Lions, tombs and culinary delights: Your neighborhood Guide to Grant Park
One of the oldest neighborhoods in Atlanta, Grant Park is rooted in history. Located southeast of Downtown, the neighborhood and the namesake park at its center— the city of Atlanta’s oldest park, donated in 1882 — were named for Lemuel P. Grant.
Grant was a civil engineer, city councilman, and notable community member who owned a large number of land tracts in the area. While it developed largely as a residential district, the area is home to some notable landmarks. Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta’s premiere burial ground, was built from a number of land deals between Grant and City Hall in the late 19th century. It has continued to be the home for many of Atlanta’s most notable names. Around this time in 1889, a zoo was added to Grant Park, and a few years later, the Cyclorama opened on park grounds to showcase a massive painting commemorating a local battle during the Civil War. (While Zoo Atlanta still proudly hosts wildlife, the Cyclorama was moved to the Atlanta History Center in 2017.)
Until it was filled in the 1960s, Grant Park was also home to two lakes, a greenhouse, and a pavilion that showcased movies. After the interstate system bisected the neighborhood, Grant Park fell into decline but has been revitalized in recent decades as it was added to the National Register for Historic Places and became a designated Historic District. Grant Park will continue to be a vital part of Atlanta when the Southside BeltLine Trail is completed in 2025 on the edge of the neighborhood.
If you’d like to learn more about the park and its surrounding history, check out the Atlanta Preservation Center’s Grant Park walking tour, in partnership with Trees Atlanta.
What can I do for fun in Grant Park?
Explore Atlanta’s history and haunts at Oakland Cemetery. These 48 acres serve as the final resting place for such notable Atlantans as Margaret Mitchell, Bobby Jones and Maynard Jackson. Stroll along its paths to discover intricate mausoleums, unique tombstones, and the Historic African American Burial Grounds. Check out their annual Tunes from the Tombs concert, ghostly Halloween events, Illumine public art exhibition, or just stroll through the gardens on a cloudy day for the right somber vibe.
Take a walk on the wild side at Zoo Atlanta. Still standing over a century later, Zoo Atlanta is a popular destination for families and animal lovers. The giant pandas are a Zoo showcase but don’t forget to swing by the playful gorillas (RIP Willie B), feed the giraffes, or listen to the roaring lions. The Zoo also hosts many events, including their annual Boo at the Zoo family festival every October, member-exclusive mornings, and multiple adults-only nights where you can sip spirits on the savannah.
Snack locally at the Grant Park Farmer’s Market. Start your Sunday off right with a trip to this weekly neighborhood market that sets up at The Beacon from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday. Enjoy chef demonstrations, pick up fresh seasonal produce, or grab a snack from one of the many vendors slinging sandwiches, pastries, and drinks. Some of our favorites include Osono Bread’s loaves and donuts, sweet and savory biscuit sandwiches from Sugar Loaf, and Crepe Masters’ fresh-made crepes.
Where are the best places to eat and drink in Grant Park?
Location: 421 Memorial Drive SE; Hours: Thursday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Website: riasbluebird.com
Little Tart Bakeshop
Another local staple sits just across Cherokee Avenue. Little Tart Bakeshop has a rotating bevy of flaky pastries, chewy cookies, and more at this flagship Grant Park location. Standouts include fruit galettes, croissants, and, of course, tarts. Wash one down with a coffee or matcha latte as you hang out in the hip, industrial café.
Location: 437 Memorial Drive SE; Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Website: littletartatl.com
Estrellita
The city’s only full-service Filipino restaurant, Estrellita is the place to go for savory classic dishes in a cozy, familial dining space. Bite off one of their tangy BBQ chicken skewers, share traditional lumpia rolls (beef or veggie), and grab a trendy ube dessert. Keep an eye on social media and you may be able to score a second meal from one of the pop-up vendors serving Filipino cuisine they partner with.
Location: 580 Woodward Avenue; Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.; Website: estrellitafilipino.com
Firepit Pizza Tavern
Share a slice with friends at Firepit Pizza Tavern. They have a mix of standard pizza flavors and specialty ones like spicy honey with capicola and caramelized onions. (Spicy fans may also want to check out the social media sensation: unicorn wings.) If that’s too hot for you, make your own custom pie or dive into their surprisingly good salads or Brussels sprouts with bacon and blue cheese. The pizzeria also has an extensive gluten-free menu.
Location: 519 Memorial Drive SE; Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 9 p.m.; Website: firepitatl.com
Eventide Brewing
This craft brewery is a neighborhood hit. On tap are a well-rounded mix of IPA’s, pilsners, seltzers, and ales to cool off in the hot Atlanta weather. Bring your little ones, since Eventide is both dog- and kid-friendly. Their events are also a major draw, with everything from stand-up comedy to board game nights to symphonies.
Location: 1015 Grant Street SE; Hours: Sundays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Mondays, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturdays, noon to 10 p.m.; Website: eventidebrewing.com
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