Inside Atlanta food halls: Guide to Politan Row at Colony Square

If you’ve been in Atlanta pre-2017, you may have remembered the former Colony Square food court that looked like it came straight from an ‘80s time capsule. While endearing in some ways, Colony Square greatly needed a refresh, especially given its close proximity to Atlanta’s bustling Midtown financial district and arts center.

A $400 million-dollar project by New Orleans-based Politan Group has revived the complex, creating a modern food hall with unique vendors serving a variety of eclectic cuisines. The word “politan” means “body of people,” referring to the electric buzz of a city feel (in fact, the word “metropolis” is related to the root word of “politan”).

So next time you’re strolling around the Woodruff Arts Center, Piedmont Park or other Midtown hotspots, stop by Politan Row for elevated fast-casual food and drink options.

Bar Politan

When you enter Politan Row, you’ll be greeted by Bar Politan, the bar located in the center of the food hall. Sit back, relax and enjoy an expansive menu of cocktails, wine and more. You can choose to sit at the bar or walk around the open container complex, drink in hand.

Belli Pizzeria

If you’re a pizza aficionadough, you’ll want to grab a slice from this Politan Row napoletana-style pizza spot. Belli Pizzeria is the creation of Chef Mario Ali, serving both classic favorites such as Margherita pizza and more creative concoctions such as balsamic onion pizza.

Bun Mi Grill

Bun Mi Grill brings Vietnamese-French cuisine to a fast-casual setting at Politan Row. Founder Sung Ho conceptualized Bun Mi Grill as a mix of modern and traditional Vietnamese, reinventing classic favorites such as vermicelli and banh mi sandwiches with a health-conscious twist.

The Federal ATL

A perfect mix of Root Baking Co. buns, White Oak pastures grass-fed beef, and Sweet Grass Dairy cheeses, Federal Burger serves up tasty burgers in a simple package. Created by Chef Shaun Doty of Bantam & Biddy fame, Federal Burger also serves chicken burgers, “Not So Impossible” burgers, with sides such as Belgian-style cut fries and watermelon salads.

Gekko Sushi

Come “roll” with Gekko Sushi, which combines the best of hibachi and sushi. Founded by Jack Bai in 2017 as a food truck, Gekko Sushi has found its permanent place in Politan Row, serving delicious dishes such as the popular spicy ponzu tuna bowl, as well as other hibachi and sushi bowls.

Locale Caribbean

Created by chef Taylur Davis, Locale Caribbean brings the flavor of the Caribbean to the Politan Row lineup. Enjoy delicious jerk chicken and other authentic Caribbean-style dishes, such as Jamaican meat patties, jerk wings and more on the menu.

Pretty Little Taco

Founded by Michaela Merrick, Pretty Little Tacos serves Mexican street tacos with a Creole flair. The most popular item on the menu is the Birria beef taco; other favorites include steak, chicken, shrimp and oxtail tacos.

Tandoori Pizza and Wings Co.

If you’ve ever dreamt about pizza with a naan crust or wings with tandoori flavoring, you’re in for a treat at Tandoori Pizza & Wings Co. Opened by the creative mind behind Bhojanic, chef Archa Becker has put a creative American (and Italian) twist to the cuisine of her Indian heritage.

True Life Wellness Juice Bar

Grab and go with healthy food and drink options at True Life Wellness Juice Bar, created by owner and chef Chuck Guider. Food options include smoothies, wraps, toasts, acai bowls and salads, while drink options include smoothies and juice cleanses, cold-pressed fresh daily.

Unbelibubble

This Politan Row bubble tea house is truly Unbelibubble. Talk to your Bubble-rista to concoct refreshing milk teas with bobas crafted to your specific sweetness level, with flavors ranging from rose black to strawberry and Thai.

Zaddy’s

Who said sandwiches can’t be stylish, self-confident and stable? Chef and owner Aliah Jefferson created Zaddy’s during the pandemic, gaining popularity with the hashtag #bigbreadbigmeat. True to the hashtag, Zaddy’s serves big sandwiches with lots of meat, including smoked turkey and cajun lemon pepper tuna, and - for non-meat-eaters - grilled balsamic vegetables.

Bonus: Jojo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge

While not directly located in the Politan Row food hall, Jojo’s Beloved is a secluded speakeasy that can be found behind the bathrooms of Politan Row. It contains a nostalgic ambiance “from the era of disco and glam” and is not one to miss if you are looking for a romantic or glamorous night out.

Politan Row at Colony Square

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St NE; Website: atlanta.politanrow.com; Contact: 404-228-7941