Where should I eat in Atlanta?

August 13, 2007 9:22 AM

I'll be in Atlanta this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Where should I eat?

I'm open to any style of food, but I'd like to eat something (but not exclusively things) that is very "Atlanta-ey", and I'd like to avoid Mexican and Tex-Mex (because I am from TX and eat that all the time). Where should I eat? The most I want to spend on a lunch entree is maybe $15, the most I want to spend on a dinner entree is maybe $25.

posted by 23skidoo to food & drink (27 comments total)

Waffle House?
posted by jozxyqk at 9:32 AM on August 13, 2007

It's not fancy chow, but theVarsity is an Atlanta tradition, and they serve a darned fine chili dog.
posted by Oriole Adams at 9:34 AM on August 13, 2007

The Varsity is a must-see destination. The onion rings are the best.
posted by Alison at 9:34 AM on August 13, 2007

i haven't been to atlanta in quite some time, but when i did go, eating was always one of my favorite things to do there. they have so many amazing places to eat.

a few off the top of my head:

agnus and muriel's: http://mominthekitchen.com/

fuel pizza

fat matt's rib shack and daddy d's were always fun for a night of messy, delicious ribs.

and for breakfast, my favorite is the flying biscuit: http://flyingbiscuit.com/

now im starving. thanks ;)
posted by hummercash at 9:34 AM on August 13, 2007

The Flying Biscuit has brunch style food and is very reasonably priced. It's a short walk from the midtown station.

Mary Mac's Tearoom is where I took my expat southerner mother for a dose of good home cooked southern style food. It's a long walk from anywhere.

Six Feet Under has great fish and bar foods. It's a short walk from the MLK Jr. station.
posted by 1f2frfbf at 9:36 AM on August 13, 2007

I'm sure people will chime in with more "local flavor" type stuff, but I love eating at The Vortex when I'm in the mood for a great burger (try the Coronary Bypass!). Also, if you're a beer person, they have a lot of the local brews.
I'm told that Magic Fingers is supposed to be THE place for sushi, though I think it might be out of your price range (I haven't been myself). I personally love Sushi Rock Cafe up in Buckhead. I can't get enough of their beef sashimi (sorry, I can't find a website for them, though google returns some reviews).
Eats is a homey type place where you'll get meat and two veg for around seven dollars. (Again, I don't know of a website).
Oh! And if you like ribs, you MUST eat at Fat Matt's. They are simply incredible.
posted by solotoro at 9:37 AM on August 13, 2007

Some of my favorite Atlanta places to eat:

Fatt Matt's Rib Shack
Canoe, out in Vinings
Waffle House

There are also the "Buckhead Life" places - Buckhead Diner, Chops, Fish Market, 103 West, and so on. Plenty of ethnic places, too, depending on what you're after. Where in ATL will you be?
posted by jquinby at 9:38 AM on August 13, 2007

Oh my, I forgotabout and will second The Vortex. Best burger ever.
posted by jquinby at 9:39 AM on August 13, 2007

The Atlanta Fish Market is fantastic. Second on Fat Matt's. MF is great. I think the real thing in Atlanta to get is soul food - and for that you should try one of the many places along Peachtree or close to the center of downtown.
posted by arimathea at 9:42 AM on August 13, 2007

Seconding The Flying Biscuit.

I love Cafe Intermezzo (One location in Dunwoody, next to Perimeter Mall; the other in Brookwood). Their food is delicious and they have a bajillion desserts to try, if you're into that sort of thing. I am.
posted by odi.et.amo at 9:49 AM on August 13, 2007

Go to the Flying Biscuit but only if you LOVE BISCUITS. The rest of the menu is really muddy -- uneven cooking, uninspired ingredients. For a great breakfast, try the Crescent Moon (in Decatur) or Thumbs Up Cafe (on Edgewood). Another good Decatur restaurant is the Brick Store Pub - huge beer list and really good fish and chips as well as burgers and pub food (plus a couple of good salads). I love love love Shorty's Pizza -- one location at LaVista and N. Druid Hills Rds, and another in Tucker on Lawrenceville Highway. Lovely brick-oven pizza, plus some surprising apps, like guacamole and flatbread.
posted by mdiskin at 10:00 AM on August 13, 2007

Also, if you're in the mood for tapas and such, check out Eclipse Di Luna on Miami Circle. Great lunch deals, and it's a quite out-of-the-way little spot at the end of designer's row.

Up along Buford Hwy, you can find some wonderful Asian places.
posted by jquinby at 10:07 AM on August 13, 2007

Have a “Luther Burger” at Mulligan’s in Decatur.
posted by breaks the guidelines? at 10:08 AM on August 13, 2007

R. Thomas Deluxe Grill is one of my favorite places.

Einstein's

TWO Urban Licks

Brick Store Pub, also awesome, Agnes and Muriel's, also awesome. J Christopher's is a local chain breakfast place that we love (my college roommate babysat his kids!).

If you are of the liberal persuasion and you want a beer, Manuel's Tavern is not to be missed.
posted by Medieval Maven at 10:10 AM on August 13, 2007

There is a restaurant at the top of the Peachtree Plaza Hotel -- I believe it's the Sundial Restaurant. It revolves. It's high up in the middle of downtown Atlanta. On a clear day, you're supposed to be able to see Stone Mountain.

I have no idea how the food is, but does it matter? their web site. A very sweet boy, and his parents, took me there for a date when I was about 9 years old (I know that was off topic, but it adds color).

Also: if you're feeling adventurous, you can just drive up Buford Highway, inside the perimeter, and find an interesting Korean/Chinese/Whatever restaurant. And a Korean/Mexican (I think) flea market.
posted by amtho at 10:24 AM on August 13, 2007

Nth-ing the varsity. Be sure and take some time there to soak it all in. Great Place!! Thumbs up on Edgewood for breakfast is a must. Enoteca Carbonara, just down from the Fox (on Peachtree) is a BIG MUST for dinner!! Amazing food and wine in a cozy atmosphere. Agave is a fabulous tex/mex gourmet kind of place. South City Kitchen is abother good choice. There are just so many great resturants here. Some Great suggestions listed above. You really can't go wrong with any of them. Be sure and bring your fat pants!! Have fun!
posted by pearlybob at 10:42 AM on August 13, 2007

Oh, and if you're up for a little drive to the perimeter, the Dekalb Farmer's Market is a life-changing experience.
posted by 1f2frfbf at 11:10 AM on August 13, 2007

Thirding the Vortex. Great burgers, and any place that has servers who wear t-shirts that read "Give Me A Reason To Kick Your Ass Out" is OK in my book. Plus their single-malt scotch selection is impressive.

And for late-night fun, I like The Earl and the disturbing, seamy pulchritude of The Clermont Lounge*.

*Don't say I didn't warn you.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 11:35 AM on August 13, 2007

Rathbuns & the Krog Bar.

Star Provisions. Sweet jesus, their mackeral sandwich is gooooood.

Canoe. Great wine list, and riverside seating.
posted by Haruspex at 12:43 PM on August 13, 2007

I’m going to pop back in and add some commentary on other people’s suggestions:

• I love Fat Matt’s, but I heard they recently got a 60 on their health code inspections.
• Canoe and Eclipse Di Luna will probably approach the limits of your budget.
• The Vortex has the best burgers in Atlanta, period. Order one with a side of fried zucchini.
• The Flying Biscuit was recently bought out by Raving Brands, owners of the lowest-common-denominator fast food chains Moe’s, Shane’s, and Doc Green’s. Their food was much better in the past.
• R. Thomas features really unique vegan/vegetarian/raw meals. Great place for weekend brunch. (A couple of other popular favourites for brunch are Ria’s Bluebird and Stone Soup Kitchen, both of which are near Oakland Cemetery.)
• Six Feet Under is also near Oakland Cemetery. If you're pining for authentic cajun food, this isn’t it, but it’s probably as close as you’ll find in the area.
• Manuel’s and The Earl are both decent pubs with decent food. I’d also add The Flatiron to this list.
• MF Sushi is top-quallity sushi at a reasonable price (for sushi,) and is one of the few sushi restaurants in Atlanta that hasn’t really gone “fusion.” It might push the limits of your budget.

posted by breaks the guidelines? at 12:44 PM on August 13, 2007

being in Atlanta could mean many things. if you dont' have unlimited time and a driver you should probably specify where you will be staying so you don't end up getting advised to go clear accross town for breakfast lunch and dinner.
posted by Megafly at 12:52 PM on August 13, 2007

Pricci's is immaculate.
posted by Aedoes at 1:29 PM on August 13, 2007

I went to the Sun Dial recently (last month) for a media dinner and was happy to see that their menu was immensely improved -- it's now seasonal and under the watch of a very competent chef. The view is spectacular if you can stand heights, and there's an internal elevator if you can't handle the external glass one.

Feast in Decatur (across from the old Depot/RR tracks) has a special on... Tuesday nights? 4 wines for $10, with an appetizer. You can order, more, of course, but their entrees also come in two sizes -- so if you have less to spend, you can get a smaller portion.

Ria's Bluebird has IMO the best pancakes in town, and I love their sweet potatos, mashed and fried on the grill. The sugars caramelize.... very good.

Went to Trois the other night -- great bar, but had a pretty awful dining experience. Go for a drink but nothing else.

Sala Sabor in Virginia-Highlands changed their menu recently and everything I tried was fantastic. But it's upscale authentic Mexican, so you may want to skip it.
posted by mdiskin at 1:48 PM on August 13, 2007

Ann's Snack Bar was voted the best burger in the country.
posted by Frank Grimes at 6:22 PM on August 13, 2007

Fourthing the Varsity. Nothing like eating a burger and onion rings while sitting at a school desk watching ESPN on the bigscreen.
posted by MaHaGoN at 9:49 PM on August 13, 2007

Look. No offense, but all the other suggestions are complete crap.

You should eat every meal while you're there at the Corner Pub in Decatur. You can take the eastbound MARTA and get off at the Avondale station.

Every. Single. Meal.
posted by Pants! at 9:33 AM on August 14, 2007

Atlanta's a huge city, and very spread out. Where you should eat depends on what part of the city you're in.

But that being said, here's a list of great spots:

I must vouch for the Varsity, if for no other reason than it's as Atlanta as you can get. Bonus points if you order in jargon. I always get 2 red steaks, a frosted orange, and order of rings. (Best onion rings in the nation. Seriously.) Their food is standard very greasy fast food, FYI, with a few unique menu items. Try the frosted orange (Kind of a milkshake blend of orange soda and soft-serve ice cream. Very good, you WILL get an ice cream headache) and, again, onion rings.

For breakfast, try the White House on Peachtree, just south of Buckhead, or the Star Cafe on Chattahoochee Industrial. (No good way to get to the Star Cafe other than a car)

Best pizza in Atlanta (Debatable, I know) is Mama Niki's off Howell Mill, which, incidently, isn't too far by car from the Star Cafe.

Lunch is also the Star Cafe, great meat-and-two and very Southern.

Visit Virginia-Highlands and Little Five Points for local flavor, and try the food there. None of it is bad.

Zesto's is another good local fast food joint, the best one is right off of Ponce de Leon (pronounced 'Ponce duh Lee-on'), but there's one in Little Five as well. The Vortex folks are raving about is in Little Five. Good shopping there, too. They've got great chili dogs.

Late night, there are three places I can't live without: The aforementioned R. Thomas, for funky vibes and people-watching.

Bamboo Luau, off Piedmont, for Chinese and tropical drinks 'til 3am.

The Majestic Diner, on Ponce, is an all-night staple. Typical diner food, on the greasy side. Try a slice of apple pie warmed up on the grill with a slice of cheese on top. No fooling.
posted by greenman at 11:17 AM on August 16, 2007