Why Esco Restaurant & Tapas is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family

Esco Restaurant & Tapas is a dynamic dining venue known for blending culinary artistry with vibrant atmosphere, making it a fantastic place to meet up with friends. With locations including Memphis and Marietta, it offers easy access to city landmarks like Beale Street in Memphis and urban hotspots in Marietta. The restaurant artfully combines chic sophistication with comfort to accommodate intimate dinners or lively group gatherings. Signature dishes such as Chef P's Blackened Catfish showcase the restaurant’s creative flair, highlighting its commitment to exceptional, flavorful cuisine. The Marietta location provides a chic space equipped with HD TVs, perfect for catching sports events while enjoying company dinners or celebrations. Esco’s offerings range from lunch and brunch to late-night dining, catering to diverse tastes with menus featuring American, Southwestern, seafood, and tapas-style dishes. The venue also offers happy hour specials, making it an inviting option for socializing throughout the day and into the night. Its versatile settings and carefully crafted menu create a memorable backdrop for friends to gather, celebrate special occasions, or simply enjoy an exquisite meal together.

Here's what people think of Esco Restaurant & Tapas

As of recent, Esco Restaurant & Tapas holds a 3.7-star rating based on 3126 reviews.

Esco Restaurant & Tapas holds an average rating of approximately 3.7 based on over 3,100 reviews, reflecting a mix of experiences from patrons. Positive reviews frequently praise the inviting ambiance and stylish, comfortable atmosphere that suits a range of occasions from romantic evenings to festive group outings. Customers appreciate the creativity in the menu, particularly highlighting the Blackened Catfish as a standout dish. Social aspects such as live DJs in some locations and entertainment-focused features like HD TVs enhance the lively vibe noted in favorable feedback. Friendly and responsive service is also mentioned positively, enhancing the overall dining experience. However, some negative reviews point to inconsistencies in service quality and occasional slow responsiveness, which can detract from the otherwise enjoyable dining environment. A few guests have noted that the service can be hit-or-miss, and some reviews have mentioned that food quality and preparation do not always meet expectations consistently. Despite these criticisms, many reviewers conclude that Esco remains a popular choice due to its unique ambiance, menu creativity, and ability to cater to social experiences, suggesting that many customers find the positives outweigh the negatives and that it is a worthwhile venue for social dining.

Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)

Melanie Ramsey

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I went on a Sunday and it wasn’t very crowded, which made for a relaxed atmosphere. The food was delicious and the drinks were great. They played mostly hip hop music, which complemented the Sunday Night Football game playing in the background. While I enjoyed the experience, I’d probably return during the day rather than at night, as the location isn’t near many businesses that stay open after dark. Also, the bartender was friendly, welcoming, and patient. I recommend both the shrimp and grits and lamb meals.

D Sain

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

ESCO Atlanta is the vibe. From the moment you walk in, the energy, the hospitality, and the atmosphere hit you all at once. The service was top-tier—attentive without being overbearing, and you can tell the staff really cares about your experience. Now let’s talk food—absolutely fire. Every dish was seasoned to perfection and plated beautifully. From the appetizers to the entrées, the flavors were bold, fresh, and memorable. You can taste the quality in every bite. Highly recommend the ANY ALFREDO, it was next level! Best food in Castleberry Hill! Best food in Downton Atlanta. If you’re looking for a spot that serves amazing food with five-star service and a stylish vibe, ESCO Atlanta is it. I’ll definitely be back.

Arly Price

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

If you use the 2good2go app to buy food from here don't waste your time or money they will give you a small side container for your food. You are suppose to get a $21 size plate in your surprise bag for the price of $6.99 but they only give you a small to go container that fits enough food for a handful of fries. Now if you purchase directly from the restaurant with no app they will tack on an extra 18% automatic gratuity. All the other restaurants on the app give you full size plate meals for your surprise bag. An hour after the app opens to pick up food how are y'all already out of food by 7:30pm pickup is from 6pm-11:30pm this was Esco on Peter's Street. Smh

Lakiea Gay

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I recently dined at ESCO and tried the Tutu Boy Turkey Burger, and it was absolutely fantastic. The burger was perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor. The fries were cooked to perfection and had a delicious light spice seasoning. The fried okra was also seasoned well and incredibly tasty. Our server, TY, was incredibly sweet, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. Her hospitality truly enhanced our dining experience. I can't wait to go back to ESCO again soon!

Tandrea Jones Morris

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

If you’re in Atlanta and looking for the perfect mix of amazing food, great drinks, smooth hookah, and a top-tier vibe — Esco Restaurant and Tapas is the place to be! Every time I come, the service is outstanding — no long waits, just friendly and attentive staff ready to make your visit special. The food is always fresh and delicious, the drinks are consistently on point, and the atmosphere is unmatched. Owners Chloe and Dun truly set the tone with their warm and welcoming energy. You can tell they take pride in every detail, and it shows. Whether you’re coming for brunch, dinner, or a night out, Esco is that spot where you can eat, sip, vibe, and feel right at home. Highly recommend!

How to reach Esco Restaurant & Tapas

Why rally at Esco Restaurant & Tapas with your friends? Esco Restaurant & Tapas is the ideal spot to gather your friends and enjoy a lively, luxurious atmosphere paired with an exceptional culinary experience. Located in Atlanta’s vibrant Castleberry Hills neighborhood, this upscale lounge offers a chic setting where contemporary luxury meets a welcoming vibe, making it perfect for a night out with friends or celebrating special occasions. The restaurant’s extensive hours—from late morning until the early hours of the next day—mean your group can enjoy anything from brunch to late-night dinners and cocktails, flexibility that accommodates any schedule or mood. Esco caters not only to food lovers with its organic and locally sourced dishes but also to those who appreciate a stylish ambiance, elegant décor, and a vibrant crowd that often includes Atlanta’s celebrity scene. This combination ensures a meeting place that's both comfortable and exciting, fostering memorable moments with your favorite people. Whether it’s a casual weekend meetup or a more upscale celebration, Esco offers the perfect backdrop to connect, converse, and create lasting memories.

What activities and experiences make Esco perfect for group meetups? One of the top draws of Esco is its unique blend of exquisite dining and lounge culture, which suits groups looking to savor great food while socializing in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting. Guests can indulge in an impressive menu of tapas and larger entrees, including specialty dishes like grilled lamb chops with chimichurri and fine seafood selections, all made from fresh, organic ingredients. This diversity in cuisine ensures there’s something to please every palate in a group, which makes sharing plates and sampling multiple dishes an experience in itself. Beyond dining, Esco features an upscale tapas lounge atmosphere, enhanced by a wide-ranging menu of cocktails, including signature mixes and fruity blends ideal for group toasts or casual sipping. Special amenities like hookah service add a unique twist to the evening, offering a fun and interactive activity for friends who want to unwind together, making it more than just a meal but a multisensory experience. The lounge’s thoughtful layout encourages mingling and conversation, with enough space for larger parties to feel comfortable without losing the cozy, intimate vibe.

Why does the location and timing of Esco enhance the group experience? Esco’s location on Peters Street SW in Castleberry Hills situates it within one of Atlanta's trendiest neighborhoods, known for its arts scene and lively nightlife. This makes it accessible for groups coming from different parts of the city, especially since it’s near major highways, simplifying transportation logistics for meetups. The hours of operation are particularly guest-friendly: open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays and until 3 a.m. on weekends, the restaurant caters to both early-day gatherings like brunch and late-night socializing. This wide window allows a group to plan their meetup around their preferences, whether it’s a daytime casual catch-up or a long evening of dining, drinking, and entertainment. The extended hours also accommodate those who want to transition from dining into a more club-like nightlife scene without changing venues. The blend of flexibility and convenience regarding timing and location eliminates many common barriers to organizing group events, making Esco an all-encompassing destination for friends, family, or colleagues.

How does Esco’s culinary offering appeal to diverse groups? Esco’s menu impresses with its variety and focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced locally, catering well to groups with different tastes and dietary preferences. Their American, Caribbean, and seafood-inspired dishes reflect a creative fusion of flavors that are familiar yet elevated, ideal for adventurous eaters and traditionalists alike. Tapas-style dishes promote sharing and communal dining, which is perfect for groups eager to sample several items and discover new favorites together. Their brunch offerings, available on weekends, extend the dining options, featuring hearty and flavorful plates like Fish and Grits or signature beef sausage cream, which provide a satisfying midday meal in a casual yet upscale setting. Coupled with their well-crafted cocktails and specialty drinks, the food experience at Esco becomes both a culinary journey and a social event, encouraging lively conversation over taste explorations. Hospitality at Esco also means accommodating special requests and dietary restrictions, enhancing the inclusive nature that makes group dining so enjoyable.

What makes Esco’s atmosphere and service ideal for social gatherings? The vibe at Esco is one of contemporary luxury mixed with comfort, designed to encourage relaxed socialization. Its interior décor is stylish yet inviting, creating a backdrop that suits everything from casual meetups to more significant celebrations such as birthdays or reunions. The staff at Esco are known to be attentive and professional, balancing excellent service with a friendly approach that makes guests feel valued and at ease. This level of service is crucial for groups, as it ensures smooth handling of larger parties and personal attention even during busy times. The venue’s layout supports both large groups and more intimate gatherings by offering versatile seating arrangements, including options that encourage mingling or private conversation. The addition of multimedia elements, such as ambient music that complements but doesn’t overpower conversation, enhances the overall experience. Furthermore, Esco’s late-night availability means that social gatherings can extend comfortably without feeling rushed, adding to the welcoming and leisurely atmosphere.

What additional amenities and features support group enjoyment at Esco? Esco goes beyond food and drinks to include amenities that elevate the group experience, such as hookah service available with group-friendly pricing and protocols, providing an engaging and interactive option for those interested. This feature is particularly unique among upscale lounges and adds a distinctive vibe that sets Esco apart from standard restaurants. The establishment also frequently promotes rewards programs and special offers that can benefit regular groups or frequent patrons, making repeated visits more rewarding. Given its urban setting, Esco also provides convenient parking options nearby, which is a significant consideration when planning outings with multiple people. Payment options accommodate various preferences, streamlining the process for groups who want to split bills or settle collectively without hassle. Altogether, these thoughtful touches ensure that hosting a meetup at Esco is not only enjoyable but also hassle-free, encouraging groups to return and build traditions around this vibrant destination.

Don't just take our word for it. Check out these other websites for more info on the Esco Restaurant & Tapas

• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g55197-d28036881-Reviews-Esco_Restaurant_And_Tapas-Memphis_Tennessee.html
• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60898-d12166247-Reviews-or10-Esco_Downtown-Atlanta_Georgia.html
• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g29213-d26821560-Reviews-Esco_Marietta_Restaurant_and_Tapas-Austell_Georgia.html