Atlanta
From fine to casual dining, Atlanta offers many dining options ranging from French to African to Asian to Cajun that suit many different palates. Definitely check out their nightlife, which is both vibrant and sophisticated, and brings out some interesting and colorful characters.Downtown
Downtown's place to see and be seen is a high-end favorite with local celebs called City Grill, which puts out fancy renderings of old Southern classics. For business meetings, head for the no-nonsense, wood-paneled charm of Dailey’s.
The city’s best Russian is found at Nikolai’s Roof on the 30th floor of the Atlanta Hilton and Towers. You’ll find the Westin well-stocked, too, from the Savannah Fish Company at street level to the elegant, rotating Sun Dial offering unparalleled views from the roof. For local tradition, few options can touch the Varsity. Since 1928, this white tiled drive-in has turned out greasy dogs and chili burgers to rave reviews.
The downtown club scene matches the restaurant scene, with chic options. Go to Dailey’s for oaken charm and good cigars. For a younger, trendier crowd, try the Mark.
Midtown
Trendy Midtown is home to some of the city’s most enduring culinary landmarks, sitting side by side with the latest and trendiest kitchens. Top choices include South City Kitchen, where local chefs fashion innovative twists on Southern favorites, and Veni, Vidi, Vici, consistently rated atop Atlanta’s crowded list of the best Italian.
A bit kinder on the pocketbook but rich in local tradition is Mary Mac’s Tea Room, favorite of local son Jimmy Carter, while just up Piedmont Road, the city's best barbecue and blues await at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. No dining tour of Midtown would be complete without a bite at the Park Tavern, situated within Piedmont Park with sweeping views of the skyline.
This lively neighborhood is top of the Atlanta heap for trendy, cutting-edge nightlife. The martini rage continues unabated at the Leopard Lounge, where the swinger-cum-yuppie crowd shakes to the beat of swing music. Go to Halo to kick it stylishly with the high-rollers, or hit the Loft for live music. Over at the slower-paced Prince of Wales, darts and ale prevail with a view over Piedmont Park .
Buckhead
Buckhead packs more tables per square foot than anywhere else, and features many of Atlanta’s hippest offerings. Nava's upscale Tex-Mex fusion is capped by the most dazzling dessert cart in town, while Chops vies with Bone’s for top dog status in the steak and business game. For unbridled contemporary elegance, it's 103 West, while seafood takes center stage under the three story, 50 ton copper trout at The Atlanta Fish Market, a popular stop for media mogul Ted Turner.
For Italian, sample the Tuscan platters at Maggiano’s Little Italy. For the utmost in romance and new Southern, choose the patio at Horseradish Grill across from Chastain Park.
Peachtree Road offers an impressive stretch of bars, starting with Fado, an Irish-themed pub that serves up great stout amid regional decor. The most dignified spot for a drink in all Atlanta is the bar at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead. Stop by for a brandy if you want to drink in Buckhead but you like things quiet.
As the night heats up and you find yourself wanting something more lively, head to the M!X for tapas bites and a trendy atmosphere. Once you’ve got something in your stomach, end your night by mingling with the beautiful people at Eleven50.
Virginia-Highland
The hippest Highlands grub to be had is at Dish, a converted corner gas station offering a unique global menu, and the single-room, upscale Thai phenomenon, Surin of Thailand. Down the street, the casually-elegant La Tavola is tops for Italian, while Noche provides margaritas and chic Southwestern. Come early for Atlanta’s most popular weekend brunch at Murphy’s across the street, or sample their solid American dinner menu. The shack with the big covered porch next door is Taco Mac, a favorite for affordable Mexican, people watching and every beer known to modern man.
Where Highland meets Virginia Avenue, you’ll find Highland Tap hosting the young professional martini gang, while margaritas reign a few doors down at Noche. If you’re more in the mood for a cold pitcher, cross the street to Moe’s & Joe’s or stop by Neighbor’s for a bite and a seat on the Highlands' biggest patio. The Dark Horse Tavern is a crowded night spot; if you don’t like the crowd, head to the downstairs bar to hear a local band play.
Little Five Points
The restaurants of "L5P" keep pace with their surroundings, in energy and attitude. Walk through the enormous skull on Moreland Avenue and enter the Vortex Bar & Grill, a landmark famed as much for its oversized burgers as it is for the huge skull sculpture outside. For unique, unbeatable omelets and fanciful dinners, venture off the main drag to the Flying Biscuit. Lodged among the piercing parlors of Euclid Avenue, you’ll find Cuban sandwiches at La Fonda Latina and tastes from around the Caribbean at the Bridgetown Grill.
This eclectic corner boasts Atlanta’s most extreme nightly parade of alternative rockers and rebellious youth. Wear your nose ring when you visit the Vortex, one of L5P’s most visible and lasting landmarks. Across Moreland Avenue, remember your earplugs when diving into the Star Community Bar, where local bands drive young crowds wild. Nearby, the Brewhouse Cafe offers good brew and live international sports.
Euclid Avenue has another slew of options. Start with El Myr Burrito Lounge, and choose from over thirty brands of tequila. The Little Five Corner Tavern down the street has more drinks and food, on one of the best corners in the city. Finally, the Five Spot has more indie and eccentric performances, usually with no admission charge.
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