Our Old Fourth Ward Restaurant Guide
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published January 15, 2020 and last updated April 11, 2024.
Historic Old Fourth Ward, a former industrial district, has become a hot spot for some of the best cuisine in the city. From food halls to Tex Mex to truly inspired seafood, these few square miles have it all when it comes to dining. Hop on the Beltline and grab a bite to eat at any of these delicious spots!
1. a mano
We love the carbonara at this cozy, Italian spot. Perfect for date night or any night with always wonderful service to boot, a mano always impresses. Another can’t miss dish is the olive oil skillet bread!
2. Krog Street Market
Krog Street Market is perfect for when you’re in a group and just can’t come to consensus on where or what to eat. It’s always bustling and has tons of options. Fred’s Meat & Bread has all the amazing meats and sandwiches that you crave when you’re extra hungry. Gu’s Dumplings’ spicy dried eggplant is totally addicting. Yalla has a shawarma you’ll dream about for days. Or, if you’re wanting to eat healthier, pick up a delicious bowl from Recess. And finish off that meal with a few pastries at Little Tart Bakeshop or a scoop of ice cream from Jeni’s.
3. Superica
We don’t have a ton of great Tex Mex options here in Atlanta, but thankfully Superica fits the bill. Their margaritas pack a punch, or try their burger topped with chilli and their queso fundido for some cheesy goodness. You truly can’t go wrong with a single thing on this menu. Be sure to check them out for brunch too! They are known for their hot cakes and you’ll understand why when you try them.
4. Bully Boy
A newer addition to the Old Fourth Ward area, Bully Boy is serving sensational seafood. Menu highlights include Maine Lobster frites, their omurice blue crab fried rice, oyster sliders, and Thai coconut curry mussels. Need it all, NOW!
5. Ladybird Grove and Mess Hall
The patio to end all patios! Ladybird is the best of the Beltline. Have a few cocktails here–their Old Fashioned is a showstopper–or sit down for some seriously tasty eats. We dream about their burger and love their brunch offerings. Don’t sleep on their mac & cheese!
6. New Realm Brewing
Long gone are the days where bars and breweries were just for drinks. Now, they’re culinary and dinner destinations. Anyone who has tried New Realm’s spicy buffalo chicken wings or cheddar crusted mac & cheese knows that New Realm knows their stuff. Those items not tickling your fancy? How about a Wagyu burger or a Southern she-crab soup? Their patio is also always perfect for warmer weather days!
7. Nina & Rafi
Deep dish pizza lovers rejoice! Nina & Rafi is bringing a Detroit style pie to ATL, and the whole town is raving about it. Split a ‘za at dinner time with your friends or order by the slice until 4pm. Menu highlights include the Tony Pepperoni, the meatball appetizer, and the ooey, gooey, cheesy bread. They also have gluten free items for gluten free sensitive folks, though the kitchen is not completely gluten free.
8. Folk Art
THE brunch spot! You’ll love Folk Art’s expansive, diet-busting menu: try the Folk southern fried biscuits, the chocolate s’mores waffle, the sweet potato beignets, the roasted pork and chili verde, and the cinnamon pecan sticky buns for a cheat meal that’s worth it. Weekend brunch lines are usually out the door, so get their early or slip away from work for a weekday lunch. There’s also a location in Decatur where it’s greater!
9. Ponce City Market
Another food hall makes our list of must-visit spots in Old Fourth Ward. Ponce City Market, modeled after Chelsea Market in New York City, houses some of the city’s tastiest eats and boutique chic shopping. Like Krog Street Market, there’s absolutely something for everyone. You can pick up a mouthwatering and cake-y donut from Nashville import Five Daughters Bakery, enjoy a charcuterie board at 9 Mile Station, see why folks say H&F Burger has the best burger in the city, feast on tacos at Minero, or pick up a bucket of crunchy fried chicken from Hop’s Chicken. Make a stop by Honeysuckle Gelato for an ice cream sandwich or double scoop of gelato to end your culinary trip.
10. TWO Urban Licks
TWO Urban Licks is always a party and a happening date night spot. Dine on the patio for some fair weather fun and try their brisket and eggs for brunch. They’re also famous for the salmon chips!
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11. Bomb Biscuit
Bomb Biscuit is truly known for having some of the best biscuits in town. They are only open from 9-2 pm Wednesday through Sunday so plan on getting up and going so you can get exactly what you want! From savory to sweet and everything in between, you won’t believe how good these biscuits truly are.
12. Highland Bakery
Sadly, the Old Fourth location has closed, however there are two other locations around town you can still get their delicious offerings! Check them out for everything from a quick pastry and coffee to a full on sit down brunch! They’ve got a little bit of everything from shrimp and grits and benedicts to breakfast sandwiches and omelets. But the pancakes are where it’s at. Go for savory with their cilantro corn pancakes, or go sweet with the incredible ricotta pancakes with blueberries.
