One of the best parts of travel is the opportunity to try new dining experiences. The ATL Airport District is packed with delicious options, many of which are minority and Black-owned serving flavors worth writing home about. But with so many choices, where do you start? We’ve got you covered with a progressive dinner itinerary through College Park that lets you savor the best, one stop at a time. Ready to dig in? Grab your stretchy pants and check out our top picks below!
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First Course 🍸
Kick off your evening with a starter at one of these standout spots.
Aye Tea Elle
3755 College St, College Park, GA 30337
This elevated tapas restaurant and bar is big on vibes and on flavor. The 21+ establishment serves fried green tomatoes, nine flavors of wings - including honey hot, Caribbean jerk, and lemon pepper - plus lobster bites and fried salmon nuggets. Each small bite would pair perfectly with a delicious sip from their extensive bar menu.
Brake Pad
3403 Main St, College Park, GA 30337
Housed in a converted service station, Brake Pad has become a College Park staple. Well-known for its great burgers and impressive beer selection, Brake Pad also has one of the best patios in town—perfect for sharing their must-try brisket nachos alfresco. Topped with in-house smoked brisket, creamy queso, jalapeños, red onion, black beans, sour cream, and salsa, this hearty starter is an ideal kickoff to your progressive dinner.
Madhouse Sports Bar & Grill
5280 Old National Hwy, College Park, GA 30349
If you're looking for a lively start to your night, Madhouse Sports Bar & Grill is the place to be! Their whiskey-battered onion rings are a unique twist on a classic appetizer. Sweet Spanish onions are double-dipped in a rich whiskey batter, fried to golden perfection, and served with their signature Mad Sauce for the ultimate flavor boost. Family-owned and operated, Madhouse isn’t just about great food—it’s a place to unwind, catch the game, and enjoy Atlanta’s hottest beats with a crowd that knows how to have a good time.
Second Course 🍽
Strap in for the main event—but don’t forget to save room for dessert!
The Manchester Arms Pub
1705 Virginia Ave, College Park, GA 30337
For a cozy and hearty main course, head to Manchester Arms, a charming British-style pub nestled in College Park. Their Famous Smoked Pork Chop is a showstopper—a whopping 1.25-pound (minimum) bone-in chop that’s cold-smoked to perfection, finished on the grill, and topped with their secret house glaze. Available after 5 PM, this dish is served with your choice of two sides, making it a flavorful and filling centerpiece for your progressive dinner. Supplies are limited, so don’t miss the chance to savor this standout offering in Manchester Arms’ inviting pub or on their welcoming patio.
Nouveau Bar & Grill
3775 Main St, College Park, GA 30337
For a bold Southern classic, head to Nouveau Bar & Grill, a stylish and lively spot known for its elevated cuisine and vibrant ambiance. Their Ultimate Cajun Seafood & Grits is a showstopper, overflowing with shrimp, crab meat, salmon, peppers, and onions atop stone-ground grits, all smothered in rich Cajun sauce. Each bite is packed with flavor, and the presentation alone is worth the visit.
Party of 5 by MetroWest
1644 Virginia Ave Suite B, College Park, GA 30337
As one of College Park’s newest dining gems, Party of 5 by MetroWest packs a flavorful punch with its well-rounded menu. Savor their Grilled Lamb Chops or Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon - two crowd favorites. And here’s a bonus for early diners: Visit Wednesday through Friday from 4 PM to 6 PM and you can enjoy their half-priced happy hour menu.
Third Course 🍰
Cap off your progressive dinner with a sweet treat, a nightcap, or both!
Cliché Restaurant & Wine Bar
1650 Virginia Ave, College Park, GA 30337
Head over to Cliché Restaurant & Wine Bar, located in the Virginia Station Shopping Center, to cap off the evening with a glass of wine, cocktail or mocktail! With indoor, outdoor, and rooftop seating, you'll be able to end the night on a high.
Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles
3725 Main St, College Park, GA 30337
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles with a Dessert Waffle. Choose from classic or seasonal flavors—each one fluffy, sweet, and the perfect ending to your progressive dinner journey. Or if you only have room for dessert in liquid form, cheers to a great evening with one of their specialty cocktails, such as Ne-Yo's Strawberry Lemonade.
Ready to Plan Your Progressive Dinner?
It’s as easy as choosing one, two, and three! For a full list of restaurants in the District and to build your ideal College Park itinerary, head to our Eat & Drink page. And be sure to let us know where you go by sharing your #ATLDistrict pics here.
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