Atlanta's Vibrant Nightlife, Art, And Foodie Scene Shine In This Walkable Neighborhood With Indie Vibes

Part of the appeal of visiting Atlanta is that the city is full of vibrant and exciting neighborhoods, such as Virginia-Highland, a charming, walkable area with local boutiques. However, one of this destination's most dynamic areas is actually its smallest. East Atlanta Village, which is part of the greater East Atlanta neighborhood, only spans five blocks. Yet, it's packed with chic restaurants, nightlife, and artwork. It also happens to be next to Cabbagetown, the creative neighborhood that serves up mouth-watering Southern flavor and queer-friendly energy.

Since the village, known locally as EAV, is so small, exploring on foot is easy. Of course, there are so many options for things to do that you'll have to come back at least a few times to feel like you've done it all. East Atlanta Village has something for everyone, from shopping at trendy, independent stores to dining at some of the city's best restaurants and dancing the night away. So, let's take a closer look at why this tiny neighborhood with indie vibes has such an abundance of activities.

When touring East Atlanta Village, make sure to walk around during the day so you can marvel at all of the artistic murals dotted throughout the neighborhood. Two notable highlights — the Greg Mike Mural and the JEKS Mural Outerspace Project — are located just off Glenwood Ave. Other stunning artworks also decorate EAV, and you can find more than two dozen of them using this interactive Atlanta Street Art Map. In fact, you could easily spend an entire day admiring these creations in between meals and shopping extravaganzas.

Once the sun goes down, though, East Atlanta Village really comes alive with a variety of indie nightlife options. First, there's the Earl, which regularly hosts local bands and artists. There's even a basement bar below for classy cocktails. If you're more in the mood for queer-friendly energy, try Mary's, which calls itself "America's favorite gay bar" and offers a fun, upbeat, boozy experience. Other quirky, independent bars in EAV include the Midway Pub, which hosts trivia nights and other events, the cocktail/hookah bar TEN ATL, or Buteco's Bar, a Brazilian-style spot in the famous Southern Feed Store.

While the Southern Feed Store may conjure images of farm animals or seeds, it's actually a vibrant food hall. In addition to Buteco's, Southern Feed houses a slider joint, a creamery, a Woody's Cheesesteaks, a pizza place, and Buena Papa Fry Bar (an essential stop if you're in the mood for gourmet, Latin-style loaded fries).

Because EAV is in central Atlanta, it's just a 15-minute drive from the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. While there is a lot to do in the village, there are no hotels within these five city blocks. However, there are a couple of vacation rentals available. That said, you'll also find plenty of hotels nearby, especially as you get closer to downtown Atlanta and the historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood.

One factor to keep in mind when planning a trip to the area is that you might want it to coincide with the East Atlanta Strut. This festival occurs on the fourth Saturday in September, features dozens of local vendors, and includes various activities (such as a parade and live music). The Strut's purpose is to showcase the best that East Atlanta has to offer, so it's a great way to experience as much of the neighborhood as possible. Alternatively, the East Atlanta Village Farmer's Market runs from March to November, giving you a taste of different indie vendors and artists. 

If you're visiting outside of September, you'll still be able to enjoy plenty of delicious restaurants, as EAV is something of a foodie paradise. We've already covered the Southern Feed Store, but many other kinds of cuisine are also available. For Korean, try Gaja Korean Bar. Seafood lovers will want to visit Hippin Hops Brewpub and Oyster Bar, while those looking for Irish pub food can head to The Pub @ EAV. Finally, be sure to get a taste of New Orleans by ordering a po'boy at Just Loaf'N.