A bustling history and a caring neighborhood: your city guide to Piedmont Heights

Originally called Easton and established in the 1800s, Piedmont Heights is today one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods. The Creek Native American people once inhabited the land but ceded it to the United States government with the Treaty of Indian Springs in 1821.

Settlers began moving into the area, and homes and businesses sprang up. One was the Jones Grist Mill on Clear Creek, located roughly where Piedmont Driving Club exists today. About a half mile to the east of the mill, several stores were established, marking the area that would officially become Easton. The community established its first school in 1835, and in 1853, Easton became part of the newly formed Fulton County (it was previously part of Dekalb County). By the late 1800s, a new rail line allowed for a depot in Easton and an easier commute to Atlanta. An interstate highway followed, and in 1912, Easton was absorbed into Atlanta and became known as Piedmont Heights. The area’s main thoroughfare, originally a Native American trail, became known as Piedmont Road.

The area now houses several thousand residents with businesses to support their everyday doings. It still embodies its motto of “Small Town in the Big City.”

What can I do for fun in Piedmont Heights?

Piedmont Heights walking tour: This four-mile tour of the area begins at the BeltLine Trail and follows a route that passes various businesses and utilizes a scenic walking path. Participants can get a feel for the area’s past and present.

Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail: Piedmont Heights is the home of the beginning of the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail, a linear green space that plays host to bicyclists, walkers and skaters.

Atlanta Botanical Garden: Since 1976, the garden has provided a slice of horticultural beauty and learning for Atlantans. Located just adjacent to Piemont Heights, it’s an oasis where visitors can enjoy rare and native fauna with the garden’s 30 outdoor acres, children’s garden and canopy walk.

Where are the best places to eat and drink in Piedmont Heights?

Grindhouse Killer Burgers

This classic burger joint focuses on made-from-scratch menu items like customizable burgers. It’s also known for unusual beers and cocktails. Try building a burger with beef, chicken, or turkey, customizing it with cheese and sauce slections, then adding to it from an array of toppings like cole slaw, tortilla strips and avocado. An extensive drinks menu offers lots of draft beers and cocktails like the John Daly — fresh lemonade and Savannah sweet tea bourbon.

Location: Grindhouse Killer Burgers; Hours: Wednesday-Monday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Website: grindhouseburgers.com

Mama’s Cocina Latina

This eatery promises authentic Latin cuisine and is open 24/7 so you can satisfy your palette whenever a craving hits. Try the sizzling fajitas or tacos with fresh shrimp paired with ice cold beer. If you’re in the mood for breakfast, there are pancakes and bacon or fajitas and eggs.

Location: Mama’s Cocina Latina; Hours: 24 hours; Website: mamascocinaatl.com

Fat Matt’s Rib Shack

Established in 1990, this eatery is now an Atlanta barbecue institution. It’s been mentioned in numerous movies, and often features live music. You’ll find all the mainstays like falling-off-the-bone ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. Sides like rum baked beans, collards, and Brunswick stew round things out.

Location: Fat Matt’s Rib Shack; Hours: Monday-Thursday - 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday - Saturday - 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday - 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Website: fatmattsribshack.net

Smith’s Olde Bar

Smith’s Olde Bar opened in 1994 and has since hosted some of the music industry’s most notable names. It continues to host bands, open mic comedy, and sports viewing. A menu full of burgers, pasta, and wings keeps guests satisfied as they enjoy events and drinks from the full bar.

Location: Smith’s Olde Bar; Hours: Monday -Thursday - 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday - 2 p.m. to 3 a.m., Saturday - 10 a.m.-3 a.m., Sunday - 10 a.m.-midnight; Website: sobatl.com

Bangkok Thai Restaurant

Open since 1977, this establishment calls itself “Atlanta’s original Thai restaurant.” Come in for a delicious, fresh lunch or dinner with dishes like sesame chicken, duck curry and pineapple fried rice.

Location: Bangkok Thai Restaurant; Hours: Monday-Thursday - 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday - 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday - 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday - 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Website: bangkokthaiatl.com