Food and drink options in Atlanta’s reawakening South Downtown district are expected to surge in coming months. 

With the city's 2026 FIFA World Cup matches less than a year away, two of the biggest players in South Downtown’s revival—tech entrepreneurs Atlanta Ventures and Underground Atlanta owners Lalani Ventures—each officially announced plans for new food hubs Monday, though with very different concepts. 

Starting this autumn, the South Downtown ATL crew plans to welcome a recurring, open-air food festival that’s proven popular in Miami, New York City, and Los Angeles called Smorgasburg Atlanta. 

The 140 Forsyth St. SW lot where Smorgasburg Atlanta is planned, in relation to South Downtown's "town square" section planned to house El Tesoro and other businesses. via South Downtown ATL/@sodowntownatl

Smorgasburg’s Atlanta incarnation will take over a surface parking lot at 104 Forsyth St., situated in between MARTA’s Five Points and Garnett stations, a few blocks southeast of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Plans call for a roster of more than 40 local vendors to set up shop on the lot every Saturday, starting in October.

Expect a curated assortment of food trucks, pop-up tents, live entertainment, artists, play areas for kids, and food trucks, all splashed with selections of beer, wine, and seasonal cocktails, as South Downtown ATL officials relayed in a new tenant announcement. Culinary vendor applications are open as of today. 

“When we looked at where to expand next, Atlanta stood out immediately,” said Smorgasburg co-owner and CEO Gaston Becherano in the announcement. “There’s a dynamic and thriving pop-up food scene here that’s deeply rooted in creativity, community, and cultural pride.”

The parking lot in question between Forsyth and Broad streets, in relation to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and other downtown landmarks. Google Maps

The news continues a culinary hot streak for Atlanta Ventures’ 10-block South Downtown redevelopment. The district signed leases for taqueria El Tesoro’s third and largest location in March, local barbecue concept Sammy’s last month, and longtime Castleberry Hill staple Bottle Rocket sushi and bar last week. The latter plans to relocate into retail space in historic Hotel Row, between Tyde Tate Thai Kitchen and Spiller Park Coffee.

Meanwhile, big plans are also cookin’ at Underground Atlanta. 

That district on Monday detailed plans for an injection of new dining—including a six-stall food hall—and retail on the above-ground section, Upper Alabama Street, that project leaders have vowed to enliven prior to World Cup festivities. Utopia Latin fusion restaurant and lounge opened on that street in April, claiming a long-vacant space. 

Main entry off Peachtree Street to Underground nightlife, as seen in January. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

New Underground concepts were described by ownership in announcement today as follows: 

  • “Once a pizza cart that was part of the Underground Creative Carts Collective at Underground in 2021, Dolo’s Pizza later transitioned to a permanent space in Lower Alabama. Increasing in popularity, the pizzeria is now set to level up to a whole new location on Upper Alabama, expanding its capabilities to serve more customers.
  • Joining Dolo’s Pizza on Upper Alabama is the newly announced Underground Diner. This daytime and nighttime vibrant new eatery will replace Dancin’ Crepe’s corner space.
  • ... a six-stall food hall [is coming to] an Upper Alabama corner space located across the street from where Underground Diner will go. It is currently in the design phase and is expected to be open before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  • Rapper Trinidad James, formally known as Nicholaus Williams, opened apparel store HOMMEWRK in February of this year, located across from Utopia on Upper Alabama.” 

According to owners Lalani Venture, Underground Atlanta is on pace this year to double the 1 million visitors it counted in 2024. Company CEO Shaneel Lalani says recent additions are merely the beginning and that more tenants will be unveiled soon, include the six food hall tenants. 

“The positive momentum on Upper Alabama Street is undeniable, and these new additions are helping to bring vibrant, all-day energy back to Underground,” said Lalani in a statement. “By adding more daytime dining and retail options, we’re creating a dynamic environment that invites people to come early and stay late.”

...

Follow us on social media: 

Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram  

• Downtown news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)