Sports, arts and dining: Your neighborhood guide to Georgia Tech and Technology Square
If you’ve heard a whistle blaring through Midtown, it’s probably not from Amtrak, but from a steam whistle nestled in the city’s largest university. Opening in 1888 as a regional trade school, Georgia Tech has grown into a major university and a landmark in Atlanta and Georgia alike.
Starting from its iconic Tech Tower just off North Avenue and growing over the decades, Tech’s campus has grown to take over a swath of Midtown west of the Connector and beyond. What began with 85 students and a single major (mechanical engineering), now teaches thousands in over 130 majors and minors, both in Atlanta and elsewhere. Outside of education, it may be best known by alumni and college football fans alike for the Yellow Jacket’s century-plus of gridiron grit. The Yellow Jackets football team has played against the University of Georgia almost every year since 1893 and has the fight song and rivalry to prove it.
But Georgia Tech isn’t just a place for students to learn and cheer on athletes. Tech served as a host to several sports during the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, and its dorms housed many guests from around the world. Its Research Institute conducts life-changing experiments and works with major companies and the federal government on many projects. Georgia Tech’s urban planners and architects have even helped shape Atlanta’s skyline. (John Portman is an alum).
Spurred by Olympic growth, Georgia Tech set its sights east of 5th Street and developed Technology Square, a campus of offices, retail, schools and more that will welcome a new mixed-use tower in the coming years. It’s here where Midtown residents, students, and visitors will find many fantastic restaurants and shops to visit, year-round.
What can I do for fun around Georgia Tech?
Put the “Tech” in Athletics at a sports game. Georgia Tech is home to two major arenas, the historic Bobby Dodd Stadium for football games, and McCamish Pavilion, where its basketball teams play. Or come for the university’s baseball and volleyball matches on campus. Whether you’re an alum or not, cheer on the Yellow Jackets in all their forms. Historic Bobby Dodd Stadium, which has stood off North Avenue for over a century provides a lovely open-air view of the Midtown and Downtown skylines during games.
Get artsy at the Ferst Center for the Arts. While Georgia Tech may be known for its engineering prowess, the campus is also home to a robust arts program. The Ferst Center for the Arts regularly puts on shows ranging from live orchestras to dance, plays, experimental theatre, and more. Discounts for students and staff are available.
Where are the best places to eat and drink around Georgia Tech?
Aviva by Kameel
The Midtown location of this Downtown favorite is located at the bottom of the Coda building in its Collective food hall. Aviva Midtown has many of the same fresh, Mediterranean plates as its parent location. Start with your choice of shawarma, salmon, or falafel in a plate or a pita wrap, drizzle it in tzatziki sauce, and add on savory sides. If you still have room, grab a baklava for dessert to go.
Location: 756 West Peachtree Street NW, Suite G; Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Website: avivabykameel.com
Boho Taco
One of the newer additions to Tech Square, this Mexican restaurant offers a solid mix of tacos, nachos, and salads with ample patio seating for those warm summer months. Their fast casual service slings delicious tacos for busy employees to grab a bite, as well as a full bar if you want to sit down for a midday break. Go, go to Boho!
Location: 22 5th Street NW; Hours: Every day, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: eatboho.com
Atwood’s Pizza
This tiny pizzeria packs more flavor into its pies than you’d expect from a place tucked into the bottom corner of a historic hotel. With creative concoctions such as the Show Me Your Roni or a Hang Ten twist on a Hawaiian pizza, monthly specials, and a wide selection of beers and beverages, Atwood’s has you covered. Plus, their small, personal pan pizza is perfect for a quick lunchtime meal between classes.
Location: 817 West Peachtree Street NW; Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Website: atwoodspizzacafe.com
By Weight and Measure
This Coda Collective stall — from the guys who brought you Edgewood’s Joystick Game Bar —is a solid, classy place to relax and grab a drink. For the morning crowd, there’s coffee and soda. If you’ve had a rough day and need something stronger by evening, their bartenders have a wide range of spirits, cocktails, and brews to take the edge off. Enjoy a drink with friends outside on Coda’s impressive canyon of a patio, nestled between the two towers of the building above.
Location: 756 West Peachtree Street NW; Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Website: weightandmeasure.com
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