Plenty of flavor here: Your neighborhood guide to Blandtown
This Westside neighborhood — located between Huff Road, Howell Mill, and Marietta Boulevard — may conjure images of barren land and white walls, but we assure you it’s anything but.
Named after freed slave Felix Bland after the Civil War, Blandtown became one of the first prominent African American neighborhoods in the late 1800s. As railroads and developments grew from the city center, Blandtown became connected to industry, joining its churches, clinics, and numerous neighborhoods. Though the area was damaged by a fire in the late 1920s, the area thrived and was home to the nation’s first African American radio station, WERD.
The city of Atlanta incorporated Blandtown into its boundaries in 1956, but this was hardly progress. The City rezoned much of the area for industrial use, driving out many of the Black families and businesses established here. Only a few residential blocks remained, and Huff Road became dominated by factories, mills, and warehouses.
That is no longer the case. Because of rapid redevelopment in the last decade, many newcomers now lump historic Blandtown into part of the trendy West Midtown and Upper Westside areas. Development boomed and scores of apartments, food halls, and entertainment venues have swallowed up many of the old industrial plots. And the refresh doesn’t show any signs of stopping. The historic Goat Farm Arts Center will be reopening in 2024 with a mixture of residential units and studio spaces and will be the new home of the Museum of Contemporary Art.
What can I do for fun in Blandtown?
Bocce and brew at Ormsby’s. While development has boomed on the Westside, this reliable pub in Westside Provisions has been a mainstay for years. Come for a drink upstairs, or go downstairs and enjoy two bocce courts, darts, shuffleboard, and a large selection of board games. It’s game night without the hassle of hosting at home!
Swing, but don’t miss, at Bad Axe Throwing. Chopping down firewood, this is not. When you’re ready to try something unique for your next outing with friends, check out this urban axe-throwing venue based on the Canadian activity. It’s kind of like bowling or darts, but everyone throws axes at a giant wall and tries to hit the bullseye. Available as a walk-in or private 90-minute reservation for your group that includes a coach.
Find your next statement piece. The Blandtown area has scores of art and designer furniture shops to peruse while you’re in the area. Whether you are looking for trendy modern seating at Direct Furniture Modern Home, home décor at Peridot West, or looking for locally-made vintage-style furniture and gifts at Westside Market, there’s plenty to peruse in the neighborhood.
Where are the best places to eat and drink in Blandtown?
Souper Jenny
Sometimes you just need a warm cup of homemade soup to get through the winter blues. This well-known soup and sandwich shop has just what you need. Choose from a selection of five rotating health-conscious soups (such as pumpkin butternut squash or turkey chili) and pair it with a sandwich or salad. Chili proceeds help out the Zadie Project. Check the website for the daily offerings.
Location: 1082 Huff Rd NW; Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Website: souperjennyatl.com
Bone Garden Cantina
Sandwiches are fine, but if you need a little zest in your meal, get your bones down to Bone Garden Cantina. They offer authentic Mexican dishes and plenty of drinks to wash them down with. Standouts include fried yuca, birria enchiladas, and a range of tacos from shrimp to chicharron pork to spicy grilled steak. Grab a sangria, a specialty house margarita, or an agua fresca for extra flavor.
Location: 1421 Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard; Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Website: bonegardencantina.com
Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours
Lead chef Deborah VanTrece is renowned in Atlanta — as well as now recognized by Michelin— and it started at this modern soul food restaurant in Blandtown. They offer beautifully plated Southern classics with a spin. Start your meal off with fried green tomatoes or caramel-glazed chicken wings. Then dig into hoisin glazed oxtails, catfish with Cajun seasoning, or a classic fried chicken with sweet potato apple chutney and mac. Whatever you get is sure to have as much flavor as its crew!
Location: 1133 Huff Rd NW #D; Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Website: twistedsoulatl.com
Bacchanalia
If you really want to dine in luxury, you must try Bacchanalia. Winners of a James Beard Award and name-dropped in Edgar Wright’s film “Baby Driver”, owners Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison offer a prix-fixe menu with four courses of fresh, local dishes along with optional wine pairings. Expect creative new offerings alongside mainstays such as crab fritters, steak, and a fruit plate. Feeling extra fancy? They offer caviar service and oysters as well.
Location: 1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. Suite A; Hours: Monday through Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Website: restaurant10atl.com
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