Monday, May 14, 2007
SP 05/13/07 Reader's Choice: Food

Best local chef
Kevin Rathbun
The Lowdown: Kevin Rathbun was pretty much a shoo-in here. He operates two of the city’s best restaurants and is also known as a tireless advocate of Inman Park, a frequent participant in charity events and just an all-around good guy. And with Kevin Rathbun Steak opening later this year, he just might have this category wrapped up for a while longer.
The BASICS: Rathbun’s and Krog Bar, 112 Krog St., Atlanta, 30307, 404-524-8280, www.rathbunsrestaurant.com.

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FOOD

Best local chef
Kevin Rathbun
The Lowdown: Kevin Rathbun was pretty much a shoo-in here. He operates two of the city’s best restaurants and is also known as a tireless advocate of Inman Park, a frequent participant in charity events and just an all-around good guy. And with Kevin Rathbun Steak opening later this year, he just might have this category wrapped up for a while longer.
The BASICS: Rathbun’s and Krog Bar, 112 Krog St., Atlanta, 30307, 404-524-8280, www.rathbunsrestaurant.com.

Best overall restaurant
Rathbun’s
The Lowdown: It’s hard to believe that Rathbun’s has been around for only three years—from the sheer number of rave reviews and awards the place has racked up, you’d think it had been three decades. A “second-mortgage” plate may be a splurge, but you won’t be able to help yourself from coming back again. And again.
The BASICS: 112 Krog St., Atlanta, 30307, 404-524-8280, www.rathbunsrestaurant.com.

Best new restaurant
Shaun’s
The Lowdown: When culinary darling Shaun Doty opened his new restaurant late last year, predictions of its immediate success were kind of a no-brainer. And, sure enough, diners have been flocking to the Inman Park eatery ever since for Doty's delectable chicken liver fettuccini and butternut squash ravioli.
The BASICS: 29 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta, 30303, 404-577-4358, www.shaunsrestaurant.com.

Best restaurant to see and be seen in
Aria
The Lowdown: The food at Aria is obviously top-notch—Chef Gerry Klaskala’s slow-roasted pork is to die for, and don’t even get us started on the desserts—but it turns out it’s the scene, as well as the cuisine, that has many of Buckhead’s beautiful people coming back for seconds.
The BASICS: 490 East Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, 30305, 404-233-7673, www.aria-atl.com.

Best waitstaff
South City Kitchen
The Lowdown: The cheerful, knowledgable staff at this Midtown stalwart (now with a second location in Vinings)
are the embodiment of true Southern hospitality. Heck, they’ll even give you the recipe for the Whiskey River cocktail so you can recreate the South City experience in the comfort
of your own home.
The BASICS: 1144 Crescent Ave., Atlanta, 30309, 404-873-7358; 1675 Cumberland Parkway, Smyrna, 30080, 770-435-0700; www.southcitykitchen.com.

Best barbecue
Daddy D’z
The Lowdown: A pit stop at Daddy D’z in Grant Park is a surefire winner for out-of-town guests and a must before Sunday afternoon Braves games. Come for the ribs, stay for the “que wraps” (an ingenius deep-fried combo of rib tips wrapped in biscuit dough), cornbread and carrot cake.
The BASICS: 264 Memorial Drive, Atlanta, 30312, 404-222-0206, www.daddydz.com.

Best diner
The Majestic
The Lowdown: If you’ve only experienced the Majestic after rough nights out in the Highlands, it’s time to expand your horizons. The biscuits and cheese omelets that hit the spot at 4 a.m. are equally delicious in the cold light of day. And while you’re at it, why not throw in a slice of apple pie?
The BASICS: 1031 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, 30306, 404-875-0276.

Best Chinese
Doc Chey’s
The Lowdown: If your idea of Chinese food is a greasy pile of egg foo yung and General Tso’s, you’re in for a pleasant surprise at Doc Chey’s. The freshly prepared goodies, like Chinese black bean noodles, sesame stir-fry and grilled salmon in miso broth, just might turn you off of cardboard-box takeout forever.
The BASICS: 1556 North Decatur Road, Atlanta, 30307, 404-378-8188;
1424 North Highland Ave., Atlanta, 30306, 404-888-0777; www.doccheys.com.

Best French
Café Alsace
The Lowdown: If you can’t jet off for your usual summer jaunt to Paris this year, take comfort in Café Alsace—the cozy Decatur eatery is about as close as you can get to France without going through Hartsfield-Jackson first. After dining on the scrumptious spaetzle aux champignons, you’ll feel like going for a stroll down the Champs-Elysées.  
The BASICS: 121 East Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 30030, 404-373-5622, www.cafealsace.net.

Best Indian
Bhojanic
The Lowdown: There is no shortage of excellent Indian options in this area of Decatur, but Bhojanic consistently wins accolades for its delicious home-style fare. The chat (street food)—crispy chips tossed with vegetables and chutney—is a must, and on Thursdays all-you-can-eat tapas is just $12.
The BASICS: 1363 Clairmont Road, Decatur, 30033, 404-633-9233, www.bhojanic.com.

Best Italian
La Tavola
The Lowdown: La Tavola is a perennial favorite of Atlanta romantics, and a dinner there never disappoints. After capping off your meal (veal scallopine or cacciucco fish stew, perhaps?) with a shared plate of tiramisu—paired with the perfect dessert wine, of course—your date will be putty in your hands.
The BASICS: 992 Virginia Ave., Atlanta, 30306, 404-873-5430, www.latavolatrattoria.com.

Best Korean
Hae Woon Dae  
The Lowdown: Even if you don’t know your kimchi from your bulgogi, you are guaranteed a great meal at Hae Woon Dae. Just hunker down in one of the private barbecue rooms, have your server grill up some beef or chicken, and gulp it down with a tasty (and spicy!) spread of Korean wraps and condiments.
The BASICS: 5805 Buford Highway, Doraville, 30340, 770-458-6999, www.haewoondaebbq.com.

Best Mexican
Sala-Sabor de Mexico
The Lowdown: Sala is the place to go when you’re looking to kick it up a notch from the usual 1-2-3 Mexican routine. The impeccable margaritas are served straight-up in martini glasses, and the authentic regional menu is chock-full of fresh ingredients and innovative combinations (start with the adobado-rubbed slow-roasted duck taquitos). Look for specials offered by new executive chef Jeff Smedstad, whose authentic approach and commitment to fresh ingredients is evident in every bite.
The BASICS: 1186 North Highland Ave., Atlanta, 30306, 404-872-7203, www.sala-atlanta.com.

Best Tex-Mex
Nuevo Laredo
The Lowdown: Don’t get us wrong: There’s certainly never a bad time for a down-home Tex-Mex meal, but something about springtime makes us want to break out the tequila and cheese dip. Nuevo Laredo, home of Brisket Barbacoa and Chicken Diablo, is the perfect place to while away a May evening.
The BASICS: 1495 Chattahoochee Ave., Atlanta, 30318, 404-352-9009, www.nuevolaredocantina.com.

Best Middle Eastern
Imperial Fez
The Lowdown: Take off your shoes at the door and stay awhile—at this Buckhead fixture, husband-and-wife team Rafih and Rita Benjelloun treat diners like family. Come for the nightly five-course dinner extravaganza (the Royal Couscous is a favorite) or sneak in on a Saturday afternoon for a belly-dancing class.
The BASICS: 2285 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, 30309, 404-351-0870, www.imperialfez.com.

Best pub food
P’Cheen  
The Lowdown: P’Cheen is not your mother’s Irish pub. The sleek bar is populated with on-the-make twentysomethings instead of grizzled drunkards, and in the place of greasy fish and chips are roasted vegetable panini and pan-seared Carolina trout. But never fear: You can still get fries and mushy peas to go with your Guinness.
The BASICS: 701-5 Highland Ave., Atlanta, 30312, 404-529-8800, www.pcheen.com.

Best seafood
The Oceanaire  
The Lowdown:  The Oceanaire Seafood Room is swanky with a capital S. Is it just us, or does food actually taste better when you’re eating it in a setting straight out of old Hollywood? We don’t know which we love more: the ever-changing menu of incredibly fresh fish or the crisp white tablecloths and sumptuous leather booths.
The BASICS: 1100 Peachtree St., Atlanta, 30309, 404-475-2277, www.theoceanaire.com/atlanta.

Best sushi
Aiko
The Lowdown: Say sayonara to your boring neighborhood Japanese joint—this is sushi like you’ve never seen it before. After you finish your sinful S&M and Aphrodisiac rolls, stick around for Aiko’s nightly transformation into a hoppin’ martini lounge and nightclub. After a few sake bombs, isn’t everything a little more pleasant?
The BASICS: 128 East Andrews Drive, Atlanta, 30305, 404-869-4800, www.aikoatlanta.com.

Best steakhouse
Bone’s
The Lowdown: Bone’s is a straight-up steakhouse—there’s no messing with the classics here. So belly up to a table with the good ol’ boys and scarf down a 22-ounce rib-eye with sauteed mushrooms and a heaping side of onion rings. You deserve it, damn it!
The BASICS: 3130 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, 30305, 404-237-2663, www.bonesrestaurant.com.

Best Thai
Spoon  
The Lowdown: Spoon, just more than a year old, is already a fixture on the booming Westside scene, with sisters Aim and Sujaree Suteeluxnaporn garnering raves for their fresh Bangkok-style cuisine. Savvy metro-area foodies regularly make the trek for the house specialty, tiger prawns with green curry.
The BASICS: 768 Marietta St., Atlanta, 30318, 404-522-5655, www.spoonatlanta.com.

Best Vietnamese
Nam
The Lowdown: Upscale, authentic Vietnamese cuisine with dishes like the lotus root salad, basil duck and lemongrass chicken—your mouth watering yet? For something different, try the tamarind prawns or the crab and asparagus soup. Clean, cool and exotic—that’s Nam.
The BASICS: 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, 30308, 404-541-9997, www.namrestaurant.com.

Best vegetarian
Seasons 52
The Lowdown: While it’s not all vegetarian, health nuts will have a field day here. Flatbreads, salads and entrées in both vegetarian and carnivorous varieties delight weight-watchers with their less-than-500-calorie contents. Don’t leave without trying the shot glass-size desserts!
The BASICS: 90 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta, 30346, 770-671-0052; 3040 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, 30305, 404-846-1552; www.seasons52.com.

Best Southern
South City Kitchen
The Lowdown: Fried green tomatoes, jambalaya, chicken ’n’ dumplings and fruit cobbler in a vibrant, cosmopolitan setting. Wait, we’re not done: collard greens, sweet potato pie, country pork chop and pan-fried chicken livers. Y’all come back now, ya hear?
The BASICS: 1144 Crescent Ave., Atlanta, 30309, 404-873-7358; 1675 Cumberland Parkway, Smyrna, 30030, 770-435-0700; www.southcitykitchen.com.

Best cheap eats
MetroFresh
The Lowdown: Soups, salads, sandwiches, antipasto and a couple of entrées that change nightly. MetroFresh’s motto is “fresh food fast”—and fast it is. It’s also reasonably priced, healthy and tasty. Chef/owner Mitchell Anderson, a former actor, refined his culinary skills under the expertise of Souper Jenny herself. The result? Cheap eats that don’t expand the waistline.
The BASICS: 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, 30308, 404-724-0155, www.metrofreshatl.com.

Best biscuit
Flying Biscuit
The Lowdown: Crunchy on the outside, soft and buttery inside, Flying Biscuit biscuits are (appropriately) the best in town. Slather them with apple butter and you got yourself a good ol’ Southern breakfast. Don’t forget: The biscuits come in the whole-wheat variety, too.
The BASICS: 1655 McLendon Ave., Atlanta, 30307, 404-687-8888; 1001 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, 30309, 404-874-8887; www.flyingbiscuit.com.

Best grits
Flying Biscuit
The Lowdown: Creamy, dreamy and sometimes cheesy Southern-style grits. Even those anti-grits folk may enjoy them when served in mismatched bowls in these casual, eclectic environments near Candler and Piedmont parks. Come for brunch or stop by for a snack any time of day—these grits are good whenever the urge hits you.
The BASICS: 1655 McLendon Ave., Atlanta, 30307, 404-687-8888;
1001 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, 30309, 404-874-8887; www.flyingbiscuit.com.

Best ice cream
Paolo’s Gelato Italiano
The Lowdown: A cute, quaint Virginia-Highland mainstay, featuring espresso, crepes and gelato. Look for unique flavors like Nutella, guava, lychee, green tea and rosemary, as well as old favorites like dulce de leche, tiramisu, straciatella, chocolate and cherry. They have sugar-free and non-dairy options, too.
The BASICS: 1025 Virginia Ave., Atlanta, 30306,
404-607-0055, www.paolosgelato.com.

Best dessert
Southern Sweets
The Lowdown: Family-owned sugary bliss—pure and simple. Order your wedding cake or stop in for a slice of zesty gingerbread pound cake or mouthwatering coconut cream pie. Get a giant sugar cookie to go and grab a pecan bar for your sweetheart. Or try our favorite, the Old Fashion Chocolate Cake. The tastes are great and the price is right. Then again, what wouldn’t you pay for a sugar rush?
The BASICS: 186 Rio Circle, Decatur, 30030, 404-373-8752, www.southernsweets.com.

Best fast food joint
Zesto
The Lowdown: The usual selection of hot dogs, cheeseburgers, fries and shakes with a couple of “gourmet” options, too (like gyros, Greek salads, turkey burgers and fish sandwiches). Combine that with drive-in windows and quick service, and you have Zesto. Not exactly classy, but good in a pinch.
The BASICS: Multiple locations, including 544 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, 30308, 404-607-1118; www.zestoatlanta.com.

Best bakery
Metrotainment
The Lowdown: Red velvet cake so soft you can barely believe it’s real. Cheesecake in so many varieties, it would take weeks to try them all. Tortes, pies, breads, brownies, cupcakes and mini treats galore. It’s a sweet-eaters paradise and a dieter’s worst nightmare.
The BASICS: 691 14th St., Atlanta, 30318, 404-873-6307, www.metrobakery.com.

Best Burrito
Chipotle
The Lowdown: The company mantra is “food with integrity,” and the produce and meat are pesticide- and antibiotic-free. The result is a build-your-own burrito Utopia. Bursting at the flour seams, rose-red tomatoes and verdant green lettuce commingle with cilantro-lime rice, organic black beans and happy meat from animals that once lived in open pastures. It sounds as wonderful as it tastes.
The BASICS: Multiple locations, including 718 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, 30306, 404-685-3531, www.chipotle.com.

Best Burger
The Vortex Bar and Grill
The Lowdown: No competition. With more than 20 different burgers to choose from, the Vortex’s highlights include the Blue Shroom Burger, stacked tall with half a pound of sirloin beef, aged-to-perfection blue cheese, crisp, thick-cut bacon, and mushrooms. Then there’s the Coronary Bypass Burger—which you’ll just have to try.
The BASICS: 438 Moreland Ave., Atlanta, 30307, 404-688-1828; 878 Peachtree St., Atlanta, 30309, 404-875-1667; www.thevortexbarandgrill.com.

Best Hot Dog
The Varsity
The Lowdown: Legend has it that two miles of hot dogs are made from scratch daily at the Varsity. Now for the facts: Learning the lingo is a must here, where “the Hot Dog” comes slathered with chili and mustard, “the Naked Dog” is a basic frank on a bun and “the Heavyweight” arrives loaded with chili. You can also drive in and get your “Walk a Dog,” a hot dog on the go. So, what’ll ya have?
The BASICS: 61 North Ave., Atlanta, 30308, 404-881-1706, www.thevarsity.com.

Best Pizza
BarAonda Caffe Italiano
The Lowdown: Mama Mia! Blame it on the vino, but you might not be able to pronounce some of the Italian wood-fired brick-oven pizzas at Baraonda Caffe Italiano, like the Braccio di Ferro. And that’s OK. Just point to it on the menu with panache at this stylish Midtown locale and you’ll get a pizza brimming with bright-red tomatoes, mozzarella, spinach and ricotta. Yum.
The BASICS: 710 Peachtree St., Atlanta, 30308, 404-879-9962, www.baraondaatlanta.com.

Best Fried Chicken
Watershed
The Lowdown: Every Tuesday night is Fried Chicken Night at Watershed in Decatur, where Chef Scott Peacock creates succulent Southern stylings. The marinated buttermilk Southern fried chicken is nestled alongside a plate of green beans and creamy mashed potatoes at the converted gas station turned restaurant, part-owned by Indigo Girl Emily Saliers.
The BASICS: 406 East Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 30030, 404-378-4900, www.watershedrestaurant.com.

Best Wings
Taco Mac
The Lowdown: Yep, you read it right. The best wings in Atlanta are at a place called Taco Mac, and that’s because the two dudes who bought the joint back in the day were low on funds and kept the original sign. But they spare no expense with their crispy boneless chicken wings, tossed in their signature sauces. Try some of the “Death” variety. No, really. Try them.
The BASICS: Multiple locations, including 1006 North Highland Ave., Atlanta, 30306, 404-873-6529; www.taco-mac.com.

Best Sandwich Shop
Muss and Turner’s
The Lowdown: Grab your passport—this place
is worth traveling OTP. Try the Tuscan Raider, with its juicy, wood-grilled and brined chicken breast, prosciutto ham, tossed Italian herbs and melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella on a crispy artisan-baked foccacia roll. For starters.
The BASICS: 1675 Cumberland Parkway, Suite 309, Smyrna, 30080, 770-434-1114, www.mussandturners.com.

Best Tapas
Pura Vida
The Lowdown: The menu at Pura Vida comes with a glossary so you know what you’re ordering. Our recommendation? Go with a group and try it all. With the brilliant Chef Hector Santiago at the helm, you can’t go wrong.
The BASICS: 656 North Highland Ave., Atlanta, 30306, 404-870-9797, www.puravidatapas.com.

Best Churascarria
Fogo de Chão
The Lowdown: At this Brazilian-themed steakhouse the meat is manhandled the gaucho way, roasted over pits of open fire. One tip: Don’t be bashful. Tear into one of the seasoned and slow-roasted featured meats, brought to you on skewers and carved tableside by an authentic gaucho chef.
The BASICS: 3101 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, 30305, 404-995-9982, www.fogodechao.com.

Best Buffet
Whole Foods
The Lowdown: Brimming with business folks at lunch and a hurry-home crowd around dinner, the prepared foods department at Whole Foods started out as a grocery deli counter and has morphed into a vivacious, tantalizing buffet chock-full of fresh meats, couscous salads, soups, rotisserie-grilled items, sushi, sandwiches and more. Go. Sample.
The BASICS: Multiple locations, including 77 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, 30305, 404-324-4100, www.wholefoods.com.

Best Overall Bar
Brick Store Pub
The Lowdown: It’s “Cheers” with an edge at this Decatur pub, where you won’t find domestics or even a TV, but you will discover 17 beers on draught and more than 65 different bottled varieties—although, hopefully not all in the same visit.
The BASICS: 125 East Court Square, Decatur, 30030, 404-687-0990, www.brickstorepub.com.

Best Bar or Restaurant for a Girls’ Night Out
Trois
The Lowdown: Girls dig options, correct? Hence the popularity of Trois, featuring an intimate upstairs event space, a restaurant with modern French cuisine below it, and a sleek bar on the lower level. Inside tip: Try the light lunch and dinner fare at the bar. Dee-lish.
The BASICS: 1180 Peachtree St, Atlanta, 30309, 404-815-3337, www.trois3.com.

Best Bar or Restaurant for a Boys’ Night Out  
Two Urban Licks
The Lowdown: So, size does matter. At least that’s the case at Two Urban Licks, with its 14-foot wood-fire rotisserie, soaring bar, sky-high ceilings and massive stainless-steel wall featuring 40-plus barrels of wine made exclusively for this eatery. With its clever masculine architectural design, this place screams “scene.” And there’s nothing wrong with that.
The BASICS: 820 Ralph McGill Blvd., Atlanta, 30306, 404-522-4622, www.twourbanlicks.com.

Best Bar or Restaurant to Pick Up the Opposite Sex
Krog Bar
The Lowdown: Come here often? Well, you should if you’re looking for a significant someone for the night. In an up-and-coming location, up and comers come here to sip from a well-heeled selection of Spanish and Italian wines and nosh on tasty tapas. The setting is dreamy, stylish, cozy—how can you not find a mate?
The BASICS: 112 Krog St., Atlanta, 30307, 404-524-1618, www.krogbar.com.

Best Bar or Restaurant for a First Date
South City Kitchen
The Lowdown: First date with a Southern belle or beau? Why not share a plate of fried green tomatoes and a bowl of jambalaya teeming with andouille sausage and seafood in a spicy Creole broth? And if it’s love at first sight, get messy and go on Sunday for first-class barbecue.
The BASICS: 1144 Crescent Ave., Atlanta, 30309, 404-873-7358, www.southcitykitchen.com.

Best Place to Party after 2 a.m.
Kenny’s Alley
The Lowdown: Yes, most of us head to Kenny’s Alley for the festivities on New Year’s Eve, but there’s really no better place for year-round late-night reveling. Drink and dance until 4 a.m.? Done.
The BASICS: 50 Upper Alabama St., Atlanta, 30303, 404-521-6558, www.underground-atlanta.com.

Best Bar or Restaurant to Break Up In
Waffle House
The Lowdown: Need to make a scene?
No problem. Just about anything goes at Waffle House. Then, after the breakup, try some tasty hash browns (smothered, covered—whatever), Texas toast, Bert’s chili and a glass of Alice’s iced tea. Finally, fall for the drink-till-he/she’s-cute neighbor sitting bleary-eyed to your right.
The BASICS: Multiple locations, www.wafflehouse.com.

Best Bartender
Greg Best, Restaurant Eugene
The Lowdown: Mr. Best lives up to his last name. He’s the grand master of boutique spirits and the throwback usuals at the intimate bar at Restaurant Eugene featuring tonic water that actually has bounce, herb and spice tinctures and house-made pickled onions.
The BASICS: 2277 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, 30309, 404-355-0321, www.restauranteugene.com.

Best Hotel Bar
The Four Seasons, Park 75 Lounge
The Lowdown: There simply isn’t a classier watering hole in the city. The best part? You don’t have to stay at the hotel to drink. So the mint juleps are on us, dear readers. Pinkies out!
The BASICS: 75 14th St., Atlanta, 30309, 404-881-9898, www.fourseasons.com/atlanta.

Best Margarita
Agave
The Lowdown: At Agave, Margarita might just become the other woman in your life. The menu features too many to name but, for the Georgia peach, why not try a Peachtree margarita with Cabo Wabo Reposado tequila, Gran Marnier, peach schnapps, sour mix and lime? Terrific.
The BASICS: 242 Boulevard, Atlanta, 30312, 404-588-0006, www.agaverestaurant.com.

Best Sports Bar
FOX Sports Bar and Grill
The Lowdown: Unobstructed sight lines to the several state-of-the-art plasma screens, a vast range of beers and a mouthwatering grill—what more could a sports fan want?
The BASICS: 261 19th St., Atlanta, 30363, 404-207-1369, www.foxsportsgrill.com.

Best Dive Bar
The Star Bar
The Lowdown: Looking to get your South on? Atlanta cult classic cantina Star Bar is your place. Order up the ever-popular $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon, kick back and bad-mouth the Yankees. And don’t miss the inexplicable, unforgettable Elvis shrine.
The BASICS: 437 Moreland Ave., Atlanta, 30307, 404-681-9018, www.starbar.net.

Best Gay Bar
Blake’s On the Park
The Lowdown: Next door to Outwrite Bookstore and a stone’s throw from Piedmont Park, Blake’s on the Park in Midtown is a bustling joint with a screened-in porch perfect for peering out over Atlanta’s most colorful intersection. Feeling adventurous? Try “Bingo with Bubba” on Friday nights.
The BASICS: 227 10th St., Atlanta, 30309, 404-892-6786, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com.

Best Irish Pub
Fado Irish Pub
The Lowdown: Located in the heart of Buckhead, Fado clearly has the four critical criteria for a good Irish pub: a solid, Irish pint, a good Sunday brunch, great live music and tons of room to jig. There are also lively Irish and European sporting events via satellite.
The BASICS: 3035 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, 30305, 404-841-0066, www.fadoirishpub.com.

Best Martini
Highland Tap
The Lowdown: Shaken? Stirred? They do both versions better than anyone in town at this part-steakhouse, part-rathskeller in the heart of Virginia-Highland. It can get crowded, but isn’t that part of the charm?
The BASICS: 1026 North Highland Ave., Atlanta, 30306, 404-875-3673, www.restaurant.com/highlandtap.

Best Wine List
Vine
The Lowdown: Vine Restaurant’s wine cellar is global, with more than 500 varieties of vino to choose from. And if you get tired of looking at the gargantuan menu, linger in the dining room and let your eyes savor the well-dressed walls, featuring nostalgic posters and wine art by Thomas Arvid.
The BASICS: 1190-B North Highland Ave., Atlanta, 30306, 404-892-2393, www.vinerestaurant.com.

Best Bloody Mary
Front Page News
The Lowdown: The best part about a Bloody Mary at Front Page News? You can concoct your own recipe from the bar’s 100 different ingredients. Then sit back and sip your creation on the outdoor patio with live jazz playing in the background, Big Easy-style, at this New Orleans-themed restaurant in Little Five Points.
The BASICS: 351 Moreland Ave., Atlanta, 30307, 404-475-7777, www.fpnatl.com.

Best Beer Selection
Brick Store Pub
The Lowdown: As all the other bars in the metro area scrambled to sell good, high-octane beer when it was legalized a couple of years back, Decatur’s Brick Store already had it down. Overwhelmed at the selection? The bartenders couldn’t be nicer. Our tip? Check out the Brick’s Belgian picks. Unbeatable.
The BASICS: 125 East Court Square, Decatur, 30030, 404-687-0990, www.brickstorepub.com.

Best Local Beer
Terrapin Beer Company
The Lowdown: Let’s make this simple: The Athens-brewed Terrapin Rye Pale Ale was awarded the American Pale Ale Gold Medal at the 2002 Great American Beer Festival. That means it’s good. As in, the-best-beer-you’ll-ever-taste good.
The BASICS: To find the beer in Atlanta, call United Distributors Inc. at 678-305-2000; www.terrapinbeer.com.

Best Sweet Tea
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
The Lowdown: Sweet tea, the table wine of the South, is a religious institution around these parts—and Mary Mac is the high priestess. Drop in for some Southern fried chicken, creamy mashed taters, collard greens and cracklin’ cornbread, then wash it all down with a tall glass of Mary’s specialty, the sweetest tea in the city.
The BASICS: 224 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, 30308, 404-876-1800, www.marymacs.com.

Best coffeehouse
Octane
The Lowdown: The highlights? Brick walls, open spaces, cutting-edge local art and—oh, yeah—deliciously strong coffee. Open early and closing late, Octane features unique bean blends from around the world, and its West Midtown location makes it central to students and businessmen alike. Why work anywhere else?
The BASICS: 1009-B Marietta St., Atlanta, 30318, 404-815-9886, www.octanecoffee.com.

Best liquor store
Green’s
The Lowdown: Jim, Jack, Johnny and José—Green’s has got all of your favorite men, and then some. Whether you’re looking for a cheap drunk, a cold keg or a posh cocktail, they’ve got you covered.
The BASICS: 2614 Buford Highway, Atlanta, 30324, 404-321-6232; 737 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, 30306, 404-872-1109; www.greensbeverages.com.

Best health food store
Whole Foods
The Lowdown: Back when “organic” was synonymous with “hippie” and “cuckoo,” Whole Foods plowed ahead, consistently serving up seasonal, hard-to-find, fair-trade, mouthwatering fare. These days, the trend has taken hold and Whole Foods is leading the pack. Try some carry-out (who said fast food had to be bad for you?).
The BASICS: Multiple locations, including 5930 Roswell Road, Atlanta, 30328, 404-236-0810, www.wholefoods.com.

Best health food store
Whole Foods
The Lowdown: Back when “organic” was synonymous with “hippie” and “cuckoo,” Whole Foods plowed ahead, consistently serving up seasonal, hard-to-find, fair-trade, mouthwatering fare. These days, the trend has taken hold and Whole Foods is leading the pack. Try some carry-out (who said fast food had to be bad for you?).
The BASICS: Multiple locations, including 5930 Roswell Road, Atlanta, 30328, 404-236-0810, www.wholefoods.com.

Best wine shop
Trader Joe’s
The Lowdown: Hawaiian shirt-clad staff, organic produce and delicious frozen food—it’s all part of the everyday routine at this cultlike food store that just opened a new location in Midtown. And with 80 percent of its private label products made just for Joe’s, you can find unique items at economical prices. Our favorite? Two Buck Chuck (Charles Shaw), of course, the $2.49 Cabernet Sauvignon.
The BASICS: 6277 Roswell Road, Atlanta, 30328, 404-236-2414; 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, 30308, 404-815-9210; www.traderjoes.com.

Best brunch
Murphy’s
The Lowdown: Omelets? Check. Pancakes? Yup. Waffles? You betcha. French toast? Fruit? Granola? Mimosas? Yes, yes, yes and yes. Located at the intersection of Virginia and Highland Avenues, Murphy’s not only has the best brunch deals around, but offers a laid-back atmosphere in one Atlanta’s hippest areas, too.
The BASICS: 997 Virginia Ave., Atlanta, 30306, 404-872-0904, www.murphysvh.com.

Best caterer
Bold American Catering
The Lowdown: Raspberries and shallots with duck confit in crispy French crepes, seared sesame-encrusted tuna over saffron risotto cakes, chocolate-covered cheesecake on a stick with strawberries—you get the idea. Whether it’s for a wedding or a corporate event, Bold American Catering takes culinary excellence to an entirely new level.
The BASICS: 887 West Marietta St., Studio K-102, Atlanta, 30318, 404-815-1178, www.boldamerican.com.

Best business lunch
Houston’s
The Lowdown: With a swank atmosphere, decent prices and a wide selection of salads, sandwiches and entrées, Houston’s is the go-to place for those looking to make a good impression, seal the deal or deliver the 1-2-3. What were you thinking about? We’re talking business!
The BASICS: Multiple locations, including 3321 Lenox Road, Atlanta, 30326, 404-237-7534, www.hillstone.com.

Best late-night dining
R. Thomas
The Lowdown: Nowhere else in Atlanta can you get organic, healthy food 24 hours a day (does the wait staff ever go to sleep?). The eclectic décor (think parrots, wind chimes and weird lighting) will keep your eyes open, no matter what time it is, and the funky food will satisfy your cravings without weighing you down.
The BASICS: 1812 Peachtree St., Atlanta, 30309, 404-872-2942, www.rthomasdeluxegrill.com.

Best patio
Six Feet Under
The Lowdown: Why “Six Feet Under”? Because, we presume, the patio at the original location (a second was just opened in West Midtown) looks out over the breathtaking Oakland Cemetery. So go ahead: Buy the next round and raise a glass to the tombstone of Margaret Mitchell.
The BASICS: 415 Memorial Drive, Suite E, Atlanta, 30312, 404-523-6664; 685 11th St.,Atlanta, 30318, 404-810-0040; www.sixfeetunderatlanta.com.