Sample the Southside
The ATL starts here.
A few hours before take-off is all you need to get a taste of the ATL Airport District, the laid-back side of Atlanta between Downtown and the world’s most traveled airport.
Extended Layover
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Whether your flight is delayed or you get to the airport in record time and find yourself with a few hours on your hands, there’s plenty to explore in the District to pass the time. Maximize your travel experience by taking a gander outside of the airport to quench your thirst, grab a bite, or explore a museum.
Hang out in Hapeville
Start with coffee at downtown Hapeville’s Coffee Man and sip by the window to watch people and trains pass by.
From there, climb the Instagram-able bridge to cross the tracks (or cross at street level when the track is clear) to explore the Hapeville Depot Museum. The restored train depot is one of the oldest in Georgia and houses railroad, aviation, and Hapeville artifacts, as well as an art gallery featuring local artists.
The Thing To KnowThe Hapeville Depot Museum is open Wednesday – Saturday from 11 am - 5 pm and admission is free to all.
If you’re thirsty for something a bit stronger than caffeine, head down the street to woman-owned Beer Girl Growlers and Bottleshop. Enjoy a pint of something new and local from their 42 taps while perusing the more than 500 different beers and 200+ wines.
The Thing To KnowAsk for a wristband so that you can sip and stroll down Hapeville’s Arts Alley open container district located just behind the shop, where you’ll find an assortment of eye-catching sculptures and murals.
If you get hungry along the way, there are plenty of food options in downtown Hapeville. For pizza with a crust worth writing home about, order a pie from Hapeville Pizza Company to enjoy in neighboring Jess Lucas Park, or take it to Beer Girl Growlers and Bottle Shop to take advantage of seating and a beverage discount. The Hapeville Corner Tavern is a popular local hangout with delicious pub fare, an impressive tap list, and pre- or post-food activities, such as pool, darts, or bocce ball.
Everything is within walking distance in downtown Hapeville, and there’s something to suit just about anybody’s taste. Some of our favorites include Mami’s La Cubana, Fish Bowl Pokê, Island Vibes Grill, Paper Plane, Junior’s Pizza, and Sombrero’s Cantina.
The Thing To KnowHapeville is home to the original Chick-fil-A Dwarf House. The iconic location was renovated in 2022, but the original 14 stools on the diner side of the restaurant remain, along with the classic Dwarf House menu.
Dine in College Park
If you have time between flights to exit the airport, head over to the Airport MARTA station and ride one stop north to the College Park Station. From here, you’re within walking distance of “Restaurant Row,” a concentration of Black-owned restaurants in Historic Downtown College Park.
From Cajun influences at The Corner Grille to Gullah Geechee soul food at Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar to succulent BBQ at Tom, Dick and Hank, there’s an incredible mix of eateries to choose from.
The Thing To KnowThe brunch scene here on the Southside of the A is not reserved for weekends. The Real Milk & Honey, Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles and The Breakfast Boys are the top spots for brunch vibes any day of the week.
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