While once known only for its late-night bars and live music scene, East Atlanta Village (EAV) has grown into a vibrant neighborhood around the clock. From stellar restaurants, global food incubators and eclectic coffee shops to local boutiques, farmers' markets, street art and more, this neighborhood located off I-20 and just south of Little Five Points is easily walkable and offers something for everyone. Here are the top 11 things to do in East Atlanta Village.
Explore Local Street Art
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Atlanta Street Art Map
Thanks to Living Walls, which has facilitated over 100 public art projects in the metropolitan area, and the Outerspace Project, which supports outdoor mural projects, East Atlanta is home to several murals and public art projects from internationally acclaimed artists. This interactive Atlanta street art map provides a compact, 1 mile loop walking tour that highlights the quirky neighborhood's two dozen murals and installations.
Watch an Atlanta United Game at Midway Pub
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Courtesy Midway Pub
Can't get tickets to see the championship-winning Atlanta United soccer team at Mercedes-Benz stadium? Watch the game at this popular neighborhood pub instead. Drink local craft beers, burgers and bar snacks like the beer cheese dip with tortilla chips while you watch the game on the big screen(s) with fellow fans. Even furry guests are welcome on the bar's expansive patio, which also hosts bocce leagues, team trivia, corn hole and more.
Shop at the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market
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East Atlanta Village Farmers Market
Voted readers' pick for the city's best outdoor farmers' market by Creative Loafing magazine five years in a row, this weekday market runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays from April through November. Shop for seasonal produce from over nine local farms and browse other vendors selling everything from soap to flowers to kombucha. Don't miss the edible garden, which offers children's activities and gardening lessons for grown-ups, too.
Catch a Show at The Earl
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The Earl
You can't tell by the looks of it, but this gritty bar in the heart of EAV is one of the city's best spots for live music and was listed as one of America's 40 Best Music Venues. Indie acts ranging from St. Vincent to The National to the Avett Brothers all graced the stage at this popular neighborhood watering hole before hitting it big. Belly up to the bar and grab a PBR and a burger — one of the city's best — before hitting the back room for acts covering genres from punk to rock to blues.
Eat New York City Bagels at Emerald City Bagels
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Emerald City Bagels
Get a New York City style bagel without ever setting foot out of the Peach State at Emerald City, run by a mother-daughter duo who make handmade bagels using traditional ingredients and baking methods. Choose from over a dozen flavors (or get them all with a bakers' dozen) like everything and sea salt olive oil, then top it with a variety of cream cheeses, jams, vegan spreads and butters. Want something more substantial? Try the sandwiches, like the whitefish salad bagel, with dill cream cheese and red caviar on your bagel of choice.
Grab Dinner at Banshee
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Banshee ATL
This upscale but never stuffy spot from friends and Ford Fry restaurant alums is the perfect spot for grabbing a bite after a day of shopping or before a night of music or dancing. Expect cocktails, wine, local beer and a tightly curated menu of small plates, pastas and other seasonal fare. Don't miss the warm fry bread, with pepperoni butter, sesame and scallion, which hits all the right notes of salty, sweet and spicy.
Eat Banh Mi at We Suki Suki
The self-described "global grub collective" is part restaurant incubator, part community food hall. Anchored by owner-chef-entrepreneur Quynh Trinh's namesake banh mi, boba and pho shop which is open for lunch weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. only, We Suki Suki also offers food from other vendors like Poke Burri, which serves up poke bowls and sushi burritos. Check the website for the latest roster of vendors and their schedules.
Shop at Kaboodle Home
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Kaboodle Home
Voted one of the city's best home and design stores by Curbed Atlanta, Kaboodle Home specializes in locally made and refinished furniture, homewares, candles and more. From salvaged school lockers to midcentury furniture to art from local artists, every piece from this eclectic store is sure to be a showstopper in your home.
Sip Java at Hodgepodge Coffee
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Hodgepodge Coffeehouse
Shop while you sip on a drip coffee, cold brew or a seasonal pour-over from local roasters Batdorf & Bronson at this eclectic community gathering spot, which also hosts open mic nights, art exhibits and a rotating selection of local artisanal goods curated by local pop-up event coordinators Root City Market. Snack on savory pastries, muffins, cookies and sandwiches and don't miss the sweet drinks, like the “Bless Your Heart,” made with espresso, steamed milk, Ghirardelli caramel and vanilla.
Drink Local Beer at Argosy
Argosy
Get a taste of what makes Atlanta our editors' choice as a top city for beer snobs at this neighborhood gastropub. Choose from more than 30 beers on tap, including favorites from local brewers like Eventide, Three Taverns and Creature Comforts as well as national and international selections from Belgium to Brooklyn. Whether you're a fan or pilsner or porter, the beers pair perfectly with the bar's selection of wood-fired pizzas, like the Boss Hog, with red sauce, bacon, fennel sausage, goat cheese, onion, calabrese pepper and fresh thyme. Not a carnivore? Try the vegan poutine or the impossible burger.
Go Dancing at The Basement
Once you've eaten your way through the neighborhood, dance the night away at this popular party spot, which features live bands, local DJs and theme nights ranging from Beyonce to the best of the '90s and '00s. Don't miss East Atlanta Thursdays, held the first Thursday of each month, which features some of the city's best DJs and free cover with an advance RSVP ($5 at the door).