Atlanta
Swan House
Atlanta, Georgia played an important role in both the Civil War and the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. Atlanta History Center chronicles the city's past, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is dedicated to the leader’s life and times. Downtown, Centennial Olympic Park, built for the 1996 Olympics, encompasses the massive Georgia Aquarium. Here is our city guide to Atlanta.
STAY
THE GLENN HOTEL The Glenn building—which was built in 1923—sat vacant in one of downtown Atlanta’s most vibrant districts until the Legacy Property Group initiated a major remodel in the early 2000s and turned the building into one of the city’s first (and still one of its only) boutique hotels. The rooms are spacious, many with views of Centennial park, and in addition to a great restaurant and cozy living room bar for casual drinks, there’s a rooftop bar that gets a big crowd on weekends. 110 Marietta St., Downtown; marriott.com/en-us/hotels/atlak-glenn-hotel
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL ATLANTA Located in Midtown, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta weds an idyllic location with luxurious accommodations. Just around the corner from Piedmont Park and the High Museum of Art, this hotel puts guests at the center of the city, while offering elegant rooms and suites with striking views and a light, airy palette. Drinks at Bar Margot are a must, as is a decadent treatment at the property's on-site spa. 75 14th Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309; fourseasons.com/atlanta
ST. REGIS ATLANTA The St. Regis in Atlanta is situated in Buckhead with a grand lobby and a soaring ceiling, crystal chandelier, impressive, winding staircases—with a tea room, meeting spaces, restaurant, and bar spinning off of it. Their 40,000-square foot “Pool Piazza” is flanked by inviting red-and-white striped lounge chairs—and transformed into an ice skating rink for a few months of winter fun. 88 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Buckhead; marriott.com/en-us/hotels/atlxr
STONEHURST PLACE BED & BREAKFAST A stone’s throw from the Fox Theatre in Midtown, Stonehurst is a restored, 19th-century residence with six guestrooms. Rooms are surprisingly modern, done up in a neutral palette; some feature a working fireplace. The main wraparound porch is a highlight, particularly scenic given the Stonehurst’s perch on a tree-lined block, and the homemade pastries at breakfast are worth indulging in seconds. 923 Piedmont Ave., Midtown; stonehurstplace.com
THE RITZ-CARLTON ATLANTA Situated in Buckhead opposite Lenox Square, in close proximity to much of the city’s high-end shopping and fancier restaurants, this Ritz has a classic, grand lobby with gilded-frame paintings and dark wood. Upstairs, the guest rooms are light-filled and modern with mahogany floors, custom cabinetry, a walk-in shower and marble vanity. A wellness level, on the 9th floor, features decadent treatments like a honey and rose facial and a lavender body wrap. A rooftop, glass-encased Olympic-sized swimming pool is a great place to unwind in cooler months. 3434 Peachtree Rd., Buckhead; ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/atlrz-the-ritz-carlton-atlanta
THE WALDORF ASTORIA BUCKHEAD Formerly a Rosewood, and then a Mandarin Oriental before Waldorf Asortia bought the historic property in 2018. For those interested in proximity to terrific shopping and on-site wellness features, The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead is the place to stay. Located near Phipps Plaza, Lenox Square, and The Shops at Buckhead, these elegant accommodations are close to the neighborhood's buzzing fashion district. Additionally, the property touts a luxurious spa, a yoga studio, a sauna and steam room, and personal concierges for guests. 3376 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326; hilton.com/en/hotels/atlwawa-waldorf-astoria-atlanta-buckhead
THE WHITLEY HOTEL One of Buckhead's most charming properties, The Whitley blends traditional southern grandeur with cosmopolitan style. The hotel features elegant guest rooms and spacious suites, many with sweeping skyline views and all with sophisticated details like marble bathroom counters, high ceilings, and 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens by Frette. Guests can enjoy signature relaxation treatments from the award-winning Whitley Spa, and discover the innovative southern-style menu at Trade Root Restaurant & Lounge. 3434 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326; marriott.com/en-us/hotels/atllu-the-whitley
THE GEORGIAN HOTEL This glamorous Beaux-Arts property in the bustling heart of Midtown is one of the most iconic hotels in Atlanta. The historic accommodations, which opened in 1911, sit just across from the Fox Theater and feature sleek furnishings in standard rooms, luxury rooms, suites, and penthouse suites. Guests can enjoy a rooftop pool and fitness center along with multiple restaurants and a speakeasy serving up cocktails. 659 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308; thegeorgianterrace.com
LOEWS ATLANTA HOTEL Loews Atlanta Hotel is set against the backdrop of energetic Midtown, so there is always somewhere nearby to explore. Guests can easily walk to the likes of Piedmont Park, the Beltline, Fox Theatre, and High Museum, and then return to spacious, modern rooms or suites. The award-winning Exhale Spa offers signature treatments and the property's restaurant, Saltwood, specializes in small plates and elegantly curated charcuterie boards. 1065 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA, 30309; loewshotels.com/atlanta
HOTEL CLERMONT This hotel came roaring back to life with eclectic guest rooms and a rooftop bar in 2018 after sitting vacant for years. 789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE; hotelclermont.com
THE BELLYARD Part of the Interlock, a work-meets-play property, the hotel’s design subtly pays tribute to the stockyards and railroads that once made up the landscape of the neighborhood (look up at the ceiling in the lobby restaurant Drawbar and see lighting in beams reminiscent of railroad tracks). 1 Interlock Ave NW; marriott.com
KIMPTON SYLVAN In Buckhead, the Kimpton Sylvan is a one-stop-shop for those seeking an oasis with a courtyard bar in Willow, a well-appointed pool, and St. Julep on the roof for drinks with a view. 374 East Paces Ferry Rd NE; thesylvanhotel.com
CANDLER HOTEL Built by Asa Griggs Candler of Coca-Cola in 1906—offers glamour in spades in its marble and crystal-accented lobby. 127 Peachtree St NE; hilton.com
DRINK
KALE ME CRAZY The original location is in Inman Park, but now you can find this healthy cafe with salads, wraps, smoothies, juices, and acai bowls throughout the city. Perfect for when you need a break from heavy Southern food! kalemecrazy.net
THE ARGOSY A stylish gastropub with over thirty of the best selections from small craft breweries in Europe and stateside. Accordingly, the enormous, beer-hall-style space is lined with long tables and benches, including a lengthy bar that spans the wall across from a few cozy seating areas. 470 Flat Shoals Ave., East Atlanta; argosy-east.com
NORTHSIDE TAVERN The great thing about this certified dive bar on the West side (which has been open for more than forty years) is that they have live music seven nights a week. They specialize in blues and roots music, and any Atlanta music geek you ask will verify that they get some of the best acts in the city. Try to catch a Wednesday night, when Mudcat is on rotation—front man Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck is an important fixture in the town’s music scene, and worth the trek across town. 1058 Howell Mill Rd., Home Park; northsidetavern.co
SMITH’S OLDE BAR This is one of Atlanta’s oldest bars, complete with the neon signs and pool tables in the back. They have a pretty consistent lineup of live music, and it’s reliably rowdy (in a cozy, divey kind of way) on weekend nights. It’s also the place to be if you happen to be in town during an Alabama football game. 1578 Piedmont Ave., Piedmont Heights; sobatl.com
DTOX This sweet little juice bar, now three locations strong, first opened back in 2014 with a commitment to sourcing organic produce from local Georgia farmers and wholesalers. In addition to the requisite juices, smoothies, and elixirs, they have a small selection of solid food, including acai bowls, nori rolls, soups, and salads. Hard-core cleansers might want to try their pre-packaged juice cleanses and meal plans, served in their signature glass bottles. Buckhead Ct. 3850, Roswell Rd., Buckhead; dtoxjuice.com
BRASH COFFEE Brash Coffee is an Atlanta-based specialty roaster focused on serving high-quality, single-origin coffees. brashcoffee.com
THE OPTIMIST This seafood restaurant has a surprisingly fun, inventive cocktail program. theoptimistrestaurant.com
BAR MARGOT The highlight of Atlanta’s Four Seasons is the delightful Bar Margot. As the name suggests, the cocktail menu here is a real draw; house specialties include the Lady Victoria, a lemon-fresh vodka-rosemary concoction, plus a local-beer program. The restaurant does lunch and dinner with a number of snackable, shareable items on each menu (e.g. crab toast, burrata with pistachio butter, deviled eggs) in addition to their more substantial plates (lobster roll at lunch, lobster thermidor or chicken mattone at dinner). After midnight, they have a short-lived but appropriately satisfying late-night menu—think fried chicken sandwiches and house burgers dressed with charred onions. 75 14th St. NE, Midtown; barmargotatl.com
LEON’S FULL SERVICE So there are the cocktails (great), but then there are the snacks: cheese, "pub frites," and bacon in a glass. You can pretty much stay all day. The shaded patio is undeniably pleasant, and the open garage door (a big trend in Atlanta) makes it airy and bright. 131 E. Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur; leonsfullservice.com
BARCELONA WINE BAR We were sold on this place already for its patio—complete with a fire pit—and, fortunately, the food is fantastic, too. The cozy outdoor space here will make you want to cuddle up with a glass of rioja and order enough tapas to stick around for a while. While we like to go at night (aforementioned fire), we hear the brunch (there’s a bloody mary bar and sangria) is just as great. 240 N. Highland Ave., Inman Park; https://barcelonawinebar.com/location/inmanpark/
VICTORIAN + BELLWOOD COFFEE Bringing together a greenhouse aesthetic and coffee shop in an old house in East Atlanta Village. 1336 Glenwood Ave SE; bellwoodcoffee.com
PERC A Savannah-based roastery serves up creative coffee drinks and house-made Pop Tarts in a minimalist yet cheerful space with pink and blue accents. perccoffee.com
LUCIAN BOOKS & WINE Designed by Seiber, the bookshelves are stocked with design and food-centric books chosen by co-owner Katie Barringer, while a bistro table is an ideal spot to flip through the wine menu overseen by co-owner and sommelier Jordan Smelt. If you just ordered a glass of champagne and an order of french fries it would still be perfect.
DINE
BACCHANALIA Star Provisions is one of our favorite places to shop in Atlanta: There's really good home and kitchen goods, takeout counters (the peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich is a hit), plus all sorts of prepared and packaged foods. Bacchanalia, accessible through the back of the store, is one of Atlanta's best restaurants. It's the perfect solution if you're looking for a sit-down meal: The bar is gigantic and deep, where you can feast on items like crab fritters and celery root ravioli a la carte. Otherwise, it’s a five-course prix-fixe situation. 1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd., Knight Park; starprovisions.com/bacchanalia
UMI
Umi serves the city’s most celebrated sushi in a sleek, modern room in tony Buckhead. To get the full experience, have the omakase. And the desserts are not to be missed—the green tea soufflé is a standout. The reservations-only lounge Himitsu (designed by Tom Dixon) is an amazing space, offering sochu, cocktails, wine, and an extensive sake selection. Two Buckhead Plaza, 3050 Peachtree Rd Suite #1; umiatlanta.com
ATLAS Inside the St Regis, Southern-inspired Atlas, whose menu is overseen by Aria’s Chef Jerry Klaskala, and directed by Executive Chef Christopher Grossman, who cut his teeth at the French Laundry. What’s great about Atlas, beyond the food, is their art collection: be it Matisse, Modigliani, Picasso, or works by local SCAD Atlanta students gracing the walls, it all adds beautifully to the experience. 88 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Buckhead; atlasrestaurant.com
PONCE CITY MARKET Located in the former Sears, Roebuck & Co building, Ponce City Market has flats and small apartments on the upper floors, and one of the city’s biggest food halls on the lower floors. Tenants run the gamut from a coffee bar, farmstand, and ice cream shop to full-fledged restaurants, and the entire operation is across the street from the generous green space of Fourth Ward Park and steps from the Beltline. 675 Ponce De Leon Ave., Poncey-Highland; poncecitymarket.com
KROG STREET MARKET A smaller version of Ponce City Market, Krog Street is filled with tiny purveyors selling everything from flowers, baked goods, and chocolate to ice cream, bbq, and locally brewed beer. The entire operation is located just off the Beltline. 99 Krog St., Inman Park; thekrogdistrict.com
STAR PROVISIONS In the same building as Bacchanalia, Star Provisions is Chef Anne Quatrano’s specialty food market. There’s a counter where you can order coffee, baked goods, and specialty sandwiches to eat on the spot, but this place really shines as a specialty foods purveyor. Anne stocks house-cured charcuterie and aged meats in an enormous freezer, and gets fresh seafood delivered every day. You’ll find us near the cheese case, where there’s a selection of imports from all over the world (plus enormously knowledgeable staffers to help you sort through them all). 1198 Howell Mill Rd., Blandtown; starprovisions.com
CACAO INMAN PARK Cacao founder Kristen Hard is a bit of a local hero—she opened her shop after taking a sabbatical from her law studies to travel (including working as a chef on a yacht). Hard is one of the only “bean-to-bar” producers in the region, which means she sources the beans herself, then roasts and shells them in-house. The result is ridiculously complex chocolate that you can really only get in Atlanta. 299 N. Highland Ave., Inman Park; cacaoatlanta.com
SOUPER JENNY The menu here changes every day based on what’s in season (Jenny sources all her produce locally), and you’ll always find plenty of soups—warm in the winter, and chilled in the summer. The entire operation skews healthy, at there's never a time where you won't find both a gluten-free and vegan soup on the menu. souperjennyatl.com
BREAD & BUTTERFLY A charming Parisian bistro with the best omelet in town. 290 Elizabeth St NE F; bread-and-butterfly.com
HOME GROWN Reynoldstown’s new old-school breakfast joint. 968 Memorial Dr SE; homegrownga.com
BUSY BEE CAFE The classic Southern meat-and-three, open since 1947. 810 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW; thebusybeecafe.com
KIMBALL HOUSE
Housed in an old Decatur train depot built in 1891, Kimball House is a wise Southern restaurant with little pretense. The menu changes seasonally and features produce from the eatery’s on-site vegetable garden. People come back for the extensive raw bar, where the oyster list includes varieties from all over the South and West Coast. It also has a much-lauded cocktail program that highlights traditionally prepared absinthe, run by local bartending celebrity Miles Macquarrie. Make sure to order the onion rings! 303 E Howard Ave, Decatur; kimball-house.com
TICONDEROGA CLUB
Located at the back of the popular Krog Street Market, this quirky, intimate cocktail bar is named after a fort built by French colonialists in northern New York. For lunch, it offers only a spiedie sandwich. Dinner is an interesting mix: Fish sticks, a vegan noodle bowl, and pork confit all share space on the menu. The cocktails here are the focus; they use throwback ingredients and are prepared by two of Atlanta’s best veteran bartenders. Sit in the captain’s chair, order the Bitter Southerner #2, and take it all in. 99 Krog St NE; ticonderogaclub.com
THE ARGOSY
This East Atlanta gem is the rare big bar that works. The attention to detail is apparent with everything it does—from the dark, intricate decor to the long and detailed beer list the place is known for. Sit upstairs if you are looking for some privacy, or head to the back room (Brigantine Beer Parlor and Recreation Hall) for a round of Skee-Ball. 470 Flat Shoals Ave SE; argosy-east.com
STAPLEHOUSE
Staplehouse has gained lots of national attention of late. The boundary-pushing restaurant in the Old Fourth Ward offers a tasting menu as well as à la carte dishes. It manages to feel like a casual neighborhood place, but the food is healthy, vegetable-driven, and very creative. It also employs an interesting new system where diners can pay in advance for the fixed-price dinner. 541 Edgewood Ave SE; staplehouse.com
APT 4B Home to the largest vinyl collection in the city, Apt 4B is an eclectic and hip Caribbean-style restaurant with an inventive menu and a lively bar. Open for both brunch and dinner, reservations can be made online or via phone. 2293 Peachtree Road; apt4batl.com
BONES Open since 1979, Bones is a Buckhead institution serving up Southern heritage cuisine like legendary steak, seafood, and locally-inspired dishes. Reservations are recommended but not required, and can be made online or via phone. The restaurant's extensive wine list and intimate setting makes it ideal for a dinner date. Address: 3130 Piedmont Road NE; bonesrestaurant.com
COMMUNITY Q Community Q serves delicious barbecue in a classic southern, low-key environment (think checkered tablecloths and stools at long wooden tables). Guests can dine in (no reservations available) or call ahead for pick-up orders and catering. 1361 Clairmont Road, Decatur; communityqbbq.com
FOX BROS BAR-B-Q Baked beans, smoked brisket, pulled pork, and Brunswick stew are just a few of the classic Texas-style items on the menu at Fox Bros, a classic Atlanta barbecue joint that began with two Texans throwing gatherings in their backyard. Fox Bros menu items are available at the Terrapin Taproom at Fox Bros. Que-Osk. Address: 1238 Dekalb Avenue NE; foxbrosbbq.com
GIRL DIVER ATLANTA Rooted in Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese cuisine, Girl Diver fuses pan-Asian flavors with cajun classics. Guests can pair wine, beer, and craft cocktails with the innovative seafood-driven menu. 955 Memorial Drive SE, Suite 510; girldiveratlanta.com
MAJESTIC DINER Every city needs a good down-home diner, and this Poncey-Highland joint has been serving up "food that pleases" since 1929. Considered an Atlanta landmark, Majestic Diner in the perfect spot for a classic and casual diner-style breakfast or lunch. 1031 Ponce de Leon Avenue; majesticdiner.com
MANUEL’S TAVERN Considered a quintessential neighborhood bar of Poncey-Highland, this old-school tavern is where journalists, politicians, and "just about anyone else you can imagine" gather for drinks and pub-style eats. 602 North Highland Avenue NE; manuelstavern.com
MILLER UNION Housed in a spacious refurbished warehouse, Miller Union offers a seasonal, farmstead-inspired menu in a rustic yet modern setting with porch seating available. A dynamic wine list complements the chef's simple, refined approach to cooking, with an emphasis on Southern history. 999 Brady Avenue NW; millerunion.com
OK YAKI With a newly opened brick-and-mortar location in East Atlanta, Ok Yaki serves up delicious Okonomiyaki and other regional dishes inspired by Osaka street food. The restaurant is currently BYOB and offers seating on a full-service heated patio. 714 Moreland Avenue SE, Suite D; okyakiatl.com
STAPLEHOUSE MARKET Staplehouse Market, formerly a full-service dining experience, now offers convenient counter service and cozy spaces for guests to enjoy their food on a covered, heated patio, or in the garden next to a fire. The menu features southern-inspired dishes, charcuterie, sweets, meal kits, pantry items, coffee, cocktails, and more. This lively neighborhood market does not take reservations, but guests can order ahead online. 541 Edgewood Avenue. SE; staplehouse.com
GUNSHOW If you don’t know what to expect, Gunshow might just be the most surprising dining experience in Atlanta. Here, there’s no such thing as ordering from a menu; plates of food come out of the kitchen as soon as they’re ready, then get carted around to diners, dim-sum style. Rather than stick to a set repertoire, chef/owner Kevin Gillespie and his team get together weekly to brainstorm and divvy up a menu of dishes they’re into at the moment. There’s no affiliation to any one style or cuisine, so you might get braised beef short ribs one day, and Mexican-style peanut-crusted snapper the next. The challenge is not getting attached to any one dish—odds are, you won’t see it again the next time you come back. Also of note: The bustling open kitchen is within eyeshot of almost every table. 924 Garrett St; gunshowatl.com
ARIA Aria has been around for fifteen-plus years, but its beautiful 2016 revamp by Atlanta firm Seiber Design has generated a lot of renewed interest. As ever, this is a white-tablecloth restaurant; there were a few bright oak tabletops added to the upstairs dining room, which is flanked by a leather banquette. 490 East Paces Ferry Rd NE; aria-atl.com
BEETLECAT Nautically themed, super-chic Beetlecat has a turquoise-seated bright oyster bar on the first level, and upstairs, a fun, 1970s vibe, complete with wood paneling and old-school leather couches. Prepare for a crowd and order the lobster roll. 299 N. Highland Ave., Inman Park; beetlecatatl.com
BOCCALUPO BoccaLupo is an Inman Park Italian restaurant by Atlanta native chef Bruce Logue, who previously worked under goop-favorite Mario Batali at Babbo in NYC. The pasta—from the daily risotto to pan-fried shells, twenty-yolk tagliatelle with wild mushrooms, and black spaghetti with hot sausage and red shrimp—is expertly done. For good-weather days, there’s casual porch seating that extends the interior’s slightly industrial feel with roll-up, glass garage doors. (Note that the restaurant is closed on Sunday and Monday.) 753 Edgewood Ave., Inman Park; boccalupoatl.com
NAM PHUONG Nestled in a strip mall on Buford Highway, Nam Phuong is a major local favorite for authentic Vietnamese food. Everything on the—huge—menu is fresh and well-prepared, but we’re partial to their specialty, the Ba Vi: a make-your-own-summer-rolls platter that comes with shrimp balls, grilled pork, and beef with a slew of veggies and sauces and rice-paper rolls (which you dip into a specialty holder before rolling, for stickiness). Kids love it. 4051 Buford Hwy., Brookhaven; namphuongga.com
CAFE SUNFLOWER If you’re looking for amazing vegan and vegetarian food in Atlanta, look no further than Cafe Sunflower’s bright, unpretentious Peachtree Road location: The menu offers vegetarian takes on everything from pan-fried dumplings to lasagna to enchiladas. Their brunch menu includes fried “chicken” seitan waffles topped with mustard maple syrup and vegan whipped cream, pretty much guaranteeing any non-vegans present won’t have any gripes. Plus, in addition to their wine selection, there’s a rotating craft-beer menu. 2140 Peachtree Rd., Buckhead; cafesunflower.com
THE COLONNADE The Colonnade is a total Atlanta fixture at this point—it made national news when the restaurant started taking credit cards for the first time in its nearly 100-year history back in 2014. An old building off a busy-ish thoroughfare, the décor’s nothing to write home about, but this is hands-down the place to come for great, old-school fried chicken. 1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd., Morningside-Lenox Park; thecolonnadeatlanta.com
HOLEMAN & FINCH When Holeman & Finch first opened, you could only order their famous burgers (which most people say are the best in Atlanta) after 10pm, and you had to be quick about it—only twenty-four were served each evening. In response to overwhelming demand, the chef finally made them a regular menu fixture a few years ago. The burgers and the rest of their pub-inspired menu are best experienced from the cozy bar at the back of the space. 2277 Peachtree Rd., Buckhead; holeman-finch.com
THE IBERIAN PIG Occupying a cozy, wood-lined space right on the main square and Decatur, the Iberian Pig’s Spanish-inspired menu is neatly divided into cheese, charcuterie, and tapas, with a wine list that leans heavily on Spain, Chile, and Argentina to match. While they do the classics really well, we love their fusion dishes, like the pork-cheek tacos and their extra-flavorful macaroni-and-cheese with charcuterie. 121 Sycamore St., Decatur; iberianpig.com
SUN IN MY BELLY Sun in My Belly, a catering company that also operates a brunch/dinner café out of the Kirkwood neighborhood, specializes in exactly the kind of dishes you’d hope from the name: “The Hangover” features a housemade biscuit with cheddar cheese, sausage, fried egg, avocado, potatoes, plus sriracha. The MLT sandwich is mozzarella with basil pesto on country bread. There’s tuna nicoise salad and fried chicken with mac ‘n’ cheese and collard greens—and so on. 2161 College Ave., Kirkwood; suninmybelly.com
LE BILBOQUET An outpost of the longstanding uptown NYC French bistro,Le Bilboquet is inside the retail center sometimes referred to here as The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. Come for the classics—moules-frites, beef tartare—served inside a bright dining room, and outside, on Le Bilboquet’s sidewalk patio, designed after a Parisian café. 3027 Bolling Way, Buckhead; lebilboquetatlanta.com
LE FAT The appeal of Le Fat, announced by a hanging neon sign on its exterior, has a lot to do with atmosphere. Taking cues from French colonial design, Le Fat is divided into two elegantly cool rooms: one a soft green hue, the walls illustrated with delicate magnolia trees. The bar in here feels like it could have been transported from a more tropical destination, a notion that goes hand in hand with Le Fat’s signature, summery cocktail list. Run by chef and Atlanta restaurateur Guy Wong, the Vietnamese-billed menu leans on Cantonese flavors, too. Come for date night (bonus: at a reasonable price). 935 Marietta St., West Midtown; lefatatl.com
ST. CECILIA The first thing you’ll love about St. Cecilia is the décor: The restaurant is set in a lofty three-story space with tall ceilings and wide windows, with a lengthy (and stunning) marble bar that spans the length of the room. Behind the bar, liquor bottles, wine, books, and artfully placed knick-knacks are stacked library-style on tall, mirror-backed shelves, which have the effect of making the entire space seem even larger than it is. The menu skews coastal European with French and Mediterranean influences; star dishes include wood-grilled octopus, cacio e pepe, and a whole-roasted branzino. 3455 Peachtree Rd., Buckhead; stceciliaatl.com
MARCEL Named for the vivacious French boxing champion Marcel Cerdan, Ford Fry’s take on a classic French brasserie has all the trappings: luxe red banquettes, white-tablecloth-ed booth seating, and a dramatically lit bar. The menu focuses on meticulously sourced, heavy-hitting steaks; in fact, Marcel is the only steakhouse in the city that exclusively serves hormone-free beef. A meal like this comes with a price tag to match, so we like it best for special occasions—or just stop by for a glass of wine and an order of frites, best enjoyed near the patio fireplace. 1170 Howell Mill Rd., Home Park; marcelatl.com
SOTTO SOTTO An Inman Park staple since 1999, this is the kind of classic Italian restaurant every neighborhood should have. The wine menu is Italian through-and-through, and their most famous dish is actually a dessert: a Belgian-chocolate soup. For the main course, opt for the pastas and risottos, each of which can be ordered in a half-size so you don’t have to pick between favorites. 313 N. Highland Ave., Inman Park; sottosottoatl.com
RIA’S BLUEBIRD Ria Pell, the original owner of this cozy neighborhood breakfast joint, was something of a local hero—not only for her insanely good pancakes, but for the diverse, welcoming community she created at the diner. When she suddenly passed away a few years ago, ownership of the restaurant transferred to long-time manager Julie Pender, who operates the place in honor of Pell’s memory, serving her famous pancake recipe unchanged. Lines can get long here on Saturday and Sunday mornings, but the wait is more than worth it. 421 Memorial Dr., Grant Park; riasbluebird.com
SUPERICA This is one of those places that immediately transports you somewhere else: in the case, Austin, Texas. In addition to the endless patio outside, there's a stage for live music inside, and the décor is wonderfully Texan, with a big star behind the bar and a classic longhorn mount. If you're there for drinks, get the guacamole, queso, and a Vampire Weekend, their house horchata cocktail. They also have a location in Cabbagetown. superica.com
STORICO FRESCO ALIMENTARI Come here for a cacio e pepe that rivals anything you’d get in Italian trattoria. It probably has something to do with the fact that chef Michael Patrick not only makes all his own pasta but he also sources his own meat from local farms and grows his own herbs. Those adept in the kitchen will be happy to know that many of the ingredients—the olive oil, the tuna, the dried pasta from a factory south of Naples, as well as meats and cheeses—are for sale in their adjacent storefront. Take note: Wooden tables and bare walls mean it gets noisy pretty fast. 3167 Peachtree Rd. NE, Buckhead; storicofresco.com
TALAT MARKET Tucked into a barebones diner in Candler Park, Talat Market is not-so-quietly serving up some of the best Thai south of the Mason Dixon line. (A James Beard nomination doesn’t hurt, either.) Every Friday afternoon, Chef Parnass Lim Savang snaps an Instagram of the menu, and people line-up around the block to add their name to a list posted on the door just as the restaurant opens at 6. Regulars will grab a six-pack or bottle of wine next door at Candler Market and hang out on the sidewalk. Inside, chef serves up his take on "Georgian Thai"—recreating traditional dishes from his childhood using ingredients from local farms like Woodland Gardens or Review Farms. Dishes change regularly, but often include crispy seafood pancakes, a five spice tofu stew, or red curry beef. Everything is meant to be shared. For dessert, don’t pass up the vanilla ice cream sandwich made with sweet sticky rice, which is as crazy good as it sounds. 1660 McLendon Ave. NE, Candler Park; talatmarketatl.com
WAFFLE HOUSE Always there when you need it, 24 hours a day. wafflehouse.com/atlanta
R. THOMAS DELUX GRILLE A late-night spot serving burgers. 1812 Peachtree St NE
ART | CULTURE | ACTIVITIES
HIGH MUSEUM OF ART This striking white building at the center of Midtown is widely considered the leading art museum of the southeast. The museum boasts a permanent collection of over 18,000 pieces—both classic and contemporary—from European, African, and American artists. 1280 Peachtree Street NE; high.org
SWAN HOUSE The Edward Inman "Swan" House is a mansion in Atlanta, Georgia. It was designed by Philip T. Shutze and built in 1928 for Edward and Emily Inman. The house is currently part of the Atlanta History Center, and it has been featured in The Hunger Games; 30 W Paces Ferry Rd NW; atlantahistorycenter.com
MARGARET MITCHELL HOUSE MUSEUM The Margaret Mitchell House is a historic house museum located in Atlanta, Georgia. The structure was the home of author Margaret Mitchell of Gone With The Wind fame in the early 20th century. 979 Crescent Ave NE; atlantahistorycenter.com
THE BELTLINE The original idea for the Beltline came from a student who wrote a paper on how to develop the old railroad tracks that encircle much of the city. Expected to span 33 miles when it’s finally complete, the Beltline is the long-awaited green space Atlanta needed. The pathway features parks, great views, public art, and vast areas to run or cycle. It also connects some of the city’s best neighborhoods—Ansley Park, Virginia Highlands, Midtown, Inman Park, and the Old Fourth Ward. If you need a break, head to King of Pops for an Arnold Palmer Popsicle. beltline.org
ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN Atlanta may be a bustling urban metropolis, but it's also home to a stunning horticultural sanctuary. At the center of the city since 1976, the Atlanta Botanical Garden features stunning plant collections across 30 acres of outdoor gardens, an award-winning Children's Garden, a striking Skyline Garden, and more. 1345 Piedmont Avenue; atlantabg.org
ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER Across 33 acres of stunning Goizueta Gardens and four historic houses, the Atlanta History Center is full of both permanent and rotating exhibits devoted to Atlanta's storied past. History buffs will delight at Kenan Research Center's extensive collection of primary resources, and over 10 exhibits delve deep into everything from the Civil War to Native communities to the experience of Black citizenship in the age of Jim Crow. 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta; atlantahistorycenter.com
GEORGIA AQUARIUM Touted as the largest aquarium in the western hemisphere, the Georgia Aquarium is home to a multitude of aquatic animals—everything from alligators to beluga whales and, most recently, several species of sharks. From various educational programs (both on-site and online), live events and shows, and impressive research and conservation efforts, this aquarium is a must-see for any Atlanta itinerary. 225 Baker Street NW; georgiaaquarium.org
PIEDMONT PARK Miles of trails span the verdant 211 acres of Piedmont Park, a beloved greenspace roughly one mile northeast of downtown Atlanta. The park hosts annual celebrations like the Atlanta Dogwood Festival and Atlanta Pride, and is a popular spot for runners, bikers, walkers, and athletes. Dogs are welcome, too, in the off-leash dog park. 1320 Monroe Drive NE; piedmontpark.org
THE CENTER FOR CIVIL & HUMAN RIGHTS Opened in 2014, this museum and human rights organization preserves the crucial historical events of the Civil Rights Movement through iconic exhibitions, artifacts, stories, and educational programs—both virtual and on-site. Highlights include the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection and rotating temporary exhibits at the Georgia Pacific Gallery Plaza. 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard; civilandhumanrights.org
THE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CENTER FOR NONVIOLENT CHANGE Atlanta visitors can take self-guided tours through this beautiful memorial that pays homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is here that Dr. King lays to rest alongside his wife in an elegant Georgia-marble crypt, honoring the couple's southern roots. The Center also includes Dr. King's birth home, the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Freedom Hall. 449 Auburn Avenue NE; thekingcenter.org
ARABIA MOUNTAIN
This quiet, serene mountain is just 30 minutes from downtown. You can use the 30-mile self-guided biking trail, but the waterfalls, granite, and panoramic views are the real attraction. In April, the rare diamorpha plant turns crimson red before producing pure white flowers, blanketing the mountain’s shallow pools. arabiaalliance.org
ATLANTA PRESERVATION CENTER To really get a sense of the city’s architecture, take a tour through neighborhoods like historic Downtown, Inman Park, and Druid Hills. 327 St Paul Ave SE; preservationatlanta.com
MUSEUM OF DESIGN ATLANTA This museum highlights the future of design through its exhibits. 1315 Peachtree St NE; museumofdesign.org
ATLANTA CONTEMPORARY Located in West Midtown, with exhibition and project spaces as well as a gift shop curated with goods from mainly women artists and makers in the southeast. 535 Means St NW; atlantacontemporary.org
SHOP
SID MASHBURN
Sid and Ann Mashburn are a husband-and-wife team with stores right next to each other in the Westside Provisions District that have both been instrumental in defining modern Southern style. Sid does classic tailoring (not too Italian, not too American), and everything is stylish without being fussy. He bases his clothes on his closet, not on trends. The music at the shop is always on point (Big Star, CAN, Townes Van Zandt), and the attentive, friendly staff is quick to offer you a drink—Coca-Cola, beer, or bourbon. Ann (who got her start as an assistant to Vogue’s Polly Mellen) has created a chic, preppy, timeless counterpart. It’s the best of everything in one place. shopmashburn.com
LITTLE BARN APOTHECARY What began as co-founders Joshua Morgan and Brad Scoggins’s at-home experimentation with botanicals is now a full-blown line of organic, non-toxic products, which you can find at the Atlanta-based Little Barn Apothecary + Co. shop. 1170 Howell Mill Rd., Home Park; littlebarnapothecary.com
W.PORT Located right next to the clothing store Peoples—where you can find a highly-curated selection of brands like Stella McCartney, Derek Lam, and Chloé—w.port is a small edit of goop-favorites like Demylee, Ulla, and Vince. It’s a great place to look for both wardrobe staples (like Mother jeans, cashmere sweaters, and chunky knits) and also cocktail dresses and handcrafted jewelry. 3232 Roswell Rd., Buckhead
SIMPLY PUT At this boutique stationery store in Atlanta’s White Provisions district, you’ll find everything you’d expect to find in a store curated by designers and painters who are obsessed with typography, paper, and letterpress. While you can work with them to design personalized invitations and paper goods, they have an amazing (and varied) selection of gift cards and stationery along with Simply Put’s own custom line of goods. And, while you’re at it, you can peruse their gift selection, which includes Taschen books, hand-crafted decanters, candles, and soaps. 1170 Howell Mill Rd., Home Park; simplyputpaper.com
SEED FACTORY Don’t let the industrial name fool you—Seed Factory is a warm, super-cute kid’s clothing store, where you can find everything from well-priced baby basics like high chairs and bibs to Oeuf selections for children up to eight years old. You’ll also find an array of books, crafts, and simple wooden toys. It’s the perfect place to shop, both for utility and thoughtful baby gifts. 1100 Howell Mill Rd. NW, Home Park; seedfactoryatlanta.com
BILLY REID Billy Reid is a distinctly Southern designer, seamlessly working traditionally preppy elements (pastels, seersucker, lots of khaki and linen) into elegant, streamlined, and sometimes vintage-inspired silhouettes. In addition to his second Atlanta location in Buckhead, he’s got shops across the country, including one in Charleston and two in New York—his White Provisions shop is everything you’d expect. 1170 Howell Mill Rd., Home Park; billyreid.com
ATLANTIC STATION With over 30 stores and more than 20 restaurants, Atlantic Station is the perfect place to shop, dine, and catch a film or go bowling in the heart of Atlanta. A free MARTA shuttle and ample parking options (including free two-hour parking on the deck) make the expansive shopping center especially convenient. 380 Atlantic Drive NW; atlanticstation.com
BUCKHEAD VILLAGE DISTRICT This design-forward community district blends high-end shopping with dynamic culinary experiences, art installations, gathering spaces, events, and more. 3035 Peachtree Road NE; buckheadvillagedistrict.com
LENOX SQUARE The oldest shopping mall in the southeast, Lenox Square is easily recognized by its striking two-story glass facade in the heart of Buckhead. Shoppers in search of luxury stores—both world-renowned designers and local boutiques—will delight at the impressive array of options Lenox offers, in addition to a wide variety of restaurants. 3393 Peachtree Road NE; simon.com/mall/lenox-square
LABELS RESALE BOUTIQUE The best place for vintage shopping in Atlanta! 3208 Paces Ferry Place NW; labelsrb.com
LITTLE FIVE POINTS While Little Five Points is more of a bohemian-chic neighborhood than a shopping center, it's home to dozens of eclectic stores that are some of the coolest, quirkiest shops in the entire city. Can't-miss stops include The Clothing Warehouse, Psycho Sisters, Junkman's Daughter. littlefivepoints.net
PHIPPS PLAZA At the intersection of Peachtree and Lenox roads, this upscale plaza is one of Atlanta's premier shopping destinations. The center boasts over 100 iconic luxury brands, plenty of varying dining options, a 14-screen AMC movie theatre, and the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. 3500 Peachtree Road NE; simon.com/mall/phipps-plaza
TULIPANO Those in search of chic clothing, shoes, accessories, and jewelry will want to spend time browsing the racks at Tulipano. With an emphasis on elegant, seasonal pieces, Tulipano is fittingly located in the heart of Buckhead. 3145 Peachtree Road, Suite 185; shoptulipano.com
VIDEODROME
Videodrome is an Atlanta institution. It’s a classic video rental store that features a wide selection of obscure and independent flicks on DVD or Blu-Ray. Netflix is obviously convenient, but seeing movies that were handpicked by the cinephile staff is a nice alternative to doing four years of film school. videodromeatl.com
SPA
AVIARY Aviary offers haircuts, massage, and waxing, but we like it best for the facials. Founder Amy Bransford uses a whole slew of goop-favorite products (Coola, Drunk Elephant), and the space features plenty of exposed brick and a gorgeous wooden wall installation. It’s worth it to spring for the microdermabrasion treatment. 659 Auburn Ave., Old Fourth Ward; aviarybeauty.com
LEIGH MALLIS Leigh teaches both Kundalini and Vinyasa yoga classes, both in private and at a few different yoga studios in Atlanta—you’ll find her at Yoga Samadhi a few times a week, plus Highland Yoga and Exhale Spa on Thursdays. For those who want to dig a little deeper, she also offers teacher trainings. leighmallis.com
NOUVELLE NAIL SPA Nouvelle is our go-to nail place in Atlanta, in part because of the dreamy interior, which has exposed brick walls and a great little bar for manicures. You can add aromatherapy to any of their treatments for optimal relaxation, and they also do great nail art on request. 1011 Marietta St. NW, Midtown; nouvellenailspa.com
STELLAR BODIES Owned by two ridiculously fit local trainers, Jeff Toney and Amy Selig, the workouts here are based on the Lagree Method, a pilates-based practice that uses a combination of cardio and strength training to get the posture and lengthening benefits of the former along with the calorie-burn and metabolism boost of the latter. Everything happens on a Megaformer, and since the room can only hold a few of them, the classes have the added benefit of always feeling super intimate and personalized. stellarbodiesatl.com
SUGARCOAT NAIL SPA Sugarcoat gets bonus points for their interiors, which are high-ceilinged and airy, with color-coordinated polish walls and poppy glass bulbs hung sculpturally from the ceiling. We also love their intense commitment to keeping everything clean—each new client gets a kit of nail files buffers, toe separators, and pumice stones to keep, as those products are never used on two different clients. They also have specially designed porcelain sinks with fresh running water, so bacteria from soaking tubs is never recirculated from one client to the next, and you never have to worry about the ick-factor that comes with regular soaking tubs. sugarcoatbeauty.com
WESTCOAST MARKET Trainer Tammy Stokes (who moved to Atlanta from LA) is all about full-body training, so you can expect her workouts to use medicine balls, free weights, and a custom-designed bench that she uses for core training. Tammy also does cleanses and nutrition support, for people who want a more holistic weight-loss program. 107 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Buckhead; westsidemarket.com