Living on the edge: Your neighborhood guide to Riverside
Sandwiched between the Chattahoochee River and the rapidly developing Upper Westside, Riverside is a small, but growing, residential community in the northwest corner of Atlanta. It began as a plantation called the Spink Estate, named after James W. Spink, who sold the first plot of land in the late 1800s. After his and his widow’s deaths in 1914, the farmlands were further divided and sold as residential lots over the next few decades, even attracting an Atlanta Streetcar line. By 1952, the area became part of the city of Atlanta. In recent years, it has seen a resurgence in home building and benefited from nearby commercial growth along Marietta Boulevard. The old Chattahoochee Brick Works site is poised to become a major park in the coming years.
What can I do for fun in Riverside?
Explore history and nature at Whittier Mill Park. This historic park along the Chattahoochee was once home to the Whittier Textile Mill. The original mill tower still stands amongst 22 acres of green space, trails, playgrounds, and a bocce court — all largely maintained by local residents.
Grab a slab of beef at Frazie’s Meat and Market. What the area lacks in major grocery options, it makes up for in local vendors. This butcher serves fresh cuts to families across Riverside. They specialize in butcher’s boxes that mix premium cuts of beef, salmon, sausages, and more with fresh produce. Frazie’s also serves fresh, gourmet sandwiches at the counter and online for pick-up.
Where are the best places to eat and drink in Riverside?
Bellwood Coffee
This flagship roastery of the local coffee company is a cozy, stylish place to grab a cup of joe. Having started as a pop-up cart, Bellwood’s focus is quality roasts and friendly service, and this shop does not disappoint. Relax on the spacious patio as you sip coffees sourced from around the world and named with quirky titles.
Location: 2011 Bolton Road NW, Suite 109; Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Website: bellwoodcoffee.com
One Luv Café
Spicing up the Westside since 2019, One Luv Café serves healthy Caribbean soul food. Their jerk turkey wings offer a zesty, healthy alternative to fried wings, but the standard jerk chicken plates are here as well. One Love’s “boombastic” salad serves jerk shrimp with seasonal tropical flavors on a bed of organic greens. For a lighter meal, try one of their “rasta pasta” dishes with seasonal veggies. No matter what you get, be sure to order a side of fried plantains.
Location: 2102 Hollywood Rd NW, Suite B; Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sundays, 1-7 p.m.; Website: oneluvcafeatl.net
Mami’s Taqueria
Nestled in the back of the Busy Bee Grocery, this small taqueria offers a wide variety of entree fillings from chicken to pork pastor to lamb barbacoa and mushrooms for vegetarians. Stick them in a quesadilla or a burrito, or just grab some tamales to go on your lunch break.
Location: 2051 James Jackson Pkwy NW; Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Website: taqueriamamisatlanta.com
The Companion
If you want some solid pub food with a twist, try The Companion. This tasty oasis serves American dishes with a little extra flavor. Sure you can get some wings, but why not add Vietnamese flair with caramel, peanuts, and jalapenos? They’ve got burgers of the standard cheeseburger and pimento varieties, along with a lemon pepper wet chicken sandwich. And don’t forget appetizers to add flavor to your meal, like their umami fries or bacon-wrapped chorizo dates. Even the décor is unique, with a cozy mountain vibe and giant woodland creature murals looking over your meal.
Location: 2316 Marietta Road NW; Hours: Every day, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: thecompanionatl.com
