West Midtown Atlanta

Once a largely abandoned industrial area, West Midtown has seen large amounts of gentrification and infill, with an eclectic mix of new lofts, restaurants, shops, art galleries, salons and professional firms. However the loft-style industrial feel of the neighborhood has been retained as most of the new developments are restorations of once-neglected factories or warehouses that date back to the 1880s. 

 West Midtown is a popular stop for food lovers due to the fact that some of Atlanta's premier restaurateurs are located in the district. Many West Midtown dining establishments have garnered national attention and favor with local foodies such as Bacchanalia, Abattoir, Miller Union, Bocado and The Optimist, chef Ford Fry's new seafood restaurant. Other favorites include 5 Seasons Brewpub, Six Feet Under, Chow Baby, JCT Kitchen, Tiny Bistro, West Egg Cafe, Yeah Burger, Swit Bakery & Cafe, Curly's Fried Chicken, Osteria del Figo, Octane Coffee Bar and Lounge, Chocolate South and the new Atlanta Food Truck Park at Howell Mill Road and I-75. The neighborhood also has a burgeoning nightlife with Ormsby's and Northside Tavern, a self-described "dive bar", a popular stop for those looking for live music. 

West Midtown's retail options include an eclectic mix of choices. Such as Sid Mashburn, Toscano & Sons Italian Market, Whipstich Fabrics, Redefined Home, Gear Revival, Hop City Craft Beer Wired & Fired, Lululemon Athletica, Room & Board, Anthropologie along with Verde Home make the area a rewarding shopping destination. 

There is an arts scene that rivals Midtown, which has a long history as Atlanta's premier arts district.  Unlike Midtown which is focused on more classical art, West Midtown is home to an "ad-hoc" group of contemporary art galleries. Several well-know galleries include the Saltworks Gallery,representing both local and international artists. The Sandler Hudson Gallery, representing contemporary artists since 1989. The Emily Amy Gallery, known for emerging artists from across the country and the Jennifer Schwartz Gallery, representing fine art photography. All galleries feature regular rotating exhibitions. An Art Walk is held the 3rd Saturday of the month throughout the West Midtown Neighborhood, and is sponsored by the West Side Arts District. Also located within the neighborhood is the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, the Westside Cultural Arts Center, the King Plow Arts Center and the Goat Farm Arts Center. 

The area is fast becoming a popular location for many high-tech companies who enjoy the open loft-like spaces.  Facebook endorsed the neighborhood when they moved their Atlanta offices to West Midtown in 2011.