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All About Atlanta

Okay, seriously, we are not suggesting that somebody from London or New York or anywhere really is going to drop everything and plan a vacation to Atlanta. But it is a city on the rise with a ton to offer. So, if you’re coming down here for business or to see friends and family, you now have a lot more upscale options. Actually it makes for a great road trip or weekend getaway if you are in the Southeast. To some people Atlanta is their New York when it comes to shopping and nightlife. I mean, we do have the only IKEA for miles and miles…

So what’s new in Atlanta? For starters nobody down here ever says Hotlanta. So please check that phrase at the city limits.

Checkout the largest aquarium in the world only a few blocks down the road. Waste the afternoon away in Piedmont Park and then grab a drink at the Park Tavern. Hike up Stone Mountain if you need to get away from it all.

Atlanta has tons of great restaurants representing all kinds of cuisine. Yes, we like our tea sweet down here, but that does not mean every place cooks Southern. You’ll find some shrimp and grits, but you’ll also find amazing Seafood, Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Latin, Italian, and more.

Here are our journeyPod picks to give you some ideas:

Restaurants

Antica Posta: The best Italian in the city offering authentic upscale Tuscan dishes in a romantic redone house in Buckhead. The hand-made pasta and fresh baked tuscan bread put other Italian restaurants to shame!

Haven : To summarize, everything on the menu will tempt you,especially the scallops, grits, and salmon. We recommend that you walk down to their sister lounge, Mix, for a drink afterwards. Located in Brookhaven.

Canoe : Just ten minutes outside of Atlanta, this culinary delight is located on the Chattahoochee river in Vinings. The inviting interior blends wood, brick and ironwork to create a casually elegant atmosphere. The outdoor scenery here makes this place the perfect romantic dining destination, or for an after-dinner stroll. You will often see a happy bride and groom celebrating the most important day under a crisp white tent in Canoe’s garden.

Rathbun’s: Remember how hot Bluepointe was when it opened back in 1999? Well the magician has done it again with his own place in Inman Park. Chef Kevin Rathbun will blow you away with his innovative cuisine that is as tasty as it is eccentric. From the eggplant fries to Elvis’ favorite Banana Peanut Butter Cream Pie, you’ll have to show some serious indulgence control to even leave your table.

MF Sushi: sushi lovers agree - this place serves the freshest and most innovative sushi in all of Atlanta. Magic Fingers (MF) sushibar is the first restaurant to exclusively sell sushi in Atlanta-so that should also tell you something! The sushi chefs here sure know how to compose the perfect melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, nigiri and rolls. And, the rainbow roll and unfiltered sake are sure to make your trip to MF complete.

Nuevo Laredo: Winner of the best Mexican Cuisine year after year since 1993, you know we only lead you to the best. This busy spot will not leave you unsatisfied. Yes, you can drink your margarita pitcher in the parking lot while you wait for your table! This authentic Mexican has the best carne asada in the city and is located on the West Side.

Apres Diem: This cosmopoliton eatery is the perfect place to people watch to experience the great vibe in Midtown. We have also found you the perfect Sunday brunch to cure the hangover from one of the places we have recommended to party at the night before. Wondering what night to visit the restaurant? Apres Diem is the only place in Atlanta that is good every night of the week.

The Globe : Like the name, this restaurant uses ingredients from all over the world to give visitors the international taste they
desire. Located near Georgia Tech University, in Midtown, The Globe features great little plates like tempura frites, tuna, and calamari.

Cafe Intermezzo: Opened on weekends till 2 am, this is the best cafe/bar to end the night off right! The artsy venue serves over 50 different desserts, and couples usually hover over the crepes filled with Nutella and banana while sipping on French Port or a Mexican hot chocolate. Make sure you take the dessert tour.

Nan: Rumor has it that Gwenyth fancies their trendy Thai treats in Midtown. White furniture and table cloths make the restaurant look uber trendy. The Penang curry tastes as authentic as it comes and makes you want to hop the next flight to Bangkok. A trip to the elegant bathroom will make you feel like you are half way to Thailand!

Nam: Yes we put these two restaurants next to each other to confuse you. Nam is a Vietnamese hot spot located opposite Piedmont Park. The traditional “Shaken Filet Mignon” gives tender meat a new name. Here is a tip for the music connoisseurs- it might be easier to get the secret recipe for a Vietnamese dish than to find out the music on the playlist-the owner won’t tell!

Ecco: Midtown has a new trendy spot where the posh crowd from Metropolis and Spire meet for a fine glass of wine and cheese pairing. We recommend sitting at the bar and asking one of the friendly bartenders to taste a few different wines until you find the one that suits your taste. Make sure you save room for the fried goat cheese balls-a true delight.

Aiko: Ever wonder where you can eat sushi and dance the night away all under one roof? Wonder no more! Aiko is a cool sushi club that boasts a trendy VIP room adorned with funky lights and plush sofas-which makes this destination a great spot to celebrate a birthday, company party or just enjoy an evening out.

Bars & Nightlife

Atlanta has many areas for going out. So pay attention people. You can really do some damage with this info. Buckhead no longer rules the scene. The current epicenter would have to be Midtown. If you are looking to chill with friends, then duck into the Highlands or Decatur. If you want something alternative (pronounced All-Tur-Nah-Tive) then try Little Five Points or East Atlanta. But the main action and largest collection of bars and clubs is really in Midtown (or at least in our little twisted world it is).

Here then are our journeyPod picks to keep the good times rolling:

Bazzaar: Step into this intimate Midtown enclave to see where all the beautiful people are hiding! This two-level club/lounge, Bazzaar has had quite a few of the top DJs worldwide perform. This place is a chill nightspot that hosts fun evenings like a Madonna birthday party and wrap-up parties for the cast and crew of “We are Marshall”. Located directly next to the Fox Theatre, Bazzaar is the premier after-theatre hot spot! To book your next hot event visit their website: http://www.bazzaaratlanta.com/.

Opera (formerly Eleven50): The only stop in town for international superstar DJs like Paul Van Dyk and Sasha! This former old time theater has been renovated and is now the hottest Midtown club. With an outdoor, Asian inspired terrace, a VIP second floor, a quiet lounge in the back, cozy VIP tables next to the dance floor- Opera has something for everyone.

Fever: The party is alive and well as it rolls across all twelve of the posh rooms in Fever. Decorated like an old house, guests sip on their cocktails as they stroll from room to room. Whether you are lounging like a celebrity on the bed (which is on the dance floor), watch a dancer (with her clothes on) slither and groove around a pole, or sit around a VIP table with all your friends, Fever lets you jam to the guest DJ’s sounds and always offers a great night out!

Halo: The diverse Midtown crowd is still on top of its game- five years running. Located near all the condos in Midtown, Halo is the most talked about lounge to meet friends after hours.

Star Bar: The only place in Atlanta that is still rocking on a Tuesday night. Don’t even think about getting here before 11:30 pm. An eclectic crowd that enjoys old school music from Prince to Michael Jackson (before he got out of hand…)

Loca Luna: Feel the entire place pulse as you sip mojitos to the hardest working band in the city! Loca Luna, both indoor and outdoor, is a great place to take your friends to and show off your salsa and merengue dancing skills. You really get the feeling that you are somewhere in Cabo dancing the night away!

The Local: You can guess what crowd gathers here for beers and libations. Thats right…Atlanta’s hip and trendy locals. Located in Midtown, this is the only true bar in town for those nights when you leave your dancing shoes at home.

Noche: A trendy little tapas bar located in Virginia Highlands. For those of you looking for the place to go on Sunday nights-when everything else winds down-Noche is hopping! $2 Dos Equis flow all night long creating a happy atmosphere. Monday nights treat your pallate to $10 unlimited Spanish tapas.

Compound: A great club with indoor and outdoor options on the West Side, Compound is designed like some of the clubs in South Beach- boasting a heated pool and Asian garden-which give this club an ambience like no other. One tip to the trendy casuals out there-you’ve gotta leave your Pumas at home with Compound’s new door policy

Cosmo/Lava Lounge: Two clubs for the price of one offer endless rooms of music for any mood in Midtown. Conveniently located behind the main strip of clubs like Eleven 50, Cosmo/Lava Lounge is bound to get you in the mood to party. The cosmopolitan posh crowd enjoy lavish cocktails and the friends get jiggy on the dancefloor. This is a popular venue for bachelor parties and “Hen nights”!

MJQ: Dance the night away and for the love of God they have no guestlist. This secret local spot is a great place to see the latest grunge and alternative rock band perform. Mixing 80’s and modern, the music here will put you in the best mood. This might be the only venue in Midtown with no guestlist, which can be nice for a change.

The Mark: The action and scene go underground at this downtown club. The crowd is as colorful as the music, and ranges from hip hop to electronic trance. Thursdays 404Audio and DJ Mahem host the biggest drum and bass evening in the South East!

Written by journeypod.com - your guide to luxury travel around the world. We give you VIP access to the hippest hotels, the hottest nightlife, and the coolest restaurants. It’s the insiders guide to luxury and vip access around the world.