If you punch Atkins Park Smyrna Georgia into your GPS, you aren't going to find a sprawling green space with swings and a duck pond. That’s the first thing people mess up.
Honestly, it's a bit of a local linguistic trap. In the city of Atlanta, Atkins Park is a posh, historic residential neighborhood with three tiny streets and some of the most expensive bungalows in the Southeast. But in Smyrna? It's the beating heart of the Smyrna Market Village, a tavern that basically anchors the entire downtown social scene.
You’ve probably seen the brick-paved streets and the clock tower if you’ve spent any time in Cobb County. The tavern sits right there at 2840 Atlanta Road. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see a guy in a tailored suit drinking a craft beer next to a person in paint-splattered cargo shorts.
Why a Smyrna Tavern Claims a 1920s Pedigree
There is a lot of confusion about how old this place actually is.
The original Atkins Park opened in 1922 in Virginia-Highland. It started as a deli and eventually became the oldest continuously licensed tavern in Atlanta. The Smyrna location is the younger sibling, opened around 2003, but it carries that "old soul" energy.
The owners, Kevin Drawe and Sandra Spoon (the widow of legendary Atlanta restaurateur Warren Bruno), brought the name to Smyrna at the invitation of the city’s leadership. They wanted a cornerstone for the then-new Market Village. It worked.
The history isn't just a marketing gimmick. When you walk in, the vibe feels lived-in. It’s not a sterile, corporate chain restaurant. It’s got a bit of grit, a lot of wood, and a menu that leans heavily into Cajun and Creole influences because of partner and executive chef Rusty Hamlin.
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The Zac Brown Connection
If the name Rusty Hamlin sounds familiar, you’re probably a country music fan.
Rusty is the longtime executive chef for the Zac Brown Band. He’s the guy behind the famous "Eat & Greets"—those massive, high-end pre-concert meals the band is known for. He’s also a partner at the Smyrna location.
That Louisiana influence is all over the place. You aren't just getting "bar food" here.
Most people go for the Drunken Pork Tenderloin. It’s basically legendary at this point. It’s served with stone-ground grits and a bourbon-heavy gravy that makes you want to lick the plate. Then there’s the she-crab soup. It’s creamy, rich, and has that specific "low country" hit of sherry that most Georgia restaurants forget to include.
It’s Two Different Worlds Inside
The layout is weirdly brilliant.
One side is a classic, dark-wood sports bar. It’s loud. It’s where you go to yell at the TV when the Falcons are inevitably breaking your heart. The other side is a proper dining room that feels family-friendly.
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Then you have the patio.
The patio is where Smyrna really happens. Because it faces the Market Village green, parents can sit outside with a cold drink while their kids run around on the grass nearby. It’s a very specific "suburban utopia" vibe that makes Atkins Park the "third place" for a lot of Cobb County residents.
What to Order (And What to Skip)
Look, no place is perfect. If you go on a Friday night during a home Braves game, the service might be a bit frantic. That’s just the reality of a neighborhood spot that everyone loves.
The Hits:
- The Bruno Burger: Named after Warren Bruno, it’s a classic, no-nonsense burger that doesn't try too hard.
- Louisiana Crawfish Pies: These are crispy, savory, and exactly what you want with a beer.
- Beignets: They do them New Orleans style. They’re buried in enough powdered sugar to make your doctor sweat, but they’re worth the mess.
- Georgia Trout: Surprisingly delicate for a tavern.
The Misses:
- The Noise: If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic first date, maybe don't sit on the bar side. It gets rowdy.
- The Wait: Since it’s arguably the most popular spot in the Market Village, peak hours are a gamble.
The Events Nobody Talks About
Most people know about the Saturday brunch, but the tavern is a hub for stuff you wouldn't expect.
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They host a massive Oysterfest every spring that rivals anything you’ll find in Midtown. They also do "Music Bingo" and trivia nights that are surprisingly competitive.
But beyond the fun, the Smyrna location is deeply tied to the community. Kevin Drawe and the team have been involved in everything from the Jonquil City Kiwanis Club to local school foundations. When people talk about "Atkins Park Smyrna Georgia," they aren't just talking about a place to get a beer; they’re talking about the town square.
How to Do It Right
If you're planning a visit, here’s the move.
Park in the back lot—the street parking on Atlanta Road is a nightmare and usually full. If the weather is even remotely nice, ask for a table on the patio. It’s some of the best people-watching in the metro area.
Order the Drunken Pork Tenderloin. Even if you think you don't like grits, try theirs. They’re stone-ground and actually have texture, unlike the instant stuff you’ll find at a diner.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Calendar: If there’s a major sporting event or a concert at nearby Truist Park, expect the tavern to be packed. Plan accordingly.
- Reservations: They do take them for the dining side. Use them. It beats standing on the sidewalk for 45 minutes.
- Explore the Village: After your meal, walk over to Rev Coffee or browse the local shops. The whole point of the Market Village is that it's walkable.
- Try the Wing Sauce: If you aren't feeling a full meal, their confit wings (slow-fried in duck fat) are a hidden gem.
The real secret to Atkins Park Smyrna Georgia is that it isn't trying to be a fancy "New American" bistro. It’s a tavern that knows its identity. It’s a little bit of Atlanta history transplanted into the heart of the suburbs, and it’s one of the few places where the food actually lives up to the hype of the atmosphere.