Spring into entertainment: Your city guide to Sandy Springs

Bounded by the Chattahoochee River, Roswell and Atlanta, Sandy Springs emerged in North Fulton in 2005. It was the first unincorporated city to come into its own in the metro Atlanta area, and one of the biggest to date. Its connection to MARTA rail and the I-1285 Perimeter means tons of people pass through each day. But centuries before that, the area originated as a watering stop for Native Americans and travelers along its natural springs and rivers.

The oldest surviving building dates back to before the Civil War and donated land from Wilson Spruill laid the groundwork for the modern city. After its humble beginnings, the area remained largely rural until the 1950s, when the interstate system began to be developed outward from Atlanta and the population boomed. The city fought annexation into Atlanta at this time, as well as in a subsequent vote in the 1960s — a trend that would not die down for the next few decades.

By the early-2000s, local leaders grew impatient, and in 2005, residents finally voted to incorporate into their city and elect a mayor. The city operates a public-private partnership, with some city services offloaded to companies. Today, Sandy Springs is an expanding city with lots to offer residents and visitors alike and shows no signs of stopping its growth as a key part of the northern suburbs.

What can I do for fun in Sandy Springs

Get your game on at Battle and Brew. This gaming-focused social pub is a nerd’s dream. Whether you like Mario Kart matches, board games, or even monthly themed trivia nights, Battle and Brew is the perfect place for you and a few friends to hang out. Feeling peckish? Grab some appetizers and a beer and take a break from marathon matches.

Sing along to Broadway tunes at the City Springs Theatre Company. No need to go down to Atlanta’s Fox Theatre! Sandy Springs is home to its own musical theatre venue at City Springs. Their lineup is full of adaptations of big Broadway hits, smaller musicals, and other plays put on in a beautiful auditorium.

Get off Netflix and see a show at City Springs Cinema & Taphouse. This indie theatre off Roswell Road, formerly known as the Lefont, hosts everything from mainstream new releases to special screenings of cult classics. Make your cinema experience feel like home (but better!) as you relax in heated recliners and order from a full kitchen and bar with tons of beer, wine, and spirits on tap.

Where are the best places to eat and drink in Sandy Springs?

Okiboru

This Michelin-rated ramen restaurant has some of the best noodles in the city. All their noodles are freshly made in-house in plain view, and the menu is built around them. The thin, hand-pulled ramen noodles are dipped into rich broths like a traditional pork tonkatsu (in classic or spicy broth) and the tori paitan with fried chicken. They are also known for their tsukemen dipping ramen where the thick noodles and meats are offered on the side to dip yourself. If you need something to share with the table, try the crunchy ebi karaage fried shrimp or their custom bao with pork and creamy aioli.

Location: 6125 Roswell Road, Suite 800; Hours: Weekdays, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: okiboru.com

Flower Child

Cleanse your palette with this healthy diner’s fresh bowls and salads. Add fish or chicken to your medley of rice, veggies and zesty sauces for that perfect lunchtime boost. Or if you’re in a hurry, grab a Mediterranean-inspired black bean falafel wrap to go. Bulk salads and proteins are also available for healthy office catering!

Location: 6400 Blue Stone Road #170; Hours: Every day, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: iamaflowerchild.com

Yalda

Rumi’s may be a local institution, but while its Sandy Springs location is under renovation, you could do far worse than fellow Persian eatery Yalda. Made with sharing in mind, a myriad of dishes awaits with tender meat kabobs spiced just right, hefty lamb shanks braised in aromatics and smoked eggplant spread with naan bread. (Lighter fare like their tabbouli salad and sauteed veggies compliment the meaty menu, too.) End the meal with the pomegranate cheesecake and a classic cocktail from the bar.

Location: 6500 Aria Boulevard, Suite 500; Hours: Lunch: Weekdays, 11:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and weekends, noon to 4 p.m.; Dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 4 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.; Website: yaldaatl.com

NAM Kitchen

Relax in this colorful and classy Vietnamese restaurant as you enjoy a meal before a show at nearby City Springs, or just relax with a drink from their extensive bar selection. Food offerings include staples like pho and banh mi sandwiches, as well as clay pot simmered chicken, lemongrass sauteed grouper, or a grilled pork chop with jumbo shrimp and rice, among other entrees. Everything is flavorful and blends influences from both northern and southern Vietnam.

Location: 6400 Blue Stone Road, Suite 100; Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.; Website: namkitchenatl.com

Under the Cork Tree

While this classy diner can be a great dinner location with its relaxing lounge spaces and steak dinners, Under the Cork Tree makes a great weekend brunch. Enjoy their patio or classy dining room as you dig into some apple cider doughnuts topped with cinnamon icing and a pimento chicken biscuit. If you want to aim classier, share an order of oysters or a French omelet filled with mushrooms and gruyere. Dinner service keeps the oysters and adds seasonal vegetables, charcuterie plates, and pan-seared salmon alongside the aforementioned steaks and burgers.

Location: 5600 Roswell Road NE #230; Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: corktreerestaurant.com

Mutation Brewing

When you just need to relax with friends, check out this ever-evolving brewery off Roswell Road. Their selection changes frequently, but covers a range of beer and seltzer types with funky names and funkier flavor profiles. Take a drink and a snack from their kitchen partner out on the extensive patio and change your day! Thursdays offer discounts for teachers and students, as well as a rotating mystery pint on sale.

Location: 5825 Roswell Rd NE; Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Website: mutationbrew.com