A Guide to a Weekend in Atlanta

Become Inspired

Learn about Freedom Riders, lunch-counter demonstrations, and other aspects of the Civil Rights Movement at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Exhibits include photos, audio, video, and interactive displays from the South and beyond.

Get Global on Buford Highway

Explore the flavors of Cuban, Bangladeshi, Korean, Vietnamese, and other cuisine on Atlanta’s Buford Highway, home to dozens of ethnic restaurants. One must-try is Food Terminal, which opened in 2017 (be sure to order the cheese ’n cheese and grandma wonton BBQ pork).

Eat Like a Chef

We asked two of Atlanta’s food experts for their top picks on where to eat. With more than a dozen restaurants under his belt—including several in Atlanta—chef Ford Fry knows good food. Check out his recommendations on where to find the best barbecue, Reuben sandwich, coffee, and more. And Alton Brown—Food Network host, author, and variety-show star—shares his perfect day in the ATL starting with an apple fritter at Marietta’s Dough in the Box and ending with a late-night dinner at Ford’s Marcel restaurant.

Get Lunch at the Varsity

For more than ninety years the Varsity has been serving up chili dogs and F.O.s (that’s a frosted orange) to downtown Atlanta. Get a behind-the-counter look at the classic Southern drive-in here.

Have a Cocktail on the Roof

Since the 1920s, this five-story brick building on Ponce de Leon Avenue has housed apartments, a motor lodge, and a seedy-yet-beloved strip club, but it’s the most recent renovation that has everyone taking notice. The new Hotel Clermont is stylishly welcoming visitors and locals alike. Head to the roof for a cocktail (and killer view), but don’t miss Tiny Lou’s, the French Bistro, inside.

Join Us for Dinner (and Drinks)

We opened our first restaurant and bar, the Garden & Gun Club, in 2018 in the shadow of the Braves’ new stadium at Battery Atlanta. The intimate space is perfect for cocktails (a Proper Old-Fashioned, anyone?) and a dozen oysters, or a Sunday brunch full of Southern hospitality.

Try an Award-Winning Whiskey

Tour Atlanta’s ASW Distillery to taste for yourself why its Duality Double Malt is helping put this distillery on the map. It’s open for tours Thursday-Saturday.

Walk Off Those Meals

Yes, there is more to do in Atlanta than eat and drink. “New York has the High Line. We have the BeltLine,” says Alton Brown. “It’s the walking path of Atlanta, and it’s lovely to watch all the art installations that are going up around it.” Looking for more art? The High Museum of Art is always spotlighting some of the best photography and art from around the South (and the world).

Cheer and Chow Down at the Stadium

If it’s a big game bringing you to the city, don’t miss our locals’ guide to what to eat inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Yes, we know: more food.