-
Atlanta’s Department of Parks and Recreation is asking neighbors to come back to the table. In a recent Instagram post, the department announced a public meeting on Thursday, October 15, at the Georgia Hill Neighborhood Center to revisit ideas, thoughts, and visions for the Grant Park Food & Beverage space.
“They need to do something,” said Emma Payne, a longtime Grant Park resident, who rents a home on Boulevard.
The space in question is the striking, roughly 7,000-square-foot Grant Park Gateway building at the edge of the city’s oldest park, next to Zoo Atlanta. Finished around the start of the pandemic and officially opened in January 2021 as part of a $48 million project that replaced a parking lot with a park-topped garage, the building has sat empty for about six years.
Atlanta Parks and Rec invites residents to shape the future of Grant Park’s long-empty Gateway food-and-beverage space
Previous tenant efforts—including a 2024 selection of Savi Provisions that later fell through—have not produced an operator. City procurement recently began another push under the name “Grant Park Gateway Rooftop Food and Beverage Commercial Enterprise.”
A Grant Park Neighborhood Association survey earlier this year collected hundreds of responses. Popular concepts included an all-day café, a family bistro with lawn access, and a micro food hall with shared seating. Residents also repeatedly asked for clean public restrooms and programmed uses such as events and wellness gatherings.
Comments on the Parks and Rec post echoed that mix: some called for a skate-friendly plaza that reflects local roller-skating culture, others suggested seasonal drinks like shaved ice, and several expressed frustration that the building has remained vacant for so long. One commenter wrote that the city should “get it together” after years of planning conversations without an occupant.
The October 15 session is framed as a chance to revisit those earlier ideas rather than start from scratch. Georgia Hill Neighborhood Center has hosted other community conversations about southeast Atlanta issues, making it a familiar venue for neighbors who want the Gateway to finally serve residents, zoo visitors, and people using the adjacent greenspace.
The Gateway’s location is both an asset and a source of pressure. It sits at a high-visibility entrance to Grant Park with downtown views from its patio, and the surrounding lawn already draws picnickers, skaters, and families heading to the zoo. Filling the building with a food-and-beverage use that also functions as a community “third space” has been a consistent neighborhood request. Whether that takes the form of a café, food hall, market, or some hybrid remains the question the city is putting back to the public.
Residents who want a say can attend the October 15 meeting at Georgia Hill Neighborhood Center. The department has not published a start time in the Instagram announcement; checking the official Parks and Rec channels closer to the date is advisable. After years of empty storefronts and stalled RFPs, the next chapter of the Gateway will depend in part on how clearly Atlanta answers the invitation: What should this space actually be?
-
It’s no secret that Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park is a fantastic family outing with animals, playgrounds, and kid-focused exhibits.
After a day exploring pandas, gorillas, and more, you’ll want convenient, welcoming spots nearby in Grant Park that offer tasty food, kid options, and relaxed vibes.
Families: Where To Eat Near Zoo Atlanta
Here are five top family-friendly restaurants within a short drive (mostly under 1-2 miles) in the Grant Park and surrounding areas, based on popularity, reviews, proximity, and suitability for kids.
1. Dakota Blue (Closest Neighborhood Favorite)
454 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 | (404) 589-8002
Distance: About 0.5 miles from the zoo entrance (half a block from Grant Park).
This casual American spot has been a Grant Park staple since 2003, known for its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Families love the build-your-own burgers, tilapia tacos, and local brews (or kid-friendly drinks).
The open-air patio is perfect for warmer days, and the cozy vibe makes it feel like a neighborhood hangout. It’s ideal post-zoo with straightforward, crowd-pleasing options that suit all ages.
2. Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House
Distance: Roughly 0.5-1 mile (437 Memorial Drive SE, across from Oakland Cemetery).
A longtime Grant Park favorite with a casual pub feel, excellent seafood (oysters, shrimp and grits, fish), and solid American classics.
It’s explicitly family-oriented with a kids’ menu (e.g., cheese quesadilla with fries and drink), highchairs, and outdoor seating.
Reviews often highlight its kid-friendliness and welcoming staff—great for groups after a zoo visit. The name references its cemetery location, but the lively, friendly energy keeps it fun rather than spooky.
3. Grant Central Pizza (Pizza Lovers’ Go-To)
Distance: Under 1 mile (Cherokee Ave or nearby East Atlanta spots).
A family-owned pizzeria serving New York-style pies, pasta, and build-your-own options since the early 1990s.
Kids go wild for the pizza and lunch specials (like slices + drink deals), while parents appreciate the fresh ingredients and relaxed setting.
It’s a quick, affordable stop that’s walking-distance friendly for families with strollers or tired little legs. Perfect for picky eaters.
4. Ria’s Bluebird
421 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 | (404) 521-3737
Distance: About 0.5-1 mile in the Grant Park area.
This charming, artsy spot shines for brunch and lunch with standout pancakes (called some of the world’s best), shrimp and grits, breakfast burritos, and biscuits.
It’s family-friendly with a cozy, mural-filled interior, outdoor seating, and a hip yet comfortable vibe that works for kids.
Gluten-free and vegetarian options abound, making it versatile for mixed families. Expect hearty portions and a fun, local feel.
5. Mediterranea
332 Ormond St SE ste 101, Atlanta, GA 30315 | (404) 748-4219
Distance: Just 0.3 miles—super close!
A Mediterranean gem in a historic building with a rooftop patio overlooking the park. It offers gluten-free Italian-inspired dishes, fresh salads, sandwiches, and baked goods—many vegetarian/vegan-friendly.
While a bit more upscale, it’s neighborhood-casual with counter service for lunch and great for families seeking lighter, flavorful meals after animal adventures. High ratings for its cozy charm and quality.
Tips for Your Visit:
- Many spots offer outdoor/patio seating, great for Atlanta’s mild weather.
- Weekends can be busy—consider reservations where available or aim for off-peak times post-zoo (zoo hours typically end mid-afternoon).
- Parking is street or nearby lots; the area is walkable from the zoo.
- For a sweet finale, check out Cereal and Cream nearby for customizable ice cream-cereal treats.
Want more places to take your children? Check out our Kids Eat Free Guide.
These picks balance proximity, variety, and kid-appeal while delivering solid local flavor. Enjoy your family day in Atlanta!
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
