This week, Uptown Atlanta, the 47-acre mixed-use destination being redeveloped by Rubenstein Partners, L.P. (together with its affiliates, “Rubenstein”), will begin to open the new first restaurants as part of its globally inspired dining district on Main Street. On March 20, J’ouvert Caribbean Kitchen, a new Caribbean brunch concept, will open to the public, followed by the opening of El Gordo, an authentic and modern taqueria. Uptown’s next wave of restaurants, which includes Bene Korean Steakhouse, White Windmill and Madre Selva, are currently under construction.

J’ouvert Caribbean Kitchen at Uptown is the latest concept from Tasha Cyril, the co-owner of Belle & Lily’s Caribbean Brunch House, APT. 4B and Ms. Icey’s Kitchen and Bar in Atlanta. With flavors rooted in the Caribbean, the new restaurant at Uptown will serve a fusion of Caribbean street food and classic items, including brunch. Its vibrant menu will feature passion fruit pancakes, guava-infused cocktails, Grandma’s oxtails, jerk chicken, Trinidadian doubles and more. J’ouvert Caribbean Kitchen intends to occasionally feature live music on the weekends as part of its commitment to creating a culturally rich dining experience.

"I'm thrilled to contribute to the vibrant global culinary scene here at Uptown Atlanta,” said Cyril. “J’ouvert Caribbean Kitchen is a unique concept to display my Caribbean roots, but also allows me to share the rich flavors and cultural diversity of my heritage with the Atlanta community. At J’ouvert Caribbean Kitchen, we aim to not only showcase delicious food but also to tell a story, to ignite curiosity, and to foster connections across borders.”

Also opening soon at Uptown is El Gordo, a new concept from the Pineda family, Nestor and Julian Pineda, the owners behind the Birria El Gordo in Marietta. El Gordo blends the authenticity of a classic taqueria with a modern, lively setting. Featuring a mix of street tacos, tostadas, specialty tacos and more, guests can also expect a variety of popular dishes from the original location, including the Guadalajara-based family’s signature recipe for birria. Designed by Liz Chinchilla and Cristina Parra, El Gordo is a modern twist on a Mexican taqueria drawing inspiration from Latin America's colorful hues, and natural textures featuring artisan hand-painted tile from Guadalajara. El Gordo’s expansive patio space fronting Main Street is expected to be activated with live mariachi bands and DJs. 

“As Uptown's incredible restaurants begin opening their doors, we are one step closer to debuting a new dining district for Atlanta that is rich with international flavors, dishes and experiences,” said Mahesh Mani, senior vice president of asset management for Rubenstein. “J’ouvert Caribbean Kitchen and El Gordo will bring a wave of activity to Main Street and create an energized mixed-use environment for Uptown’s office tenants and the surrounding community.”

In the coming months, Rubenstein expects to open three more globally inspired restaurants on Main Street, including Bene Korean, an upscale Korean barbeque experience; White Windmill, a popular Korean bakery and coffee shop; and Madre Selva, a Latin Coastal restaurant bringing Atlanta’s premier ceviche bar. The new restaurants will join community favorites 26 Thai Kitchen and Bar and Chow À La Carte at Uptown Test Kitchen, a novel culinary experience designed to bring the community and local chefs from around the world together. 

Roundhouse Kickboxing, a dynamic fitness studio offering high-intensity interval training and kickboxing circuits, and The Commodore, a retro barber shop, also plan to open at Uptown this summer. Both concepts play an important role in establishing Uptown as a highly amenitized workplace destination for Atlanta.  

Anchored by the Lindbergh MARTA Station, Uptown encompasses nearly one million square feet of office space, 120,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space and a variety of community gathering spaces. The transit-oriented community features connectivity to the city’s major pedestrian trails, such as the Atlanta BeltLine, PATH400 and the South Fork Trail. As part of the redevelopment plan, Rubenstein modernized the 35,000-square-foot office atrium; elevated building facades; created a true, pedestrian-friendly Main Street; debuted Hambidge Center’s Cross Pollination Art Lab; and transformed The Lawn into a highly programmed community gathering space.

For the latest news, project updates and events schedule, follow Uptown on Facebook and Instagram at @uptownatlanta, or visit uptownatlanta.com.