Where To Make Friends When Atlanta Feels Lonely

Even in a city with more than 6 million people, Atlanta can sometimes feel like you're experiencing Walking Dead-levels of isolation. Long solitary hours in traffic, plenty of fickle “Hollywood of the South” types, and those potholes on Cascade that seem big enough to swallow your sense of community. All of it can make you feel a little lonely. Thankfully, some Atlanta restaurants are great places to meet new, cool people who aren’t trying to rope you into a real estate scheme.

THE SPOTS

Hayakawa

Sure, money can’t buy happiness. But $315 secures you a spot at this eight-seat West Midtown omakase counter that gets pretty damn close to debunking that theory. Despite Hayakawa’s elegant, ingredient-driven courses and fancy minimalist interior, the fine dining restaurant still feels homey, thanks to a chef who throws around jokes and anecdotes about his hometown of Hokkaido while you’re chewing meaty cuts of top-notch nigiri. Don’t be surprised if the night ends with an Instagram follow from the chef and an invitation to reach out to him on social media for food or Japan travel recommendations.

Yeppa & Co.

Walking into a crowded place where no one knows your name might seem lonely on the surface. But stroll past the cliques at the front tables and head straight to the giant oval bar in this Buckhead Italian restaurant. From lunch to dinner, the bar is always filled with solo diners, Buckhead biz groups, and scene-chasers who want to be where the action is. Babble is the usual soundtrack at Yeppa, so don't hesitate to strike up a convo with the bartender or with a fellow bar mate while you fork through decent pasta dishes. Plus, after a few glasses of wine (there are half-priced bottles on Tuesday), the crowd tends to get extra chatty and it should be even easier to enjoy the creamy ricotta- and pork-filled tortellini with your new friends.

El Tesoro - West End

Whenever you’re feeling most alone, a walk on the BeltLine will guarantee some type of human interaction, even if it’s a rogue teen nearly running you over with a scooter. When you tire of the pavement, head to El Tesoro’s outpost on the West End trail inside of Wild Heaven . The cavernous seating area in the brewery is usually full of beer lovers and the taco-obsessed (two of our favorite kinds of people). But the best companions here are the delicious barbacoa taco and a draft brew. Plop yourself down on a communal table, and even if you don’t talk to anyone, the hustle and bustle of the massive space feels like you’re part of the action.

Politan Row

When you need to hear a human voice that’s not coming from your TV, busy food halls are appealing. Politan Row, inside Midtown’s Colony Square is always full, has the feel of an upscale lounge, and usually tilts more towards young professionals chatting over very good oxtail tacos and incredible lemon pepper tuna subs and less towards kids running amok. Come to mix and mingle at weekly social events like Monday chess nights and Sunday drag bingo, where your competitive nature will either get you a win or win you a few friends. There’s also a bar in the center where you can post up and chat with the bartender or whoever else happens to be tossing back an entire margarita flight on a Wednesday. There’s always someone.

Breaker Breaker

Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, you’ll find folks at the long booths overlooking the BeltLine trail, which always gives Breaker Breaker a backyard cookout vibe. While the loungey atmosphere is a plus, the real draw is the seafood . Dig into a spicy, juicy grouper sandwich, so big it spills out of the soft bun, and enjoy it at the counter bar where you can chat with your flip-flop-wearing neighbor or people-watch the constant bustle of the BeltLine from a safe distance. For extra kicks, head upstairs to the rooftop bar, Floridaman . It’s a fun, cheery  place to kill a few hours, with a tropical vibe, affordable boxed wine, and delicious Cuban sandwich.

Bomb Biscuit

Brunching is one of Atlanta’s biggest social activities, which can magnify feelings of loneliness when you’re dining solo. But that’s not the case at Bomb Biscuit, an excellent breakfast cafe on Highland, where the sunny yellow interior, friendly service, and warm, soft biscuits are enough to make anyone feel welcome. Get there early if you want to snag a seat without a wait. Otherwise, you can trade stories with the people gathered outside, waiting for their chance to try the tasty fried chicken biscuit. Once inside, cozy up at the long counter and expect some conversation with your waiter, even if they’re busy. They’ll even leave you a smiley face on your receipt.