LADYBIRD TO OPEN “GROVE” OUTDOOR SPACE
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/13/15
TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING, LADYBIRD TO OPEN “GROVE” OUTDOOR SPACE ALONG THE BELTLINE IN LATE JANUARY 2016
Restaurant’s Outdoor Space Will Be Transformed to House Outdoor Bar Inside a Vintage Camper, Seating For 120, Teepees, Ping Pong, & More
Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall—the Atlanta restaurant and bar that opened in September of 2014 and serves campfire-inspired cuisine—will expand to include a more than 4000-square-foot outdoor “grove” with a bar. Located at Mile Marker 9.25, Ladybird was the first outdoor-oriented restaurant to open on the Atlanta BeltLine’s acclaimed Eastside Trail. The BeltLine is a former 22-mile industrial rail corridor that has recently been transformed into a popular and extensive city loop, with bike paths, walking trails, public art exhibitions, and more.
After reaching an agreement with the BeltLine to activate the property adjacent to the restaurant, Ladybird is planning to begin landscape work this month on what will informally be known as “the Grove.” This component was part of owner Michael Lennox’s original vision for the restaurant and will be a natural extension of the existing space and patio. The design will further crystallize Ladybird’s aesthetic, which takes cues from national parks, camping, and westward travels.
Plans for the Grove include flanking its four corners with large teepees, each with seating for four to six people. Ladybird’s outdoor seating will be more than doubled. Expect patio furniture arranged in clusters with Adirondack chairs and retro metal gliders, as well as a number of communal, beer garden tables. The dog-friendly space will be just inches from the BeltLine, welcoming passersby and serving as a spot to hang out and people-watch. An abundance of bike racks will be available for guests arriving on two wheels. A vintage camper will house the Grove’s outdoor bar, and strands of string lights will illuminate two Ping-Pong tables for nighttime games. Live musical performances will be a regular weekend feature.
Intended as a natural retreat to enjoy the outdoors, the Grove will serve a separate drinks-only menu, including bottled cocktails. Ladybird’s full food and drinks menu will continue to be offered throughout the rest of the restaurant.
RENDERING OF GROVE BY LAUREN ASHLEE SEABOLT
ABOUT LADYBIRD GROVE & MESS HALL
Opened in 2014, Ladybird is located in Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood at 684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave. NE. It is the first outdoor-oriented restaurant and bar to open along the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail, at Mile Marker 9.25. An in-town home away from home for Atlanta’s adventure seekers, Ladybird offers elevated campfire cuisine for dinner, lunch, and weekend brunch, and focuses on sharable dishes that rotate based on local availability. The beverage program features craft cocktails, wine, local beer, alongside housemade juices and sodas. The restaurant has been featured in Southern Living, Garden & Gun, Travel + Leisure, and many more.
