Mean Girls is coming to Atlanta, and that calls for a girls night out! To make planning your GNO easy, check out the details about the play below, as well as five suggestions for restaurants to visit before or after the show. 

The musical Mean Girls is playing at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta July 19 - 24, and tickets are on sale now. This coming-of-age show is based on the film of the same name, and you’re likely familiar with its plot: A teenage girl named Cady Heron starts her high school career after moving to the midwest suburbs from the African savanna and has to learn the hard way – well, hard for Cady, but hilarious for the audience – how to rise to the top of the popularity pecking order. 

The play is created and produced by an incredibly talented team. It’s based on a book and film by Tina Fey, who is a nine-time Emmy Award winner, and has music by three-time Emmy Award winner Jeff Richmond, lyrics by two-time Tony Award nominee Nell Benjamin, and choreography and direction by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw. That’s a lot of awards, you guys! 

It’s no wonder Mean Girls opened to rave reviews when it first premiered on Broadway in 2018. And this year, the show has finally made it to Atlanta as part of a First National Tour, which is a great excuse to get together with your besties for a night out in midtown Atlanta. 

So grab your tickets to the show and make a reservation at one of the restaurants below, and either rideshare or walk down to the Fox Theatre after your meal. Or you could always head there after the show for a drink or dessert. 

1. Serena Pastificio
   The food: You can never go wrong with pasta for dinner, and that’s especially true for a girls night. This midtown eatery boasts an in-house pasta station, so you can count on fresh, delicious pasta dishes. Add in a great cocktail and wine list, as well as gorgeous decor, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect ladies night. 
   The location: Colony Square, 1.2 miles from the Fox Theatre (7-minute drive or 25-minute walk) 

2. Joy Cafe 
   The food: You probably know Joy Cafe as one of the best brunch spots in town, and you’d be correct. But did you know this restaurant also serves dinner? Tuesday through Saturday starting at 5:30 pm, you can nosh on elevated southern favorites like fried green tomato tarts and Joy’s famous shrimp and grits. The food is so, so good here!
   The location: Just south of the intersection of 14th & Peachtree Streets, 0.9 miles from the Fox Theatre (5-minute drive or 20-minute walk) 

3. The Consulate 
   The food: Love the food concept of this restaurant – it changes every 3 months! The menu has a “Visa” section, which rotates once a quarter to showcase a different country’s cuisine. Currently, The Consulate is featuring Ukrainian dishes in this section, with 5% of the proceeds benefiting Doctors Without Borders. 
   The location: The intersection of 10th & West Peachtree Streets, 0.8 miles from the Fox Theatre (4-minute drive or 18-minute walk) 

4. Ecco
   The food: This is a longtime favorite restaurant of mine, especially for a girls night. Go ahead and order at least 1-2 orders of the fried goat cheese – Ecco is known for this dish, and it’s a crowd favorite for a reason (it is delightful!). After that, you can choose to each enjoy an entree – Mediterranean dishes like pasta, seafood, duck, etc. – or keep grazing on the lengthy list of appetizers, meats & cheeses, and shareable plates. 
   The location: The intersection of 7th and Cypress Streets, 0.5 miles from the Fox Theatre (3-minute drive or 9-minute walk) 

5. BonTon Atlanta 
   The food: Cajun-inspired food in a fun and funky setting. Go here if you don’t mind getting a little messy before the show – the menu features items like boiled peanuts and seafood boils (shrimp, crawfish, snow crab, etc.). Make sure to snag a reservation or go for an early dinner, because this small but mighty restaurant fills up quickly. 
   The location: The intersection of Ponce de Leon Avenue & Myrtle Street, 0.3 miles from the Fox Theatre (2-minute drive or a 6-minute walk)   

Hope this helps you plan and have a fun girls night out! If you’d like even more restaurant recommendations or event suggestions around Atlanta, feel free to contact me anytime!