Have you ever wanted to be one of those well-informed diners who seems to know a little about every eatery in the city? Consider Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week your crash course—a chance to check out places you’ve never been, but will definitely want to return.
During the event, which takes place July 21-27, the participating eateries will offer three-course meals for $25. Don’t forget to plan for drinks, taxes and tips, which aren’t included in the price.
Remember that reservations are extremely important. Restaurant Week spots get booked quickly, so be prepared with a second or even third choice.
To get you started, here are 10 suggestions for where to go—think of this list as downtown restaurants 101.
1. Take a date to the French American Brasserie. When you finish eating, head up to the rooftop deck to take in the scenery and perhaps have a drink or two. A recipe for romance? We think so.
2. Sip a cold margarita as you enjoy some of the city’s best Mexican food at No Mas! Cantina. After dinner, be sure to explore the artistic Castleberry Hill neighborhood where the restaurant is located.
3. Cheer on the Braves (they’re on the road during Restaurant Week, so you shouldn’t have a scheduling conflict) while watching the game on one of the many screens at Stats. But don’t get so distracted by what’s happening on the field that you forget to order dinner.
4. Come close to swimming with the fish at Avanzare Steakhouse—with the restaurant’s 1,800-gallon saltwater aquarium, you may feel as if you’re snorkeling. Still, you’ll also want to concentrate on the eatery’s notable steaks and seafood.
5. Stroll through Centennial Olympic Park before heading over to Room at Twelve for an evening you won’t soon forget. Grab a seat at the bar for a drink before you sit down to dinner.
6. Check out the scene at Thrive, which has the potential to become your new favorite hangout. Start with a meal, then hang around to take advantage of the club atmosphere in the evening.
7. Savor the taste of freshly brewed beer at Max Lager’s American Grill & Brewery. Feel free to ask your server any beer-related questions that may be on your mind—they’re quite likely to know the answers.
8. Discover a new passion for tiki culture—and remember your love of fruity cocktails—at Trader Vic’s. Don’t miss the luau drinks, which are served in communal bowls. If that’s not a good time waiting to happen, what is?
9. Head to Spoon with a group of good friends. In additional to offering tasty Thai cuisine, this intimate restaurant provides the perfect atmosphere for catching up with your BFFs.
10. Practice saying “yes ma’am” and “no sir” before you visit Pittypat’s Porch, which has been serving up a taste of the old South since the 1960s. If you haven’t tried a mint julep before, definitely order one of these classic cocktails.
