Atlanta, August 26, 2025
Located at 240 North Highland Avenue NE in Atlanta, Painted Park is an inviting venue combining food, games, and vibrant energy. It’s a favorite among locals for its casual brunches, lively evenings, and energetic weekend parties. The venue offers a relaxed atmosphere during the week and transforms into a bustling hub on weekends. With flexible hours and family-friendly options, it’s ideal for everyone. Visitors can check out local specialties and enjoy arcade games, ensuring a memorable visit whether you’re a local or just in town.
Painted Park: The Little Highland Hangout That’s Big on Fun
If you live in Atlanta or you’re headed this way for the weekend, there’s a spot on 240 North Highland Avenue NE that’s been quietly stealing hearts. Painted Park mixes food, games, and a good time into one compact, lively venue. It’s the kind of place you point your out-of-town friends to when you want them to get a real feel for local Atlanta energy without paying cover or fussing with a reservation.
Why locals keep coming back
First off, the place wears many hats: daytime chill spot for brunch and afternoon hangouts, weekday evening unwind zone, and full-on party scene by weekend night. The vibe is unpretentious. Think bright interiors, buzzy music, and enough lawn or indoor games to keep a group entertained for hours. It’s family-friendly during the day and becomes a livelier adult playground after hours.
When to go — and when to avoid the crowds
Timing makes a huge difference. If you crave a relaxed visit, shoot for weekday evenings — Tuesday through Thursday between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM is the sweet spot. For a quieter weekend experience, aim for Saturday or Sunday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If you want full-on energy, Friday nights and late weekend hours deliver — doors open early and the place hums late into the night.
Hours that actually help you plan
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Monday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Parking and getting there — the real talk
Parking in this part of Atlanta is a mixed bag. There’s limited metered street parking near the venue, so always double-check signage for times and restrictions or you’ll risk a ticket. Some nearby spots or partner venues may offer validated parking — it never hurts to ask inside before you commit to a lot. For many locals, public transit is the smarter move. The MARTA network serves the area, and bus #27 stops at the Piedmont Avenue entrance, making it an easy hop if you don’t want to circle the block looking for a space.
What to expect inside
The menu tends to be crowd-pleasing and casual — shareable plates, playful cocktails, and quick bites that fuel activity. Entertainment can range from bar games to themed nights, so check ahead if you’re planning a big group night. The crowd is a mix of neighborhood regulars, young professionals, and visitors who like the neighborhood bar-meets-arcade feel.
Insider tips from a local
- Arrive early if you’re a big group — seating fills up fast on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Ask about validated parking at the door; sometimes it’s available and can save you a headache.
- Take MARTA or ride-share for late-night departures. The neighborhood stays lively late.
- Keep an eye on the venue’s event calendar. Specialty nights can be great, but they also mean crowds.
Painted Park isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It’s a lively, local playground with good food, solid drink options, and enough energy to make any night out worth a story. Whether you’re a native Atlantan or visiting to soak up neighborhood scenes, it’s a smart stop for a laid-back afternoon or an electric night out.
FAQ — Quick Answers for Atlanta Visitors and Locals
Where is Painted Park located?
Painted Park is at 240 North Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30307.
What are the best times to visit to avoid crowds?
Weekday evenings (Tuesday–Thursday between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM) and early weekend afternoons (11:00 AM–2:00 PM) are typically quieter.
Is parking available?
There is limited metered street parking nearby. Some validated parking options may be offered — ask inside. Public transit via MARTA bus #27 is a solid alternative.
What are the hours of operation?
Hours vary by day. See the list in the main article for full details, but expect weekend late nights and earlier closing on Sunday.
Does Painted Park host events?
Yes. Events and themed nights happen regularly; checking their event schedule before you go can help avoid unexpected crowds or snag a night that fits your vibe.
Quick Features Chart
| Feature | How it scores | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility (Transit) | Good — MARTA bus #27 nearby | |
| Parking Ease | Fair — limited metered street spots; validation sometimes | |
| Best Visit Times | Weekday evenings & early weekend afternoons | |
| Vibe | Casual, lively, neighborhood-friendly | |
| Family-Friendliness | Good during daytime hours |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
