Few neighborhoods in Atlanta boast the level of hip-hop street cred as College Park. Starting in the 1980s, and with increasing frequency throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Atlanta's Southside gave the world some of the most familiar names in the rap game like Ludacris, 2 Chainz, Jermaine Dupri, Rich the Kid, Pastor Troy, and Kap G - all from College Park.
As we celebrate the mark that Black music has left on the world, we’re sharing ways to explore this hip-hop hub, and its Black-owned businesses.
Best Spot for Coffee
C'est La Vie Café
3727 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337
Open daily on College Park’s downtown Main Street, C’est La Vie Café will start your day on the right note! The women-owned shop welcomes visitors with crafted coffee beverages served alongside tasty treats, both savory and sweet. We recommend getting one of each, like the Sausage Danish Roll and the Red Velvet Croissant, while you rest and relax in the modern and chic dining area.
Best Spots for Lunch
Tropical Cuisine
4899 Old National Highway, College Park, GA 30337
For some of the best oxtails in College Park, try Tropical Cuisine. This laid-back unpretentious spot serves up Caribbean comfort food that’s full of flavor and soul. From conch fritters to curried goat, collards, and cabbage, every dish hits the spot. Don’t miss their homemade ginger beer – it’s bold, refreshing, and tastes like it came straight from the islands.
Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles
3725 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337
Owned by Black music icon, Ne-Yo, actress and celebrity chef, Crystal Smith, and VH1’s Love n’ Hip Hop’s, Karlie Redd, this is an ideal stop for fans of Black music! Based on the name, you know they serve incredible chicken and waffles, but you can also find an array of breakfast, lunch and dinner options across its flavorful menu. Johnny’s also provides diners with a fun and upbeat atmosphere with plenty of photo-ops to mark the stop in your memory!
Zubi’s Taco Kitchen
1509 Virginia Ave, Suite C, College Park, GA 30337
Delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine with a College Park flare working in harmony! Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian or none of the above, Zubi’s menu has something for you. We recommend visiting for the daily happy hour, where patrons can enjoy any three signature tacos for $13. Try the Cauli-Park, Dos Tres, and the Zubi Jerk Chicken tacos to enjoy the full gamut of vegan, seafood and Southside-inspired tacos.
Best Spots for Dinner
Bole Ethiopian Restaurant
1583 Virginia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337
Established in 2010, Bole is a family-owned Ethiopian gem, radiating the kind of authentic, quirky charm you can’t fake. From the moment you walk through the door, the welcoming atmosphere, flavorful plant-based dishes, crispy samosas, and rich cultural experience make it clear why this spot stands out in the local dining scene. Many plates are made to share and might make you sweat, but feel free to ask for a less spicy option if you can't take the heat!
Aye Tea Elle
3755 College St, College Park, GA 30337
Fresh music, vibes and ingredients make Aye Tea Elle a favorite dinner destination in College Park, and you might catch sight of some of your favorite music legends while you’re at it! The tapas style dining experience lets you mix and match dishes to get the most of their incredible menu – we’re always ordering the fried salmon nuggets and jerk lamb lollipops and pairing it with one of the signature cocktails or homemade juices.
Must-See Murals
ATL Airport District’s Mural Tour
Groundbreaking graffiti artist Jean-Michel Basquiat once said, "Art is how we decorate space. Music is how we decorate time," and we couldn't agree more. To celebrate the beautiful mural projects throughout the community, our team has developed a mural map to provide locals and visitors a self-guided tour to help you experience the painted decorations of College Park, Hapeville and Union City. College Park alone is home to 10 murals that tell outstanding stories through colorful and meaningful artistry, so bring your favorite playlist and add your own decoration to the District streets.
Best Way to Spend the Weekend
Gateway Center Arena
2330 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337
Home to the Atlanta Dream, LOVB Atlanta and College Park Skyhawks, Gateway Center Arena is your ticket to a good time in the District! One of the Skyhawks’ owners is none other than local hip hop legend, Tauheed “2 Chainz” Epps. 2 Chainz was born and raised in College Park, making his support of the G League team a natural fit! Gateway Center Arena hosts concerts, inspiring the next generation of Black music makers.
Now that you have a taste for some of the best Black-owned operations in College Park, show us where you go! Upload your #ATLDistrict pics here.
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