Hip, Art-Filled Neighborhood: Castleberry Hill

By Aubree Dumas

Published August 8, 2023
Last Updated May 24, 2024

Castleberry Hill has always been an Atlanta neighborhood with a rich dichotomy, toeing the line between an arts district and an invigorating nightlife destination. It’s like the Amsterdam of ATL. It is a hip, walkable sector of downtown Atlanta blanketed with art galleries, bars and restaurants that have turned old shops from ATL’s past into an inspired community with a story to tell. Take a journey into the neighborhood phoenix that is Castleberry Hill.

Favorite Restaurants and Bars

The amount of flavor packed into the streets of Castleberry Hill will take you around the globe. No Mas! Cantina is like a trip to a Mexican hacienda full of vibrant colors, decor and lip-smacking margaritas and tacos. Jet set into Japanese cuisine with meticulously prepared sushi rolls and Asian-inspired burgers at Bottle Rocket. Old Lady Gang and Paschal’s drive soulful Southern eats that’ll make you feel at home. Match Bamboo Lounge sets your tiki cocktail dreams on fire with Fellaship bringing upscale bar bites and cocktails you can enjoy with a cigar. Cap it all off with a sweet treat from ADios Cafe.

Unique Shopping 

While the shopping options in Castleberry Hill aren’t as sprawling as in other ATL neighborhoods, specialty shops offer boutique styles and bespoke offerings for a variety of connoisseurs. Add some color to your wardrobe with a visit to Pink Zebra Boutique and Social. Take your pick from a wide range of women’s clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories from local designers.  Set the mood in your home with candles from Simply Naked Candle Co. or sign up to take a candle-making class. If you are health- conscious, visit iwi Fresh for a master class in pampering.

Stunning Art Scene

Art is a hallmark of the Castleberry Hill experience with its plethora of galleries and studios showcasing various mediums from around the world. You can find fine art and notable photography pieces at Besharat Gallery with Zucot Gallery focusing on the work of living African American artists, making it the largest gallery focused on this niche in the Southeast. Stop by Peters Street Station for the Hidden Gallery, which exhibits contemporary fine art. Or try body art. A visit to City of Ink Tattoos is essential and seen as a journey into the world of stunning body art with people traveling for miles to have famed tattoo artists imprint one-of-a-kind pieces to skin.

Music Culture

It’s safe to say that Castleberry Hill’s music scene goes hand-in-hand with a majority of the bars and restaurants there.  Blending high-energy club/lounge, bar and tasty bites are the trifecta of Escobar Lounge and CRU Lounge, where lovers of hip-hop and DJ culture let their hair down for amped-up nights on Peters Street. Stop by Atlantucky, owned by the iconic hip-hop duo Nappy Roots, and drink from a selection of brews on tap. Enjoy even more brews at Wild Leap Atlanta where there often is live music or a DJ playing popular tunes. This is one neighborhood prepared to keep your vibes high.

Quirky Events

There are lots of events and happenings going on in this eccentric neighborhood. Whether it’s an art stroll or an evening of skating, Castleberry Hill events are a great way to get out and meet the unique individuals that make this neighborhood shine. In addition to the vibrant art scene, you can enjoy the Castleberry Market every Sunday to shop from local vendors. 

Discover the beauty of downtown, Atlanta with our Ultimate Downtown Itinerary for more things to do.

Aubree is a content creator with a passion for all things food and travel. You can find her around Atlanta tasting some of the most iconic bites or burning it all off on the dance floor.