Old Fourth Ward, Cabbagetown, and Edgewood 

Head east from Downtown and find Old Fourth Ward and Cabbagetown, two of the best neighborhoods for walking around and enjoying public street art. 

Old Fourth Ward is one of Atlanta’s trendiest historic neighborhoods – located in a former industrial area, it holds the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail, a converted railway line for walking and cycling through the city, and Historic Fourth Ward Park. It’s also home to one of Atlanta’s best hidden gems, Carroll Street Café, a cozy bohemian restaurant serving eclectic American-Mediterranean fusion meals and tapas; JenChan’s, a queer-owned Asian fusion joint hosting mahjong every other Monday; The T, a casual neighborhood gay bar with karaoke, pool, video games, a jukebox, and nightly specials; and a mano, a cozy cottage serving handmade pasta and other seasonal Italian dishes. 

Cabbagetown is best known for Krog Street Tunnel, which acts as a graffiti canvas for Atlanta’s best street artists. Walk through the tunnel and you’ll find a path lined with beautiful city-sponsored murals and the first of Atlanta’s famous “tiny doors” (check out tinydoorsatl.com for more info) – don’t forget your camera! Get a beer steps away at 97 Estoria or walk a few blocks to find Krog Street Market, one of Atlanta’s best (and busiest) food halls. There, you can get a delicious wood-fired pizza at Varuni Napoli or “Mex-Tex” at Superica. Talk a walk down the paved BeltLine to find Hawkers, a hip spot for Asian street food and craft cocktails, and Guac Y Margys for tacos, guac, and margaritas. 

While you’re in the area, pick up a rare houseplant and locally handmade pot at Flora/Fauna (it’s Black woman-owned!) or get a gift for a loved one (or yourself) at The Merchant. 

While in Cabbagetown, make sure you stop by Agave Restaurant. From stuffed mountain trout tomatillo to Mexican rack of lamb and traditional Posole soup, Agave is known for its eclectic Southwestern menu and extensive tequila bar. If you’re vegan (or not), you can also get some Latin cuisine and delicious cocktails at La Semilla. 

If you’re looking for a fun night out, look no further than Edgewood Avenue. While there, visit 

Joystick Gamebar, Atlanta’s premium game bar, for some old-school arcade games like pinball, 

Pac-Man, and Mortal Kombat; Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and

Ping-Pong Emporium (it’s a mouthful, locals just call it Church) for tongue-in-cheek religious 

art and killer Organ Karaoke every Wednesday night; Lore, Atlanta’s newest queer club; and

Pisces for some late-night house music in a femme-friendly environment.

Fun facts: 

  1. Prior to the city’s 1909 annexation, Edgewood was originally its own town and was developed during Atlanta’s Reconstruction-era economic boom that lasted from 1870 to 1910.
  2. Edgewood was geared primarily towards blue-collar workers, hence the abundance of craftsman bungalows. 
  3. Edgewood has an Edgewood Community Learning Garden.
  4. The original location for Morris Brown College, the first educational institution in Georgia for African Americans. 
  5. Old Fourth Ward is where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was born.

Reports from the staff of Georgia Voice.