What’s the best time to visit Atlanta?
- Richard Blais
- Chef, Author
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6 days agoCaroline Patek answered the question:
Should visitors rent a car in Atlanta?
While Atlanta has a bus and train (MARTA) system, it's widely known that public transportation isn't used as much here as in other cities. Furthermore, walking is rare. While renting a car will certainly making getting around easier in Atlanta, visitors shouldn't feel it's necessary.
Calling a cab is a popular option, as well as requesting an Uber vehicle. If you're planning to go out for the night, cabs can be found waiting outside many of the popular bar areas throughout the city. -
On June 5Sarah Gleim answered the question:
Several new restaurants have recently opened in Atlanta that we're super excited about. Tastemaker Ford Fry launched his newest dining hot spot King + Duke in Buckhead in early May. The space is clean and contemporary, and includes a massive 24-foot hearth, open kitchen and large patio. The menu focuses on hearth-style cooking and includes dishes like wood-roasted chicken liver toast with onion marmalade; grilled beets and carrots, chermoula, Bulgarian feta and cress; and “the duke,” a burger with house-ground chuck and dry aged cuts, coal roasted onion and mushroom preserve.
In Decatur, MAR opens this weekend and will feature a menu of Spanish and Mexican fusion cuisine. Dishes like wood-roasted fish, lamb and steaks; coastal tacos and tostadas; ceviche; and oysters will pair with the restaurant's extensive tequila list and specialty cocktails (think mojitos, margaritas and micheladas).
Also back in Buckhead, Amura Buckhead Sushi opened in early April. The spacious restaurant has an expansive sushi bar, as well as a private dining space for seating up to 80 people. The menu features a variety of Japanese fare, including a mix of sushi dishes like the Chojang Yellowtail Chive Poppyseed Rayu and standbys like the spicy tuna roll and the California roll. The dinner menu includes a full selection of sushi, as well as variety of entrees like Waygu steak and Chilean sea bass.
Top Chef season 6 alum (and fan fave) Kevin Gillespie finally opened his restaurant Gunshow in East Atlanta’s Glenwood Park and it's his first executive chef position since he left Woodfire Grill late last year. The concept it totally new and Gillespie describes the experience as being similar to Brazilian churrascaria-style dining and Chinese dim sum — instead of ordering from a traditional menu, guests choose their dishes tableside from rolling carts and trays. This kind of service also encourages the casual and family-style experience Gillespie wants patrons to enjoy. The menu changes regularly, and weekly updates and specials are posted online every Sunday night so you’ll always be able to find out what’s available for the upcoming week. Dishes so far have included Southern favorites such as buttermilk dumplings and foraged mushrooms, Texas Hill Country-style smoked beef sausage and old-fashioned hot banana pudding. -
On June 5Sarah Gleim answered the question:
Several new restaurants have recently opened in Atlanta that we're super excited about. Tastemaker Ford Fry launched his newest dining hot spot King + Duke in Buckhead in early May. The space is clean and contemporary, and includes a massive 24-foot hearth, open kitchen and large patio. The menu focuses on hearth-style cooking and includes dishes like wood-roasted chicken liver toast with onion marmalade; grilled beets and carrots, chermoula, Bulgarian feta and cress; and “the duke,” a burger with house-ground chuck and dry aged cuts, coal roasted onion and mushroom preserve.
In Decatur, MAR opens this weekend and will feature a menu of Spanish and Mexican fusion cuisine. Dishes like wood-roasted fish, lamb and steaks; coastal tacos and tostadas; ceviche; and oysters will pair with the restaurant's extensive tequila list and specialty cocktails (think mojitos, margaritas and micheladas).
Also back in Buckhead, Amura Buckhead Sushi opened in early April. The spacious restaurant has an expansive sushi bar, as well as a private dining space for seating up to 80 people. The menu features a variety of Japanese fare, including a mix of sushi dishes like the Chojang Yellowtail Chive Poppyseed Rayu and standbys like the spicy tuna roll and the California roll. The dinner menu includes a full selection of sushi, as well as variety of entrees like Waygu steak and Chilean sea bass.
Top Chef season 6 alum (and fan fave) Kevin Gillespie finally opened his restaurant Gunshow in East Atlanta’s Glenwood Park and it's his first executive chef position since he left Woodfire Grill late last year. The concept it totally new and Gillespie describes the experience as being similar to Brazilian churrascaria-style dining and Chinese dim sum — instead of ordering from a traditional menu, guests choose their dishes tableside from rolling carts and trays. This kind of service also encourages the casual and family-style experience Gillespie wants patrons to enjoy. The menu changes regularly, and weekly updates and specials are posted online every Sunday night so you’ll always be able to find out what’s available for the upcoming week. Dishes so far have included Southern favorites such as buttermilk dumplings and foraged mushrooms, Texas Hill Country-style smoked beef sausage and old-fashioned hot banana pudding. -
On June 5Sarah Gleim answered the question:
Several new restaurants have recently opened in Atlanta that we're super excited about. Tastemaker Ford Fry launched his newest dining hot spot King + Duke in Buckhead in early May. The space is clean and contemporary, and includes a massive 24-foot hearth, open kitchen and large patio. The menu focuses on hearth-style cooking and includes dishes like wood-roasted chicken liver toast with onion marmalade; grilled beets and carrots, chermoula, Bulgarian feta and cress; and “the duke,” a burger with house-ground chuck and dry aged cuts, coal roasted onion and mushroom preserve.
In Decatur, MAR opens this weekend and will feature a menu of Spanish and Mexican fusion cuisine. Dishes like wood-roasted fish, lamb and steaks; coastal tacos and tostadas; ceviche; and oysters will pair with the restaurant's extensive tequila list and specialty cocktails (think mojitos, margaritas and micheladas).
Also back in Buckhead, Amura Buckhead Sushi opened in early April. The spacious restaurant has an expansive sushi bar, as well as a private dining space for seating up to 80 people. The menu features a variety of Japanese fare, including a mix of sushi dishes like the Chojang Yellowtail Chive Poppyseed Rayu and standbys like the spicy tuna roll and the California roll. The dinner menu includes a full selection of sushi, as well as variety of entrees like Waygu steak and Chilean sea bass.
Top Chef season 6 alum (and fan fave) Kevin Gillespie finally opened his restaurant Gunshow in East Atlanta’s Glenwood Park and it's his first executive chef position since he left Woodfire Grill late last year. The concept it totally new and Gillespie describes the experience as being similar to Brazilian churrascaria-style dining and Chinese dim sum — instead of ordering from a traditional menu, guests choose their dishes tableside from rolling carts and trays. This kind of service also encourages the casual and family-style experience Gillespie wants patrons to enjoy. The menu changes regularly, and weekly updates and specials are posted online every Sunday night so you’ll always be able to find out what’s available for the upcoming week. Dishes so far have included Southern favorites such as buttermilk dumplings and foraged mushrooms, Texas Hill Country-style smoked beef sausage and old-fashioned hot banana pudding. -
On June 3Amanda Arnold answered the question:
What are the best restaurants in Atlanta?
I'm going to second Ford Fry's Nuevo Laredo Cantina vote for best casual spot in Atlanta. The "salsa to end your search" declaration on the menu at this Mexican dive is accurate. You'll be addicted immediately — the chicken diablo, chicken enchiladas, lobster tacos and fajitas are delish. For something a bit trendier and dressier, my latest favorite is No. 246 (which, incidentally, is owned by Ford Fry) just outside Atlanta proper in downtown Decatur — a quaint area any visitor to the city should visit, and you can even get there via Marta. Everything tastes so good there — even the olive oil and bread they bring out as a starter. I recommend the spaghettini with Georgia shrimp, sugar snap peas, garlic and spinach, or the gnocchi with spicy pork meatballs, English peas, roasted mushrooms and garlic. Nearby Cakes & Ale is also a popular spot, with a seasonal gourmet menu that will surprise you with its simplicity and pure, delicious flavor. I still think about the oysters I sampled at this spot. And speaking of oysters, the Oyster Bar at Fry’s The Optimist on the Westside is a great spot to eat light on a wide selection of fresh oysters (the menu changes daily). I’m dying to try the key-lime push pop, too, next time I visit. -
On June 3Amanda Arnold answered the question:
What are the best restaurants in Atlanta?
I'm going to second Ford Fry's Nuevo Laredo Cantina vote for best casual spot in Atlanta. The "salsa to end your search" declaration on the menu at this Mexican dive is accurate. You'll be addicted immediately — the chicken diablo, chicken enchiladas, lobster tacos and fajitas are delish. For something a bit trendier and dressier, my latest favorite is No. 246 (which, incidentally, is owned by Ford Fry) just outside Atlanta proper in downtown Decatur — a quaint area any visitor to the city should visit, and you can even get there via Marta. Everything tastes so good there — even the olive oil and bread they bring out as a starter. I recommend the spaghettini with Georgia shrimp, sugar snap peas, garlic and spinach, or the gnocchi with spicy pork meatballs, English peas, roasted mushrooms and garlic. Nearby Cakes & Ale is also a popular spot, with a seasonal gourmet menu that will surprise you with its simplicity and pure, delicious flavor. I still think about the oysters I sampled at this spot. And speaking of oysters, the Oyster Bar at Fry’s The Optimist on the Westside is a great spot to eat light on a wide selection of fresh oysters (the menu changes daily). I’m dying to try the key-lime push pop, too, next time I visit. -
On June 3Amanda Arnold answered the question:
What are the best restaurants in Atlanta?
I'm going to second Ford Fry's Nuevo Laredo Cantina vote for best casual spot in Atlanta. The "salsa to end your search" declaration on the menu at this Mexican dive is accurate. You'll be addicted immediately — the chicken diablo, chicken enchiladas, lobster tacos and fajitas are delish. For something a bit trendier and dressier, my latest favorite is No. 246 (which, incidentally, is owned by Ford Fry) just outside Atlanta proper in downtown Decatur — a quaint area any visitor to the city should visit, and you can even get there via Marta. Everything tastes so good there — even the olive oil and bread they bring out as a starter. I recommend the spaghettini with Georgia shrimp, sugar snap peas, garlic and spinach, or the gnocchi with spicy pork meatballs, English peas, roasted mushrooms and garlic. Nearby Cakes and Ale is also a popular spot, with a seasonal gourmet menu that will surprise you with its simplicity and pure, delicious flavor. I still think about the oysters I sampled at this spot. And speaking of oysters, the Oyster Bar at Fry’s The Optimist on the Westside is a great spot to eat light on a wide selection of fresh oysters (the menu changes daily). I’m dying to try the key-lime push pop, too, next time I visit. -
On June 3Amanda Arnold answered the question:
What are the best restaurants in Atlanta?
I'm going to second Ford Fry's Nuevo Laredo Cantina vote for best casual spot in Atlanta. The "salsa to end your search" declaration on the menu at this Mexican dive is accurate. You'll be addicted immediately — the chicken diablo, chicken enchiladas, lobster tacos and fajitas are delish. For something a bit trendier and dressier, my latest favorite is No. 246 (which, incidentally, is owned by Ford Fry) just outside Atlanta proper in downtown Decatur — a quaint area any visitor to the city should visit, and you can even get there via Marta. Everything tastes so good there — even the olive oil and bread they bring out as a starter. I recommend the spaghettini with Georgia shrimp, sugar snap peas, garlic and spinach, or the gnocchi with spicy pork meatballs, English peas, roasted mushrooms and garlic. Nearby Cakes and Ale is also a popular spot, with a seasonal gourmet menu that will surprise you with its simplicity and pure, delicious flavor. I still think about the oysters I sampled at this spot. And speaking of oysters, the Oyster Bar at Fry’s The Optimist is a great spot to eat light on a wide selection of fresh oysters (the menu changes daily). I’m dying to try the key-lime push pop, too, next time I visit. -
On May 31Amanda Arnold answered the question:
What are the best restaurants in Atlanta?
I'm going to second Ford Fry's Nuevo Laredo Cantina vote for best casual spot in Atlanta. The "salsa to end your search" declaration on the menu at this Mexican dive is accurate. You'll be addicted immediately — the chicken diablo, chicken enchiladas, lobster tacos and fajitas are delish. For something a bit more trendy and dressy, my latest favorite is No. 246 (which, incidentally, is owned by Ford Fry) just outside Atlanta proper in downtown Decatur — a quaint area any visitor to the city should visit, and you can even get there via Marta. Everything tastes so good there — even the olive oil and bread they bring out as a starter. I recommend the spaghettini with Georgia shrimp, sugar snap peas, garlic and spinach, or the gnocchi with spicy pork meatballs, English peas, roasted mushrooms and garlic. Nearby Cakes and Ale is also a popular spot, with a seasonal gourmet menu that will surprise you with its simplicity and pure, delicious flavor. I still think about the oysters I sampled at this spot. And speaking of oysters, the Oyster Bar at Fry’s The Optimist is a great spot to eat light on a wide selection of fresh oysters (the menu changes daily). I’m dying to try the key-lime push pop, too, next time I visit. -
On May 31Kelley L. Carter answered the question:
Where can you get the best view in Atlanta?
You won't find a sexier view of downtown Altanta than from the rooftop of the Glenn Hotel.
To say that the rooftop bar is amazing is an understatement -- it's a see and be scene place without question. But the view is majestic. On a warm night in the thick of the summer, you can see much of what this southern, bustling metropolis has to offer. The view from this boutique hotel overlooks Centennial Olympic Park -- and on a good night, there's even free entertainment, considering that the park always has a great lineup of free summer concerts and the music wafts up into the Glenn's rooftop area. -
On May 31Kelley L. Carter answered the question:
Bowling, fantastic drinks and great food?
That's worth heading out to the suburbs for!
Soon, Marietta will be home to Brunswick's, which is being pegged as a new upscale bowling and entertainment center. It's opening this summer -- another location will also open in Norcross soon -- and should be a much needed place for adults to gather and let loose.
The cuisine is promising that this won't be typical bowling league fare; they also will plan to offer local craft beer (Sweetwater, Terrapin, Monday Night, Red Brick, Mother Earth and Lazy Magnolia), all housed in a 40,000-square-foot location.
When the Norcross location opens, it'll feature a lofted bar area that will be situated in the middle of the lanes, in addition to an outdoor patio.
Menu selections will include signature chicken & white bean chili, Vietnamese pork belly tacos and arugula and goat cheese salad. The cocktail menu features Bootlegger’s Choice with Crown Royal, Cointreau, cherry bitters and lemon juice.
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On May 31Kelley L. Carter answered the question:
What are the best sports bars in Atlanta?
If you're planning to watch the game in a group -- and of course you are! -- you want to head to a place like Dantanna's, that can handle almost any-size party with the greatest of ease. I love the downtown Buckhead location for a couple of reasons. If for any reason it's jam packed (but hey, it's a sports bar, you want your bar to be jam packed) there are planty of secondary options. And it right off the side of Lenox Mall, so you can shop until the crowd thins out! One of the best things about this upscale sports bar is that you can rent out private room for a Super Bowl party, NCAA watch party or a big baseball game, and it won't set you back too much. There's a mimimum $500 purchase price -- a couple of rounds of drinks and appetizers for 20 will easily get you there -- or you can take over the patio or perimeter of the bar on any given game day. The food is fantastic here and it's far better than typical sports bar fare: mussels, crab cakes and sesame steak skewers are on the menu.
At the Buckhead location, there's also a private cigar lounge, and they boast some of the best classic cocktails around town. (Be sure to check dark & stormys, gin gimlets and manhattan's on deck here.)
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On May 31Kelley L. Carter answered the question:
Which Atlanta restaurants are best for brunch?
One of the best places to lull about over a delicious brunch is South City Kitchen in Atlanta's midtown. Brunch starts here with cornbread muffins and biscuits and sweet apple butter spread. Then order the fried green tomatoes -- served with goat cheese and a delicious tomator sauce -- for your first course. The waitstaff here is to be trusted: they're open and honest about the best dishes on the menu -- I haven't been disappointed yet. That said, barring any seafood allergy, you absolutely can't go wrong with the crab cake hash -- it's served with fingerling potatoes, over-easy egg (though I get it cooked over hard), hollandaise sauce and tomato relish (ask for more on the side. Trust me.). Save half to take home, because the desserts are not to be missed, plus the South City Cosmo has the right amount of tang and sweetness to wash whatever you end up ordering here down. In the summertime, it tends to be a hotspot, so book a reservation, and plan to park here for a few hours. There's fantastic people watching, and it's not too far from midtown's bustling arts district, so there should be plenty of post-brunch entertainment abound.
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On May 31Kelley L. Carter answered the question:
Which Atlanta restaurants are best for brunch?
One of the best places to lull about over a delicious brunch is South City Kitchen in Atlanta's midtown. Brunch starts here with cornbread muffins and biscuits and sweet apple butter spread. Then order the fried green tomatoes -- served with goat cheese and a delicious tomator sauce -- for your first course. The waitstaff here is to be trusted: they're open and honest about the best dishes on the menu -- I haven't been disappointed yet. That said, barring any seafood allergy, you absolutely can't go wrong with the crab cake hash -- it's served with fingerling potatoes, over-easy egg (though I get it cooked over hard), hollandaise sauce and tomato relish (ask for more on the side. Trust me.). Save half to take home, because the desserts are not to be missed, plus the South City Cosmo has the right amount of tang and sweetness to wash whatever you end up ordering here down. In the summertime, it tends to be a hotspot, so book a reservation, and plan to park here for a few hours. There's fantastic people watching, and it's not too far from midtown's bustling arts district, so there should be plenty of post-brunch entertainment abound.
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On May 31Kelley L. Carter answered the question:
What are the best spas in Atlanta?
Depending on what you're looking for, you've got plenty of options for great spas in Atlanta. Because the summer season is upon us, we're all in search of a good waxer -- because those seem to be the mot difficult, albeit personal, spa services to identify. One fantastic place for waxing is Wax, owned by Myka Harris Barbato. What makes them great is how particular they are to detail, plus they do non-strip waxing here which is extremely difficult to find in Atlanta.
The estheticians here also impossibly thorough -- they use the kind of magnifying glass that diamond jewelers use to see if they missed any wayward hair. I've never seen this or experienced this at another salon; I challenge you to find that elsewhere!
You'll pay a bit more here than others, but the professionalism is well worth it. Brows start at $35 (eyebrow cleaning after initial visits are only $15 and tweezing is $20!) They also do tinting, eyelash extentions, bikini and brazilian waxes. Also neat is their Buff Bar. It's hard to get in to -- so you'll want to make an appointment -- but it'll be the experience your finger nails and toes have been craving. Pedicures happen in a stainless steel bowl -- no bacteria here! -- and they do gel pedicures here too!