars are following cleaning and sanitation guidelines. If you’re itching to go out for a meal, we recommend heading to Midtown Atlanta. This bustling area of Atlanta offers a wide variety of exciting restaurants and bars. Here are our top 7.
Looking for the perfect gift to surprise your best friend or family member with? Purchase a virtual GiftYa card! GiftYa cards can be applied to a number of different restaurants in Atlanta, including the 7 we featured below. Whether your loved one is in the mood for soul food or is craving a poke bowl, they can use your GiftYa card so that their next meal is on you.
Popular Restaurant in Midtown Atlanta known for its hearty Southern dishes.
Treat yourself to a plate of fried chicken and mashed potatoes. Image courtesy of Instagram.
1144 Crescent Ave NE | Midtown Atlanta | southcitykitchen.com
Since 1993, South City Kitchen has served as a top destination for classic Southern cuisine in Midtown Atlanta. At this popular eatery, you can find savory dishes such as the Carolina Trout and New Orleans BBQ Shrimp.
Brunch, lunch, and dinner are all served on a regular basis. If you have a sweet tooth that won’t stop bugging you, satisfy it with a slice of Double Chocolate Cream Pie or Banana Pudding Trifle.
A wide selection of wine, beer, and cocktails is also available. If you’re planning ahead for the Holidays, make sure you stop by on Thanksgiving or New Year’s Eve for a special dinner.
While closed on Mondays, South City Kitchen is open for lunch from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and for dinner from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays. Lunch hours are the same on Fridays, but dinner hours are from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m., the same as on Saturday. Lunch hours on Saturdays are an extra two hours, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and on Sundays the restaurant is only open at those times— no dinner hours.
“We got the fried green tomatoes and without asking the appetizer came split in two beautiful servings. I could have eaten a full meal of these! We also got the pork belly which is my favorite.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for South City Kitchen
Trendy restaurant in Midtown Atlanta serving savory dishes in a laid back atmosphere.
Take a seat at the restaurant’s full-service bar. Image courtesy of Instagram.
40 7th St. NE | Midtown Atlanta | midtown.ecco-atlanta.com
At Ecco, you can find a wide variety of modern European dishes. As you peruse the bar’s extensive dinner menu, you can sip on a glass of Pinot Noir or try a Smoke & Mirrors cocktail. Ecco also offers a fine selection of appetizers and shareables to start your night.
As for the main dish, you have sophisticated options such as the Roasted Halibut and Crispy Duck Breast to choose from. Pommes frites, roasted brussels sprouts, and sauteed kale are available as sides. Ready for dessert? We recommend the Chocolate Layer Cake and Seasonal Sorbet.
Ecco is closed on Sundays and Mondays, but the hours are from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
“This was my first experience at Ecco. I LOVED IT! We had a birthday party for my 30th and our waitress was great... Every menu item we ordered was amazing.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Ecco
Looking for a new brunch spot? Try this popular Midtown restaurant!
5Church offers a fine selection of fresh food and drinks. Image courtesy of Instagram.
1197 Peachtree St. NE | Midtown Atlanta | 5church-atlanta.com
Looking for a sophisticated venue to enjoy fresh seafood and fine cocktails with friends? Head to 5Church! 5Church offers delicious entrees such as the Canadian Halibut, Maine Sea Scallops, and Scottish Salmon to its hungry guests.
If you need something to tide you over, you’ll love the Ahi Tuna Tartare and Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels. If you come for brunch, you’ll also have delicious breakfast options like the Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Waffles and Seafood Omelette to choose from.
5Church is open every day of the week but Monday— from noon until 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, from noon until 11 p.m. on Fridays, from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 10 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Sundays.
“My brunch buddy and I got a carafe of grapefruit mimosas and split the crab cake Benedict and the chicken and waffles. Obviously, to get some sweet and savory in! Both were quite delicious!” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for 5Church
Savory tapas await you inside this stunning Spanish bar.
Treat yourself to tapas with friends. Image courtesy of Instagram.
60 11th St. NE | Midtown Atlanta | bullagastrobar.com
Known for its imaginative cocktails and elevated Spanish fare, Bulla Gastrobar is a top destination for enjoying a fine meal inside an elegant atmosphere. Bulla Gastrobar is open for lunch on the weekdays, brunch on the weekends, and dinner nightly, making it easy to stop by whenever your schedule allows.
On the menu, you’ll find authentic Spanish appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees. An extensive wine, beer, and cocktail list is also available.
Bulla Gastrobar is open from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, and from 11:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
“This might become my new go-to restaurant this year. I was super impressed by the variety of tapas, super friendly and fast staff, covid protocols and overall ambience. There's tons of yummy small plate options and some entrees for people who'd rather have that.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Bulla Gastrobar
Enjoy some of the best burgers in Atlanta at this popular bar.
Visitors can expect a lively night at the Vortex Bar and Grill. Image courtesy of Instagram.
878 Peachtree St. NE | Midtown Atlanta | thevortexatl.com
It’s been a while since we enjoyed a late night out in Atlanta. While we can’t go to clubs or crowd at bars into the late hours of the night, we can still enjoy a semblance of Atlanta’s old nightlife at the Vortex. Inside this contemporary restaurant, you will find a vibrant interior filled with bold and creative artwork.
Vortex is also known for its burgers. In fact, some people consider Vortex to be the Godfather of Atlanta burger joints. Vortex’s burger selection is broken down into numerous categories: basic burgers, signature burgers, old-school burgers, and coronary bypass burgers. The double, triple, and quadruple bypass burgers are offered on a limited basis.
Hours are from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
“I've been to the vortex four times and the food has been consistently great each time, even during COVID for takeout. The portions are huge and enough for two meals.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for The Vortex Bar & Grill
Midtown restaurant known for its nourishing Southern comfort food.
There’s definitely something for everyone to enjoy at Mary Mac’s Tea Room, so order a shareable plate! Image courtesy of Instagram.
224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE | Midtown, Old Fourth Ward | marymacs.com
Looking for a casual place to enjoy some delicious soul food? Head to Mary Mac’s Tea Room! Known as “Atlanta’s Dining Room,” Mary Mac’s offers an appetizing menu full of classic Southern fare.
Fried chicken tenders, slow-cooked beef pot roast, and more await you at this laidback dining spot in Midtown Atlanta! If you are a vegetarian or gluten-free, Mary Mac’s offers numerous meal options that cater to your unique diet.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room is open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. every day of the week!
“This is a solid option for soul food during the week. I say during the week because on the weekends, it becomes a tourist hot spot with lines down the block. All of the food I've had here to date was good! - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Mary Mac's Tea Room.
Prime destination for enjoying American cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
817 W Peachtree St. NE | Midtown Atlanta | cypressatl.com
If you’re on the hunt for a new outdoor dining space, you’ll love Cypress Street Pint & Plate. Thanks to its late hours, Cypress is also a great destination for people looking to spend a long night out on the town.
As for the food, you’ll find delicious options like the Southern Fried Chicken Tenders, Crab Crusted Salmon Filet, and Shrimp & Grits to satisfy your appetite.
On weekdays, Cypress is open from 11 a.m. until midnight, on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until midnight, and from 10 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. on Sundays.
“Food here is terrific pub grub. Chicken fingers had some sort of special spice that gave them a little kick and set them far apart from the usual. Fried green tomatoes were exactly right: crispy outside, almost gooey soft inside.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Cypress Street Pint & Plate
A great restaurant with clandestine beginnings!
If you’re looking for a restaurant with great food and drink, you’ll find it at The Lawrence! Image courtesy of Instagram.
905 Juniper St NE | Atlanta | thelawrenceatlanta.com
The Lawrence, named after the patron saint of chefs, began as an underground club called Dinner Party Atlanta. Secret dinner events were hosted at many different locations in Atlanta throughout the years, until finally this spot in Midtown Atlanta stuck.
Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner along with very popular cocktails, this restaurant’s menus change seasonally, and offer up something for everyone to enjoy with their reimagined bistro-style dishes.
Dinner hours are from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. On weekends, lunch hours are from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
“Solid dinner spot! Came here a few weeks back with a couple friends and we had a nice time. They have plenty of very COVID-friendly outdoor seating… Had a nice time and would definitely come back!” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for The Lawrence
A classic neighborhood bar in Midtown, Atlanta.
Take a seat at the bar at McCray’s Tavern to enjoy a drink with your meal! Image courtesy of Instagram.
1163 W Peachtree St NE | Atlanta | mccraystavern.com
McCray’s Tavern has been present and popular in Atlanta since Scott McCray opened it in 2004, though it has moved locations and expanded since. The idea behind this restaurant was a neighborhood bar with good, fresh food, and this remains to be the goal of McCray’s Tavern even as it has evolved.
The menu offers all of the classic bar food that you love— appetizers, wings, sandwiches, salads, burgers, flatbreads, and more. There’s also brunch on the weekends, and of course an extensive selection of drinks to order on their own or to accompany your delicious meal.
On Sundays through Thursdays, hours are from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. for the kitchen, and from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The bar stays open until 11 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays, midnight on Thursdays, and 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
“What a great neighborhood place!! Great vibe-casual and welcoming. Definitely regulars which makes it more of a community place. The bartender Cassidy was amazing! She was working hard-busy busy, but she was still really nice and accommodated everyone.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for McCray’s Tavern
Breakfast served all day, every day, at five locations across Atlanta!
1001 Piedmont Ave | Atlanta | flyingbiscuit.com
With no less than five locations in Atlanta— and plenty more elsewhere —the Flying Biscuit Cafe is a fairly popular restaurant chain in the southern United States, and for good reason. As the slogan suggests, this cafe serves breakfast all day and has been doing so for 25 years.
Whether you want breakfast in the morning or the evening, the menu is full of choices for the most important meal of the day— eggs, omelettes, pancakes, french toast, sides, starters, sandwiches, and many more equally delicious options.
Hours are from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, and from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
“The Flying Biscuit has many locations around the city, but this location is one of my favorites. The service is always great, the food comes out quickly and the biscuits and grits cannot be missed.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Flying Biscuit Cafe
A lot of different ways to dine, but all the classic bar food you love!
The sandwiches at Marlow’s Tavern are one of their most popular menu items! Image courtesy of Instagram.
950 W Peachtree St Ste 215 | Atlanta | marlowstavern.com
Offering indoor and outdoor dining as well as catering and takeout, Marlow’s Tavern takes pride in the service they provide their customers. Lunch, dinner, and drinks are all served here, and it’s the perfect atmosphere with both bar seating and an outdoor patio.
You’ll find all the classic tavern food you could want here, as well as a large drink menu with beer, wine, and cocktails. Marlow’s also has a separate menu with gluten-free options for you to enjoy!
Hours are from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Sundays through Wednesdays, and from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
“My server, Parke, was amazingly kind and upbeat. She made me feel welcome from the get-go. I hope to have the opportunity to enjoy another meal here while I'm in town, and I'll certainly be returning on future trips.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Marlow’s Tavern
Brunch spot in Midtown, Atlanta that you won’t want to miss out on!
If you’re looking for a restaurant to eat breakfast at any time of day, Babs in Midtown, Atlanta is the place to go! Image courtesy of Instagram.
814 Juniper St | Atlanta | www.babsmidtown.com
A cozy brunch place in Midtown, Atlanta that makes you feel right at home with its kind staff and pleasant atmosphere! There’s free wireless internet, and a patio to dine on when the weather’s nice— you can even bring your dog along!
The menu is also nothing to sneeze at! With omelettes, bagels, sandwiches, salads, and a different dessert served every day, you definitely won’t be disappointed at Babs! They also do takeout, catering, and private events.
Babs may be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but they serve brunch all day for the rest of the week— from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, from 8:30 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Sundays.
“Stumbled upon Babs while in need of brunch between looking at apartments. Couldn't have been luckier! Not only was the food excellent, but also the management was welcoming and made us laugh…” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Babs
Midtown Atlanta has a wide variety of restaurants and bars to visit on your next night out. Which ones on the list caught your eye? Let us know in the comments!
