Dining

Downtown
Downtown’s place to see and be seen is Mumbo Jumbo, a high energy contemporary American joint with a trendy late-night lounge. Another high-end favorite with local celebs is City Grill, which puts out fancy renderings of old Southern classics. For business tete-atetes, 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 wheeled out greasy dogs and chili burgers to rave reviews.

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 Italian list.

A bit kinder on the pocketbook but rich in local tradition is Mary Mac’s Tea Room, favorite of local favorite 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.

Buckhead
Buckhead packs more tables per square foot than anywhere else, featuring 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-andbusiness 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, or head to Lenox Square for French at Brasserie Le Coze. For the utmost in romance and new Southern, choose the patio at Horseradish Grill across from Chastain Park.

Virginia-Highland
The hippest Highlands grub is to be had at Dish, a converted corner gas station offering a unique global menu, and the singleroom, 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.

Little Five Points
The restaurants of “L5P” keep a pace with their surroundings, in energy and attitude. Walk through the enormous skull on Moreland Avenue and enter the Vortex, a landmark famed as much for its oversized burgers as for the oversized cranium outside. For unique, unbeatable omelets and fanciful dinners, venture off the main drag to the Flying Biscuit Cafe. Lodged among the piercing parlors of Euclid Avenue, you’ll find bayou fare at Baker’s Cajun Cafe, Cuban sandwiches at La Fonda Latina, and tastes from around the Caribbean at Bridgetown Grill.

Bars & Nightlife

Downtown
The downtown club scene matches the restaurant scene, with chic, if limited options. Check out the spectacular views at the rotating Sun Dial bar atop the Westin. Try the lounge at Mumbo Jumbo for flash and celebrity-spotting, or the downstairs pub at Dailey’s for oaken charm and good cigars.

Midtown
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. Around the corner, the Crescent Room and Innuendo do their best send-ups of the velvet-cordoned New York rave scene. Darts and ale prevail at the Prince of Wales overlooking Piedmont Park. For a walk on Midtown’s wild side, swing by Backstreet, a high-intensity club where gay and straight (and the occasional drag queen) mingle late.

Buckhead
Buckhead reigns uncontested as the epicenter of fast nightlife in Atlanta. Although establishments like the Havana Club and Otto’s cater to an older, more reserved crowd, the majority of clubs are the stomping grounds of the city’s 20- and 30-somethings.

Peachtree Road offers an impressive stretch, starting with Fado, an Irish-themed pub that serves up great stout amid decor about as understated as a 40-foot leprechaun. A few doors down you’ll find Plush, Buckhead’s answer to rave rage, but if retro is more your thing, don your bell bottoms at Have A Nice Day Cafe, where disco defies death four nights a week. 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.

Virginia-Highland
A more casual and eclectic flock finds its way to this neighborhood. 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.

Little Five Points
This eclectic corner boasts Atlanta’s most extreme nightly parade of alternative rockers and rebellious youth. Bring 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 your best chance for some quiet conversation and sensible brew.