Painted Park, Atlanta, August 29, 2025
Atlanta’s Painted Park area is a culinary hub offering numerous dining options within a short walking distance. From casual American dishes to vibrant tapas and Middle Eastern flavors, there are restaurants to satisfy every craving. Coffee lovers will enjoy local cafés while those seeking dessert can indulge in gelato and pastries. This guide provides local insights, favorite spots, and tips for parking and timing, making it a perfect destination for food enthusiasts looking to experience the local dining scene.
Neighborhood Scoop: Where to Eat and Sip Around Painted Park
Listen up, Atlanta — if you’re heading to Painted Park or just cruising down North Highland, you’re in for a culinary carnival. As a local who’s spent more afternoons than is probably healthy sampling every pastry and pour within walking distance, I’ll cut to the chase: this pocket of the city packs big flavor into a small radius. Below is the insider lowdown on where to grab coffee, dinner, or a late-night bite before or after a stroll through the park.
Right at the Park: Super convenient spots
If you want to walk out of the park and be eating or drinking in under five minutes, these are your go-tos:
- Painted Park (240 N Highland Ave, Ste A) — Yes, the park’s namesake has a bar and simple American plates if you want to stay literally on-site.
- Delbar Middle Eastern (240 N Highland Ave) — Cozy, full of warm spices, and perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly Atlanta evening. Persian and Lebanese flavors that feel like home.
- Barcelona Inman Park (240 N Highland Ave) — Tapas and wine options make this a stellar pre-park dinner spot if you want to linger over small plates.
Step a street over for shareable vibes
Want seafood, Italian, or something with a more lively scene? A short walk along North Highland brings you to:
- BeetleCat (299 N Highland Ave NE) — Fresh seafood, a buzzy dining room, and smart cocktails. Great for lively nights out.
- a mano (299 N Highland Ave NE) — Rustic Italian that’s perfect when you want handcrafted pasta and a quiet table.
Ponce City Market: The mega food court playground
If you want options — and I mean a ton of them — head to Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE). This repurposed historic building is an Atlanta staple and a serious one-stop shop for groups who can’t decide on one cuisine.
- Ponce City Market Food Hall — Ramen, burgers, tacos, pastries — you name it. Great for quick bites or picky groups.
- Ponce City Market Rooftop — Food, games, skyline views. Ideal for friends who want to pair entertainment with eats.
- W. H. Stiles Fish Camp — Seafood classics done right, casual but refined.
- H&F Burger — Gourmet burgers that feel like a fast-food splurge in the best way.
- Ton Ton — Ramen and Japanese comfort food that hits the spot after exploring the market.
- Minero and El Tesoro — Two distinct Mexican options for tacos, tequila, and festive vibes.
- Honeysuckle Gelato, Five Daughters, and St Germain Pastry — Sweet stops where dessert dreams come true.
Caffeine and casual bites
Need fuel before the park or a pick-me-up after your walk? These cafés are local favorites:
- Dancing Goats Coffee Bar (650 North Ave) — Cozy interior and steady coffee quality.
- Spiller Park Coffee (Ponce City Market) — Quick, reliable, and perfect if you’re racing the clock.
Other solid, no-fuss options nearby
- Chin Chin II Chinese Restaurant (699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE) — Classic Chinese takeout and homestyle dishes.
- BeetleCat, a mano, and Barcelona cover seafood, Italian, and tapas; pick based on mood.
Local tips from someone who actually lives here
- Timing is power: Weekends can get packed — head out early for brunch or late for dinner to dodge lines.
- Parking reality check: Street parking is limited. Consider rideshare or plan a short walk from a Ponce City Market lot if you’re visiting during peak times.
- Room for dessert: Save space for gelato or a warm pastry — Five Daughters and Honeysuckle are crowd-pleasers.
- Make it an itinerary: Coffee at Dancing Goats, a park stroll, then tapas at Barcelona or burgers at H&F makes a perfectly balanced afternoon.
The bottom line
Painted Park sits in one of Atlanta’s most delicious neighborhoods. Whether you’re a local planning a weekend loop or a visitor mapping out must-eat stops, this stretch offers everything from late-night bar snacks to refined seafood and comforting Persian dishes. Come hungry, bring friends, and expect to leave with a new favorite spot to recommend.
FAQ
What are the best coffee spots near Painted Park?
The top picks are Dancing Goats Coffee Bar for a cozy sit-down and Spiller Park Coffee for quick, reliable brews inside Ponce City Market.
Is parking available near Painted Park and Ponce City Market?
Street parking is limited around Painted Park. Ponce City Market has parking options but expect busy times on weekends and evenings. Consider rideshare for stress-free arrivals.
Which nearby places are best for groups with different tastes?
Ponce City Market Food Hall is perfect for groups since it offers a wide range of cuisines. For sit-down group dinners try Barcelona Inman Park for tapas or BeetleCat for seafood.
Can I find dessert spots close to Painted Park?
Yes — pick up gelato at Honeysuckle, pastries at Five Daughters, or European treats at St Germain Pastry, all near Ponce City Market.
Are there late-night dining options near the park?
Several spots around Ponce City Market and North Highland stay open late, especially bars and food-hall vendors. Check individual hours for the most accurate info.
Quick Chart: Key Features at a Glance
| Spot | Type | Address | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painted Park | American / Bar | 240 N Highland Ave | Casual, park-adjacent |
| Delbar Middle Eastern | Persian / Lebanese | 240 N Highland Ave | Cozy, comforting |
| BeetleCat | Seafood / American | 299 N Highland Ave NE | Buzzy, seafood-forward |
| Barcelona Inman Park | Spanish / Tapas | 240 N Highland Ave | Social, wine-focused |
| a mano | Italian | 299 N Highland Ave NE | Rustic, intimate |
| Ponce City Market | Food Hall / Shops | 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE | Varied, lively |
| Dancing Goats | Cafe | 650 North Ave | Cozy, neighborhood |
| Spiller Park Coffee | Cafe | 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE | Quick, dependable |
| Honeysuckle Gelato | Desserts | 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE | Fun, colorful |
| Five Daughters | Bakery | 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE | Sweet, popular |
Now go experience it — and yes, send me a message if you find a new hidden gem. Atlanta’s food scene is always scheming, and around Painted Park the next surprise could be one block over.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Painted Park Atlanta: Is It Safe After Dark? Crowd Patterns, Transit Tips & What to Avoid
Atlanta Offers Diverse Dining and Drinking Options for Convention-Goers
Toast on Lenox hours, menu & prices — What to check before you go
Planning a Visit to Painted Park Atlanta with Kids or Mobility Issues — Accessibility, Stroller Tips & Nearby Food
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Celebrate Mother’s Day in Atlanta Without Breaking the Bank
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.
