Eat, shop and play in West Midtown

Off the bat, here’s the deal. To address a bit of an elephant in the room (especially to Atlanta natives), there needs to be some clarification that there isn’t a concrete neighborhood called “West Midtown” and boundary lines of the area differ depending on who you are speaking to.

The concept of West Midtown is actually fairly new and is the result of a decade-long development effort. It began when people would describe the area on the other side of the I-75/85 Downtown Connector as “west of Midtown,” and over time, rapid development created a sense of branding for the once-industrial area that served as a railroad artery and warehouse district.

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Overall, though, the name West Midtown is here to stay and has become synonymous with upscale food and shopping. Learn more below about everything West Midtown has to offer.

Where is West Midtown located and how do I get there?

West Midtown is the area located directly west of Midtown – west of Northside Drive and north of West Marietta St NW, mostly along Howell Mill Road up to 17th Street. Some West Midtown-specific complexes include Westside Provisions, the Interlock and Star Metals. To get to West Midtown, take exit 250 to 17th/14th/10th Street towards Northside Drive, or take exit 252 towards Howell Mill from I-75 N and keep driving until you get past the Atlanta Hemphill Water Treatment.

Note: What has also colloquially been called West Midtown is now an area being newly branded as Upper Westside; that area is not reflected in this specific guide.

Additional note: Actual neighborhood names on the Westside include Home Park, Blandtown, Underwood Hills, Knight Park/Howell Station, Grove Park, Loring Heights, Bankhead, Berkeley Park and more.

Where can I get breakfast or brunch in West Midtown/Westside?

West Egg Cafe: Inspired by The Great Gatsby mixed in with southern charm, this trendy hotspot serves breakfast all day. Get their Fried Chicken Biscuit, Georgia Benedict, Churro Waffles, and other new takes on southern staples mixed with a wide variety of Bloody Marys, mimosas and Dancing Goats coffees and espressos.

BRASH Coffee Roasters: Caffeine lovers have to visit this tiny converted shipping container cafe that roasts its own beans and produces excellent craft coffee.

Chattahoochee Coffee Company: The original location is located inside the gated Walton apartment complex along the Chattahoochee River in Smyrna and can be difficult to get to, but now you can experience Chattahoochee Coffee Company at its Westside location. The location is a great place to hunker down and get work done while sipping on delicious specialty lattes.

Maple Street Biscuit Company: Try one of their “biscuits that wow,” including the Five & Dime and Sqawking Goat biscuit sandwiches with fresh-squeezed orange juice or a cup of small-batch coffee. If you’re visiting on a weekend, try the iced cinnamon biscuits.

Where can I get lunch in West Midtown/Westside?

Upbeet: If you’re looking to eat clean, this fast-casual eatery serves up plenty of healthy options, from grain bowls to smoothie bowls to superfood lattes and more.

Taqueria del Sol: Enjoy a variety of soft taco and enchilada options, paired with margaritas, cervezas, mezcals and more, at this fast-casual Mexican joint with a local cult following.

Slim and Husky’s Pizza Beeria: This artisan pizza joint features flavors inspired by ‘90s hip-hop and R&B artists, including “Got 5 On It,” “California Love,” “Red Light Special” and “Cee No Green,” all featuring signature drizzles. If you aren’t already carbed out, pair it with one of their tasty cinnamon rolls.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: Hattie B’s opened up a new location in West Midtown? Shut the cluck up! Turn up the heat with one of these signature Nashville hot chicken sandwiches of varying heat levels.

What are some fun things to do in West Midtown?

Ormsby’s: Play bocce ball, darts, pool, shuffleboard and backgammon at this tucked-away tavern offering trendy, fresh pub fare.

The Painted Duck: Get your game on with duckpin-style bowling, Belgian feather bowling, knuckleball, shuffleboard, air hockey, snookball and more.

Puttshack: Located at the new Interlock complex, Puttshack is a neon wonderland that brings a new tech-y spin to mini-golf, beer pong and other traditional games.

Slingshot Social Game Club: This social gaming venue offers vintage arcade games and duckpin bowling.

Terminal West at King Plow Arts Center: What started off as an iron smelting room is now an intimate music venue where some of the best names in indie music perform.

Where can I get dinner in West Midtown/Westside?

The Optimist: This upscale West Midtown seafood establishment located in an old meat house leaves plenty to be optimistic about with its selection of fresh oysters, lobster rolls, gumbo and more.

Marcel: Dine out at this luxurious French-influenced steakhouse featuring elegant dishes and the finest of wines.

Cooks and Soldiers: This upscale restaurant takes its name from the Festival of Tamborradas from the Basque region of Spain and France and offers an impressive selection of pinxtos (tapas) and wines.

Eight Sushi Lounge: Let this elegant Japanese lounge transform the way you think about sushi. Each dish is rich and luxurious, and the menu offers plenty of sake options as well.

Redbird: Inspired by the representation of the redbird, which offers “strength, energy and enthusiasm,” Redbird offers both small shareable plates and large plates that combine the best of American and southern charm.

Bastone: Indulge in a mozzarella tasting, taste fresh pastas, and sip on elevated cocktails at this ornate “wine-focused mozzarella bar.”

Where can I shop in West Midtown/Westside?