Atlanta done right: Neighborhood guide to local-approved hangouts

Sure, Centennial Olympic Park and the downtown Atlanta museums (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, CNN Center and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights) are great places to stop by if you’re visiting Atlanta for the first time. After all, they represent important parts of the city’s history and they are certainly must-see locations. However, when it comes to where Atlantans spend their time, it’s safe to say that downtown Atlanta isn’t necessarily high on that list. So if you’re looking to avoid tourists and want to learn more about where the locals tend to go around metro Atlanta, look no further than the following recommendations.

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East Atlanta Village

Known simply as “EAV” to locals, East Atlanta Village is an edgy, gritty neighborhood south of Interstate 20 on Flat Shoals and Glenwood, just off Moreland. Dance the night away at The Basement, check out a drag show at Mary’s, and bar-hop at The Elder Tree, The Earl (which also includes a concert venue), The Glenwood, Midway Pub and Flatiron, amongst other bars. Check out the new food hall called Qommunity, and enjoy late-night fine dining options including Argosy, Banshee and Octopus Bar.

Grant Park

While tourists might know of Centennial Olympic Park and Piedmont Park, Grant Park (and the same-name neighborhood) is a bit lesser-known (the most touristy locations in the Grant Park neighborhood are Zoo Atlanta and Oakland Cemetery). Local restaurants in the Grant Park neighborhood include Six Feet Under, Tin Lizzy’s and Augustine’s, while south of I-20 closer to the park itself are restaurants such as Ziba’s Bistro and Mediterranea Restaurant and Bakery. The less-crowded Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail runs through Grant Park, anchored by the new trendy shopping and dining area called The Beacon.

Little Five Points

Abbreviated as L5P to locals, Little Five Points is a trendy Bohemian district of Atlanta located mostly on Moreland, Euclid and McLendon. Shop at natural foods grocery store Sevananda, as well as local stores such as Junkman’s Daughter, Psycho Sisters, Rag-O-Rama and Criminal Records. For food and drink, Little Five Points has some of the most iconic and beloved restaurants and bars, including The Vortex (look for the giant laughing skull), The Porter Beer Bar (so many beers), Euclid Avenue Yacht Club (contrary to the name, it’s a dive bar), Brewhouse Cafe (perfect if you love soccer), Wrecking Bar Brewpub (located in an old mansion), amongst many others.

If you’re driving on Piedmont Avenue in Buckhead, you might just miss Miami Circle if you didn’t already know about it. This little hidden street in Buckhead is home to showrooms, art galleries, furnishings, boutique gyms and more. It also has multiple local favorite bars and restaurants, such as Eclipse di Luna, Pasha and The Painted Pin. The Path 400 (a pedestrian pathway adjacent to State Route 400 and equivalent to Buckhead’s version of the Atlanta BeltLine) also runs past Miami Circle, perfect for long runs or bike rides.

Virginia-Highland

Located north of Piedmont Park, Virginia-Highland is a beloved commercial district and neighborhood known for its nighttime bar scene and dining options. Multiple bars and taverns include Neighbor’s Pub, Dark Horse Tavern, Moe’s and Joe’s and George’s and are popular places to go on weekend nights. Va-Hi (as the neighborhood is sometimes abbreviated) is also known for its dining options, including La Tavola, Atkins Park, Highland Tap, DBA Barbecue, Murphy’s and the original Taco Mac.

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