🎨 Must-Do in Cabbagetown & Reynoldstown: Forward Warrior Weekend Guide
Cabbagetown & Reynoldstown might be neighbors, but they’ve got distinct personalities… like sisters who share clothes but not playlists.
& this weekend? They’re showing out.
Forward Warrior is back. Atlanta’s live mural painting takeover, that transforms Wylie Street into a full-on art crawl. Picture local legends on ladders, fresh spray paint in the air, & vibes so strong you’ll need extra camera roll.
Whether you’re here to see the murals go up in real-time, eat your way down the block, or just soak in some neighborhood charm, this guide has you covered.
P.S. Bring comfy shoes, cold drinks, & that friend who always says yes to a walk.
🗺️ What to Do, Eat & Explore
☕️ Start with Coffee & Snacks:
Fuel up before your stroll.
ParkGrounds – Coffee, a dog park, & patio vibes? Say less.
Con Leche Coffee – Cozy neighborhood coffee window with Latin-inspired drinks & good people. Snag an empanada too.
Daily Dose – A chill stop for espresso & pastries before or after mural-watching.
Homegrown – One of ATL’s most iconic breakfast spots. Pro tip: try the comfy chicken biscuit. It’s an Atlanta must!
Reynoldstown Makery – Not just a coffee stop, def worth popping into for cute, creative gifts.
Carroll Street Cafe – Iced coffee, breakfast noms, & a patio with peak Cabbagetown energy. Yes pet all the dogs.
Petit Chou – Quaint & adorably charming, great for a sit-down start to the day.
🎨 Art in Motion:
The main event.
Forward Warrior on Wylie Street – The reason you’re here. Live mural painting all weekend long. Walk the corridor, meet the artists, & get inspired.
Stacks Squares Mural Project – A rotating outdoor gallery on Carroll Street that features new 7x7 murals a few times a year. Don’t skip this hidden gem.
🍔 Quick Bites + Street Eats:
Refuel as you wander.
Jen Chan’s Supper Club & Market – Local tasty goodies! Always a fun stop if you’re a foodie.
Little’s Food Store – Burgers, convenience staples, & neighborhood nostalgia. Grab a bite or stock your backpack.
🍺 Cold Beers & Chill Vibes:
Take a break & hydrate (with hops).
97 Estoria – Dive bar royalty. Great beer, a funky crowd, & a solid patio.
Wylie & Rum – Island vibes, great cocktails, & a break from the crowd.
🍝 Dinner Date Energy / Elevated Eats:
Breaker Breaker | Florida man – This restaurant, rooftop concept is already making waves.
Girl Diver – Asian fusion with seafood-forward plates & a killer interior.
Small Fry – Elevated fried chicken & unexpected pairings. Fast, but chef-driven.
La Semilla – One of the best vegan spots in the city, full stop.
Agave – Longtime favorite for tequila & upscale Southwest cuisine. Um yes!
🛍️ Markets & Local Finds:
Mikkelsen Market – A curated marketplace full of handmade staples & other rad small biz gems. Great stop for quick food gifts or just to treat yourself.
Reynoldstown Farmers Market – Fresh produce and neighborhood charm.
Wheelbarrow Festival – If you’re reading this during Forward Warrior weekend, check Lang-Carson Park for food vendors, music, and an arts market.
Flora Fauna – A beautifully curated shop with plants. If you’re into good design & leafy vibes, don’t skip this one.
🎉 Festivals to Bookmark:
Forward Warrior (end of Summer) – The mural crawl of your dreams.
Wheelbarrow Festival – Aka Atlanta’s tiniest race.
Chomp & Stomp (November) – Chili competition, beer, & bluegrass in Cabbagetown. The kind of neighborhood festival that feels like a backyard hangout… with 100+ crockpots.
🧭 Neighborhood Tips:
🫂 Wylie Street will be crowded — park a few blocks away & stroll in.
🥵 It’s still hot out. Bring water, sunscreen, & a fan if you’re fancy.
🎨 Support the artists — many will have merch, prints, or donation signs.
📸 Don’t forget to tag the muralists! Credit where credit’s due.
🛍️Shop local vendors with GVG.
👀 Be on the Lookout: Sugar Loaf Coming Soon!
Rumor has it Sugar Loaf is about to bring something sweet to the neighborhood. Whether it’s baked goods, dreamy desserts, or a cozy hangout spot… we’re keeping our eyes (& appetites) ready.
📍Final Notes
This little stretch of Atlanta is full of flavor, color, & community. Whether it’s your first Forward Warrior or your 10th, these neighborhoods always have something new to love.
Save this guide, send it to your crew, or just keep it handy the next time you want food, murals, or a reason to get out of the house.
If you see me on the Wylie walk — say hey 👋
Oh & tag me @nerdy.retreat if this guide helped you vibe local.
