Food, Fun, & Local Gems to Explore in Atlanta

Shaky Knees might bring the music, but Atlanta brings the magic. Whether you’re vibing to the bands or just tagging along for the good food and city sights, this guide has everything you need to level up your festival weekend.

Let’s get into it: where to eat, sip, explore, and recover — ATL style.

🎸 Inside the Fest: Must-Try Food Vendors

Fuel up between sets with these fan-favorite eats available inside the festival:

Banjo Coffee – Fresh roasted beans & good vibes.
Roti Rolls – Globally inspired wraps that don’t miss.
Island Noodles ATL – Stir-fried soba noodles packed with flavor. Add Sriracha.
Pho Cue – Southern BBQ meets Vietnamese classics.
King of Pops – Atlanta’s iconic popsicles for when the sun hits just right.

📍 Atlanta Things To Do Nearby

Best Quick Stops

Atlanta BeltLine – Walk or bike this iconic path lined with public art, local events, & skyline views. Pro tip: Explore art murals along the way (Atlanta Street Art Map).
Buford Highway – A global food paradise with every cuisine imaginable.
Little Five Points & East Atlanta Village – Both neighborhoods bring eclectic energy, funky shops, & street style.
Clermont Lounge – A true Atlanta legend. We won’t spoil it, just go.

☕ Coffee Spots to Recharge

Portrait Coffee (Westside) – Rooted in community & smooth, bold roasts. Snag a bag of beans (local roaster).
Black Coffee ATL – Cozy, local, & always delicious. Also drinks are Atlanta themed!
Aurora Coffee (Little 5 Points) – One of the city’s OG little indie coffee shops.
Chrome Yellow Trading Co. – Good coffee & minimalist design vibes.
Finca to Filter (Old Fourth Ward) – LGBTQ+ & Woman-owned, vibrant, & a neighborhood fave.

🍳 Best Breakfast + Brunch Bites

Homegrown GA – Comfy chicken biscuits, quirky diner vibes, & Southern staples.
Brooklyn Bagel Co. – The bagel sammy & schmear you’ll crave post-fest.
Majestic Diner – A 24-hour classic for pancakes & recovery meals.
Pastries A Go Go – is that cozy Decatur gem locals love. Think giant cinnamon rolls, buttery biscuits, & small-town diner charm. A true community fave. Go once & you’ll get it.
Comunidade ATL – Part breakfast spot, part cozy patio hang — this gem serves breakfast tacos that slap & coffee pop-up Enid, that hits just right. It’s giving: slow mornings, sunshine, & main character energy. Grab a seat, post up, & pretend you’re not already planning your next visit.
Pro tip: Swing by their lil sis spot, Pollo Loco, just around the corner for more breakfast noms worth waking up for.

🍗 Best Wings + Fried Chicken

The Bando ATL – Known for crispy, saucy flavors (don’t miss the jerk wings).
The Local on Ponce – Spicy Korean wings & local pub charm.
The Municipal Market (Sweet Auburn Curb Market) – Hidden gem options like Phew Pies +more.
How Crispy Express – Fried chicken that lives up to its name. Also obsessed with the wraps!

🍔 Best Burgers

Little’s Food Store – A neighborhood grocery that flips one of the best burgers in the city.
Smiley’s – It’s in the name… This gem slings smashed, crispy-edged burgers that hit all the nostalgia notes — griddled to perfection, stacked with love. Thank us later.
Evergreen Butcher & Baker — Atlanta’s Sunday secret you didn’t know you needed. This burger pop-up is a foodie must-do! With fresh, top-tier ingredients, perfectly seared patties, & house-baked buns. Evergreen is serving up one of ATL’s most unforgettable burger experiences… but only on Sundays.
Pro tip : Come early & act right. Let’s keep this gem thriving by showing love + respect to everyone in line.

🍕 Pizza You’ll Dream About

Glide Pizza – Thin crust heaven, great for a grab-&-go slice.
La Calavera Pizza – Naturally fermented dough + creative toppings.
Savage Pizza – Comic book-themed with solid, classic pies.

💸 Budget-Friendly Bites

Eats on Ponce – Big portions, low prices.
Dolo’s Pizza Co. – Affordable slices that don’t skimp on flavor.
Pollo Primo – This no-frills, flavor-packed spot is known for juicy chicken plates. Don’t skip the rice, beans, & horchata.
Hankook Taqueria – Korean tacos & fast-casual fusion done right.
Nick’s Food to Go – Hole-in-the-wall Greek deliciousness.
Lee’s Bakery (Buford Highway) – Pho + banh mi, won’t break the bank. Say less.
Northern China Eatery (Buford Highway) – Dumplings & handmade noodles galore.
Atlanta Chinatown Mall (Chamblee) – Explore a food court full of delicious Chinese eats & hidden gems.

🌙 Best Late-Night Bites

You’ll need these after rocking all day:

Octopus Bar (EAV) – A chef-favorite for late-night Asian-fusion.
Dank’s Deli ATL – Overstuffed sandwiches and stoner food done right.
So So Fed – Late-night comfort food with heat.
El Myr (Little 5 Points) – Divey, quirky, & reliable. Snag a same day cold Grizz (corona + tequila).

P.S. Never forget the Waffle House All-Star Special. It’s a rite of passage.

Before You Go…

This blog is your cheat code to making the most of Shaky Knees weekend. Save it, send it to your group chat, or bookmark it for your next ATL adventure.

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