Guidebook for Atlanta
Food Scene
Only open for lunch, they're famous for their variety of chicken salads and croissant bites. Healthy, delicious, and affordable. My parents buy their salad dressing by the bottle when they visit.
Cafe At Pharr
3145 Peachtree RdOnly open for lunch, they're famous for their variety of chicken salads and croissant bites. Healthy, delicious, and affordable. My parents buy their salad dressing by the bottle when they visit.
Our favorite place for fine dining without an insane price tag. It's located in a historic building that has served as both a home and at one point a filling station. During colder seasons, they light the fireplace in the front room which adds to the cozy vibes. Great cocktails, delicious modern/southern fare food and stunning presentation but you won't have to take out a second mortgage. There's also a bar upstairs with live music some nights. My favorite is the butternut squash risotto with scallops whereas Charley loves the meatloaf. That being said, it's all good! While you're enjoying the atmosphere, don't forget to go with the wind and order a Scarlett O'hara.
20 locals recommend
Old Vinings Inn
3011 Paces Mill Rd SEOur favorite place for fine dining without an insane price tag. It's located in a historic building that has served as both a home and at one point a filling station. During colder seasons, they light the fireplace in the front room which adds to the cozy vibes. Great cocktails, delicious modern/southern fare food and stunning presentation but you won't have to take out a second mortgage. There's also a bar upstairs with live music some nights. My favorite is the butternut squash risotto with scallops whereas Charley loves the meatloaf. That being said, it's all good! While you're enjoying the atmosphere, don't forget to go with the wind and order a Scarlett O'hara.
Super affordable Italian food. Pick your type of noodle, your sauce, the works! You can eat as cheap or expensive as you like and their drinks are EXCELLENT and affordable. They have a great patio up front with twinkle lights and often live music when the temperatures are right. Our favorite place for pop-up date night.
9 locals recommend
FIGO Pasta Vinings
2941 Paces Ferry Rd SESuper affordable Italian food. Pick your type of noodle, your sauce, the works! You can eat as cheap or expensive as you like and their drinks are EXCELLENT and affordable. They have a great patio up front with twinkle lights and often live music when the temperatures are right. Our favorite place for pop-up date night.
The coolest Asian restaurant you'll ever go to! Located on the railroad tracks, you'll see and hear the train go by but not that it will bother you. You have to walk through an old train car to get into the building which is broken up into 3 sections. The far right is hibachi, middle is sushi, far left is Chinese food. Great atmosphere and excellent food. Portions are hefty so wear your stretchy pants!
31 locals recommend
Orient Express
2921 Paces Ferry Rd SEThe coolest Asian restaurant you'll ever go to! Located on the railroad tracks, you'll see and hear the train go by but not that it will bother you. You have to walk through an old train car to get into the building which is broken up into 3 sections. The far right is hibachi, middle is sushi, far left is Chinese food. Great atmosphere and excellent food. Portions are hefty so wear your stretchy pants!
Normal people go here, celebrities go here. I used to live across the street and basically live here. It's the best bar food you'll ever have. From the pretzel with cheese fondue, to the rosemary encrusted fried chicken tenders, to the black bean hummus or Caesar salad...I'd eat it all. And often we do. Charley loves trying the burger of the month and if you're really looking for a heart attack and a visit to Grady Hospital, try the Sublime Burger (two glazed doughnuts from the local shop, Sublime, grilled and acting as the bun for a cheeseburger). They have a crazy beer selection but I always go for the house IPA which is basically Sweetwater IPA for $3.
67 locals recommend
Cypress Street Pint & Plate
817 W Peachtree St NWNormal people go here, celebrities go here. I used to live across the street and basically live here. It's the best bar food you'll ever have. From the pretzel with cheese fondue, to the rosemary encrusted fried chicken tenders, to the black bean hummus or Caesar salad...I'd eat it all. And often we do. Charley loves trying the burger of the month and if you're really looking for a heart attack and a visit to Grady Hospital, try the Sublime Burger (two glazed doughnuts from the local shop, Sublime, grilled and acting as the bun for a cheeseburger). They have a crazy beer selection but I always go for the house IPA which is basically Sweetwater IPA for $3.
If you're a cook and appreciate food, welcome to your Mecca. It's kind of a haul from our house but if you want to buy spices and exotic goods in bulk and cheap, this is the best place in the world. They also do prepared meals and INCREDIBLE baked goods. I've stopped making chocolate croissants because theirs are just better. I'd stop on my way out of town and stock up on spices, chocolate, breads, curries, oils and the rest of the goodies if you're not from somewhere that you typically have access to it. If nothing else, you'll be able to see all sorts of fruits and veggies from all over thanks to Atlanta being the busiest airport in the world!
234 locals recommend
Your Dekalb Farmers Market
3000 E Ponce de Leon AveIf you're a cook and appreciate food, welcome to your Mecca. It's kind of a haul from our house but if you want to buy spices and exotic goods in bulk and cheap, this is the best place in the world. They also do prepared meals and INCREDIBLE baked goods. I've stopped making chocolate croissants because theirs are just better. I'd stop on my way out of town and stock up on spices, chocolate, breads, curries, oils and the rest of the goodies if you're not from somewhere that you typically have access to it. If nothing else, you'll be able to see all sorts of fruits and veggies from all over thanks to Atlanta being the busiest airport in the world!
Parks & Nature
The best hiking within 2 hours of the city-and we'd know, we've done it all! Make sure you google the location and stick to the map but if you go to the very end, you'll have passed a cliff overlooking Devil's Race Course Shoals (the rocky area of the Chattahoochee that kayakers and canoers have to clear to get downstream). The whole trail includes great views of the river, the trees, and a bamboo forest. You'll notice the foundations of an old house on the river too-have never found out when it was originally built, but definitely something cool to see. When the river is low, you can walk out on the rocks and stick your feet in the rapids and watch boats try to shoot the Hooch!
16 locals recommend
Whitewater Creek Trails
4058 Whitewater Creek Rd NWThe best hiking within 2 hours of the city-and we'd know, we've done it all! Make sure you google the location and stick to the map but if you go to the very end, you'll have passed a cliff overlooking Devil's Race Course Shoals (the rocky area of the Chattahoochee that kayakers and canoers have to clear to get downstream). The whole trail includes great views of the river, the trees, and a bamboo forest. You'll notice the foundations of an old house on the river too-have never found out when it was originally built, but definitely something cool to see. When the river is low, you can walk out on the rocks and stick your feet in the rapids and watch boats try to shoot the Hooch!
Drinks & Nightlife
If you're looking for the most fun bar in Atlanta where nobody's going to be a sloppy mess and spill their drink on your shoes, look no further. Ormsby's is the ONLY bar we go to. There's shuffleboard, pool, bocce ball and other things to do in the downstairs basement bar area. It's located in a really neat part of town (The Westside Provisions District) which used to be the meat packing district of Atlanta. The area was developed and curated by the folks who did Chelsea Market in NYC. Only a short Uber ride from our place!
164 locals recommend
Ormsby's
1170 Howell Mill RdIf you're looking for the most fun bar in Atlanta where nobody's going to be a sloppy mess and spill their drink on your shoes, look no further. Ormsby's is the ONLY bar we go to. There's shuffleboard, pool, bocce ball and other things to do in the downstairs basement bar area. It's located in a really neat part of town (The Westside Provisions District) which used to be the meat packing district of Atlanta. The area was developed and curated by the folks who did Chelsea Market in NYC. Only a short Uber ride from our place!
My only complaint is they switch up their drink menu and I always have to find a new favorite. I can live through it though. They're advertised as a jerky place but the 2 reasons I go: the drinks and the homemade chips. Trust me.
14 locals recommend
Biltong Bar
306 Buckhead Ave NEMy only complaint is they switch up their drink menu and I always have to find a new favorite. I can live through it though. They're advertised as a jerky place but the 2 reasons I go: the drinks and the homemade chips. Trust me.
When I moved back 6 years ago, this place was a hot metal box with the best beer in town so you lived with it. Today, it's been beautifully redesigned, air conditioned, and they've even added space and souvenirs. Check the website for times and days they're open and go get a Sweetwater IPA. It's the only beer we stock in our fridge.
106 locals recommend
SweetWater Brewing Company
195 Ottley Dr NEWhen I moved back 6 years ago, this place was a hot metal box with the best beer in town so you lived with it. Today, it's been beautifully redesigned, air conditioned, and they've even added space and souvenirs. Check the website for times and days they're open and go get a Sweetwater IPA. It's the only beer we stock in our fridge.
Close to our house, not cramped, and tasty brews. As much as I love Sweetwater, it's been discovered. Scofflaw is still flying under the radar and is where most the locals hang out. When I asked why the logo was a goat, I was told, "The founders were cute but kind of a$$holes...just like goats." I really like going on Sundays, meeting up with friends and trying a bunch of new brews!
35 locals recommend
Scofflaw Brewing Co.
1738 MacArthur Blvd NWClose to our house, not cramped, and tasty brews. As much as I love Sweetwater, it's been discovered. Scofflaw is still flying under the radar and is where most the locals hang out. When I asked why the logo was a goat, I was told, "The founders were cute but kind of a$$holes...just like goats." I really like going on Sundays, meeting up with friends and trying a bunch of new brews!
Arts & Culture
The exhibits change a few times a year and never disappoint. From Andy Warhol to Frida Kahlo to a Dream Cars exhibit with one of a kind prototype cars, you really get to see the world without leaving the city. The last Sunday of every month is free but be prepared to wait in line. However, you can get a student/membership and reduce your wait and your fee depending on how many of you are going. Check it out!
1458 locals recommend
High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree St NEThe exhibits change a few times a year and never disappoint. From Andy Warhol to Frida Kahlo to a Dream Cars exhibit with one of a kind prototype cars, you really get to see the world without leaving the city. The last Sunday of every month is free but be prepared to wait in line. However, you can get a student/membership and reduce your wait and your fee depending on how many of you are going. Check it out!
Shopping
Lenox Mall and Phipps Plaza are located across from each other and between the two, there's nothing you can't find. I give you, THE world's largest Pottery Barn (not kidding, it's two stories).
1440 locals recommend
Lenox Square
3393 Peachtree Rd NELenox Mall and Phipps Plaza are located across from each other and between the two, there's nothing you can't find. I give you, THE world's largest Pottery Barn (not kidding, it's two stories).
Over a million square feet of renovated shopping and eating by the designers of the Chelsea Market in NYC. There's restaurants, bars, and shops to stroll and even carnival type stuff on the roof (if you pay to take the elevator up). The building is designed and curated SO well-make sure you look at all the details. A lot of the original architecture is still there from when it was originally a Sears filling center in the early 20th century (up until the 1960s). It also served as city hall before it was decommissioned and fell into disrepair. Jamestown Properties started the renovation about 6 years ago and it's now one of the biggest things for folks to see when they come to Atlanta.
596 locals recommend
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NEOver a million square feet of renovated shopping and eating by the designers of the Chelsea Market in NYC. There's restaurants, bars, and shops to stroll and even carnival type stuff on the roof (if you pay to take the elevator up). The building is designed and curated SO well-make sure you look at all the details. A lot of the original architecture is still there from when it was originally a Sears filling center in the early 20th century (up until the 1960s). It also served as city hall before it was decommissioned and fell into disrepair. Jamestown Properties started the renovation about 6 years ago and it's now one of the biggest things for folks to see when they come to Atlanta.
Essentials
Anything you need, Publix has. If you've never shopped at a Publix...just go. Get a Publix sub at the deli and a slice of buttercream cake and thank me later. People fly from outside of the south for those sandwiches and cake.
34 locals recommend
Publix Super Market at Paces Ferry Center
2451 Cumberland Pkwy SEAnything you need, Publix has. If you've never shopped at a Publix...just go. Get a Publix sub at the deli and a slice of buttercream cake and thank me later. People fly from outside of the south for those sandwiches and cake.
Entertainment & Activities
If you want to have a ton of fun and see a carousel that's on the National Historic Registry, this is your spot! The roller coasters are great (avoid the wooden ones unless you want to go visit my chiropractor in Midtown the next day) and the Halloween Fest during the month of October rivals Disney, Universal and Busch Gardens.
829 locals recommend
Six Flags Over Georgia
275 Riverside PkwyIf you want to have a ton of fun and see a carousel that's on the National Historic Registry, this is your spot! The roller coasters are great (avoid the wooden ones unless you want to go visit my chiropractor in Midtown the next day) and the Halloween Fest during the month of October rivals Disney, Universal and Busch Gardens.
Rent a bike for the day for $20 and cruise the Beltline. Stop off at Krog Street to eat and drink (super close to the rental shop) and then pop by Ponce City Market. It's a safe, fun way to see the Beltline and parts of the city without getting stuck in traffic.
72 locals recommend
Atlanta Bicycle Barn
151 Sampson St NERent a bike for the day for $20 and cruise the Beltline. Stop off at Krog Street to eat and drink (super close to the rental shop) and then pop by Ponce City Market. It's a safe, fun way to see the Beltline and parts of the city without getting stuck in traffic.
BEST OUTDOOR CONCERT VENUE. Most shows that are held here are BYOB so you can bring your own cooler and snacks! Pack your own party and save a bundle on boozies and food! Also, the natural amphitheater and ivy everywhere adds to the really neat vibe.
47 locals recommend
State Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park
4469 Stella Dr NWBEST OUTDOOR CONCERT VENUE. Most shows that are held here are BYOB so you can bring your own cooler and snacks! Pack your own party and save a bundle on boozies and food! Also, the natural amphitheater and ivy everywhere adds to the really neat vibe.
Favorite indoor concert venue. This is an old church that's been converted into a hippie trippy venue with graffiti everywhere but the organ still intact. Obviously has killer acoustics and only the coolest bands play here. Charley and I go to a handful of shows here a year.
94 locals recommend
Tabernacle
152 Luckie St NWFavorite indoor concert venue. This is an old church that's been converted into a hippie trippy venue with graffiti everywhere but the organ still intact. Obviously has killer acoustics and only the coolest bands play here. Charley and I go to a handful of shows here a year.
In case it's raining and you're bored with our selection of >1k movies, there's always this theater. I'd recommend using Fandango to get your tickets in advance because it's assigned stadium seating with automatic recliners. For super cheap tickets, go before noon!
63 locals recommend
AMC Parkway Pointe 15
3101 Cobb Pkwy SEIn case it's raining and you're bored with our selection of >1k movies, there's always this theater. I'd recommend using Fandango to get your tickets in advance because it's assigned stadium seating with automatic recliners. For super cheap tickets, go before noon!