Champs City Guide: Welcome to Atlanta!

Do you ever visit a new city and find that really cool person that you just know can give you the lowdown on all the hotspots? Well, that’s me. People ask me all the time. (Not really, but I stalk the cool people around town so I know a thing or two.)

First thing’s first, download the Scoutmob app (scoutmob.com/Atlanta). The people that work at this company are THE HIPSTERS of Atlanta. Also, they’ve somehow figured out the way to a discount hunter’s heart. The app also includes a mustache camera, 'nuff said.

Now, let’s start with the bars and work our way down.

Ever been to a bar that is based solely on old school video games? Well now you can say you have. As long as you go there:

Joystick Gamebar
427 Edgewood Avenue

Famous for their jack and coke slushies, this hipster bar and restaurant serves cheap eats and fancy drinks:

Victory Sandwich Bar + Emporium
280 Elizabeth Street Northeast

Many people know about Little 5 Points, so you could pretty much just have the cab drop you off and walk to any interesting drink servers, but I suggest starting at the Vortex (also eat their food) and then make your way around:

The Vortex
438 Moreland Avenue

Lastly, if you want to head over to the area that we fondly refer to as the Rollergirl commune (Decatur/Oakhurst/Kirkwood area), then visit our local bar:

U Joint (Universal Joint)
906 Oakview Road

Okay, if you’re going to drink, you should probably eat. So where are the best places to eat? Well, I’m a vegetarian so I can give you the hubbub about some places, but most will cater to me. Because it’s all about me, right?

So, speaking of, the best vegetarian restaurant, ever:

Café Sunflower
2140 Peachtree Road

So for the fancy, hip type that like DJs, make your way to:

TOP FLR
674 Myrtle Street Northeast

This is totally against my diet, but they do actually have some delicious veggie options. But for the barbeque lovers, you MUST visit:

Fox Bros.
1238 Dekalb Ave

Burgers anyone? How about burgers made by the famous Top Chef Richard Blais:

Flip Burger
1587 Howell Mill Road

For the spicy side of you, make sure you visit Elmyr. It’s Mexican/American/Mexican. They happen to have a pretty good nightlife scene too.

Elmyr
1091 Euclid Ave NE

For what has been hailed as the best fried chicken restaurant in Atlanta (also, more good drinks), visit:

Watershed
1820 Peachtree Rd NW

After you’ve stayed out too late and need to refuel before going to watch some UH-MAZING roller derby, make sure you hit these breakfast/brunch spots.

Eggs, Eggs, Eggs, and an extra drink if you need it:

West Egg
1100 Howell Mill Road

Known for their biscuits, but I will stop being your friend if you don’t try their grits (even northerners like this stuff):

The Flying Biscuit
1655 McLendon Ave.
or
1001 Piedmont Ave.

Sunday brunch only, with live music, I sometimes go here and pretend I’m on vacation at some weird dive bar that serves brunch (because that’s what it is):

The EARL
488 Flat Shoals Avenue Southeast

My friend just said to me, “that fucking comfy chicken biscuit.” I think that’s all the description you need:

Home Grown
968 Memorial Drive Southeast

MUST SEE BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE CITY. Seriously, you haven’t had the Atlanta experience unless you’ve been to one of these joints.

First and foremost, the most unique club of them all. You can get a lap dance, you can get a cheap drink, you can dance all night:

The Clermont Lounge
789 Ponce De Leon Avenue Northeast

Ever found a church that has ping-pong, choir gowns, a full bar, and worships risqué art? Well, now you have:

Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium
466 Edgewood Ave SE

Of course, you have to visit the “World’s Largest” anything. So why not visit the life aquatic:

Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker Street NW

You are in the south, so make sure you get a little taste of one of the most famous southern novels to date, Gone with the Wind:

Margaret Mitchell’s House
990 Peachtree Street NE

Experience art at its highest, yes, its highest:

High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree Street Northeast

Hopefully this gives you a little flavor of our fair little city here. If I could list every place I love, then you would have stopped reading a long time ago. So, I picked only the best of the best. And if all else fails you, just come over to my house. It’s in Decatur. My dogs and I will welcome you. Oh hey, my super cool parents are in town, too!