WORDS Anna Lowder
It’s the biggest thing the South has to offer, and is growing into a fine city in it’s own right. Queue the whiners harping on about traffic, smog, sprawl, and more. Well, the smog has cleared out for the most part, the economic crash helped curtail the terrible sprawl epidemic (at least for now), and traffic isn’t too bad if you know your way around other than the interstates. Atlanta is now a hot-bed of culinary talent leading the food movement in the US. It is a design leader in the fields of interiors, graphic design, marketing, and more. It’s music scene is strong, and it’s sense of cultural identity is thriving. Long story short, it’s an exciting city to be in that still feels warm, welcoming, and approachable. Now that we all want to relocate there, let’s dive into the places you’ll want to spend some serious time. This is not about Buckhead. These are interesting locations boasting new, innovative joints with real personality and real stories behind them. Get out on foot, talk to the locals, and meet the folks actually doing and making and city great.
Where To Go:
Westside
Star Provisions
A Willy Wonka land of quick, affordable lunch eats merged with a shop overstuffed with home goods, holiday gifts, wine, meat, coffee, bakery and more. The Cheese Shop (headed by cheesmonger Tim Giaddis) is the best in Atlanta. The shop is also the entrance to the dinner-only Bacchanalia.
Stand out: shrimp po-boy is famous (maybe Atlanta’s best-known sandwich), but the falafel is a knockout
Billy Reid
Atlanta’s outpost of Billy’s clothing empire features tin ceilings, hardwood plank floors, and mouth-watering menswear and womenswear. The shoes are handmade by a cobbler (really) in Italy. Staff is friendly and warm, and the interior decor is curated thrift store meets grandmother’s farm house.
Stand out: Billy Reid’s seasonal handprinted t-shirts
Sid Mashburn
The go-to designer for the ideal slim-fit suit, Sid Mashburn opened his eponymous Atlanta store in 2007 after years at J.Crew and Lands’ End. This Mississippi boy holds tailoring (specifically natural shoulders and slim legs) as important as comfort and finish. His store specializes in unique luggage, gifts, shoes and more - with tailors working away in the back of shop.
Stand out: a custom suit and Italian shoes (sans socks, of course)
Steven Allen
The newest boutique at Westside Provisions District, this small but perfectly curated shop features the best in women’s, men’s, home, jewelry, and shoes. Countless designers from across the globe are represented - meaning you won’t end up looking like anyone else. A seriously great addition to the Atlanta design scene.
Stand out: delicate one-off jewelry by Blanca Monros Gomez
Sprout
A kid’s uber-wonderland, this is where hip parents go for toys that will keep the children entertained while avoiding anything resembling a Toys R Us. Sprout is all wooden toys, lovely children’s books, nursery bedding, and clothes and gifts for infant to tweenies. Great spot to let the kiddies play before or after adult shopping.
Stand out: children’s books and Zutano clothes
Yeah Burger
Heck yeah, this place is good (Bon Appetit’s Top 10 Burgers in the US). A bright, upbeat spot (think industrial chic meets cartoon-like illustration-covered walls) with dozens of gourmet burgers or do a DIY and make your own creation. Unique aspects include hand-cut fresh fries, handmade soft buns, daily seasonal vegetables and full bar.
Stand out: grass-fed beef or bison burger, fries, crispy brussels sprouts
The Optimist
Chef Ford Fry’s boldest and most innovative restaurant, The Optimist celebrates seafood like no other. Calling itself a “Fish Camp and Oyster Bar,” the menu offers Atlanta’s largest selection of raw oysters, fresh fish, fried seafood, and wood-fired grill specialties. Big flavors for a big, old-style restaurant, brought up to the moment with hip bars and a put-putting green.
Stand out: charred octopus tentacle, pickled-y fried clam roll, seared gulf fish with the sourest asian lime broth you’ve ever tasted
West Egg
Many a restaurant could learn how to do brunch from West Egg - the top brunch spot in Atlanta. Line forms out the door from 8:30 on weekends, which may explain why they offer “Brinner” on Sunday nights. Voted Best Breakfast in Atlanta (3 years) and Best Cupcakes in Atalnta (2 years) - these place doesn’t mess around.
Stand out: pimento cheese & bacon omelet, banana pudding mason jars
Grant Park • Inman Park • Cabbagetown & East
Fritti
Known as Atlanta’s best pizza, this is serious authentic stuff. Made in the Neopolitan tradition, the pies are made as you watch (drooling) and fired in a 1,000*F wood burning oven. Dozens of pizzas to choose from, the best of which have cured meats, Italian cheeses and fresh arugula, none of which have pineapple. The sister restaurant, Sotto Sotto, next door serves authentic, “cry it’s so good” pasta.
Stand out: Sorrentina pizza
Krog Bar
Kevin Rathbun’s tiny tapas bar seats less than thirty, but that’s just fine. You’ll feel you’ve found a secret, dark bar that only a few no about - all the better for noshing on Spanish cheeses, an Iberian ham leg, and soaking up young, affordable wine by the glass. The new Krog Street Market is rumored to open this summer with more famous but not yet confirmed eateries.
Stand out: red pepper flatbread with pesto and piquillo peppers and glass of malbec
Inman Park
A serene break from Atlanta’s crowds, Inman Park is a turn of the century Victorian-era neighborhood known as Atlanta’s first planned community. Besides its historic homes and active village centers with local restaurants and galleries, the beauty of Inman Park is its green spaces. Enjoy miles of trails, walking paths, rolling hills and great spots for kids and dogs.
Stand out: strolling down Highland Avenue parks with a King of Pops popsicle
The Beltline
Atlanta’s citizens and leadership have taken huge steps forward in urban planning, health, and transportation through the Rails to Trails program. Connecting Atlanta with bike paths, walking trails, and artistic installations on former derelict rail lines and corridors, visit the Eastside Trail connecting Inman Park, Poncey, and Piedmont areas.
Clermont Lounge
“The Greatest Show on Earth”? Well, that’s a lot to live up to as its website claims, but Blondie has been around for decades so something’s gotta be working. Atlanta’s oldest strip club has the dancing talent to prove it. If you don’t know what I’m saying, just ask your friends - somebody will. Legend has it that Anthony Bourdain, Jon Stewart and Bill Murray have enjoyed the Clermont. Bring sani-wipes if you’re the faint-of-heart type. Otherwise, down some tall-boys and mosey to the Clermont Motor Hotel on Ponce.
Ponce City Market
In a former life City Hall East occupied this gargantuan 2.1 million square foot building - the largest in the Southeast and built by Sears, Roebuck and Co. in 1926. Plans call for the transformation to a mixed-use development similar to Pike Place or the Ferry Building. Construction slated for completion in 2014.
Atlanta Botanical Gardens
A good option for those seeking to brave the summer heat, Cocktails in the Garden is held Thursdays 6-10pm at the ABG in on Piedmont. Stroll the grounds with a cocktail and appear to learn your flora from your fauna.
Peachtree Street
Food Trucks at 12th & Midtown
Thursdays lunchtime (11am-2pm) you’ll find a convergence of Atlanta’s best food trucks right in the heart of the city. Grab a cheap bite from Viet-Nomie’s or Mighty Meatballs and stroll in Piedmont Park.
Fox Theatre
The famous Fox is innovating by expanding from its traveling theater and musical calendar with the Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival lineup of classic movies, blockbusters, and kid’s cartoons. Choose from Iron Man 3 to Looney Tunes. Kids 12 and under only $5 - the air conditioning and gorgeous Fox Theatre setting is worth that alone.
Holman & Finch Public House
This tiny, almost (visually) missable spot is a cocktail lovers dream. Led by the renowned Greg Best, the barkeeps create unbelievable concoctions that defy logic but always, always taste stunning. Slender, dark and seating only 40 or so lucky patrons, the barstools and tables fill at opening and stay packed late. The famous H&F Burger is limited to just 24 per night, first come first served from 9pm. Menu is an adventure in Parts, Cured, Farm and more.
Stand out: Hot Chicken or pimento cheese, with multiple Arms of Attrition
High Museum
Arguably the Southeast’s preeminent fine art museum, the High features respected permanent collections including classic, decorative, and contemporary artwork. Catch impressive touring shows this Summer including Girl with a Pearl Earring, Dutch Painting from the Mauritshuis and Civil Rights Photography 1956-1968.
Empire State South
Chef Hugh Acheson’s Atlanta spot is renowned for his take on New South specialties with a fresh twist. Gorgeous interior and bocce court make ESS an exceptional find in Midtown. Celebrity chef lovers: Hugh spottings are frequent.
Stand out: Hugh’s In Jars snacks and anything served with his crispy Carolina Rice
Decatur (yes, Decatur)
Decatur Farmer’s Market
Set in the bucolic main street Decatur (which, cool fact, is connected by public transport to Atlanta) this Saturday market brings farmers, artisans and producers to the locals, with a shaded park and playgrounds nearby for all the kid-laden parents and dog lovers.
Cakes & Ale
James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast 2013, this sweet local restaurant is known for seasonal, fresh dishes … and delicious desserts. So much so, it’s opened The Bakery at Cakes & Ale next door. Try both spots for a chilled break from the heat.
Stand out: burrata or tuna tartare starters
No. 246
Another Ford Fry outpost, this one boasts a modern Italian charm with highly approachable dishes, and price points. Excellent menu sections include Toasts, Meat & Cheese, Flour & Water and more.
Stand out: agnolotti with summer corn, chanterelles and goat cheese
Further Afield: Buford Highway
Com Restaurant
Buford Highway is an Around The World in 80 Restaurants experience. Start with authentic Vietnamese at Com - straight from the motherland good as covered by Food & Wine, Atlanta Magazine and more. The Bún and Báhn Hói are stellar, Pho is abundant, and Indochine favorites are on hand. 4005 Buford Highway
Taqueria El Rey Del Taco
Voted best authentic mexican
Have fun with the pick-n-mix menu that let’s you choose your meat (cow cheek, chorizo, goat, tripa to name a few) for tacos, torts, burritos and more. Huge seafood options including shrimp dishes and whole fish. Top off with a michelada or three. 5288 Buford Highway
Lee’s Bakery
What better use of a bakery than to be the go-to spot for Bahn Mi. You’ll think you’re walking into a Sunbeam bakery from the exterior, but inside the piles of crisp, light french baguettes confirm your lunch choice. Authentic pork, chicken, tofu or fish Bahn Mi for just $3? Add Pho bowls from $6.50 and you’ve just found the best bargain in town. 4005 Buford Highway, Suite C
Saravana Bhavan
If you haven’t tried a dosa yet, you are out of your mind. Granted, good dosas are hard to find, largely because of the skill it takes to turn out these delicate parcels to meet demand. This is Atlanta’s most famous Indian restaurant - a huge dining room in what looks to be a former Grandy’s or other chain all-you-can-eat place. You’ll eat all you can manage of these warm, comforting spiced potato masala dosas (or the dozens other types on offer), not to mention outstanding samosas, daal, vada, uthappam, chutneys and more.