Where to Eat Before Catching a Show at the Fox Theatre

Who doesn’t love a night at the theater?

Atlanta can always count on a solid lineup of theatrical productions, concerts, comedy performances, and more at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, located right in the heart of Midtown.

A trip to the theater is already a classy and sophisticated affair, so make sure you plan your pre- or post-show dinner to be a showstopper of its own. 

Here are some restaurants close enough to the Fox Theatre to be a seamless part of your outing (not in any particular order).

1. The Marquee Club

660 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

The Marquee Club is located right in the Fox, so you can hang out until the curtain goes up, as well as during and after the show.

It’s an exclusive club, which you can either access via an annual membership or with the purchase of Club Level seats. Once you’re in, you can enjoy two rooftop terraces, complimentary food from their upscale menu, unlimited dessert and non-alcoholic drinks, and five premium bars from which to buy signature cocktails.

2. Lyla Lila

693 Peachtree St NE Suite 118 Atlanta, GA 30308

Lyla Lila is a Southern European restaurant with a rotating menu that changes with the seasons, ensuring the freshest locally sourced vegetables, seafood, and everything in between. Some of the stars of the menu are the Crispy Duck Lasagna, the Wagyu Beef and Black Truffle Ravioli, and the Crispy Artichokes appetizer. Every dish goes beautifully with their remarkable wine list, so rest assured that you’ll have a perfect pairing.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room | Photo Credit: Joey Weiss

3. Mary Mac’s Tea Room

660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

“Atlanta’s Dining Room” has been a fixture in Midtown since 1945. Not much has changed since then, from the smiling staff to the side-sticking comfort food. If it’s your first time, look no further than their award-winning Fried Chicken, Meatloaf with Tomato Sauce, and iconic Tomato Pie.

4. Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill

216 Ponce De Leon Avenue Atlanta GA 30308 

“There’s always room at Papi’s table”, so make sure you grab a seat!

Papi’s has a unique mix of both Cuban and Caribbean grub, and you can’t go wrong with either…so might as well get both! The Pollo Vaca Frita is a Spanish dish, featuring shredded chicken simmered with onions and peppers. Rey’s Cuban Sandwich is your classic Cubano, with slow-roasted pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread. This sandwich features Papi’s secret recipe, which you won’t want to miss out on. Close your eyes and point anywhere on the menu, and you’ll be pleased with your pre-show meal.

5. 5Church

1197 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30361

5Church is a modern, classy, and sexy new American cuisine that perfectly complements a night at the theater. Check out the Red Snapper with a root vegetable puree, mushrooms, carrots, and raspberry vinegar. Or ditch the fork and knife and pick up the popular 5Church Lamb Burger, topped with a red onion marmalade, Gorgonzola fondue, arugula, and secret sauce on a brioche bun, accompanied by hand-cut fries. You will want to get there early so you can check out Virtue, their rooftop cocktail club!

6. Bon Ton

674 Myrtle St, Atlanta, Georgia 30308

You may have had some crazy culinary fusions, but Cajun and Vietnamese are even crazier (and tastier) than they sound.

Come for the gorgeous decor and stay for some one-of-a-kind dishes. The Charbroiled Crab Claws take a nice bath in beer, garlic butter, scallions, and more, which are then served with toast to sop up all the goodness. There’s also the Bon Ton Banh Mi, with the usual condiments (mayo, pickled veggies, jalapeno, and cilantro) and your choice of blackened catfish, fried shrimp, or cauliflower falafel. If you can’t make up your mind (or even if you can), order a few pounds of Cajun Crawfish for the table and make sure you wash your hands well before taking your seat, or else the entire Fox Theatre might get a hankering for Cajun-Vietnamese fusion.

7. Ecco

40 7th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Ecco has a lot to enjoy, from the slick modern decor to its phenomenal bar program. Add some of their finest dishes, like the Fried Goat Cheese, featuring honey and black pepper and the Pappardelle, with pork ragu, peppadew and grana padano. Your cheers will echo through Ecco.

8. Rreal Tacos

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Rreal Tacos is a bit of a schlep from the theater, but it’s well worth the walk. You’ll savor some of the freshest and most delicious Mexican food in town. Splurge on the crispy and massive Quesabirria, and go dip-crazy with the consomme and salsa. Or get tacos and pick a few meats at random – barbacoa, al pastor, carnitas – you really can’t miss. Add in a few margaritas and you’ll be the happiest theatergoer in the house.

9. Herban Fix

565-A Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, Georgia 30308

Herban Fix is Chef Wendy Chang’s Pan-Asian concept, proving that healthy vegan food can be far more than just a green juice or a kale salad. The Spicy Tofu Soup best embodies this philosophy, featuring Enoki and King Oyster mushrooms, as well as the Seared Pom Pom Mushroom Steak. Many other options, like these, include vegan protein to help keep you full and satisfied. 

Even though these umami-packed dishes are vegan, they’re plenty hearty…no need to worry about your stomach growling during the show.

10. Livingston Restaurant & Bar

659 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Located in the Georgian Terrace Hotel, the Livingston combines local and European influences to a splendid result. A few menu highlights include appetizers such as Tuna Crudo with Ponzu, entrees like Braised Short Ribs with cipollini onions, fingerlings, and heirloom carrots, and desserts like the Meyer Lemon Meringue Tart.

11. Taste of Greece

715 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

When a spot claims to have the “best gyro in town,” you go find out for yourself! Taste of Greece has all your Mediterranean favorites from the aforementioned gyro to the falafel. Make sure you save room for the classic Greek desserts, like Baklava and Galaktoboureko (bonus points if you can pronounce it on your first try).

12. Publik Draft House

654 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30308

Publik Draft House is a locally owned bar known and loved for its extensive selection of bourbons. The food certainly exceeds what you may expect out of bar food. They offer balanced yet comforting dishes, such as the Duck Quesadilla, Hot Chicken and Waffles, and PDH Smash Burger. Their late-night menu is offered Fridays and Saturdays until 1:30 a.m., so why not bookend your show with one of their absinthe options?

13. J.R. Crickets

129 North Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Wings might not be your ideal pre-show meal, but they’re open until 2:00 a.m., so save room for the encore! Some consider it the go-to ATL spot for lemon pepper wet wings, which is quite the feat considering Atlanta is the lemon pepper capital of the world.

14. The Ponce Room

640 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308

A Southern experience that includes a brunch and dinner experience. This bar and kitchen adds a modern twist to their restaurant, from their drinks to their food to their seating. This restaurant features a fantastic patio, as well as a social dining room, perfect for relaxing and watching the busy streets of midtown. Who doesn’t want a Ponce Room Mimosa with their pancakes before going to the Fox Theater!?

15. Hikaru Ramen @ Coda

756 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308

A restaurant with outstanding Ramen and Japanese staples! Their menu features Curry Ramen, Chicken Ramen, Miso and spicy veggie varieties. Not to mention, they have choices beyond just ramen. Fans love the quality of the food, tender, rich and delicious. Whether you are grabbing a quick lunch or looking for a cozy dinner vibe before the theater, Hikaru’s friendly service will have you coming back for more!

16. El Valle

800 Peachtree St NE STE F, Atlanta, GA 30308

A Mexican restaurant that is bursting with flavor. Everything is worth a taste here, but especially the show-stopping entrees like mole de ajo negro, hoja santa branzino, and chorizo risotto with pan seared sea scallops. Whether you’re dining under a cozy tapestry of lights or enjoying some tunes, El Valle offers a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe that’s ideal for dinner, happy hour, weekend brunch, or cocktails late into the night.

17. Cypress Street Pint and Plate

817 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30308

Nestled in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, steps from the Fox Theatre, Cypress Street Pint & Plate is the ultimate neighborhood gastropub where “drinks are always cold, food is always hot, and the bar staff know your name”. With seventeen beers on tap, you are no doubt going to have a fantastic time at Cypress. From great beverage choices to the juiciest burger ever, you want to dine before or after the show here.

18. El Vinedo Local

730 Peachtree St NE Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30308

Every Thursday, El Vinedo hosts an event called “SIP WINE TO SPANISH GUITAR”. Whether you have a show on Thursday or not, this place has an amazing dining experience. El Viñedo Local is filled with natural light throughout, offering a bright and airy space to enjoy your favorite Mexican dishes. Whether you’re stopping by for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this spot fits perfectly into any schedule. El Viñedo Local is always a vibrant and delicious place to dine.