This weekend, throngs of music-loving Atlantans will flock to Piedmont Park for Music Midtown. The two-day festival on Friday and Saturday is one of the most popular outdoor concerts in the city. So when you’re around the park and starting to get hungry from hours of dancing and jamming out, check out these five spots walking distance from the park.
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
550-C Amsterdam Avenue, Atlanta, 30306
404.875.4494
Hours: Friday & Saturday 5 p.m. - 2:30 a.m.
Okay, so maybe you’ve had enough music, but if you’re still looking to party and get down with some Latin tunes, this is the place to go. The tropical atmosphere transports you to a vibrant beach club. Sip on Pisco sours or mojitos and share tapas like the “gambas fritas” (lightly fried shrimp balls) or the “empanada de pollo” (chicken empanada).
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
1540 Monroe Drive, Atlanta 30324
404.709.2690
Hours: Friday: 5:30-11 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
At the corner of Monroe Drive and Piedmont Avenue, you’ll find pizza worthy of Naples itself, where owner Luca Varuni is from. Long, communal tables make it easy to gather with a group, and with the open kitchen, you can see the wood-fire ovens glowing across the dining space. During Music Midtown, a sweet pizza and beer special for $20 features a Sweetwater bottled beer and “Sweet Sorrento” pizza topped with buffalo mozzarella DOP, Zima tomatoes, Datterini tomatoes, Italian parsley pesto, pecorino Romano DOP, basil and extra virgin olive oil with Sorrento orange infusion.
980 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta 30309
404.343.2446
Hours: Friday 5 p.m-1 a.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
The charming patio and approachable Italian cuisine makes Campagnolo an ideal spot to unwind away from the madness. For brunch before Music Midtown, the French toast with lemon ricotta and fresh berry sauce can be described as the marriage between a cheese Danish and French toast. On the regular menu, rustic Italian influences span from fettuccine and pork shank to the popular Campagnolo burger; an Italian twist topped with mortadella, pepperoni, provolone cheese and pickled onion.
981 Monroe Drive NE, Atlanta 30308
404.876.1939
Hours: Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-4 a.m.
At this ramshackled roadside stand just across from the park, you’ll find the grub you’re craving after being sandwiched amongst screaming crowds all day. Counter service makes this the fastest and cheapest option to pack in some calories. Opt for the original cheesesteak piled high with 1/3 pound of certified Angus beef or the “phat dog”, a traditional hot dog split partially down the middle, so you get a crispier-tasting dog.
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
1551 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta 30324
404.968.2288
Hours: Friday & Saturday 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m.
An open patio with string lights, this is the neighborhood haunt by Piedmont Park. They’ve just revamped their menu and it includes recommended beer pairings. The noshes worth splitting with friends, like the Parmesan crusted crab dip. Or go for a boozy chocolate stout milkshake to cool off.
817 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta 30308
404.815.9243
Hours: Friday 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2:30 a.m.
A little further from the park, Cypress Street is amidst the lively action of some of Midtown’s buzzing bars. The patio hums with energy but still has a laid-back vibe worthy of throwing back a pint from their extensive beer selection. All weekend the bar is serving up drink specials and $5 el Jimador or Jack Daniels Honey shots.
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