Welcome to Atlanta: Local Guide to the ATL
Food Scene
Nestled in L5P (Little Five Points) this place is great for people watching and group dining. I love sitting outside in he courtyard area. Bloody Mary Bar is great on Sunday’s and their Brunch is amazing. There food is great - creole-style with a New Orleans feel outside. I love it! A little pricier than other - but worth it in my opinion.
26 locals recommend
Front Page News Patio Bar & Grill
351 Moreland Ave NENestled in L5P (Little Five Points) this place is great for people watching and group dining. I love sitting outside in he courtyard area. Bloody Mary Bar is great on Sunday’s and their Brunch is amazing. There food is great - creole-style with a New Orleans feel outside. I love it! A little pricier than other - but worth it in my opinion.
Awesome food + affordable drinks on the Beltline. If you want to enjoy your trip like a authentic local ATLien (and "Beltliner") you will want to try Bantam Pub's! Their ever-changing menu puts a Southern spin on New American cuisine. Bantam's Staples include BBQ Pork (they even have at annual pig roast), Duck Legs, Bratwursts, and the infamous Bantam Burger and Bantam Chicken Sandwich. They also have a Weekend Brunch, which would be the perfect opportunity for you to do some great people-watching of those on the Beltline. The outside eating area has large tables to accommodate large crowds and an outdoor fireplace. They are a great place to gather with the ATL locals. Dog-Friendly too!
51 locals recommend
Bantam Pub
737 Ralph McGill Blvd NEAwesome food + affordable drinks on the Beltline. If you want to enjoy your trip like a authentic local ATLien (and "Beltliner") you will want to try Bantam Pub's! Their ever-changing menu puts a Southern spin on New American cuisine. Bantam's Staples include BBQ Pork (they even have at annual pig roast), Duck Legs, Bratwursts, and the infamous Bantam Burger and Bantam Chicken Sandwich. They also have a Weekend Brunch, which would be the perfect opportunity for you to do some great people-watching of those on the Beltline. The outside eating area has large tables to accommodate large crowds and an outdoor fireplace. They are a great place to gather with the ATL locals. Dog-Friendly too!
Callie’s offers a gourmet array of biscuits! From savory to sweet, and everywhere in between! Make sure not to forget the toppings or speciality butters! You can grab 3 biscuits of differing flavors and add the toppings/spreads separately. The pimento cheese is also excellent! I haven’t met a biscuit I didn’t like from here yet! Only open for lunch/breakfast though! I wish they would open late on n Friday’s and Saturday’s like they do in Callie’s flagship location in Charleston.
25 locals recommend
Callie's Hot Little Biscuit
1004 Virginia Ave NECallie’s offers a gourmet array of biscuits! From savory to sweet, and everywhere in between! Make sure not to forget the toppings or speciality butters! You can grab 3 biscuits of differing flavors and add the toppings/spreads separately. The pimento cheese is also excellent! I haven’t met a biscuit I didn’t like from here yet! Only open for lunch/breakfast though! I wish they would open late on n Friday’s and Saturday’s like they do in Callie’s flagship location in Charleston.
Amazing food and great scene located in the heart of midtown. Never a dull moment on the patio. Open late with food served until 2:00 a.m.
67 locals recommend
Cypress Street Pint & Plate
817 W Peachtree St NWAmazing food and great scene located in the heart of midtown. Never a dull moment on the patio. Open late with food served until 2:00 a.m.
Sublime Doughnuts
535 10th St NWYummy and original donuts - open late!
Easily one of Atlanta's Best Kept Secrets! Absolutely the best Korean + Texas BBQ, plus great specials and killer wings!
32 locals recommend
Heirloom Market BBQ
2243 Akers Mill Rd SEEasily one of Atlanta's Best Kept Secrets! Absolutely the best Korean + Texas BBQ, plus great specials and killer wings!
Extra hungry for wings on a WEDNESDAY night? Check out *Wingnut's Wednesdays", one of my favorite GaTech traditions. They may have moved from their original popping location right on North Ave below the now GaTech (formerly GSU & 1996 Summer Olympic Games) dorms - to a more quiet area on the on Marietta St. (in "West Midtown") - but the wings haven't changed. It's still right next to campus, but not overcrowded on game days. However, I think Atlanta Falcons & Atlanta United Fans should definitely check out Wingnut with or after a game (or match). The staff is always friendly. If you see the owner, Susan, tell her that Allison from GaTech sent you and ask for the Garlic Parmesan Ranch! :)
6 locals recommend
Wingnuts
768 Marietta St NWExtra hungry for wings on a WEDNESDAY night? Check out *Wingnut's Wednesdays", one of my favorite GaTech traditions. They may have moved from their original popping location right on North Ave below the now GaTech (formerly GSU & 1996 Summer Olympic Games) dorms - to a more quiet area on the on Marietta St. (in "West Midtown") - but the wings haven't changed. It's still right next to campus, but not overcrowded on game days. However, I think Atlanta Falcons & Atlanta United Fans should definitely check out Wingnut with or after a game (or match). The staff is always friendly. If you see the owner, Susan, tell her that Allison from GaTech sent you and ask for the Garlic Parmesan Ranch! :)
Great place to eat a bite of pizza with friends. Right next to Georgia Tech, so if you go on the right night you might find a game of beer pong going on out on the patio. Otherwise, rather quiet local bar + pizza joint. Try the baked strizatta --> it is a delicious appetizer of their garlic white sauce rolled up into pizza dough topped with freshly grated Parmesan and banana peppers!
6 locals recommend
Rocky Mountain Pizza
1005 Hemphill Ave NW Great place to eat a bite of pizza with friends. Right next to Georgia Tech, so if you go on the right night you might find a game of beer pong going on out on the patio. Otherwise, rather quiet local bar + pizza joint. Try the baked strizatta --> it is a delicious appetizer of their garlic white sauce rolled up into pizza dough topped with freshly grated Parmesan and banana peppers!
Great atmosphere - built in an industrial building (like many others in "West Midtown") this place is a "spin-off" of the infamous Antico's Pizza (located right next door). Founder and owner, Chef Giovanni Di Palma shares his love for Italian Street scene and adds something that most Southerners consider a staple - chicken. Trust me when I tell you that he definitely gets it right. Every single chicken dish (my favorite is the Pollo Margherita) is delicately cooked to perfection and even the side dishes could stand on their own! The salads are also large, delicious, and come with some of the best garlic bread I have ever tasted. I typically dine cheaper, but this place worth the money!
24 locals recommend
Gio’s Chicken Amalfitano
1099 Hemphill Ave NW Great atmosphere - built in an industrial building (like many others in "West Midtown") this place is a "spin-off" of the infamous Antico's Pizza (located right next door). Founder and owner, Chef Giovanni Di Palma shares his love for Italian Street scene and adds something that most Southerners consider a staple - chicken. Trust me when I tell you that he definitely gets it right. Every single chicken dish (my favorite is the Pollo Margherita) is delicately cooked to perfection and even the side dishes could stand on their own! The salads are also large, delicious, and come with some of the best garlic bread I have ever tasted. I typically dine cheaper, but this place worth the money!
Best Breakfast in Atlanta! Hole in the Wall Restaurant where the food tastes just like your Grandma’s (if you’re lucky enough to be from the South).
263 locals recommend
Home grown GA Restaurant
968 Memorial Dr SE Best Breakfast in Atlanta! Hole in the Wall Restaurant where the food tastes just like your Grandma’s (if you’re lucky enough to be from the South).
Bone Garden Cantina
1425 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NWVictory Sandwich Bar
913 Bernina Ave NEExcellent food and decor at this hip spot tucked away in Atlanta’s historic Inman Park District
86 locals recommend
Folk Art Restaurant
465 North Highland Avenue Northeast Excellent food and decor at this hip spot tucked away in Atlanta’s historic Inman Park District
Brazilian Steakhouse meets the South at the infamous and innovative Kevin Gillespie’s newest venture. The former Top Chec. Pntestant who is famous for his love of all things pork & bacon - excites his fellow ATLiens with a truly fresh & new food scene. The Sous Chef - Joey - loves to inspire & evoke emotions and memories with his cooking. Don’t miss out of Atlanta’s newest up and coming dining option!
128 locals recommend
Gunshow
924 Garrett StBrazilian Steakhouse meets the South at the infamous and innovative Kevin Gillespie’s newest venture. The former Top Chec. Pntestant who is famous for his love of all things pork & bacon - excites his fellow ATLiens with a truly fresh & new food scene. The Sous Chef - Joey - loves to inspire & evoke emotions and memories with his cooking. Don’t miss out of Atlanta’s newest up and coming dining option!
Drinks & Nightlife
SweetWater Brewing Company
195 Ottley Dr NECity Winery Atlanta
650 North Avenue NEOrmsby's
1170 Howell Mill RdApache Cafe
393 Marietta Street NorthWestTin Roof Cantina
2591 Briarcliff Rd NEGood music, yummy medical good, and affordable drinks.
Terminal West
887 West Marietta St NWSightseeing
Jackson Street Bridge
433 Freedom Park TrailKrog Street Tunnel
1 Krog St NEAtlanta alternative scene in all its glory. Great for people watching!
724 locals recommend
Little Five Points
Atlanta alternative scene in all its glory. Great for people watching!
Central Hub of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Atlanta was somehow chosen to host the Centennial Olympic Games in the mid-90’s and beat out Athens, Greece. The games transformed downtown Atlanta in the 90’s and laid the groundwork for its continued progress throughout the early 21st centrury.
65 locals recommend
Centennial Olympic Park Drive Northwest
Centennial Olympic Park Drive NorthwestCentral Hub of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Atlanta was somehow chosen to host the Centennial Olympic Games in the mid-90’s and beat out Athens, Greece. The games transformed downtown Atlanta in the 90’s and laid the groundwork for its continued progress throughout the early 21st centrury.
Parks & Nature
Trails West YMCA Camp
1918 S Beltline Hwy WIt's hard to imagine that this stunningly beautiful family-friendly park was once a "tire dump" and former run-down parking lot for the one of Atlanta's hottest music venue - The Masquerade (RIP). It was originally to be developed as a retention pond for Ponce City Market - but Atlanta City Council Reps pushed for it to was turned into a beautiful park as part of the vision of environmental activist Bill Eisenhauer. The park is now home a gorgeous pond, breathtaking city views, a splash park, a playground, a skatepark, and dozens of apartment complexes that have transformed this neighborhood into one of Atlanta's hottest destinations.
89 locals recommend
Historic Fourth Ward Park
680 Dallas St NEIt's hard to imagine that this stunningly beautiful family-friendly park was once a "tire dump" and former run-down parking lot for the one of Atlanta's hottest music venue - The Masquerade (RIP). It was originally to be developed as a retention pond for Ponce City Market - but Atlanta City Council Reps pushed for it to was turned into a beautiful park as part of the vision of environmental activist Bill Eisenhauer. The park is now home a gorgeous pond, breathtaking city views, a splash park, a playground, a skatepark, and dozens of apartment complexes that have transformed this neighborhood into one of Atlanta's hottest destinations.
Arts & Culture
High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree St NEGeorgia Institute of Technology College of Architecture
The Fernbank Science Center has its observatory open to the public FOR FREE on Thursday and Friday evenings starting shortly after the sun sets. The planetarium also has educational shoes playing each night that the whole family can enjoy for a low price!
46 locals recommend
Fernbank Science Center
156 Heaton Park DrThe Fernbank Science Center has its observatory open to the public FOR FREE on Thursday and Friday evenings starting shortly after the sun sets. The planetarium also has educational shoes playing each night that the whole family can enjoy for a low price!
Science Nerds will love this one! They have FREE Viewings at the South’s largest public observatory - open to the public - on Thursday and Friday evenings. The planetarium also has nightly shows that are both family and budget- friendly.
Jim Cherry Memorial Planetarium
156 Heaton Park DrScience Nerds will love this one! They have FREE Viewings at the South’s largest public observatory - open to the public - on Thursday and Friday evenings. The planetarium also has nightly shows that are both family and budget- friendly.
Shopping
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NEThe Beehive
1250 Caroline St NEOld Fourth Ward Thrift Store
596-642 Rankin Street NortheastEdgewood has everything you need (and it's even inside the Perimeter). Enjoy suburban sized shops with the convenience of Downtown.
33 locals recommend
Edgewood Avenue Southeast
Edgewood Avenue SoutheastEdgewood has everything you need (and it's even inside the Perimeter). Enjoy suburban sized shops with the convenience of Downtown.
Words can’t describe this store. A little bit of everything for everyone! And I mean EVERYONE - including the black sheep and misfits.
34 locals recommend
Junkman's Daughter
464 Moreland Ave NEWords can’t describe this store. A little bit of everything for everyone! And I mean EVERYONE - including the black sheep and misfits.