Taking in the view: Your neighborhood guide to Westview
Westview — located in southwest Atlanta between Interstate 20 and Cascade Heights — owes its roots to a graveyard, but it’s far from dead. After the founding of Westview Cemetery in 1884, the Atlanta Streetcar had transit lines extended from Ponce to the cemetery and this lively residential neighborhood sprouted up. By 1910, the area was incorporated into the city of Atlanta. The neighborhood flourished, and is still full of 1920s-era Arts and Craft bungalows today, along with a few small commercial strips.
Although it suffered during the 2008 housing crisis, Westview is taking part in the recent Intown resurgence. The Westside Beltline runs alongside the neighborhood, and new developments and neighbors moving in have provided Westview with an active future.
What can I do for fun in Westview?
Honor the past at Westview Cemetery. Founded all the way back in the 1880s on 600 acres of land — the largest in the Southeast — Westview was once the premiere burial ground of the city. Stroll the grounds and find the final resting place of icons like Coca-Cola founder Asa Candler, author Joel Chandler Harris, and Mayor William Hartsfield. But the most interesting and imposing monument on site is the Westview Abbey, a mausoleum that houses over 11,000 crypts and over 72 pieces of stained-glass art in an ornate Gothic structure.
Shop local at Westview Corner Grocery. Since 2018, this independent, locally-owned grocery store has provided Westview with a quality alternative to the area’s single-chain store. The grocery specializes in local, natural and organic foods at reasonable prices, and even has a coffee shop inside so you can sip while you shop.
Where are the best places to eat and drink in Westview?
Slutty Vegan
Westview is home to the original corner store that started Pinky Cole’s vegan sensation. Come on down to bite into one of their many provocatively-named, plant-free burgers. Or go beyond beef with vegan versions of their hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and chili. Add a side of slutty fries and a shake to round out your meal.
Location: 1542 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard SW; Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, noon to midnight; Website: sluttyveganatl.com
D’Café and Catering
If you’re looking for soul food or just a nice place to have a drink after work, come to D’Café. This cozy restaurant offers Southern classic dishes such as Miss D’s chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, mac and cheese, and collards. Step up to the bar and enjoy an extensive drink list and mimosas for brunch. If you do visit for brunch, try the Midtown French toast or a classic breakfast platter with eggs, bacon, and toast. Check social media for additional live music events.
Location: 1550 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard SW; Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Website: dcafeatl.com
Firewall Food Stop
Coming in hot, Firewall’s menu is an eclectic cross-section of Italian and Israeli. Serving wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza, they offer everything from your standard margherita to specialty pies like a vegetarian “gardener” and a “farmer” with Italian sausage and red peppers. Lighter lunch diners can grab a bowl of hummus or a pita sandwich. Try the Fertile Crescent, filled with chicken, pickled veggies raisins, walnuts, mango, and hot sauce.
Location: 1548 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard SW; Hours: Thursdays, 3-8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Website: firewallatl.com
In the middle of it all: Your neighborhood guide to Midtown Atlanta