It still feels weird when people come to me for tips on exploring Atlanta, but as soon as they do I find myself spewing out countless options for a meal, day, or weekend adventure in the city.
I got caught up for a couple of hours today raving about restaurants and I figured I might as well take a minute to jot down all of my ATL faves. People have shown me these city secrets so I want to pass them along.
Let’s start from the beginning.
Breakfast
Sun In My Belly. I cannot possibly begin to put into words the decadence that is the Kirkwood Breakfast. Their tagline, “glorious food,” does it justice. And hello, celebrity sighting. When Brad first took me there we ran into Donald Glover. But all Childishness aside, LAVENDER BISCUITS.
If boozy brunch or breakfast pizza is more your thing, head over to Varasano’s Pizzeria. They have bottomless (and interchangeable) Bellinis, Mimosas, and Bloody Marys and the brunch pizzas are family sized and to die for.
More: Homegrown GA | Folk Art | Ria’s Bluebird
Coffee
Aurora | | Chrome Yellow
Lunch/Dinner
Edgewood Pizza is Jack’s only rival. And I honestly think the pizza is better as a whole, but they don’t offer mac&chs pizza so I really must include both. Also, this is close to home. Also, those lemon pepper wings.
Bartaco – My friends make fun of my obsession with this place. Start with margaritas at Pure and head to Bartaco for the tex mex and street corn.
For a late night date, I suggest Tiny Lou’s for drinks and desserts. Chocolate mousse topped with gold. Say no more.
Argosy | Shake Shack | Krog Street Market | Victory Sandwich Bar
Shop
I’m sorry to say I’m not one to ask for shopping tips. I would just send you over to Junkman’s Daughter, or Scott Antique Market. Little something for everyone.
Experience
I prefer my money to go to experiences over clothes. One of the reasons I just got roller skates for my birthday. (Yes, I know I’m almost thirty.) Hide your kids. Hide your dogs. Dana and I are wheeled and dangerous.
For free* activities, I will recommend the Beltline and Piedmont Park all day. There are festivals scheduled all throughout the year: food festivals of all kinds, music, yoga, even fireworks for no apparent reason. The Atlanta Dogwood Festival and Inman Park festival are coming up this month and each neighborhood will have its own festival at some point with music and vendors.
Painted Duck. The bowling is a bit pricey but the other activities are free. And no, you’re not drunk (well, Idk you might be) the bathrooms are unisex. It confuses everyone.
Music festivals 420 Fest | Shaky Knees
Music Venues The Tabernacle | Variety Playhouse | Center Stage | Buckhead Theater | Roxy
The High Museum | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Plaza Theater | Fox Theater
Nights Out
My recommendations here would definitely depend on what kind of night you are looking for, but the city has something for everyone!
If you are a breweries kind of guy or gal, and are an IPA drinker you need to check out Sweetwater, or if you are looking for a great view hit the Beltline for New Realm Brewing. The Westside has Monday Night Brewing‘s Garage which hosts several events every week, and I’ve been dying to visit Three Taverns Brewery in Decatur.
Join some friends at Ladybird for delicious punch and enjoy the weather and people/pup-watching.
The Hotel Claremont‘s Roof hosts yard games alongside the gorgeous view above and I dig the Hotel’s Wes Anderson Vibes.
Karaoke or bar crawling can be found in Virginia Highlands. Dark Horse has heavy metal karaoke on weekends in the basement. The Warren is right behind it and you can easily stop at Atkins Park, Limerick, and Neighbors– all just a short stroll away.
Cougar needing to get her groove on? Or just ready to end the night right? You HAVE to go to Johnny’s Hideaway. Right off Roswell Road in Buckhead you’ll find this hidden gem with lines of people waiting to enter each weekend. This smoky lounge has fun classic dance hits from the 50’s to today. But no really. Young guys watch out. Cougars are on the prowl. 😉
Oh! And the best view of the city: Jackson Street Bridge. So that’s my rundown of Atlanta. What are your favorite spots? Coming to visit soon? Don’t forget to say hello! Let’s grab a bite and catch up!