Parkgrounds

ParkGrounds is a special place, particularly in fine weather. The immense overarching oak tree, the umbrellas and outdoor lighting, the ample shaded seating areas and power outlets make this a place one wants to spend the whole day. The service & staff are great and the food is simultaneously comforting, unique, and a real value. However, the patio is dirty. It needs to be cleaned of old leaves and the many spider webs, and on a regular basis. Also, the music is generally very good except for the Greek music periodically played every 20 minutes or so. Why does the owner feel obliged to impose this on his customers?

Okay, close your eyes and imagine you’re in Portland where the spirit of the 90’s is still alive. This cozy cafe made up of refurbished couches, Kombucha, and ample outdoor space for your furry dog-friends fits perfectly into that vibe. Great selection of coffees, teas, and other caffeinated drinks, along with pastries and sandwiches. If you like working outdoors on your laptop, there’s plenty of room in the form of tables and also a cool covered area with stools, a high-bar style table, and plenty of outlets. I recommend this place for the chill vibes and the balance of indoor and outdoor space. The parking however is kind of scarce (and scary) since it’s only on a narrow set of streets in a residential area.

The food runner brought out food for “Noah” (my name) but it turned out to belong to another customer also named Noah. When I corrected her, she said “ew gross” and walked off. Later she came out to the patio to pet a dog, and I asked her what was gross. She said “I’m working, thanks” (which is funny considering she came outside to pet a dog and do nothing else) like I was bothering her and walked off. Kinda turned me off the whole experience if I’m being honest. EDIT: Thanks to the owner for the response and clearing up the situation. I understand folks have bad days sometime and this is probably not the fault of the establishment. Changed review to 4 stars and will probably try them again!

Food and coffee are great, people are always friendly, and there is a great assortment of seating options. It sounds silly, but the only reason why I'm giving a 4 star is because there is something up with their ventilation for their kitchen. Even if I'm in there for only 5 minutes, I end up smelling like greasy breakfast food for the rest of the day or until I change/shower. It's to the point where I've chosen not to go here if I don't feel like having my hair and clothes smelling like cooking all day. I've been to plenty of breakfast diners that don't have this issue, so I don't know what's going on here. I can only imagine what it's like working there. Again, I know this is a first world problem complaint but something that has been a constant since going here.

It cannot be overstated the importance of a business like this. It is one with the mosaic of its neighborhood. Locals are known by name. As far as the selection, there is everything: a long food menu, coffee, tea, and beer. The inside seating is air conditioned with Wi-Fi, and there is an abundance of outdoor seating that is very dog-friendly. This is a model coffee shop. Bonus for UGA Alumni: the coffee is a special roast from Jittery Joes.

I ordered delivery from here since I was craving an iced chai and oh my GOD this place is amazing. their breakfast sandwich was so delicious and I think I downed the entire iced chai in two seconds. I can't believe I was raised in East Atlanta and have never been here! It's for sure a new staple for me.

I noticed the review from Zach whats his name and wanted to respond to it: I've known John (The Owner) and been a loyal patron of ParkGrounds since like... I don't even know... 2014? He genuinely takes pride in the product he puts out and yes I agree.. the draw, for years, was that it was a dog park too. If you think you're disappointed.. Imagine how hard it was for him to actually make the decision to make that change. Knowing how much he cares about his customers, I can confidently say that was a hard and necessary decision he probably didn't enjoy making. Lets take into account the maintenance on that and the liability there when you consider the changes in the market we live in and how things have shifted since Covid. At the end of the day, he is a business owner, and an independent business owner at that, who has taken an active role in the local culture of the Atlanta Food Scene. Have some respect Zach. There are more layers to it. Grab a coffee and take your dog to one of the many hundreds of dog parks in the 5 mile radius around you.