Want to make the most of your trip to Atlanta? Be sure eat at one of the city’s iconic food spots or enjoy cuisine that Atlanta does best, including soul food, barbecue, Asian and American gastropub. Here are the top restaurants to check out that are in walking distance of MARTA stations for a car-free commute.
Landmark Restaurants
The below iconic restaurants have a long history in Atlanta if you’re looking for a unique dining experience or want to explore past city culture.
- The Varsity (1928 drive-in near the North Avenue station)
- Silver Skillet (1967 diner near the Arts Center station)
- Sun Dial (amazing skyline views of Atlanta near Peachtree Center)
- Polaris (in John Portman-designed blue dome near Peachtree Center)
- Paschal’s (soul food enjoyed by civil rights activists, exit at Vine City station)
- Busy Bee Cafe (1947 soul food kitchen near the Ashby station)
- Mary Mac’s Tea Room (1945 tea room near the North Avenue station)
- Manuel’s Tavern (ride bus 816 from downtown to this 1956 democratic party tavern)
- Waffle House (exit at Georgia State, Decatur, Brookhaven, Midtown, North Avenue, East Point or Lindbergh Center stations)
Southern/Soul
Atlanta is in the land of grits, collards, fried chicken and other Southern specialties. You won’t go hungry with a soul food meal at one of these restaurants in walking distance of MARTA:
- South City Kitchen (romantic restaurant that’s a short walk from the Buckhead MARTA station and another location is near MARTA in Midtown)
- Empire State South (modern Southern near the Midtown station)
- Flying Biscuit Cafe (original location near the Candler Park station and additional locations in Midtown and Buckhead)
- Pittypat’s Porch (old-fashioned Southern near the Peachtree Center station)
- Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint (live music and soul food near Peachtree Center)
- Soul Vegetarian (Meat-free meals near the West End station)
- Southbound (contemporary Southern near the Chamblee station)
Barbecue
BBQ joints are all around Atlanta with food you don’t want to miss. Check out the list of barbecue restaurants closest to MARTA along with activities and sights to combine with your outing.
Buford Highway
A visit to Buford Highway is a must for international cuisine. Many of Atlanta’s best Asian restaurants can be found here. Board bus 39 at the Lindbergh Center or Doraville MARTA station on the gold line for an amazing foodie adventure. It’s free to ride the bus if you are transferring from a train. See How to Ride MARTA Buses to learn more and see Yelp’s list of top restaurants to check out.
Gastropubs
Atlanta is way into craft beer and pub food up a notch. Drink and dine at these transit-friendly restaurants:
- Brick Store Pub (amazing world beer selection above the Decatur MARTA station)
- Leon’s Full Service (also near the Decatur MARTA station)
- Wrecking Bar Brewpub (in a historic building near the Inman Park station)
- Cypress Street Pint and Plate (city bar near the North Avenue and Midtown stations)
- Proof and Provision (basement lounge near the North Avenue station)
- Augustine’s (neighborhood pub near the King Memorial station)
- Cook Hall (W Hotel restaurant near Buckhead MARTA station)
Restaurants in Historic Buildings
Last, but not least, visit a restaurant in one of Atlanta’s old buildings for a historic atmosphere:
- The Livingston (inside the Georgian Terrace Hotel, where the Gone With the Wind premiere gala took place)
- Kimball House (craft cocktails, oysters and modern bites inside the former Decatur train depot near the Decatur MARTA station)
- Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill and Brewery (inside a 1913 downtown building, exit at Civic Center station)
- Elliott Street Deli & Pub (inside a 1900s carriage house near the Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
- Rose & Rye (in a renovated “castle” a short walk away from the Arts Center station)
- Sweet Auburn Curb Market (historic indoor market with restaurants near the Georgia State MARTA station and Atlanta Streetcar)
- Ponce City Market Food Hall (former Sears factory with rooftop park, connect with bus 2 or 102 at the North Avenue, Candler Park or East Lake stations)
More Information
10 Must-Eat At Restaurants Near MARTA
Italian restaurants near MARTA
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Steakhouses near MARTA
MARTA GUIDE 