By Aubree Dumas
Published April 24, 2023
Last Updated April 17, 2024
Atlanta is quickly becoming the city of double takes, because you never know whether or not that familiar-looking person you spied at the bookstore is the doppelganger of the Hollywood celebrity you’re mistaking them for – or actually the celebrity.
Did you spot a Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson lookalike? It might’ve been him while he was in Atlanta filming “Red One.” His Instagram post says so.
Maybe you spotted Lady Gaga at one of her many favorite ATL spots. Or perhaps you ran into Donald Glover while he was filming the iconic series “Atlanta.”
A-listers love to check out Atlanta’s hot spots, restaurants and watering holes as much as residents do. So as you explore this list, keep an eye out for the stars who also think these spots are pretty wicked.
Ponce City Market
Deciding where to eat from among the two dozen eateries inside Ponce City Market’s Central Food Hall is one of life’s delicious pleasures, and actor Owen Wilson can certainly relate. He frequented Ponce City Market while in town filming the movie “Bastards” with Atlanta-native Ed Helms. That Holeman & Finch burger, in particular, made an impression.
STK Atlanta
If you’re craving a Manhattan kind of vibe in Atlanta, look no further than STK, an upscale steak house known for fabulous co*cktails and a très chic atmosphere. Naturally, it’s a good place to spot a celebrity or two. Actor Denzel Washington, singer Selena Gomez and former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton have toasted the good life there.
Georgia Aquarium
By now, the gracefully playful beluga whales have wrapped all of us Atlantans around their their fins, and celebs are no different. A-listers like Elton John, Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Lawrence all have been spotted having their “Finding Nemo” moment at Georgia Aquarium.
Cypress Street Pint & Plate
Why use bread to bun a burger when you can use glazed doughnuts? That’s not a rhetorical question at Cypress Street Pint & Plate, where good brews and fun food (like the aforementioned Sublime Doughnut Burger) delight Atlanta visitors, residents and famous patrons, including Justin Timberlake, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Terrence Howard.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
If you’ve been craving Southern comfort food done right, then you’ll want to explore the 1940s-era gem, Mary Mac’s. Not only is it famous for its fried chicken, sweet potato souffle and pot likker with cracklin’ cornbread, among other dishes, it can also lay claim to a visitor not many can boast: the Dalai Lama himself. Now that’s a VIP.
Truist Park
Here in the South, we love the Atlanta Braves and apparently so do visiting celebrities. Lady Gaga was seen at a game in Truist Park, as was “Deadpool” actor Ryan Reynolds.
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South City Kitchen
This is a place to get sophisticated Southern cuisine while doing some serious celeb-focused people watching. A-listers spotted at South City Kitchen include Kanye West, Judd Apatow, Chris Rock, Clint Eastwood, Cameron Diaz and Usher, among others.
Chops Lobster Bar
Ranked as one of the top 10 steak houses in the country, Chops Lobster Bar has worked its magic on diners like actor Josh Duhamel and singer Fergie. If it’s good enough for a Black Eyed Pea, it’s good enough for me.
Shopping in Buckhead
Not only are Lenox Square Mall and Phipps Plaza the most fashionable locations in Atlanta, they also boast some of the best celeb sightings. A-listers are as drawn to those designer boutiques as much as we mere mortals are, so don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of a movie star or musician buried under bundles of shopping bags.
Four Seasons Hotel
Located inside the Four Seasons Hotel, Park 75 is a favorite spot for celebs and industry insiders to discuss business over co*cktails. With a discreet staff, celebs can enjoy a low-key yet sophisticated night in Midtown, especially if they’re already guests at the luxurious hotel.
Goat Farm
The Goat Farm is a sprawling location tucked away in West Midtown. It is also a great venue for music events and is known for hosting concerts and live shows. Additionally, the Goat Farm has been the location of several movie sets, including “The Hunger Games” starring Jennifer Lawrence.
Beat the Bomb
Enjoy an interactive game where you can step into real-life video games. Embark on a one-hour mission before the ultimate quest to beat the bomb. If booze and paint bombs don’t entice you, catching the action on a past episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta might. The Atlanta Housewives and rappers like Waka Flocka are just a few of the celebs who enjoyed the immersive experience.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Whether sitting courtside or hanging out in a suite, several celebrities are known to support Atlanta’s teams and concerts at this iconic stadium. With the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United making Mercedes-Benz Stadium their home, this busy arena is a must-visit for sports and music lovers.
State Farm Arena
At the home of the Atlanta Hawks you are bound to see some of your favorite celebrities at State Farm Arena, an award-winning sports and entertainment venue. While you might catch some sitting courtside at a game you might see others dancing to the tunes of live performances by other notable celebrities.
Celebrity sightings go beyond A-list musicians and actors in the ATL. You can dine at these celebrity chef-owned restaurants and potentially see some of the nation’s favorite chefs in action.
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.
