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Dining, bars, nightlife, and hospitality coverage around Atlanta.
From quick bites at Centennial Yards to proper pre-game dinners, here are the most reliable dining options within walking distance of the stadium for Atlanta's World Cup matches.
AJC restaurant critic Henri Hollis reviews Ikara, Jagger Suite, and Ashland — three hotel restaurants opening as Atlanta gears up for the World Cup — finding bold Indian flavors, disco-unicorn energy, and one disappointing prix fixe.
Two months after BrewDog abruptly closed, the team behind Westside Motor Lounge is filling its 14,700-square-foot Krog District space with a live-music and bar-games pop-up called LikeMinds.
A temporary entertainment district from June 11 to July 19 permits open drinking near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and World of Coca-Cola — the city's second open container initiative after South Downtown's permanent district.
Decorated chef and humanitarian José Andrés, awarded Georgia Tech's Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage, discusses his humanitarian work, World Central Kitchen's rapid-response model, and his hopes to return to Atlanta for the World Cup.
Starting April 15, residents and visitors can carry drinks on public sidewalks and streets throughout South Downtown — a first for Atlanta, timed to boost foot traffic ahead of the World Cup.
The Jagger Suite, a swanky new rooftop bar at the Moxy Atlanta Downtown hotel featuring a 12-foot disco unicorn sculpture, is now open. The weekly Atlanta restaurant roundup also covers new openings, charitable efforts, and a few closings across the metro area.
Subs & Salads at 66 Forsyth reopened as the Junction after a full renovation backed by Invest Atlanta and South Downtown.
February brought 16 new restaurant openings across metro Atlanta, dominated by fast-casual counter-service concepts including out-of-town bagel chains, Asian bakery brands, and community-focused cafes. At least seven restaurants also closed during the month.
Buckhead Life is opening a 13,000-square-foot Chops Lobster Bar inside Centennial Yards later this year, joining Varuni Napoli, Cosm, Shake Shack, and Irish Exit in the district's fast-growing F&B roster.
Metro Atlanta's dining landscape experienced significant shifts as 2026 began, with notable relocations at Lee + White, closures at Ponce City Market, and a new Ethiopian restaurant debuting at Switchman Hall.
The sisters behind 26 Thai, Pink Lotus and Blackjack are opening a Northeastern Thai tapas restaurant on the ground floor of the Mitchell.
Atlanta soul food institution Busy Bee Cafe is set to open its third location in Centennial Yards, inside The Mitchell residential tower at 125 Ted Turner Drive SW, featuring a quick-service format and a full bar program.
After years of pop-ups, Michael and Shyretha Sheats are building a permanent home for their Georgia-rooted Southern cooking in South Downtown.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's dining team rounds up nearly 20 highly anticipated restaurant openings coming to metro Atlanta in 2026, from a second Busy Bee Cafe in Atlantic Station to new spots throughout South Downtown ahead of the World Cup.
