The Essential Theatre Play Festival takes place at the West End Performing Arts Center. Located at 945 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, it’s easy to find, just ten minutes away from Little Five Points, two blocks off of I-20, and near the West End MARTA train station. For our mailing address or to otherwise contact us, Click Here.
Parking at West End Performing Arts Center
The handicap accessible entrance, as well as all handicap parking, is located directly behind the Performing Arts Center. We respectfully request that these spaces be left available for those requiring the use of these resources.
ADDITIONAL FREE PARKING is available at the Wells Fargo bank next door (at the intersection of Joseph E Lowery and Ralph David Abernathy Blvds) and behind the Ace Hardware across the street from the Performing Arts Center. Security will be provided on Friday and Saturday nights to patrol the area and escort patrons to and from their vehicles.
Dinner in West End
Here are some of our favorite places to eat in West End and nearby:
Walking Distance (less than 1/4 mile)
Prefer to just park once for dinner and the theatre? Check out these super-local eats:
640 West Community Cafe is an easy walk from the theatre and serves incredible sandwiches, wraps, salads and smoothies. Like many restaurants in West End, 640 West isn’t open late, but it’s worth coming to the theatre early to have a chance to stop by.
We recommend you call in your order if you want a sandwich, as meals are made fresh to order and can sometimes take awhile. But their baked goods are every bit as delicious as they look and are ready-made.
Tassili’s Raw Reality is an iconic raw vegan restaurant in West End that is also open for dinner before the show. Check them out for tasty, healthy fare and friendly neighborhood service.
Soul Vegetarian #1 closes by 10 but is great for vegetarian and vegan fare. By their own description, they offer a “Southern, meat-free menu (with gluten-free & vegan options) served in a casual storefront space.” You don’t have to be vegetarian to love it, either. Sporting a juice bar menu too, Soul Vegetarian #1 is a great place for some preshow dining. Affordable, really great, and super nice staff.
Walk or Drive (less than 1 mi)
Q-Time offers self-described “down-home Southern eats” served by super friendly staff. Also not open late, but we can promise you will not leave hungry!
If you’re looking for someplace to go after the show, Lean Draft House is your closest and best bet. A craft taco and beer joint next to Gordon White Park, just about a 15 minute walk from the theatre. Open 5-11pm Tuesday through Saturday and 2-11 on Sunday, it’s the perfect spot for a post-show drink and conversation. The outdoor seating is enviable, the tacos are delectable and the craft beer selection leaves absolutely nothing to be desired.
Boggs Social & Supply is a hip establishment within sight of Lean Draft House that boasts “ample parking, rotating food pop-ups, and a fully stocked bar”
There is also a plethora of fast food nearby, to include a Dunkin’ Donuts AND a Krispy Kreme — not so useful for supper maybe, but we’ve been starting early, so we can’t complain!
A short drive:
Lee + White is a brand new development nestled in West End’s warehouse district and “showcases a mix of cutting-edge breweries, restaurants, retailers and food manufacturers.” Located right on the BeltLine but also boasting expansive parking.
To locals it’s hardly news, but one of the best joints in town is The Beautiful. Food you couldn’t cook better yourself, and both the staff and the patrons are incredibly friendly and welcoming! Known for their cobblers and their banana pudding, The Beautiful is open 7am-10pm and serves both breakfast and lunch. Pretty much everyone gets their food in to-go containers because it’s so filling you won’t eat it all and it’s just too good to let a crumb go to waste. About a ten minute drive from the theatre, on Cascade Road.
The Legendary Paschal’s Restaurant closes by 11 on the weekends, but it’s a great place for some fine dining before the show. Enjoy some history, good food and a beautiful view before you head to the theatre!
Do you have a favorite dinner spot or hangout in the area that you don’t see included in this list? Let us know and we’ll be sure to recommend it here too!
