Buckhead may be known for its luxury shopping and grandiose high rises, but there is more to this neighborhood than meets the eye. You can spend a whole day in Buckhead, from walking its trails and attending a classy brunch, to an evening dinner on a rooftop patio and dancing to live music at a pub in Buckhead Village.

The concierge at Grand340 is your local expert in all things Buckhead. As an apartment community sitting on the edge of Buckhead Village, we know the best things to do in the area. If you’re looking to spend a whole day in Buckhead and want to live it like a local, follow this itinerary and you’re sure to have a fantastic day.

Morning Trails & Brunch

First Stop: Get Some Early Morning Sun & Exercise

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“Chastain Park, Atlanta” by blacklab2013 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Atlanta’s miles of trails don’t end at Piedmont Park. Up north in Buckhead, outdoor recreation spans from Path400, to Chastain Park, to the Northside BeltLine Trail, each less crowded than Piedmont Park and Midtown BeltLine segments.

Here are our two favorite trail options, one on the southern end and other on the northern end of Buckhead:

Option 1: Northside BeltLine / Bobby Jones Trail

Located on the southwest end of Buckhead is a series of easy, paved trails looping around Bobby Jones Golf Course and Atlanta Memorial Park. Depending on how long you want your run or walk to be, you can park at the Bobby Jones’ lot and take the 2-mile loop around the course, or you can start at Tanyard Creek Park and take the Northside BeltLine trail 4 miles out-and-back, though the Tanyard Creek Park parking lot has less available spaces.

The Northside BeltLine runs past the east side of Bobby Jones Golf Course. This trail is less manicured and more forested than the course trail. It’s also less crowded than its BeltLine counterparts. However, the path around Bobby Jones Golf Course is beautiful during sunrise with rolling hills and wide-open green spaces, very similar to Chastain Park.

Both the Northside BeltLine and the Bobby Jones trail loop are next to Atlanta Memorial Park, allowing you a variety of outdoor activity and trail types in the same area.

Option 2: Chastain Park

The most popular trail in Buckhead and essentially Buckhead’s version of Piedmont Park is Chastain Park. The Chastain Park Trail also circles a golf course along a wide paved path and offers varying loop lengths with mileage markers, making it an attractive spot for runners.

There are plenty of spots to park at Chastain Park and you’ll find a trailhead at the intersection of Lake Forrest Drive and Chastain Memorial Parkway.

Buckhead Brunch

If you start your day at Bobby Jones Golf Course, head to Boone’s for brunch and sit on the patio for beautiful golf course views, coffee, mimosas, and an amazing brunch menu.

If you start up north at Chastain Park, stop at The Chastain for a beautiful garden patio brunch right outside the park. This brunch spot offers a French-inspired American menu – fitting for Buckhead – with chocolate croissants, Croque Madame, and a shockingly highly rated burger.

Afternoon Shopping

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There is no better Atlanta neighborhood to shop than Buckhead, and whether you’re looking for something or merely browsing, Buckhead offers a shopping vibe for you.

After your brunch, drive to Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square. The two are right next to each other, so you can flip flop between them.

Phipps Plaza is a great mall to window shop. It’s known for its high-end stores and elegant architecture, which makes for a good indoor stroll, but note that when going to Phipps, you’ll want to dress in nice attire.

Lenox Square is a standard mall with a bit of everything, from luxury shops to standard stores. Hit up Bloomingdale’s and the huge Nike Atlanta store, spanning two levels and over 20,000 square feet.

What is a mall trip without a sweet treat or snack? Phipps Plaza’s impressively designed food hall has an indoor-outdoor bar serving craft cocktails and martinis. For dessert, go to Sweet Hut in Lenox Square for a creative pastry like a strawberry buttercream bun or a Portuguese egg tart.

Evening: Happy Hour & Dinner at Buckhead Village

Buckhead Village is a walkable outdoor retail district that is perfect for a night out. There are many dining options in this area, so if one doesn’t work out, you can always find another next door.

As a recommendation, Gypsy Kitchen has a rooftop patio with great ambiance and views of surrounding high rises and the beautiful Restoration Hardware flagship store. If Mediterranean food isn’t your jam, The Southern Gentleman or Yeppa & Co. are wonderful options next door.

Late Night: Live Music & Night-Cap Drinks

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After dinner, you may be able to find a last-minute ticket to a DJ show or concert at Buckhead Theatre, a historic and intimate live music venue in Atlanta.

If not, stay in Buckhead Village and go to Lucian Books and Wine, only a few steps from Gypsy Kitchen. Lucian offers a carefully selected wine menu and small, but decadent desserts that are the perfect night cap, as well as an alluring book section which is fun to peruse afterward.

If Lucian is too elegant for your current mood and you’d prefer a spot that doesn’t force conversation, Fado is an excellent pub with live music and sports TVs located just around the corner.

Read this blog post to find other bar recommendations in Buckhead Village.

Make This Itinerary Your Routine When You Live at Grand 340

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When you live at Grand 340, you’re in the heart of Buckhead, walkable to shops and restaurants at Buckhead Village and to Buckhead Theatre.

Our high-rise apartments embody true luxury living, and our on-site concierge makes it easy to discover the hidden gems and popular perks of Buckhead Atlanta.

While this is only one itinerary, you’ll find countless things to do in and around this neighborhood of Atlanta. Schedule a tour at Grand 340 and discover what a Buckhead lifestyle could look like for you!

Buckhead Atlanta often gets the judgement of being too ornate, too pristine, or too developed. But they don’t know the local’s version – of long walks in the park, the museum cafe that regulars swear by, or the regular calendar checks for the next music artist coming to town.

At Grand 340, our residents want the true Buckhead experience. Buckhead to us is luxury filled with spontaneity and a bucket load of things to do at all times.

Here is our guide to exploring the things to do in Buckhead that are worth your time. And, if you need guidance to plan an entire day in Buckhead, our concierge is here to help with a fully curated itinerary.

Entertainment Attractions

Atlanta History Center

The Atlanta History Center’s 33-acre museum is fun for both a date and a solo experience. Full of exhibitions from the Civil War era, WWII, and early years of Atlanta, the history center blends education with entertainment that locals, not just tourists, should visit.

Be sure to check out the Cyclorama exhibit, the historic homes located on the property including the Swan House, and the Civil War exhibits which are among the most comprehensive in the country.

Grab lunch inside the History Center at Souper Jenny. If you haven’t been yet, it’s a quaint neighborhood cafe serving home-style comfort food and amazing combo deals.

Buckhead Theatre

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“Buckhead Theater- Atlanta, Georgia” by Kehudgin is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

The Buckhead Theatre is the preferred music and entertainment venue in Buckhead. If you prefer an intimate venue over a large stadium, Buckhead Theatre is an excellent choice in Atlanta.

In Buckhead fashion, this theatre has high ceilings, classy Baroque walls, a grand lobby, and a stately marquee sign significant of its 1930s movie theater days.

Check out their calendar for a diverse array of shows and accessible price points featuring top artists, cover bands, and comedians.

Our tips?

The Outdoors

Walk, Jog, or Bike the Path400

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“Path 400” by atlnature is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Walk, jog, or bike this 5.2 mile paved route alongside the Georgia 400 interstate in Buckhead. It is a convenient contrast to the crowded BeltLine paths, plus it offers a hilly challenge for runners and features murals and sights of the Buckhead skyline along the way.

Join Path400’s run & walk club to meet other fitness enthusiasts. You could even carve out your day to stop at highlights along the trail. Throw down a blanket and have a break at Old Ivy Park, then make your way towards Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza for a bite to eat or drink.

Spend the Morning at Chastain Park

Atlanta’s third-largest park, Chastain Park, sits in Buckhead and presents an incredibly sprawling list of fields and activities. It differs from Piedmont Park in that it has a golf course, horse park, and concert amphitheater, inciting people to book lessons, host parties, and spend hours within this incredibly developed city park.

This park is perfectly curated to the Buckhead lifestyle. Take a 3-mile walk around the perimeter of the park past beautifully manicured green spaces, the golf course, and a horse park. Stop at the namely intended Grabacup Cafe, and head on your way past the forested creek, finding a peaceful rocking bench amidst the hilly terrain and shaded by tree canopies.

It is worth visiting the Chastain Restaurant for a pastry or sit-down brunch. Aside from activity variety, Chastain Park offers incredible accessibility for all abilities and ages, creating an inclusive outdoor experience for locals.

Go to a Concert at Synovus Amphitheater

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“Damp Chastain Park” by Thomas Cizauskas is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Synovus Amphitheater at Chastain Park is a huge outdoor Live Nation concert venue hosting artists such as Jason Mraz, Charlie Puth, John Legend, and popular cover bands.

Sit underneath the stars in the center of Buckhead’s most famous park at this concert venue worth attending as an Atlanta local.

Our Favorite Shopping

It would be remiss to not mention the abundance of shopping in Buckhead. While Buckhead’s shopping scene strays on high-end boutiques and the Saks-Fifths of the world, there are plenty of attainable retailers to shop as well.

Lenox Square

Lenox Square is a Simon-owned mega mall featuring go-to stores like Zara and Nike. It’s where to go to spend all day hunting for a new wardrobe, intermittingly eating at the food court and dessert shops.

Phipps Plaza

Phipps Plaza, in comparison, is the place to window shop or to buy the handbag of your dreams. Inside an architecturally polished building are stores of the likes of Fendi, Gucci, and Hermes, balanced by an AMC and third-floor Lego Land.

Buckhead Village

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Purposefully developed cobblestone streets and roughly six blocks of luxury designer shops, European-inspired restaurants, and fitness studios make up Buckhead Village.

Here you can spend hours encountering a luxurious variety of retail and dining. Start your morning with a workout at F45, brunch at Le Bilboquet, then window shop the boutiques, stopping along the way for a craft cocktail or a dessert at St. Germain Bakery & Cafe.

Bars & Nightlife

Buckhead’s bar scene is that of cocktails seated on classy high-tops, rooftop lounges, and decorative nightclub tables that are unlike anywhere else in Atlanta. These are some of our favorite nightlife spots in Buckhead, though the neighborhood is full of amazing restaurant and bars worth checking out.

Yeppa Italian

Happy hour cocktails and wine pair with buttery bread service and decadent pasta dishes at Yeppa Italian. Yeppa is the perfect spot for dinner, drinks, and a DJ to start the night in Buckhead.

The Painted Pin

the painted pin

“Painted Pin” by ifmaatlanta is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

The Painted Pin is a great spot for parties. This upscale bowling alley has bocce ball courts, ping pong tables, shuffleboard, and Skee ball, plus a full-service dinner and bar menu.

Painted Pin is unlike other bowling alleys. Here, you sit in elegant leather couches, order a French 75 and fried oysters, and stay for the live music until the late night.

Tongue & Groove

Tongue & Groove is one of Buckhead’s most famous nightclubs. Neon strobe lights, a 360-degree bar, and a second level adorned with colorful couches create an energic atmosphere that almost feels like you’re in Vegas.

Hop on one of two dance floors and dance the night away with the DJ! See a list of nightly events like Ladies’ Nights and Salsa Nights.

Favorite Rooftop Bars

This wouldn’t be a true local’s guide to Buckhead without mention of its rooftop bars.

Longtime favorite rooftops include Rosé & Rye, perched on the top of Hotel Collee near Lenox Square. Here, you’ll sip on an uppity cocktail in your best dress, gaze at the city skyline, and listen to the DJ turning things up on a weekend night.

St. Julep is newer to Buckhead. It’s on the top of Kimpton Sylvan Hotel near Grand 340 with a more easy-going, beachy vibe than Rosé & Rye. Enjoy a fresh Southern Spritz, elevated corndog or loaded fry, and the live DJ.

Lastly, for a more unique, pub-centered aesthetic, check out Fado. While not explicitly known for its high-end cocktails or glamorous skyline views, Fado’s rooftop terrace, located all the way at the top of the bar, is comfortably charming.

Fado is the place to go for a soccer match, live music, hearty food, and beers on tap. It’s a polished, Buckhead-take on a traditional Irish pub, decorated with wooden pieces and rustic wallpaper to create the appeal of a lived-in bar.

Grand 340: A Buckhead Lifestyle Awaits

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Grand 340 is a luxury apartment building in the heart of Buckhead. Our apartment residents are walkable to some of these favorite spots, including St. Julep, Yeppa & Co., and Buckhead Theater.

Discover a lifestyle of class and constant things to do in the city by renting a studio, one, two, or three-bedroom apartment by us today!

Buckhead is Atlanta’s most high-end neighborhood, known for luxury high-rises like Grand 340, award-winning restaurants, and elegant speakeasies.

If you’re looking for a classy dining experience in Atlanta, complete with white tablecloth service and a three-course meal, Buckhead is where to go.

As a luxury apartment building in Buckhead, we’ve explored the area and have heard feedback from our residents to create this guide to the best restaurants and cocktail bars in Buckhead.

Whether for a date night, work lunch, group happy hour, or after-dinner drink, these are the top spots to visit.

For Date Nights & Special Occasions

There is no better neighborhood in Atlanta for a date night dinner than Buckhead. These spots call for your nice outfit, good company, and likely, a second visit.

Vinoteca

Start date night in Buckhead with a wine tasting at Vinoteca. Vinoteca’s wines carefully selected from around the globe and presented by knowledgeable staff who will educate you on the wine’s origin, flavor profile, and process to being made.

Order a flight and listen to live music Friday through Sunday or attend a scheduled tasting.

Hal’s “The Steakhouse”

Sophisticated and timeless appeal defines the ambiance of Hal’s “The Steakhouse”. An old-fashioned bar, brick walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows decorate the inside. This is the type of candlelit date night that includes all courses – from the filet mignon, a dirty martini, and a bread pudding for dessert.

Hal’s is emblematic of high-end Buckhead, where attentive service and perfectly folded napkins meet sultry live music.

Share restaurant favorites like the truffle mac ‘n cheese, oysters, and brussel sprouts with bacon, everything desired during a steakhouse dinner.

La Grotta Ristorante

Nothing says date night more than Italian. La Grotta Ristorante in Buckhead serves handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and veal just how they make it in Northern Italy.

Upon stepping into their restaurant, you’re greeted by rustic walls, warm tile floors, a packed wine cellar, and an intimate, white tablecloth dining room that feels humble and unpretentious.

Once delving into the menu, you are transported to Italy. Start with carpaccio for an app, have the Sacchetti for dinner, and end with tiramisu for dessert.

Romantic, fine Italian dining is at La Grotta Ristorante.

Aria

Aria is a James Beard Foundation award-wining restaurant in Buckhead, Atlanta.

Why we recommend it for couples? It’s a restaurant where you want to focus on the food without loud distraction.

The menu changes seasonally, ensuring each dish is made with seasonal ingredients. Small plates are artfully decorated, and food is thoughtfully paired with drink.

At Aria, you can stretch out dinners with each course, savoring each bite while in the company of a loved one.

St. Cecilia

An elegant atmosphere houses one of the most talented chefs and service team in Atlanta at St. Cecilia. High ceilings, a lengthly marble bar top, and intimate, comfortable seating compliment a fine dining menu inspired by the European Coast.

Delve into fresh seafood, handmade pastas, a beautiful buttery focaccia, and a drink list that has been perfected to the best. Coming to St. Cecilia feels like the perfect treat, and is never, if rarely, a disappointment.

For Happy Hour Group Parties

It could be ladies’ night out or a family dinner. Either way, these are the spots in Buckhead we’d recommend for group parties or happy hour outings.

Zakia

A restaurant meant for sharing – Zakia is a Lebanese restaurant in Buckhead known for its mezze platters, meats, and family-style experience, making it an excellent dinner choice for groups.

Outside of serving outstanding middle eastern food, Zakia is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Buckhead. White brick walls, tall columns, and dozens of chandeliers decorate the dining room, making it feel as though you are in a castle. The sunroom features a white floral ceiling as if you were in a castle’s garden.

Zakia’s uniquely perfected atmosphere pairs well with high-end international food. Order the octopus or branzino, and don’t miss out on an array of traditional hummus or apricot cheese rolls as an appetizer.

Yeppa & Co. – Buckhead

Late nights with friends over decadent pastas and delicate spritzes is what Yeppa & Co. was made for. Yeppa has several locations, though Buckhead sets the vibe for a classy evening.

At Yeppa on Wednesdays, you can order three pasta dishes to share for $69. Order classics like cacio e pepe, focaccia and burrata, and wash it down with an espresso martini.

Trendy, meant for late nights, and the place you can’t wait to return, Yeppa is a highly rated dinner party choice in Buckhead.

Gypsy Kitchen

Enjoy happy hour on the rooftop at Gypsy Kitchen. Happy hour deals are from Monday-Friday, 4-6pm and include flatbreads, $5 patatas bravas, $11 on select cocktails and $8 on select wines.

Gypsy serves Spanish tapas, perfect for sharing, in a casual and fun setting. Sit on the rooftop with live music, enjoy the views of the streets below, and indulge in a variety of traditional Spanish foods.

Ecco Buckhead

European influence converges in many spots in Atlanta. Though, Ecco feels different. Imagine pizza so fluffy it feels like a cloud, fried goat cheese balls that melt in your mouth, and crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside duck during your next dinner party.

An extensive happy hour menu features small bites, a burger, and $7 on select drinks.

For Work Lunches

Taking a client for lunch? We’d recommend these spots in Buckhead that are sure to impress.

Le Bilboquet

French cuisine meets vibes of NY’s Upper East Side at Le Bilboquet. The menu is authentically French with Hors d’Oeuvres, a Monsier ou Madame, and oysters. Though, a flare of New Orleans is offered by Cajun chicken.

The atmosphere calls you to order champagne with escargot. It’s a classy spot to show of the multicultural influences that Atlanta has to offer.

The Southern Gentlemen

What better way to show off Atlanta’s roots than with classic southern cuisine. The Southern Gentlemen offers everything from hushpuppies to creole fish to banana pudding cream pie.

Food is well-crafted and served in an airy, bright atmosphere, perfect for an afternoon bite.

Salted Melon Market & Eatery

A more affordable option but still with high-quality food is Salted Melon. Food is simple and fresh with wraps, salads, sandwiches and nutritious bowls.

Salted Melon is a nice option when you need a lunch that is quick and on the lighter side. Try a pesto caprese wrap, a side of truffle parm fries, or a delicious smoothie.

Delbar

Delbar is similar in fashion to Zakia though with a sprawling outdoor patio. Choose to share from a selection of meats, mezze plates, and side dishes, or choose from a list of sandwiches.

No matter what you order, you can be sure all will be at or better than your expectations. Try the Joojeh Sandwich, lamb kabob, and pistachio lava cake.

For Late Night Drinks

Cocktails can carry the same craft as food. It can carry a story with local herbs and spices, it can be influenced by global trends, and it can be developed by the bartender themselves – with no other influence than their own authority.

In Buckhead, cocktail menus can be vintage, sticking to cosmos and old-fashioneds, or inventive, with infusions of both savory and sweet.

Red Phone Booth

Red Phone Booth is an upscale speakeasy located on Peachtree Road in Buckhead. Fitting to its name and speakeasy history, Red Phone Booth sticks to vintage vibes. Low lighting, a cigar lounge, refined cocktails, and a password entry immerse you in the speakeasy experience.

Bank Bar

The Bank Bar is good for happy hour, dinner, and after dinner drinks. Its open until 11pm on weekends, allowing time to try their Lychee Martini, Little Italy or Grasshopper cocktails.

Leather seats, art-covered walls, and a large bar set the tone for an intimate late-night drink.

Garden Room

Garden Room the pinnacle of trendy elegance. Set in a makeshift greenhouse and decorated like an enchanted Disney dream, The Garden Room is where to go for a celebratory drink and lots of pictures.

We would recommend skipping dinner here and instead choose among a list of extravagant cocktails like the Love Potion, Not So French 76, and Picasso.

Live in Buckhead Near Top Dining

Live steps from the best restaurants and nightlife in Atlanta at Grand 340. Our luxury high-rise apartments match the vibe of Buckhead with premium amenities and gorgeous apartment suites.

We are located on East Paces Ferry Road in the heart of Buckhead. Explore our apartments and find us in the neighborhood where you can be close to all the aforementioned spots in Buckhead Atlanta.