Diners in Atlanta said goodbye to several restaurants in July. These eateries left a gap in the local dining scene, marking another shift in the dining landscape. The list includes a steakhouse, game bar, bakery, cafe, and other dining concepts.
Atlanta Restaurants Closed After Years in Business
Six eateries in metro Atlanta announced their permanent closure in July. Most of these establishments declined to share the reason for their closure. Here’s a look at the businesses that closed this month.
LowCountry Steak
LowCountry Steak closed its West Peachtree Street location in July. Co-founded by celebrity chef G. Garvin, it served a Southern-inspired steakhouse menu. The owners did not share the reason behind the closure.
The closure announcement read, “We are grateful you chose us to be part of those moments, and after an incredible run, the time has come for LowCountry Steak to close its doors.”
The restaurant’s closure comes after five years in the neighborhood. During its run, it was popular for its bone-in ribeye, lobster mac & cheese, Big Den’s Famous Crab Cakes, and skillet cornbread.
Closing Date: July 2
Joystick Gamebar
Joystick Gamebar was a neighborhood favorite in Edgewood. Its nostalgic atmosphere and retro arcade games created a popular gaming destination for 14 years. While no reason was given for the closure, the owner said the business hopes to reopen in a new location.
The restaurant said, “After almost 14 years on Edgewood Avenue, Joystick will be moving. Our last day of service on Edgewood will be Sunday, July 12th.”
The bar attracted visitors with its arcade games, food, and nightlife offerings. Diners often visited for its smashburger, wings, sesame fries, and cocktails named after staff members.
Closing Date: July 12
APT 4B
The upscale Caribbean restaurant, APT 4B, closed its doors in Buckhead this month. The restaurant served Afro-Caribbean cuisine and hosted music-focused events. The restaurant hosted a farewell event ahead of its closure and assured diners that it will return at a new location.
Its closure message on social media read, “After an incredible run, it’s time for APT 4B to pack up and move out.”
The restaurant was popular for its music-focused vibe and inventive cuisine. The restaurant featured music programming and dishes including oxtail hummus, turkey wings, and jerk chicken.
Closing Date: July 18
Cafe Rothem
Cafe Rothem closed after 10 years serving students, remote workers, and residents. The cafe offered coffee, books, music, Korean-inspired pastries, and light meals. The owners did not reveal the reason for the closure but held a clearance sale beforehand.
Cafe Rothem’s social media post read, “7/18/2026 will be our last day. Thank you for your love and community for the last 10 years. We love you. We’ll miss you.”
The cafe served Korean-inspired pastries, light meals, and specialty beverages during its run. Some of the notable menu items include its blooming garlic bread, beef bulgogi rice bowl, and watteok (matteok waffle).
Closing Date: July 18
Leftie Lee’s
Leftie Lee’s closed its Avondale Estates bakery after three years in business. It was known for its scratch-made pastries, breads, desserts, and sandwiches. The bakery did not reveal the reason behind the decision but invited customers for a final visit before its closure.
Its social media post read, “After a lot of reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to bring Leftie Lee’s retail chapter to a close. Our last weekend of regular brunch service will be July 24-26.”
Menu highlights included the Korean braised beef sandwich, pandan rice krispie treats, and Asian-inspired pastries.
Closing Date: July 26
MetroFresh
MetroFresh announced it will permanently close its Midtown Promenade location this month. After a devastating fire in February this year, the restaurant closed its doors temporarily. In a recent message, the owner announced that the restaurant would not reopen.
“MetroFresh Midtown will not be reopening,” reads the message on the website. “While the insurance has paid out everything they were supposed to, the actual cost of rebuilding and basically starting over makes it impossible.”
MetroFresh Midtown served a daily-changing, farm-to-table menu. It was most famous for its creative soups, fresh seasonal salads, and smoked gouda grits.
While these six businesses have closed their doors, several have left the possibility of returning in new locations. Their departures reflect the constant evolution of Atlanta’s dining scene.
