Our Story
Bone Garden Cantina was born from two obsessions: authentic Mexican food and the colorful spirit of Día de los Muertos.
Kristen and Michael, a husband-and-wife team who both grew up in Southern California, were surrounded by Mexico's culture, traditions, and cuisine from the start. As a young artist, Michael was especially drawn to the whimsical skeletons and sugar skulls that filled Los Angeles every fall during Día de los Muertos. That artwork later inspired his Laughing Skull theme at The Vortex Bar & Grill, a landmark he opened in 1992 that helped define Atlanta's dining scene for decades. (Michael retired from The Vortex in 2023 and it is now under new management.)
In 2008, Kristen and Michael opened Bone Garden Cantina in a tucked-away corner of West Midtown with a mission to bring Mexico's flavors and artistry to Atlanta. Michael returned to his artist roots to make life-size skeletons for the dining room and paint a sweeping mural of dancing calaveras above the bar. Over time, local artists and Mexican craftspeople added their touch too, creating the vibrant, art-filled space guests know today.
Día de los Muertos—celebrated in Mexico with marigolds, candles, papel picado, sugar skulls, playful skeletons and festive altars—is a holiday that honors the past while embracing the present with food, drink, joy, humor and remembrance. At Bone Garden, we channel that same spirit.
Our kitchen prepares family recipes from scratch daily—dishes that often remind our guests of their abuela's cooking. Our bar celebrates Mexico's deep tradition of agave spirits with a curated selection of tequila and mezcal, handcrafted cocktails, and guided tastings for curious explorers.
For us, Bone Garden Cantina isn't just a restaurant. It's a feast, a fiesta, and a celebration of life. Salud, amigos!