When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
Larakin
Why Larakin is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Larakin is a delightful coffee shop and wine bar nestled in Midtown Atlanta, near the serene Piedmont Park. This all-day venue offers a unique blend of cozy, European-inspired ambiance perfect for meeting with friends, whether for a caffeine boost or a relaxing glass of wine. Its outdoor patio, adorned with lush plants, bright red umbrellas, and string lights, creates an inviting atmosphere for patrons to enjoy during mild Atlanta days and warm evenings. The menu at Larakin is thoughtfully curated with snackable offerings such as pillowy focaccia, tinned seafood, and charcuterie that pair wonderfully with their wine selection. Wine enthusiasts appreciate Larakin’s well-rounded list featuring bottles from all major regions including affordable Australian bubbly and luxurious California reds. The establishment spoils visitors with its dual focus on quality coffee and natural wines, made with minimal additives and sulfites. Socially active and community-oriented, Larakin hosts events like Sunday afternoon music parties with resident DJs, enhancing its reputation as a vibrant neighborhood gem. Overall, Larakin offers a versatile spot ideal for casual catch-ups, leisurely afternoons, or evening unwinding, making it a favored destination in Midtown’s upscale dining and beverage scene.
Here's what people think of Larakin
As of recent, Larakin holds a 4.7-star rating based on 223 reviews.
Customer reviews present a positive picture of Larakin, highlighting its charming and intimate atmosphere that transports visitors to a relaxed European setting. Many patrons appreciate the quality of the coffee and wine, noting that the wine list is well-curated with natural and minimal intervention selections that cater to sophisticated palates. The outdoor patio is often praised for its ambience, making it a pleasant place to linger with friends or enjoy a quiet moment. Positive reviews emphasize the tasty menu items like focaccia and charcuterie that complement the beverages well, as well as the friendly, knowledgeable staff who contribute to a welcoming experience. On the negative side, some reviews mention that since Larakin is a smaller venue with a modest menu, it may not fulfill needs for a full meal, and at times, seating can be limited due to its cozy size and popularity. A few customers have also noted that the wine prices can be on the higher end, making it more of a special treat than an everyday visit for some. However, these points are relatively minor in the context of overall satisfaction. In conclusion, the reviews collectively suggest that Larakin excels as a niche spot for coffee and wine lovers seeking a refined yet approachable environment, with good service and a distinct charm that keeps customers coming back.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Shanru
They only have outdoor seating (there’s some bar seating that’s partially covered by the roof); when we went, it was about to storm — the staff were able to put up some umbrellas to cover our group. They have a good selection of wines, along with tinned fish and other small appetizers. The employees explained the different drinks and food choices well and provided recommendations. Prices are definitely on the higher end, but I imagine when the weather is nice outside and you’re with a group of friends, the atmosphere is unparalleled.
Vahid Serpooshan
Have visited this cafe in Midtown recently. It has a decent enough vibe—cozy in some areas, though a bit hit-or-miss depending on where you sit. There’s potential, but a few things made the experience less enjoyable. For starters, there was an off-putting sewage smell that kept coming and going, which made it hard to really relax. I was hoping to get some work done, but the internet was both slow and spotty. I asked the staff about it, but they weren’t particularly helpful or interested in resolving it. I tried an iced matcha —it was okay, but nothing special, especially considering the prices, which felt a bit steep for what you get. Service overall was pretty underwhelming; it didn’t feel very welcoming. They are open late, which is a plus in an area where that’s not too common. But overall, it’s probably not somewhere I’d go out of my way to visit again.
John Michael Marino
LOVE the Vibe in this perfect outdoor space that fills with everyone in the neighborhood (pets included!). Such a delightful place to chill and catch up with friends. The service was exceptionally friendly. They even recommended a perfect vino to share between the four of us; it was Croatian! Epitet🍷. Utterly delicious and enjoyable.
Darin Givens
I love tinned fish and I love Larakin! Seating is outside only so let the weather guide your attendance, but what a wonderful spot.
fyrefli il3git
Talk about taking a slice of "relax and unwind" and wrapping it into an updated concept of an old-school bistro right here in Midtown! Amazing mini-cafe with coffees, teas and other drinks during the day, and a selection of libations for the evening. Good atmosphere, great music selection, and scenery fits the take-a-minute mood that surrounds this place and welcomes you in. Staff is awesome and energetic, and the beverages are top-notch!
How to reach Larakin
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Website: None
Why Larakin may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Larakin with your friends?
Gathering your friends or family for a memorable meetup requires a venue that combines ambiance, quality offerings, and a relaxed vibe where everyone feels at ease. Larakin, with its outstanding 4.7-star rating from over 220 reviews, stands out as a premier destination for groups seeking an enjoyable and intimate experience. Nestled in Midtown Atlanta on 12th Street near Piedmont Park, Larakin embodies the charm of a cozy Australian-style coffee and wine bar with a vibrant outdoor patio wrapped in plants, bright umbrellas, and string lights. This setup inspires a communal atmosphere perfect for friends to unwind, catch up, and savor life's simple pleasures together. Whether you're celebrating special occasions or just looking for a casual day out, Larakin offers a unique blend of quality coffee, artisan wines, and thoughtfully curated small bites that cater to diverse tastes without the pressure of a formal meal.
The venue’s small footprint translates into a big personality; it’s not a sprawling, impersonal space but rather a warm niche where the quality of interaction matches the quality of ingredients. The outdoor patio's inviting ambiance appeals especially during Atlanta's mild weather, making it ideal for groups who appreciate fresh air, gentle sunshine, or twinkling evening lights. Beyond the drinks and food, Larakin’s communal spirit is elevated by thoughtful touches like pet-friendly accommodations, friendly staff, and occasional live music events that keep the energy lively. In essence, Larakin is not only a place to drink coffee or wine—it’s a locale that cultivates connection and memorable moments with your closest people.
What activities does Larakin offer for a group meetup?
Larakin’s appeal lies primarily in its versatile offerings that encourage lingering and socializing from morning till night. For groups, this means flexible activities centered around quality drinks, engaging food options, and an intimate environment fostering conversations. Early in the day, friends can rally around specialty Australian-style espresso drinks made with great care, fueled by Larakin’s commitment to espresso culture which their owner formerly perfected with Intelligentsia experience. This makes the venue a haven for coffee aficionados who appreciate nuance and skill in a cup. As the day progresses, the vibe effortlessly shifts toward wine and small plate indulgence.
Wine lovers will delight in Larakin’s thoughtfully curated natural and minimal-intervention wine list, featuring rotating selections by the glass and bottle from celebrated wine regions worldwide. The focus is on clean wines with minimal sugar and sulfites, highlighting quality craftsmanship and flavor. Popular choices include Spanish white anchovies paired perfectly with lemon and extra virgin olive oil, pillowy focaccia sandwiches fresh from their small kitchen, and an array of snackable charcuterie and tinned seafood selections that are ideal for sharing. These snacks strike a balance between savory and fresh, ensuring that the gathering remains lighthearted and interactive rather than a formal dinner. Groups