In Atlanta this weekend for some sci-fi and fantasy fandamoniun? Take advantage of these Dragon Con deals on comics, drinks, food, even ice cream while exploring Atlanta. Come on, cosplayers, work that costume months in the making.
DOWNTOWN (walkable)
Need to quench your thirst and conquer your hunger after a day at Con? Head to BLT Steak for a cocktail ripped from the pages of Marvel Comics and pair it with a hearty steak dinner. Inspired by the Atlanta heat (and hot superheros), order "The Johnny Storm," consisting of Jim Beam Fire infused with Mexican cinnamon, Jim Beam Bourbon, triple sec and lemon sour. You may feel as hot as the Human Torch himself after drinking it -- ready to do battle against a 22 oz rib eye. Only available during Dragon Con.
Just steps from the Marriott Marquis, a life-sized Silver Surfer hangs from the ceiling of the downtown, Cali-Mex digs of Big Kahuna. Dining and drinking hours will be expanded during Dragon Con, with food and drinks specials, goody giveaways and custom t-shirts. Be on the look-out for cult favorite, Hip Hop Trooper, appearing throughout the weekend only at Big Kahuna.
Located in the host hotel's lobby, Twenty-Two Storys is bringing back its bucket o' rum cocktail! "The Voodoo Bucket" contains a blend of select rums, fresh fruit juices and other secret ingredients for only $13. qPerfect for table sharing and replenishing lost electrolytes sweated out under your storm trooper suit. Balance out the bucket with the new "Sub-Conscious Burger" topped with Benton's bacon, cheese, cabbage, herb fries and mayo slaw.
Don your cosplay finest and head to the Georgia Aquarium for an amazing night under the sea. Open until 11 p.m., the aquarium will offer Con attendees an after-hours evening walking about dimly-lit special exhibits with food and drink. Don't forget to sign up for "The Chosen" costume contest for a chance to win a hotel stay at next year's 30th anniversary Con! $30 per person. Use code: dragoncon. No weapons please. You might scare the fish!
EASTSIDE (1.5 to 7 miles)
If you're looking for a little late night gaming action, hop on the streetcar (it's free) and set a course for the Edgewood district. Sip cocktails, cold brews and crush an epic session of Space Invaders at Joystick Gamebar. Enjoy 10% off drinks Thursday through Monday if you flash your badge or show up in some solid cosplay apparel. Classic arcade games and full bar. 21+ after 8 p.m. Open until 2:30 a.m.
It's hot under that costume. Cool off with some handcrafted ice cream from the Old Fourth Ward's Queen of Cream. Flash your badge or show up in your costume for 15% off and enjoy tasty flavors like Guava Cheesecake and Sprinkle Cookie. Saturday and Sunday only. Open until 10 p.m.
Calling all Lolitas and Steampunks, Tipple & Rose Tea Room and Apothecary in Virginia-Highland is offering high tea slots just for you Wednesday through Sunday starting at 10 a.m. Come dressed in full cosplay, sip tea and nibble on tiny sandwiches for $25 per person. Vegan and vegetarian-friendly. Reserve today at tippleandrose@gmail.com.
So good, even a superhero can't resist Illegal Food's The Hank; Zagat proclaimed this burger the best in all of Atlanta. Not convinced? Come in costume Friday and Saturday for lunch or dinner and order this beefy beast for yourself (or any other entree) and receive a free fry while supplies last.
What do you get when you combine a comic book store, a bar and Eric Forman's basement from "That '70s Show"? My Parents' Basement comic book bar. All weekend long, MPB will be slinging local beer, brisket burgers and selling comics for $1 a pound. Open until midnight. Brunch Saturday and Sunday until 3 p.m.
WESTSIDE/MIDTOWN (1.2 to 5 miles)
In celebration of Labor Day, football and Dragon Con, Cypress Street is offering $3 Sweetwater IPAs all weekend and $3 mimosas for brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Take a break from Con, drink beer and watch a bit of college football on the expansive patio before heading to your next workshop. Open until midnight.
Cosplayers looking to soak up last night's beer should head over to Diner in Atlantic Station (in costume) for disco fries, a grilled cheese and 10% off your bill all weekend long. Open until midnight Friday and Saturday and 10 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
Second Self understands the need to express your inner super hero. So come on over to Atlanta's newest brewery and celebrate your alter-ego throughout the Labor Day weekend. Sip on their latest release--a Double IPA with a 9% ABV. $1 off with Dragon Con badge. $3 off in costume. Friday and Monday 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
WHY DRIVE?
Ride MARTA for FREE all Labor Day. Fares will be waived Monday to say thank you to riders old and new. Be sure to tag your Dragon Con photos during your MARTA travels and share on social media using #WhereWillYouGo. MARTA will be running on a Sunday schedule.
Ride the streetcar for FREE all weekend long around the downtown, Edgewood and Auburn Avenue corridors. Visit bars and restaurants beyond the center of Dragon Con, along with the historic MLK national park and Sweet Auburn Market. Streetcar runs until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
Avoid those sky-high parking fees and stay safe while imbibing throughout Atlanta by grabbing an Uber. Call an UberX for you and your knight in shining armor to share or an SUV to haul your personal Justice League around town.
Going to the parade? Get the updated details here.
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