Where to eat near the Georgia Aquarium
The area around the Georgia Aquarium and Centennial park are home to some wonderful places to enjoy any meal of the day. With national classics and some local gems calling the area home, come and explore with us as we discover places to eat near the Georgia Aquarium.
Where to eat near the Georgia Aquarium – Quick Bites
The Waffle House
You can’t start a quick eats category in Atlanta without beginning with the Waffle House. The original Waffle House opened just down the road in Avondale Estates in 1955. Waffle house is fast, delicious and a cultural icon of the south. Located at 135 Andrew Young Int’l Boulevard just east across the park from the World of Coke. Pick out your favorite hashbrown style, I prefer mine scattered, smothered and peppered, and slide into a booth or at the counter for a traditional southern meal.
Chick-fil-a
Another Atlanta original, Chick-fil-a began with the original Dwarf House in 1946 just south of Downtown. They changed their image in 1967 with the opening of the first fully branded Chick-fil-a in the food court at Greenbrier mall in metro Atlanta. The first free standing Chick-fil-a opened In April of 1986 on North Druid Hills Rd. Pioneering chicken based fast food and impeccable customer service, Chick-fil-a has grown to be the third largest restaurant chain in America. Located at 256 Marietta St. NW on the west side of Centennial Olympic Park and just south of the Aquarium. Adjacent to and sponsor of the College Football Hall of Fame, stop on in for a delicious original chicken sandwich and those world famous waffle fries. Just make sure it’s not Sunday.
Johnny Rocket’s
A recreation of a 1940’s style diner, Johnny Rocket’s is fun, fast and delicious. Burgers grilled to order right in front of you, handspun shakes made with real ice cream. There is a cute little Jukebox at every table for you to queue up your favorite classics. Located at 280 Luckie St. across from the Aquarium. If you’re looking for a fun, family friendly, truly classic American dining experience then Johnny Rocket’s is your place. When your order comes flying at you diner style, lookout for the fun ketchup art plated for the kids.
Kwan’s Deli and Korean Kitchen
If you’re looking for something with more variety then look no further than Kwan’s. Founded in 2003 Kwan’s has brought some delicious quick eats to the Centennial Park neighborhood. Located at 267 Marietta St. inside the Embassy Suites Kwan’s offers everything from korean rice plates like Bulgogi and Galbi to deli classics like BLT’s and reuben’s. With a beautiful patio overlooking the park, tuck into Kwan’s for a delicious quick bite.
Just Around The Corner
Located at 76 Ted Turner Drive NW, Just Around The Corner is just that. Around the corner on Ted Turner Drive, it’s not exactly in the heart of the park district but it’s only a block away. Offering simple lunch fair like philly cheesesteaks, hamburgers and chicken tenders. If you’re looking for a fast, fun inexpensive and laidback spot for a simple lunch then Just Around The Corner is your place.
Where to eat near the Georgia Aquarium – Traditional Restaurants
Atlanta Breakfast Club
Opened in 2016 and located a very easy walk across the street from the Aquarium at 249 Ivan Allen Blvd, Atlanta Breakfast club offers some delicious spins on Southern Classics. With dishes like peach cobbler french toast and the A.B.C burger, Atlanta Breakfast Club is sure to have what you’re looking for to satisfy your early day cravings. Open Daily from 6:30am to 3pm Atlanta Breakfast Club is a great place for a bite before your Aquarium experience.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Chris Steakhouse was purchased by Ruth Fertel in 1965 in the restaurant district of New Orlean’s. After an unfortunate fire forced her to move she had to make a split second decision. Her purchasing contract did not allow her to use the name at any other location so she simply added Ruth’s to the name and the rest is history. Known for sizzling steaks and fresh sides, Ruth’s Chris is located in the Embassy Suites at 267 Marietta Street overlooking Centennial Olympic Park.
McCormick & Schmick’s
If a romp through the aquarium has your belly begging for swimming edibles then look no further than McCormick & Schmick’s. Located at the corner of Marietta Street and Centennial Olympic Park Drive in the east end of the CNN center. McCormick and Schmick’s has been dishing out upscale seafood and steaks to downtown patrons since 2002. Boasting the freshest of seafood and locally sourced ingredients from around Georgia and winner of USA today’s best happy hour.
Other Nearby Eateries
Subzero Nitrogen – fast frozen ice cream and desserts. Located at 75 Park Avenue W NW
Great American Cookies – cookie shop for both single and cake sized delights. Located at 250 Park Avenue W NW
Starbucks – famous chain for coffee and simple pastries. Located at 267 Marietta St. NW
Subway – American based sandwich chain. Located at 250 Park Avenue W NW
