While some 75,000 fans will be descending on Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Feb. 3, it’s not necessary to stand shoulder to shoulder with the masses to enjoy every snap of the big game.
From high-energy sports bars to beloved neighborhood taverns, Atlanta is home to an all-star lineup of venues filled with winning menus, bountiful taps and plenty of large-screen TVs to keep guests in the center of the action.
The following are MVP hangouts that should be the centerpiece of any game-watching strategy:
Atlanta’s oldest continuously licensed tavern, Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland serves upscale comfort cuisine in a smart-casual environment. The restaurant team has a huge projector screen for game viewing, and they aren’t afraid to use it. 794 North Highland Avenue; 404-876-7249; atkinspark.com.
HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern offers multiple TVs for viewing pleasure at its Midtown, Brookhaven and Perimeter locations. HOBNOB’s menu of refined tavern fare highlights classic Southern dishes designed to deliver comfort, including gourmet burgers, classic entrées, gluten-free options and more, all within a warm and inviting atmosphere.
It also boasts one of the most comprehensive bourbon lists in the city. 1551 Piedmont Ave. NE (Midtown); 404-968-2288; 804 Town Boulevard (Brookhaven); 404-464-8971; 1221 Ashford Crossing (Perimeter); 470-395-7904; hobnobatlanta.com.
Irby’s Tavern features an inviting atmosphere where locals and regulars feel like family. Amidst the Atlanta sports memorabilia and lots of flat screen TVs, there is an extensive bar and patio seating.
A hometown bar accented with outstanding food and drink options, Irby’s Tavern feels almost like a religious experience for sports fans. 322 East Paces Ferry Road NE; 404-254-1333; irbystavern.com.
A classic neighborhood tavern found in Westside Atlanta, Ormsby’s is a warm, welcoming and comfortable gathering spot with a full bar that features an extensive craft beer selection and classic cocktails alongside a fresh pub menu.
At Ormsby’s, guests can also partake in a wide range of traditional games, including backgammon, bocce, darts, pool and shuffleboard. A large projector screen for big sporting events completes the experience. 1170 Howell Mill Road; 404-968-2033; www.ormsbysatlanta.com.
Taco Mac has been an Atlanta institution since 1979, offering over 100 beers on draft, the Southeast’s Original Buffalo wings and multiple HDTVs for enjoying sporting events. Locally owned and operated, Taco Mac has been named the best sports bar in Atlanta by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jezebel and Groupon and one of the five best sports bars in America by ESPN. Multiple locations; tacomac.com.
