BEST CHEAP EATS

EATS

THE LOWDOWN: This slightly dive-y joint fills the belly with great-tasting, large-portioned, build-your-own pasta plates, jerk chicken, lemon-pepper chicken and turkey meatloaf at low prices. Budget-minders love the grub, but hate the shortage of parking, so plan ahead when you go. Hey, at least the walk back to your car will burn off some of those heavy-hitting carbs.
THE BASICS: 600 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE. 404-888-9149. www.eatsonponce.net.
THE RUNNER-UP: Doc Chey’s

BEST FAST FOOD JOINT

Chick-fil-A

THE LOWDOWN: Known for serving up quality food, as well as giving back with corporate philanthropy, this Atlanta-based chain has been an area favorite since the first Chick-fil-A opened in 1967 at Greenbriar Mall. Fried Chick-fil-a sandwiches and the chicken nuggets are perennial bestsellers, but the restaurant keeps its menu fresh with new offerings, like breakfast bagels and milkshakes in a variety of flavors.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations. www.chick-fil-a.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: The Varsity

BEST BURRITO

Willy’s

THE LOWDOWN: With its 16 area locations (many offering prime patio space), Willy’s has a veritable monopoly on Atlanta burrito real estate. Luckily for us, the tasty Mexican fare leaves plenty of room on the check for ice-cold $4.50 margaritas. Salud!
THE BASICS: 16 area locations. www.willysmexicangrill.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Chipotle

BEST FRIED CHICKEN

Watershed

THE LOWDOWN: There’s just something that tastes better about chicken that hasn’t been pumped full of steroids and bulked up to Schwarzenegger proportions on its way to its new home under a fast-food heating lamp. Chef Scott Peacock’s “Famous Southern Fried Chicken” is a weekly ritual for many folks, who rush to this Decatur mainstay early every Tuesday before the delicacy, served with tasty green beans and mashed potatoes, runs out.
THE BASICS: 406 East Ponce de Leon Ave.. 404-378-4900. www.watershedrestaurant.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: KFC

Spark St. Jude
What’ll ya have at the Varsity? (Sorry, the Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders aren’t on the menu.)

BEST HOT DOG

The Varsity

THE LOWDOWN: Customers at this bustling restaurant know the right answer to the staff’s constant shouts of “What’ll ya have?” is hot dogs—with chili, slaw or nothing at all—accompanied by fries or onion rings and a Frosted Orange. Those looking for an old-fashioned, all-American experience can pull up to the drive-in area and have their orders brought out by a genuine carhop.
THE BASICS: 61 North Ave.. 404-881-1706. Additional locations in Alpharetta, Athens, Norcross and Kennesaw. www.thevarsity.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Turner Field

BEST BURGER

The Vortex Bar and Grill

THE LOWDOWN: Either location of the Vortex is a prime destination due to the fun décor and youthful, energetic atmosphere. But all that means nothing if the food doesn’t work, and the Vortex’s burgers, from the plain ol’ burger to the Ragin’ Cajun, the Great Big Jerk, the Spanish Fly, the Elvis and the Black & Blue, more than deliver the goods. And for the pros, there’s the Coronary Bypass—topped with a fried egg, three slices of American cheese, four slices of bacon and a big ol’ side of mayo. Damn.
THE BASICS: 438 Moreland Ave. 404-688-1828; 878 Peachtree St. 404-875-1667. HYPERLINK www.thevortexbarandgrill.com www.thevortexbarandgrill.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Five Guys

BEST PIZZA

Everybody’s Pizza

THE LOWDOWN: This pizzeria, a favorite among the students, faculty and staff of Emory University, was established in 1971 and has been turning out particularly good pies ever since. Made from scratch, the pizzas feature classic toppings like pepperoni, sausage and mushrooms, but customers also like the fire-roasted red peppers, goat cheese, hickory pit ham, oven-roasted zucchini and sun-dried tomatoes.
THE BASICS: 1593 N. Decatur Road. 404-377-7766; 1040 N. Highland Ave. NE. 404-873-4545. www.everybodyspizza.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Mellow Mushroom

BEST SANDWICH SHOP

Goldberg’s Bagel Company & Deli

THE LOWDOWN: The name “Goldberg’s” is pretty much synonymous with “sandwiches” around these parts, thanks to signature items like the Famous Po Boy, and done-just-right standards like the Reuben (Brooklyn, Georgia or California style), corned beef and kosher beef tongue. Wraps, gourmet burgers and breakfast items round out the experience.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations. www.goldbergsdeli.net.
THE RUNNER-UP: Alon’s Bakery & Market

BEST WINGS

Taco Mac

THE LOWDOWN: Although the name “Taco Mac” doesn’t scream “wings,” this regular-Joe chain specializes in ’em. Try the lemon pepper variety or, of course, the timeless buffalo wings, all cooked to order—and if you’re brave enough, opt for the T.M.I. (Three Mile Island) or Death sauces.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations, including 1006 North Highland Ave. 404-873-6529. HYPERLINK www.taco-mac.com www.taco-mac.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Hooters

BEST TAPAS

Pura Vida

THE LOWDOWN: A longtime favorite of the “tiny bites-and-wine” crowd, Pura Vida reigns supreme over the world of Spanish-influenced small plates and appetizers here in the ATL. The staff is great, the atmosphere’s quaint, and encouragement to nibble is literally written all over the menu. Hey, sometimes it’s just better to share.
THE BASICS: 656 N Highland Ave. 404-870-9797. www.puravidatapas.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Eclipse di Luna

Courtesy of Fogo de Chão
Offerings from Fogo de Chão

BEST CHURASCARRIA

Fogo de Chão

THE LOWDOWN: This extra-popular Brazilian steakhouse is celebrated for its menu of delectable meats roasted over open flames, brought to you on skewers and carved tableside by well-dressed Gauchos. Select as much as you want of the cuts you like, and they keep coming your way until you can’t possibly ingest another succulent slice. If this is how they dine down in Brazil, we might just consider moving.
THE BASICS: 3101 Piedmont Road. 404-995-9982. HYPERLINK www.fogodechao.com www.fogodechao.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Chima

BEST BUFFET

The Real Chow Baby

THE LOWDOWN: So you order everything on the side, with extra sauce, no salt, no onions and maybe sometimes in just a smaller portion. Servers all over Atlanta hate you. Friends have stopped inviting you to dinner on the weekends out of sheer embarrassment and annoyance. Your social life is crumbling right before your eyes. What do you do? DIY dinner at Chow Baby! Finally, you can have everything just the way you like it, and nobody can say a damn thing about it.
THE BASICS: 1016 Howell Mill Road, Suite A. 404-815-4901. www.therealchowbaby.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Ray’s on the River (Sunday brunch)

BEST OVERALL BAR

East Andrews

THE LOWDOWN: Large and classy but not too expensive, East Andrews features a courtyard and multiple rooms, each with its own bar. The drink list includes everything from basic beers and wines to cosmopolitans and other mixed drinks. Live bands often play in the bar above the bar, at Andrews Upstairs.
THE BASICS: 56 E. Andrews Drive. 404-869-1132. www.eastandrews.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Fadó

BEST BAR OR RESTAURANT FOR A GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT

Ecco

THE LOWDOWN: Serving seasonally inspired cuisine with European influences, Ecco exudes elegance, making the girls feel like real ladies. It’s welcoming yet sophisticated, and the oversized bar is perfect for gathering the girlies and downing some cocktails. Good times had by all!
THE BASICS: 40 7th St. 404-347-9555. www.ecco-atlanta.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Après Diem

TRG
STATS

BEST BAR OR RESTAURANT FOR A GUYS NIGHT OUT

BEST SPORTS BAR

STATS
THE LOWDOWN: Who says sports bars can’t be upscale dining destinations as well? Not the folks behind STATS, a masculine monument to physical competition and muscular, classic American grub a step above your average pub fare. From cheese fondue to blackened grouper tacos, pan-roasted rainbow trout and wood-grilled pork chops, STATS lets the average Joe eat like an average king. And with five bars, four pour-your-own-beer tables and 70 high-definition television screens, you’ll never want to leave the castle.
THE BASICS: 300 Marietta St. 404-885-1472. www.statsatl.com.
THE RUNNERS-UP: Fadó (Guys Night Out); Taco Mac (Sports Bar)

BEST BAR OR RESTAURANT FOR A FIRST DATE

Baraonda Caffe Italiano

THE LOWDOWN: Located in Midtown near the Fox Theatre, Baraonda’s classy ambiance sets the right tone for a first date. Those who choose to dine on the patio have plenty to talk about, as it’s a prime spot for people-watching, and the casual yet gourmet pizza-and-pasta selection makes ordering easy.
THE BASICS: 710 Peachtree St. 404-879-9962. www.baraondaatlanta.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Bluepointe

BEST BAR TO PICK UP THE OPPOSITE SEX 

Twist

THE LOWDOWN: Trendy tapas, killer cocktails and a swanky Phipps patio are apparently the perfect combination to meet the next love(r) of your life. Perhaps it’s the sexiness of being in the most high-end retail area of the city, mingled with the power-hungry Buckhead business atmosphere, but something in the air at Twist is simply toxic.
THE BASICS: 3500 Peachtree Road. 404-869-1191. www.heretoserverestaurants.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Aiko

BEST BAR TO BREAK UP IN 

Clermont Lounge

THE LOWDOWN: Please don’t tell us why you would sever ties with someone at the Clermont Lounge. But we suppose if you have to do it, your ex can distract him or herself with the antics of the legendary Blondie and the Lounge’s other entertainers.
THE BASICS: 789 Ponce de Leon. 404-874-4783. www.clermontlounge.net.
THE RUNNER-UP: Waffle House

BEST LATE-NIGHT DINING

BEST PLACE TO PARTY AFTER 2 A.M.

The Majestic
THE LOWDOWN: What’s the best thing ever after a night of heavy drinking? Waffles, French fries and high-octane coffee at the Majestic. You’re almost guaranteed to run into someone you know, and even though seating and service are somewhat limited right around last call, the party tends to continue in the parking lot well after dawn breaks.
THE BASICS: 1031 Ponce de Leon Ave. 404-875-0276.
THE RUNNERS-UP: Landmark Diner (Late-Night Dining); The Clermont Lounge (Party After 2 a.m.)

Spark St. Jude
Seth Schiendeldecker

BEST BARTENDER

Seth Schiendeldecker

THE LOWDOWN: Bombay Sapphire’s master mixologist chose Schiendeldecker, of Midtown’s Ecco, as creator of one of the country’s most inspired cocktails, a sweet, acidic concoction called “Long Live the Queen.” Besides which, Seth holds an introductory certificate in the Court of Master Sommeliers, and during the day designs and manufactures a jewelry line, Mickey Lynn, with his girlfriend.
THE RUNNER-UP: Greg Best, Restaurant Eugene

BEST COCKTAIL SPECIALS

Restaurant Eugene

THE LOWDOWN: At Restaurant Eugene, the end of the work week means Friday Flight Night. Three cocktails—a classic, a variation of a classic and a unique creation— cost just $25 and come with a food pairing for each. Hits such as the Delicious Sour (apple jack, peach liqueur and fresh citrus juice) make it onto the permanent cocktail menu.
THE BASICS: 2277 Peachtree Road. 404-355-0321. www.restauranteugene.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Trader Vic’s

BEST HOTEL BAR

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

THE LOWDOWN: A place to see and be seen, the bar at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead serves tasty libations to visitors and Buckhead natives alike. Bring your wallet and dress up, as it’s certainly ritzy. Get it?
THE BASICS: 3434 Peachtree Road. 404-237-2700. www.ritzcarlton.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Sun Dial

BEST DANCE CLUB

Opera

THE LOWDOWN: With a VIP room, celebrity cameos and upbeat music by hotshot DJs, Opera is the place to get your boogie on. The club often plays host to different events, so check the Web site before going.
THE BASICS: 1150 Peachtree St. 404-874-0428. www.operaatlanta.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Sutra Lounge

BEST DIVE BAR 

Five Paces Inn

THE LOWDOWN: It’s a weird little bar, but this last remnant of the now-converted Boling Ave. NE/Buckhead nightlife scene is a favorite among the displaced young professional drinking crowd. The people here are usually of the straight, deep-pocketed persuasion.
THE BASICS: 41 Irby Ave. 404-365-0777.
THE RUNNER-UP: The Highlander

BEST GAY BAR

BLAKE’S ON THE PARK

THE LOWDOWN: This popular gay bar has long been a favorite socializing spot among Atlanta’s gay and lesbian crowd. It even attracts some friendly straights, and that’s OK, too. The bi-level hangout offers wildly entertaining drag shows seven days a week—that’s queens and kings, people. Oh, and a full menu, to boot. Don’t miss the Cajun chicken Caesar wrap, the cheeseburger or the full breakfast menu. (Blake’s opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and at noon on Sunday.)
THE BASICS: 227 10th St. NE. 404-892-5786. www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Mary’s

Chris Hornaday Photography
Fadó Irish Pub And Restaurant

BEST IRISH PUB

FADÓ IRISH PUB AND RESTAURANT

THE LOWDOWN: Fadó, the Irish expression meaning “long ago,” also means going where you’ll be greeted like family, have a great spot to get your drink and eat on and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day every day. In its new location, this bi-level, handsomely decorated pub offers loads of beer and whiskey, as well as some tasty traditional fare, like corned beef and cabbage, an all-day Irish breakfast, and bangers and mash.
THE BASICS: 273 Buckhead Ave. 404-841-0066. www.fadoirishpub.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Meehan’s

BEST MARGARITA

AGAVE

THE LOWDOWN: This Cabbagetown eatery is known for its eclectic Southwestern menu. But the real draw here is the menu of lovely ’ritas, from the Cuervo Traditional to the Texas! or (our favorite) the Peachtree, made with Cabo Wabo Reposado, Gran Marnier, peach Schnapps, sour mix and lime.
THE BASICS: 242 Boulevard. 404-588-0006. www.agaverestaurant.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Rosa Mexicano

BEST MARTINI

Highland Tap

THE LOWDOWN: The Highland Tap Martini is often referred to as the Sidecar Martini because of its unusual presentation. The martini glass is filled to the brim and then served with a carafe full of the same drink floating in ice water—hence the Sidecar name.
THE BASICS: 1026 N. Highland Ave. 404-875-3673. www.nnnwcorp.com/highlandtap.html.
THE RUNNER-UP: Shout

BEST BLOODY MARY

Six Feet Under

THE LOWDOWN: If you’re in the mood to add a little Mardi Gras to your evening, Six Feet Under’s Ragin’ Cajun Mary is just the ticket: Absolut Peppar and the restaurant’s own Bloody Mary mix, served with a Cayenne peppered rim and celery (raw oyster available upon request).
THE BASICS: 415 Memorial Drive SE, Suite E. 404-523-6664; 685 11th St. 404-810-0040. www.sixfeetunderatlanta.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Tap

TRG
Wine store at the Grape

BEST WINE LIST

THE GRAPE

THE LOWDOWN: Wine aficionados and amateurs alike came together to make the Grape winner of Atlanta’s best wine list. The wine menu (more like a small book) is divided by taste (rich, bold, fruity), which is then assigned a number. We like the drink-by-number idea, and it’s obvious Atlanta does, too. The franchised restaurant serves up delightful meals, with which the educated waitstaff is happy to help you with pairing.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations. www.yourgrape.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Aprés Diem

BEST BEER SELECTION

Taco Mac

THE LOWDOWN: Just like wine, beer isn’t a one-size-fits-all beverage; certain foods demand certain brews. Luckily, Taco Mac offers so many beers—as many as 108 on tap and 350 bottles to choose from—you’re bound to find just the right taste to accompany your wings, burgers, sandwiches or burritos.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations. www.tacomac.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Brick Store Pub

BEST LOCAL BEER

Sweetwater

THE LOWDOWN: This beloved Atlanta microbrewery specializes in what it calls “aggressive, West Coast-style beers” distributed across the Southeastern U.S. Whether your poison is the Georgia Brown (a mild, copper-colored brown ale), the high-octane Festive Ale winter brew, the Hummer (a solid Belgian White ale), the India Pale Ale or the classic 420 Extra Pale Ale, Sweetwater’s got your thirst-quencher.
THE BASICS: www.sweetwaterbrew.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Red Brick

BEST SWEET TEA

Chick-fil-a

THE LOWDOWN: This well-liked fast food restaurant gets the definitive Southern beverage just right with the perfect amount of sugar. Of course, the keep-it-cold cups that stop the ice from melting into the drink also add to appeal of the tea here—as do the complimentary refills and the always-friendly folks behind the counter.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations. www.chick-fil-a.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: South City Kitchen

BEST COFFEEHOUSE

Octane Coffee

THE LOWDOWN: Just ask any quasi-hipster where the best coffee is, and they’ll point you directly to Octane (that is, unless they don’t think you’re cool enough). Homemade sandwiches and salads, French-pressed coffee-of-the-day selections, award-winning Baristas, artful lattes, wi-fi, a hand-picked selection of imported beer and intriguing local art are all worth braving the scene to snag a seat in this trendy Westside café.
THE BASICS: 1009 Marietta St. 404-815-9886. www.octanecoffee.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Starbucks

BEST LIQUOR STORE

Green’s

THE LOWDOWN: Whether you’re a social drinker or, like George Thorogood, you prefer to drink alone—with your friends Buddy Weiser, Jack Daniel, Jimmy Beam, Johnny Walker and his brothers Black and Red—Green’s has the beer and liquor selection to beat.
THE BASICS: 2614 Buford Highway. 404-321-6232; 737 Ponce de Leon Ave. 404-872-1109. www.greensbeverages.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Tower Wine and Spirits

BEST WINE SHOP

TOTAL WINE & MORE

THE LOWDOWN: This wine store is so thorough, it even produces a catalog of its offerings, which range from hard-to-find varietals to that single-malt scotch your pappy is so fond of. The prices are most always lower than the smaller wine and liquor stores because Total Wine’s got major buying power. Shop from 8,000 different types of wine, 2,000 types of spirits and 1,000 different beers.
THE BASICS: 740 Ernest Barrett Parkway. 678-354-0168. www.totalwine.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Wine Gallery & Market

BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE

Whole Foods Market

THE LOWDOWN: Offering one of the largest selections of health foods and organic goods around, Whole Foods is spacious, well organized and welcoming to the customer. It also offers an enormous amount of prepared foods and a dining area popular with the lunchtime crowd.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations. www.wholefoodsmarket.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Sevananda

BEST INTERNATIONAL MARKET:

DeKalb Farmers Market

THE LOWDOWN: Customers come from miles around to shop at this market, which features long aisles of produce from around the world, an impressive selection of meat and seafood, racks of freshly baked bread and the most reasonably priced spices in town. Of course, the hot bar, featuring some of the best of global cuisine, and salad bar are also big draws.
THE BASICS: 3000 East Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-377-6400. www.dekalbfarmersmarket.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: International Farmers Market

BEST CATERER

Bold American Catering

THE LOWDOWN: A part of Fifth Group Restaurants, Bold American Catering serves creative cuisine to offices, homes and event venues around Atlanta. The food is made from scratch, presented with the utmost attention to detail and served by a friendly staff.
THE BASICS: 404-815-1178. www.boldamerican.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Parsley’s

Spark St. Jude
Murphy’s

BEST BRUNCH

Murphy’s

THE LOWDOWN: Located in Virginia-Highland, this restaurant has been serving Saturday and Sunday brunch to an appreciative clientele for 25 years. The menu includes buttermilk pancakes, Georgia white shrimp and grits and the sunrise frittata, made with honey-cured ham, potatoes, onions and Swiss cheese.
THE BASICS: Brunch is served from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 997 Virginia Ave.. 404-872-0904. www.murphysvh.com.
RUNNER-UP: South City Kitchen

BEST PATIO

SHOUT

THE LOWDOWN: We Atlantans not only like to see the city—we also like the city to see us. Which is why Shout is the hot spot to sit outside and enjoy fun cocktails, Mediterranean-influenced tapas, wood-oven pizzas, sushi and noodle bowls. It doesn’t hurt that this fab locale is dripping with hot singles.
THE BASICS: 1197 Peachtree St. NE. 404-846-2000. www.heretoserverestaurants.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Brio

Courtesy of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group

BEST GREEK 

Kyma

THE LOWDOWN: A stunning contemporary Greek dining space, well-appointed patio, attentive service and amazingly fresh high-end Greek fare—all from Buckhead Life Restaurant Group. This is one Mediterranean dining experience you won’t want to pass up.
THE BASICS: 3085 Piedmont Road. 404-262-0702. www.buckheadrestaurants.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Taverna Plaka