When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
Painted Pickle
Why Painted Pickle is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Painted Pickle is a vibrant entertainment venue located at 279 Ottley Drive at Armour Yards, perfectly nestled between Buckhead and Midtown Atlanta. What sets it apart is its unique concept as a high-end pickleball “compeatery,” a term coined to describe a place designed for competing, eating, drinking, and socializing. It features eight boutique indoor pickleball courts with permanent nets, a central elevated seating area overlooking the courts, a charming cottage clubhouse, and an outdoor court — all within a spacious 32,500-square-foot industrial warehouse adjacent to the Atlanta BeltLine. This makes Painted Pickle an ideal destination for friends looking to combine active fun with gastronomic delights. The menu, curated by Executive Chef Thomas Collins, offers an enticing variety including shareable small plates, salads, hearty bowls, sushi rolls, charcuterie and cheese boards, and hand-held sandwiches like paninis and open faced tartines. Weekend brunch adds to the appeal. The bar program is equally impressive, featuring craft cocktails, a curated wine list by Advanced Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator CEO Justin Amick, craft beers, and artisanal wines, delivering options for every palate. The atmosphere blends sport, dining, and social entertainment, with additional pub games such as shuffleboard, darts, and cornhole, plus live music and an active social vibe. Painted Pickle stands out as a premier meeting place in Atlanta for friends and social groups to enjoy sport, delicious food and drinks, and quality social time in a unique, community-oriented setting.
Here's what people think of Painted Pickle
As of recent, Painted Pickle holds a 4.6-star rating based on 262 reviews.
Reviews of Painted Pickle are overwhelmingly positive, reflected in its solid 4.6-star rating across more than 260 reviews. Users consistently praise the venue for its innovative combination of pickleball and quality dining, highlighting the welcoming, lively atmosphere as a perfect backdrop for fun with friends or casual socializing. Many reviews compliment the extensive menu, especially noting the fresh sushi, flavorful shareable plates, and thoughtfully crafted cocktails. The upbeat energy and friendly staff are often mentioned as key elements contributing to an enjoyable experience. Positive feedback frequently focuses on the well-designed courts and great opportunities to learn or play pickleball, supported by professional instruction such as that from athletic director Ivan Vizcaya, a certified pickleball instructor. Users also appreciate the stylish indoor/outdoor space and proximity to the BeltLine trail, making it an attractive urban retreat. On the other hand, less favorable reviews tend to mention occasional wait times during peak hours and the slightly higher price point compared to casual pickleball venues or bars. Some guests note the indoor noise level can get high when busy, impacting conversation. However, these critiques are generally minor compared to the many accolades. Overall, the reviews suggest Painted Pickle successfully balances active sport, elevated food and drink offerings, and a spirited social environment, making it a standout destination in Atlanta’s entertainment and dining scene.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Shedane Shaw
Spent Saturday afternoon at Painted Pickle hanging out with friends and playing some pickleball. Such a fun spot. The food was surprisingly really good and honestly everything on the menu looked tempting. Definitely recommend arriving early if you want to play pickleball since they don’t take court reservations on the weekend. Great vibes all around.
Z D
This is such a fun restaurant and bar! Beautifully decorated and plenty of pickle ball courts. Great date night option and they close at 10pm for the early night owls. Highly recommend
Amith Kumar
Painted Pickle is the perfect mix of fun, food, and atmosphere. The moment you walk in, the vibrant décor and lively energy set the tone. The pickleball courts are top-notch, the staff is incredibly friendly, and the service is quick even when it’s busy. The menu is a pleasant surprise—great drinks, delicious bites, and plenty of options to keep everyone happy. Whether you’re coming with friends, family, or coworkers, it’s a spot that guarantees a good time. Can’t wait to come back!
Yong Choi
The Painted Pickle is super clean and well-organized, with friendly staff and pretty good food. The location is convenient, but parking is a downside—valet is paid and limited, and street parking is hard to find. Still, a fun spot overall!
Nick Ed
We had a ball. We came here for our first bonding moment for 2025. The games,drinks and food we're so fun delicious. Cocktails: purple voodoo Food: buffalo cauliflower, burger chicken tenders, and fries And the pickle ball had us in a stiff competition and smack talking. We can't wait to try out the other locations.
How to reach Painted Pickle
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Why Painted Pickle may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Painted Pickle with your friends? Painted Pickle offers a unique fusion of competition, lively social interaction, and upscale dining that transforms any meetup into an unforgettable experience. This venue is not just a place to play pickleball—a fast-growing sport loved across generations—it also serves as a vibrant social hub designed for convivial rivalry and connection. Whether you and your friends are seasoned athletes or new to the game, the inviting atmosphere encourages friendly competition that sparks laughter and camaraderie. Complementing the energetic sport is an extensive, high-quality food and beverage offering crafted to cater to discerning tastes, ensuring your group can relax and indulge in delicious meals and crafted cocktails. Located in Atlanta’s Armour Yards, Painted Pickle boasts world-class facilities paired with excellent service, making it an ideal destination to gather, celebrate, and create lasting memories with family and friends. The combination of top-tier pickleball courts, a gourmet "compeatery" dining experience, and a lively social scene invites groups to rally, compete, and unwind together in style.
What activities are available at Painted Pickle? At the heart of Painted Pickle are eight state-of-the-art indoor pickleball courts featuring specialized lighting designed to enhance gameplay and create an exclusive country club vibe without the exclusivity. Players of all skill levels can enjoy this fast-paced, accessible sport, which has gained massive popularity for its intergenerational appeal. Besides pickleball, the venue offers more than 13,000 square feet of diverse social activities beyond the courts. Guests can partake in complimentary bar games, socialize in inviting indoor and outdoor spaces, or enjoy live music and televised sports events. The venue’s "compeatery" concept combines competition with culinary excellence, creating a holistic and entertaining experience. Visitors can gather around to watch games or engage in their own friendly rivalries in various on-site games. The expansive space with thoughtfully designed social nooks encourages both energetic play and relaxed socializing, making it perfect for groups that want variety during their meetup.
Why is Painted Pickle perfect for a group meetup? Painted Pickle thrives on the idea of social connection through competition and shared experiences, making it the perfect place for group meetups. The atmosphere is lively yet sophisticated, blending a competitive sport environment with an upscale but welcoming ambiance. This dynamic promotes meaningful interaction whether your group is playing pickleball, enjoying cocktails, or sharing a meal. The food and beverage program stands out as a key draw—crafted by experts including a master sommelier, the menu features a diverse range of high-end dishes, craft cocktails, and an extensive wine selection. This ensures that everyone in the group, from sports enthusiasts to foodies, will find something enjoyable. The venue’s large size and thoughtful layout provide ample room for groups to spread out, mingle, and enjoy private or semi-private settings. Whether celebrating a birthday, hosting a family gathering, or organizing a casual get-together, Painted Pickle offers an engaging environment that caters to varied group needs and paces.
What makes the dining experience at Painted Pickle unique? Painted Pickle redefines dining by offering a gourmet experience that complements the energetic social and sports settings. Owner Justin Amick, a master sommelier and former Division I collegiate athlete, brings a refined culinary vision that blends global influences with local flavors. The menu features innovative dishes ranging from comforting favorites like burgers to robust salads, grain bowls, and acclaimed sushi rolls, including signature creations such as the popular "Firefight" roll. This diverse menu caters to a wide range of tastes in your group, ensuring that everyone can find something appealing. The beverage program offers carefully curated craft cocktails and an impressive wine list, including a reserve selection, elevating the meal to fine dining status. The venue’s design thoughtfully separates dining areas from the courts so that the ambiance remains peaceful and conducive to conversation away from the sport’s noise. This balance of lively and relaxed environments enhances the overall experience, helping groups move seamlessly between competition and culinary enjoyment.
How does Painted Pickle support socializing and fun beyond pickleball? Painted Pickle is crafted to be much more than a sports venue; it is a social playground designed to foster connections through a variety of entertainment options. Beyond the pickleball courts, the establishment offers an array of complementary activities geared to keep groups engaged and entertained. Complimentary bar games and lively music create an upbeat backdrop for social interactions, allowing guests to bond over games at the bar or in communal spaces. Large screens show live sports, catering to fans who want to enjoy the game alongside their friends. The venue’s layout includes inviting indoor and outdoor areas, perfect for mingling or quieter conversations. Special events such as live music nights or themed gatherings add layers of entertainment to the Painted Pickle experience. This emphasis on diverse social activation opportunities ensures that all members of your group can find ways to participate and connect, regardless of whether pickleball is their primary interest.
What about the location and ambiance? Painted Pickle’s location near Armour Yards in Atlanta provides a lively and accessible setting for groups seeking an active lifestyle destination. Situated at the intersection of popular trails, it encourages physical activity and social engagement beyond the walls of the venue. The 32,500-square-foot space is designed with modern industrial aesthetics, featuring large black iron-wrapped windows and an airy feel that enhances comfort and openness. The ambiance balances energy with elegance, blending the vibrancy of a sports club with the sophistication of an upscale dining and social environment. This hybrid atmosphere attracts a diverse crowd, including families, friends, and co-workers, enabling a wide range of group types to feel at home. The facility’s advanced sound dampening allows multiple activities to happen simultaneously without disruption, ensuring that dining, gaming, and socializing can coexist harmoniously. Painted Pickle's sought-after location and design make it a contemporary hotspot perfect for group gatherings that want activity and ambiance in equal measure.
How does Painted Pickle accommodate various skill levels and group sizes? Painted Pickle is intentionally inclusive, catering to diverse skill levels in pickleball and other activities, making it ideal for groups with mixed experience. The facility’s eight indoor pickleball courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing casual players to join in anytime while organized events cater to competitive players. The welcoming environment encourages newcomers to learn and play without intimidation, while seasoned players can enjoy high-quality courts and lighting tailored for optimal gameplay. The variety of complimentary games and entertainment options ensures that non-players or those looking for a break can still be actively involved and entertained. The spacious layout comfortably supports large groups while also providing intimate spots for smaller gatherings, ensuring everyone can find their preferred setting. Group meetups at Painted Pickle can flexibly include competitive matches, socializing, dining, or just relaxing, accommodating diverse preferences and ensuring everyone enjoys the visit.
What unique food and drink options add to the Painted Pickle experience? Painted Pickle offers a refined culinary and beverage program that elevates the social sports club experience. The venue’s focus on inventive, high-quality food is complemented by a beverage menu curated by an experienced team including a corporate beverage director with a background in distinguished bars. Signature craft cocktails stand out with innovative options like alcoholic slushies, including a frozen transfusion featuring vodka, grape juice, ginger ale, and lime juice, providing refreshing and sophisticated drink choices. The wine selection is globally inspired and curated by a master sommelier, featuring an advanced program plus a reserve list for wine aficionados, catering to serious drink lovers within your group. Local craft beers are also served, giving guests a variety of drink styles to enjoy. The food side pushes culinary boundaries with dishes that include fresh sushi, eclectic salads, and comfort classics, ensuring that the menu excites all palates. These distinctive options enhance the social vibe by encouraging shared tastings and leisurely dining experiences within energetic surroundings.
How does Painted Pickle’s “compeatery” concept redefine social venues? Painted Pickle coins itself a “compeatery,” a unique blend of competition and eatery that marries sporting activity with high-end food and drink to create a new kind of social venue. This concept emphasizes simultaneously competing in an accessible, popular sport while enjoying an elevated culinary experience in a vibrant social atmosphere. It appeals to multi-generational groups, making it possible for three generations to share the pickleball court while also providing space for those less interested in play to enjoy gourmet dining and drinks. The term expresses how Painted Pickle fosters community through fun rivalry and conviviality, stepping away from the traditional distinctions of clubs or restaurants. This innovative approach encourages longer stays and deeper social connections, as patrons are invited to engage on multiple levels—on the court, at the table, or alongside friends in various social zones. Painted Pickle’s compeatery model reshapes expectations for what a social sports club can offer by simultaneously satisfying competition, cuisine, and community.
In what ways is Painted Pickle accessible and inviting for all? Painted Pickle makes active socializing accessible with a welcoming atmosphere that demystifies upscale sports clubs and fine dining. The facility’s design avoids a stuffy, exclusive vibe; instead, it is approachable for newcomers and veterans alike, focusing on enjoyment and connection rather than exclusivity. The first-come, first-served court policy encourages spontaneous play, removing potential barriers such as memberships or reservations that often intimidate casual participants. The food and beverage offerings, while high-quality, are designed to appeal broadly, balancing luxury with comfort and variety. Comfortable seating areas with a modern aesthetic provide ample space for guests to relax whether they want to eat, drink, or watch games. Painted Pickle’s inclusive programming and community ethos make it a vibrant gathering spot for friends, families, and coworkers looking to engage in active fun and social fine dining in a relaxed yet polished environment.
What social and entertainment benefits make Painted Pickle a prime meetup destination? Painted Pickle’s combination of energetic sport, quality dining, diverse entertainment, and social spaces makes it an ideal destination for group gatherings seeking both fun and connection. The venue’s robust social calendar, including live music and special events, keeps energy levels high and interest varied throughout the week. Visitors enjoy watching competitive matches, engaging in friendly rivalry, or simply sharing food and drinks without feeling rushed or overlooked. The large venue can accommodate different group sizes, allowing for both intimate conversations and larger celebrations. The multi-sensory environment—rich with sounds, tastes, and sights—creates memorable experiences that extend beyond simple meetups. Painted Pickle’s reputation as a local “standby place” speaks to its ability to consistently foster joy, relaxation, and social cohesion for Atlanta’s diverse communities.
In summary, Painted Pickle offers the perfect balance of competition, conviviality, and culinary distinction, making it a standout venue where friends and family can rally, compete, relax, and celebrate together in an inviting, upscale-but-approachable atmosphere. With its wide range of activities, thoughtfully curated food and beverage program, and inclusive environment, it is no surprise that Painted Pickle boasts a stellar 4.6 rating from over 260 reviews, reflecting its popularity as a premier meetup destination in Atlanta.