From the hottest restaurants, bars and coffee shops to cool stores and hangout spots, we’re sharing some of the city’s best hot spots.
Krog Street Market
Along the BeltLine at Krog Street and Lake Avenue, Krog Street Market offers locals a hip gathering place that’s home to a west coast-style market, southern-style restaurants and a myriad of great retail. Staying true to the rich history of Inman Park, Krog Street Market has stunning visual elements such as exposed bricks and steel trusses, soaring ceilings, and clerestory glass windows that flood the building with natural light. It’s also home to popular “Tex-Mex” spot Superica, where you’ll find live music on weekends.
99 Krog St NE
Highland Bakery
What began as a wholesale bakery in 1910 has now blossomed into a neighborhood staple with tasty favorites like peanut butter french toast and crab cakes benedict for breakfast and albacore tuna salad and corned beef for lunch. You can’t leave without grabbing a coffee and a few pastries to go.
655 Highland Ave NE
Edgewood Bar District
What was once a neglected area of O4W has transformed into one of the city’s trendiest bar and restaurant districts. Today, the district is home to some of Atlanta’s favorite nighttime haunts, including Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room, Circa, Noni’s and Sound Table, which was recognized as one of Food & Wine magazine’s top 50 bars in the U.S.
Staplehouse
Arguably one of the best restaurants in the city, Staplehouse serves up classic American dishes with a side of heart: after the restaurant’s original founder and chef, Ryan Hidinger, passed away, his wife Jen had restaurant proceeds benefit restaurant workers through local non-profit The Giving Kitchen.
541 Edgewood Avenue SE
Old Fourth Distillery
O4D owners Craig and Jeff Moore are used to making their signature brands of bourbon, vodka and gin, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, they quickly pivoted to produce hand sanitizer for frontline workers. Luckily for O4D fans, their original lineup of liquors are always for sale and there’s plenty of cocktail recipes to follow on their website until tours are back up and running.
487 Edgewood Avenue
Modern Mystic
Warm, positive vibes will welcome you into this light-filled Ponce City Market shop focusing on ritual tools like crystals, candles, tarot cards and apothecary items all crafted by female makers. Owner Kelley Knight also offers palm, tarot or psychic readings as well as in-depth spiritual sessions.
675 Ponce de Leon Ave
Dtox
We admire this boutique juice bar’s commitment to sourcing organic produce from local Georgia farmers just as much as we love their selection of signature juices, nutrient rich smoothies, organic bowls and customized salads. If you’re a first time juicer, ask their knowledgeable staff to recommend some samples.
3850 Roswell Rd
Storico Fresco Alimentari
What started as a small pasta-making operation soon graduated into chef Michael Patrick’s well-loved Italian restaurant known for its cacio e pepe and locally sourced meats. Their retail market is fully stocked with oils, tuna and dried pasta imported straight from Italy, as well as prepared meals and sauces to be enjoyed in your own kitchen.
3167 Peachtree Rd.
Henri’s Bakery & Deli
Known for his passion for creating gourmet baked goods and attention to detail, French-born chef Henri Fiscus opened eponymous Henri’s Bakery on the corner of 10th and Peachtree Street in 1929. Since then, the local bakery and deli has expanded to three locations across the city, all the while maintaining their high-quality standards for sweets and sandwiches that locals have come to love.
56 East Andrews Dr. NW
Le Petit Marche
Established in 2008, Le Petit Marche is a local staple for gourmet market and cafe goods, serving up delicious pastries, goodies, hot breakfasts and lunchtime sandwiches daily. Locals can’t get enough of the store’s flavorsome menu options (which include vegetarian choices), as well as the restaurant’s quaint, homey vibe.
1984 Hosea L Williams Dr
Sun in my Belly
A diner with an outdoor patio in the heart of Kirkwood, this is perfect for patrons who can’t resist a good breakfast or brunch, with simple yet delicious offerings in a relaxed cafe setting. The cafe also has a small dinner menu and catering options for those who just can’t resist having a belly full of sunshine.
2161 College Ave NE
The Pullman
The industrial-chic Pullman restaurant serves up tasty American cuisine alongside a selection of local beers on tap. The perfect watering hole for friends and family to gather for a night out, the restaurant is best known for its tasty ribs and wings.
1992 Hosea L Williams Dr
Fox Theatre
The historic Fox Theatre is the jewel of the Fox Theatre Historic District, showcasing more than 150 performances annually that range from Broadway classics to rock and comedy shows. Located on the city’s beloved Peachtree Street, it’s a local landmark that dates back almost 100 years and has continuously awed visitors with its grand ballrooms and outstanding performances.
660 Peachtree Street NE
Westside Provisions District
Home to some of the city’s best chef-driven restaurants, dedicated shop owners and more, the Westside Provisions District is a mixed-use destination that brings together the best of what Atlanta has to offer.
1170 Howell Mill Rd
Casa Almenara
One of the highest-rated restaurants in Midtown, Casa Almenara is known for its tapas-style menu that brings Atlantans together for a delectable fusion of global cuisine and Southern-style accents. Patrons will also have the ability to add their own flair to their dishes with an “instant infusions” option that’s made right at their table.
991 Piedmont Ave
Goat Farm Arts Center
A hidden gem in West Midtown, the Goat Farm Arts Center might make an unassuming first impression, but this 10-acre historic property is one of the city’s most creative hubs. Known for its art exhibits, dance competitions, film screenings, music and theatre performances, workshops and more, this 19th-century venue hosts more than 150 exhibitions and performances annually.
1200 Foster St NW
High Museum of Art
A leading art museum in the Southeast, the High Museum of Art is where you’ll find a collection of over 11,000 historical and contemporary art pieces, and stages that showcase the architecture of Richard Meier and Renzo Piano.
1280 Peachtree St
JCT Kitchen
The first Ford Fry restaurant in Atlanta occupies a busy corner of Westside Provisions, making it an ideal spot to grab some comfort food (think fried chicken, shrimp & grits and tomato soup) after a successful shopping trip. Visit later to take in live music evenings on the rooftop patio over a glass of prosecco.
1198 Howell Mill Rd
The Optimist
This southern-inspired seafood spot is almost two distinct restaurants in one, divided by a nautical blue and white striped curtain. On one side chef Ford Fry’s traditional dining room serves up hushpuppies and peel-and-eat Georgia shrimp, while an oyster bar on the other side features a revolving selection of oysters from the coast to be enjoyed on the open-air patio with some Fish House Punch.
914 Howell Mill Rd.
Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall
The most perfect patio on the BeltLine belongs to Ladybird, a mess hall that was built for lingering over their crowd-favorite Patio Punch or a cold local brew. Be sure to come with an appetite so that you can sample favorites from the campfire cooking menu, like pimento crab dip trail snacks and the smoked whole chicken.
684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave
Revolution Doughnuts & Coffee
Pay a visit to this family-owned-and-operated business to bite into the best doughnuts in town (just be sure to go early, as there’s usually a lineup around the block). Revolution Doughnuts is proud to make sweet treats from scratch using locally-sourced organic flour, dairy and fruit. Vegetarian and egg-free options are also available.
745 Edgewood Ave NE
BeetleCat
If you want to feel like you’re dining near a beach, then pay a visit to BeetleCat. This renowned Ford Fry restaurant has a laid-back yet trendy vibe and features custom drinks and a globally-inspired seafood menu that’s broken down into five sections: oysters, crudo, snacks, fish and meat. Be sure to give their lobster roll a try — this delicious dish was recently awarded the title of ‘Best in the World’ by Down East magazine.
299 North Highland Ave NE
Melrose & McQueen Salon
If you’ve ever wanted to spend time hanging out at a hair salon, it’s probably because you’ve been to Melrose & McQueen. This uber-cool space has a hip retro vibe with vintage pieces that elevate your styling experience. And of course, the salon’s talented staff are dedicated to giving you a hairstyle that’ll have you eagerly awaiting your next appointment.
337 Elizabeth St NE
BoccaLupo
Taking its name from the Italian expression meaning “into the wolf’s mouth,” BoccaLupo specializes in handmade and extruded pasta dishes with an attention to what’s in season. Their casual restaurant vibe, talented bar team and delicious dishes make this restaurant a local favorite.
753 Edgewood Ave NE
The Beacon
A growing lifestyle destination along the BeltLine’s southside trail, The Beacon brings together some of the city’s best new retail, food and fitness experiences. Immediately recognizable by its 60-foot “B” tower, the $30 million dollar shopping and recreation district takes a cue from other mixed-use developments for an inspired urban living experience that satisfies every need.
1039 Grant St SE Suite 100
Grant Park
With miles of walking and jogging paths and public pools, tennis courts, playgrounds and fishing ponds, Grant Park is a true oasis in the city for nature and recreation lovers. The 130-acre park is also home to some of the city’s cutest (and furriest) residents, as Zoo Atlanta can also be found within Grant Park.
Hodgepodge Coffee House & Gallery
There’s a lot to love about Hodgepodge, from their extensive coffee and espresso menu, to their delicious baked goods or the cool atmosphere that’s perfect for doing some light reading or work. But Hodgepodge is more than your average cup of joe: the coffee house also serves as an art gallery with pieces for sale and an art show every month.
720 Moreland Ave SE
Octopus Bar
Self-described as a mix between local eatery and punk-rock fine dining, the Octopus Bar is a late-night known for their graffiti-covered walls and rotating menu of Asian and European eats. And while the bar doesn’t open until 10:30pm, chefs Angus Brown and Nhan Le’s delectable food is definitely worth staying up late for.
560 Gresham Ave SE
Gaja Korean Bar
Tucked into a parking lot off Flat Shoals Avenue in the East Atlanta Village — and distinguished only by its vivid green door — is where you’ll find Gaja, a hip restaurant that serves up authentic Korean dishes as well as a variety of Korean beers and cocktails that use Korean soju.
491 Flat Shoals Ave SE
The Earl
As any regular will tell you, The Earl is a community staple (having opened back in 1999) and one of the best neighborhood bars and live music venues. Enjoy a cold one and mouth-watering shoestring fries while watching great local talent perform.
488 Flat Shoals Ave SE
Images courtesy of: Modern Mystic (Modern Mystic); Atlanta Eater (Staplehouse); Event Up (Old Fourth Distillery); Pinterest (WPort); Atlanta Magazine (Storico); What Now Atlanta (Henri’s Bakery, Dtox); Wedding Spot (Sun in my Belly); Pinterest (Petit Marche); Zomato (Pullman); Atlanta Magazine (Goat Farm); The Culture Trip (High Art Museum); Wedding Spot (JCT Kitchen); Open Table (The Optimist); Curbed (The Beacon); Atlanta.Net (Grant Park); Atlanta Eater (Hodgepodge Coffee); Atlanta Magazine (Octopus Bar); USA Restaurants (Gaja); Pinterest (The Earl).