Trendy Places to Meet Up and Hang Out in Atlanta
Published August 2, 2023
Last Updated August 4, 2023
Whether you’re in town for a convention, visiting a friend or a local looking for a new spot to hang out, these trendy places in Atlanta are the perfect one-stop for all things dining, playing and hanging out. A stop by any of these locations gives visitors and locals an excuse to work hard and then play even harder.
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. Hang out on the rooftop beer garden, 9 Mile Station, for local brews and city views. Biltong Bar is your stop for beef jerky and a drink. This cozy hangout offers a unique craft cocktail program that will make you want to stay a while.
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 util 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
As one of Atlanta’s new mixed-use destinations, Lee + White is the perfect choice if you’re planning to hang out around the historic West End community.
Krog District
Home to popular eateries and shops right off the BeltLine, Krog District is the perfect place to hang out, 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 the newly opened Planta for plant-based options.
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. Hang out 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 hanging out 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. Head up to Rooftop LOA for a vacation feel as you have some fun dipping in the pool with delicious drinks and food.
Where to Grab Drinks
Drawbar inside the Bellyard Hotel is the perfect hangout 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 your 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 the 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
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 hang out late, Monday Night Garage stays 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 for both visitors and locals.
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
Punchbowl 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 non-golf 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.
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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