Thousands of people will descend upon Piedmont Park on Saturday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 11 to celebrate Atlanta Pride. And while there will be plenty of food vendors selling snacks and drinks at the park, numerous LGBTQ+-owned and -friendly restaurants, coffee shops, and bars are within walking distance of the Pride festivities.
If you’re looking for a place to grab coffee in the morning, sip cocktails at happy hour, or sit down for a leisurely meal with friends, check out this mini dining and drinking guide featuring local restaurant and bar suggestions within walking distance of Atlanta Pride at Piedmont Park.
Saturday
9 a.m. breakfast at Café Intermezzo
8 minutes walking from Piedmont Park
Kick off Atlanta Pride weekend with the most important meal of the day at Café Intermezzo. The European-inspired cafe at the corner of Peachtree and 11th boasts an extensive breakfast and brunch menu, allowing everyone to get what they want. For an indulgent espresso drink, order the Intermezzo Cappuccino made with steamed cream and cocoa topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.
12 p.m. brunch at Park Tavern
Edge of Piedmont Park
Skipped breakfast? Head over to Park Tavern on the edge of Piedmont Park for the Big Gay Brunch. This Atlanta Pride drag brunch will star Destiny Brooks, Raquel Rea Heart, Cici Nicole, Ran Diosa, Aspen York, Aqua De’Laroja, CoCo Iman Starr, and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” stars Bosco and Detox. Your $35 ticket will get you your choice of brunch bites, or splurge for the $65 ticket to enjoy bottomless mimosas. Please note, the Big Gay Brunch lineup is subject to change. This is a 21+ event.
4 p.m. afternoon snack at Larakin
3 minutes walking from 12th Street entrance of Piedmont Park
For an afternoon caffeine fix or a glass of wine, head to Larakin and its sprawling patio on 12th. This coffee and wine bar opens early in the morning and stays open until 10 p.m. for coffee, wine, and small bites, including pastries and breakfast sandwiches, charcuterie and cheese, tinned fish, and thick slices of focaccia pizza.
Related stories:
• Queer Atlantans are fostering the city’s alternative nightlife scene
• MARTA Dining Guide: Arts Center and Midtown stations
• MARTA Dining Guide: North Avenue and downtown Atlanta stations
6 p.m. dinner and drinks at Buddy Buddy
7 minutes walking from Piedmont Park to Midtown Promenade
Cap off day one of Pride with Greek food, cocktails, and good vibes at LGBTQ+-owned Buddy Buddy. Order skorthalia (whipped potato and garlic) dip and an entree of Greek lasagna, Mediterranean steamed clams, or oven-roasted Greek lemon chicken. Pair dinner with a cocktail like the Spaghetti Junction #2, made with rye, cherry quina, aperitivo, amaro, dry vermouth, and a big ice cube.
11 p.m. dancing at Blake’s on the Park or My Sister’s Room
6 to 12 minutes walking from Piedmont Park, respectively
After dinner, head back to the park to enjoy this year’s headliners on the main stage, then keep the night going at two popular Midtown queer bars. For dancing and drinks, check out Blake’s, a beloved gay bar on 10th, and lesbian bar My Sister’s Room on Crescent. Both bars are welcoming favorites across the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
Sunday
10 a.m. pre-parade brunch at El Viñedo Local
Along the Atlanta Pride parade route near 4th Street
Before the parade steps off at noon, start your day with coffee and a Latin American brunch at LGBTQ+-owned El Viñedo Local. Serving as both a Latin American coffee shop and wine bar, order a breakfast empanada, an arepa, or Brazilian French toast. Afterwards, secure the perfect parade-viewing spot (with a glass of wine) on the steps out front along Peachtree Street.
3 p.m. post-parade coffee at Schaf Shop
12 minutes walking from Piedmont Park
Located on Juniper, this LGBTQ+-owned coffee shop and community gathering space is a solid place to relax and grab an afternoon pick-me-up. Expect classic espresso drinks here, along with some unique beverages, like banana pudding matcha, cherry chai latte, and espresso cherry Coke.
Related story:
The story behind Schaf Shop started with a breast cancer diagnosis
Alternative post-parade bite to eat at The Nook
On Piedmont Avenue across the street from Piedmont Park
Located across the street from Piedmont Park near the 14th Street entrance, The Nook is a great place to grab a post-parade bite to eat and watch sports on the covered patio. Order a burger, pulled pork sandwich, or smoked wings with a beer. And don’t skip ordering a batch of The Nook’s famous totchos. A pile of tater tots comes smothered in everything from grilled chicken, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese dressing, to pulled pork, Coca-Cola barbecue sauce, and cheese.
6 p.m. Italian dinner at Campagnolo
6 minutes walking from Piedmont Park
Close out Atlanta Pride weekend with a decadent Italian dinner at a Midtown favorite and LGBTQ+-owned restaurant. Order Campagnolo’s popular lasagna matta. Other recommended dishes include the tagliatelle bolognese and the roasted duck breast. Grab a seat on the patio for great people watching.
9 p.m. farewell drink at Zocalo
7 minutes walking from Piedmont Park; two blocks from Midtown MARTA station
Cheers to another successful Atlanta Pride weekend with a refreshing soft serve margarita on the patio at this Midtown Mexican restaurant. Then continue on to your hotel, or to catch the train at the Midtown MARTA station just down the street on 10th.
