Work, shop, play: Your neighborhood guide to Adair Park

Situated southwest of Atlanta, Adair Park encompasses just over 200 acres of land and boasts lots of residential development that grew with railroad expansion in the late 19th and early 20th century. Commercial buildings began proliferating by the turn of the century, and residential development migrated toward the edges of the city with the development of a street railway system. It gained its name in the early 1900s when the Adair brothers, George Jr. and Forrest, started development of a subdivision in the Southern part of the area under the auspices of the Atlanta Real Estate Company, which their family owned.

Today, the neighborhood is known for its historic homes, some lovingly restored and some waiting for owners who will take on that process. The community is known for its residential affordability and for its walkability as it borders the Beltline. It’s also easily accessible from Atlanta’s interstates. Its business and creative amenities attract innovators from a variety of industries. There are plenty of places to experience the outdoors, grab a great bite to eat or shop around for the perfect item.

What can I do for fun in Adair Park?

Westside Trail: Put on your comfiest sneakers and hit the trail — the Beltline’s Westside Trail to be exact. It also makes up Adair Park’s boundary line. Grab a walking — or running — partner and get a few miles in along one of Atlanta’s most iconic recreational corridors.

MET Atl: This creative space, housed in a warehouse measuring over a million square feet, is home to lots of innovators, but it also houses restaurants, retail establishments and art galleries. Spend the afternoon strolling around this space at 668 Metropolitan Parkway SW, and you just might come away with something unique!

Switchyards Work Club: It’s a bit of an unconventional idea when it comes to fun, but this community workspace at 711 Catherine Street SW, might be what you need to make the business portion of your day more enjoyable. The vibe is part coffee shop, part library, and the internet is crazy fast. Try the setup out for eight days for a mere $12, and you just might find yourself hooked!

Where are the best places to eat and drink in Adair Park?

The Mustard Seed Barbeque

If you’re craving authentic barbecue, look no further than The Mustard Seed! Whether it’s a full slab or a half chicken that satisfies your cravings, you’ll find the freshest meat here. Pair it with sides like mac and cheese, baked beans and potato salad, and wash it all down with an Arnold Palmer or ice cold Coca Cola.

Location: The Mustard Seed Barbeque, 6000 Lynmark Way, #101-102 South Fulton; Hours: Wednesday-Saturday - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday - noon to 8 p.m., Monday - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Website: mustardseedbbq.com

Cafexito Mexican Coffee Shop

This charming coffee shop brings the concept of cafexito — a Mexican tradition of coffee and sweets inside the home — to the public. The tradition emphasizes sharing and connection, and the store fosters that concept with a menu full of authentic drinks like cajeta lattes, cafe con leche and Mexican mochas. Pair your drink selection with light sweets like churros and pan dulce.

Location: Cafexito Mexican Coffee Shop, 900 Murphy Avenue SW; Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Website: cafexito.co

Cafe Bourbon St.

From jambalaya egg roll to shrimp po’boys, you’ll find the whole gamut of cajun food at this eatery begun by a New Orleans family. And don’t forget, there’s a host of beignets - think cream cheese, s’mores and strawberry crunch - waiting for you at the end of your meal!

Location: Cafe Bourbon St. 680 Murphy Avenue SW; Hours: Saturday and Sunday - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Website: cafebourbonst.com

Slim & Husky’s Pizza

This pizzeria brings the local ingredients into its artisan pizza recipes. The store offers local craft beers and custom-order pizzas. The eating is easy with takeout services and delivery. Try the Smokin’ Herb pizza with a house cheese blend and musrooms or onions over white sauce. Or go for a little kick with the Fiesta Pizza featuring jalapeno cilantro ranch sauce, pork chorizo and ground beef. Accompany your choice with lemon pepper or Queen Beez wings, and follow everything up with something sweet like the Too Short Cakes.

Location: Slim & Husky’s Pizza, 581 Metropolitan Parkway; Hours: Sunday-Thursday - 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday - 11 a.m. to midnight; Website: slimandhuskys.com

Ryokou

Michelin starred chef Leonard Yu leads the team at this culinary tour of Japan. Experience fresh seasonal ingredients, beautifully presented dishes accompanied by curated sake offerings. A chefs tasting menu presented over eight courses is a great way to experience this unique menu.

Location: Ryokou, 565 Northside Drive SW #101; Hours: Wednesday-Sunday - 5-10 p.m.; Website: ryokouatl.com