1 Goat Farm Arts Center
Transformed into an artists’ enclave in the 1970s, this sprawling 12-acre industrial site, originally a cotton-gin factory from 1889, is now a singular stage for the visual and performing arts. The lineup of concerts, theater, film screenings, contemporary dance and art exhibitions are open to groups and the public, and corporate rentals are considered if the schedule allows.
2 Optimist
Housed in a former ham-aging facility and named for a training dinghy for young sailors, this lively eatery has earned rave national reviews for its seafood and surfboard-shaped oyster bar. Chef-owner Ford Fry goes the classic route with a wood-roasted fish and farm menu, ardent pessimists are helpless against the cocktails, and a group of 60-plus guests secures the private dining room.
3 Bone Lick BBQ
Opened in August 2012, this 2,700-square-foot restaurant goes for kitschy flair in a modern setting, with vintage touches like 1950s refrigerators and a bathtub filled with ice-cold beer parked behind the bar. Slow-cooked over hickory and pecan wood, the barbecue sizzles with flavor, along with handcrafted sides like jalapeno mac ‘n’ cheese. Seating 84 inside and 30 outside, this fun-loving joint is available for group buyouts.
4 Ormsby’s
Thirsty? Then head to this classic neighborhood tavern for its extensive craft beer selection and traditional games, including darts, pool and bocce. Housed in a historic warehouse from 1910 that was the South’s first modern meatpacking plant, the venue offers two private party rooms for around 150 and 40 guests, respectively.
5 Terminal West
An extensive renovation of the century-old King Plow Company foundry produced Atlanta’s King Plow Arts Center, which includes this 6,700-square-foot music and special events venue. The lighting and sound systems are high-end, and an outdoor roof deck overlooks West Atlanta’s historic train tracks.