Best of ATL…
Written July 27, 2020 (Updated May 19, 2023)
I moved to Atlanta right after college. Ponce City Market was City Hall East. There was no Beltline. 10th & Piedmont was an intersection, not a restaurant and you could still hang out at one-tweezy with Ludacris & Jermaine Dupri.
During the first few months of the job that brought me to Atlanta, I was responsible for client services. Which basically meant, I ordered and picked up their lunches. These were pre-Waze and Google Map years. In order for me to go pick up food, I had to mapquest AND PRINT OUT directions. This also meant that I got lost a lot. The best part about getting lost is what you find along your way back to your destination. It was during those years that I got to know and love Atlanta. Over the years, I have been able to find more gems but anytime someone comes to visit, below are my favorites that I consider essential visits!
Best Burger in Town
The Vortex - Little Five Points
The servers are sassy. The atmosphere is unlike any other. For an extra LeAnn bonus - order tater tots & queso as an appetizer. You’ll hate me & thank me later. Don’t forget to enjoy that priceless photo opportunity before you head inside.
21+
Best Pub in Town
Brick Store Pub - Decatur Square
Sure there are micro breweries popping up in every nook and cranny of town. Brick Store has that old pub feel, amazing food, drinks for everyone (because GF people can’t drink at breweries!) and it’s a great place to just be social.
Best Hike for a Date
Sope Creek Trail offers trails that go off in multiple directions. Kind of a “Choose Your Own Adventure” hike. Once you reach the Mill ruins, it’s a beautiful photo op or stop and rest before heading back to the car.
Best Speakeasy
This unassuming wonder is located behind the back wall of a delightful little french pastry shop located right off the belt line near the intersection Irwin & Krog St. With its ever changing perfectly crafted cocktail menu and carefully curated mix of ever so slightly loud music, this lively cocktail lounge offers a vibe that can not be replicated. Your senses with be tickled, tingled and calmed all at the same time. So leave your anxiety on the belt line and step into the soothing warmth of the James Room.
OTP: Eleanor’s - Smyrna
Located behind the walk in freezer of Muss & Turner’s. As with most Speakeasy’s this place is basically off the map. The server’s have that prohibition 1920s feel and the tables are situated so close that you often end up becoming best friends with your neighbors.
Best Manicure & Pedicure
Nail Fantastic - Sandy Springs
When it comes to manis/pedis, I’ll admit it, I can be a “Karen.” Which is how I know the manager at Nail Fantastic….and Tiffany IS FANTASTIC! So are all the other lovely people that work there. I live 46 miles away from Nail Fantastic. But once a month, I happily taken myself up to see Tiffany, Tiny, Tokyo, Hero and everyone else to get a new manicure that will last another 4 weeks!! With the ever inflating price of goods and services these days, I want to be assured that my manicure will last. I have that assurance when I walk into Nail Fantastic!
Best Dessert Case
Much like what you would see at Cafe Intermezzo without all of the awkward people on first dates, Apres Diem offers that French Cafe feel. The Dessert case is tempting you as soon as you walk in the door. I dare you to walk by and not get anything.
Best Gluten Free Mac & Cheese
So I’ve had to live a gluten free (GF) life for over 5 years. Finding soul food has become increasingly difficult. If you are also GF, stop what you’re doing right now, call Brack’s Kitchen and order some Mac & Cheese! It is made to order! You’re welcome but also I’m sorry that you can never unlearn about this delicious side dish!
Best Private Room Karaoke
Let me start off by saying there are places that are a lot more swanky and a lot less stanky than Happy Karaoke. But part of why I love this place and send people here is because of its “charm and feel”. After a few drinks you aren’t going to care anyway. Let’s be real! Plus, who else can say they ate chicken wings in an old gas station while singing “Don’t Stop Believing” or “Under the Sea?” This is what real life memories are made of!!
Best View of the City
Jackson Street Bridge - Old Fourth Ward
When I initially moved to ATL, the best view of the city was the top of the parking lot at City View Apartments. Which is the complex that sits at Boulevard and Freedom Parkway, you know the one on top of CVS. The road on the back side of the complex is Jackson Street. This was home for four of the best years of my life. The view at the Jackson Street Bridge is a close second and quite possibly the most photographed little stretch of our beloved town.