By The Editors By The Editors | December 17, 2021 | Lifestyle, Feature,
From vegan restaurants to hair salons and everything in between, here are our best recommendations of 2021 in ATL.
Best Italian Restaurant: Storico Fresco
Wine and dine at Storico Fresco with a variety of wine selections and specialty homemade pasta. On Mondays, you can also take pleasure in half-price bottles of the most exquisite wines while dining under a heated and covered patio outside. This Venetian-inspired concept will provide nothing but the finest grapes. Be sure to try the mouthwatering Lasagna Alla Bolognese, which includes spinach noodles, veal, beef, pork, bechamel, and Grana Padano. 3167 Peachtree Rd NE Suite S, Atlanta, GA 30305
Check out our full list of Atlanta's best Italian restaurants here.
Best Thing To Do On a Rainy Or Cold Day: Explore the Georgia Aquarium
Learn about how the Georgia Aquarium cares for the aquatic biodiversity and beyond. The Georgia Aquarium is home to a fascinating array of species, including manta rays, beluga whales, dolphins, and more which you can observe on any rainy day. There is also a shark exhibit that will take you on a journey from fear to fascination as you discover the world of these apex predators.
Check out our full list of Atlanta's best things to do on a rainy or cold day here.
Best Bakery: Henri's
Henri’s, beloved by generations of Atlantans since 1929—yes, it’s almost 100 years old!—is the quintessential place for a sandwich or a sweet treat. Its thumbprint cookies and petits fours have been gracing baby showers and holiday tables since before you were born, and that’s a good thing.
Check out our full list of Atlanta's best bakeries here.
Best Brunch: Le Bilboquet
A haven for enjoying French bistro fare and sophisticated sips in a vibrant atmosphere, Le Bilboquet brings a slice of Paris to the center of Buckhead Village. New this season, the Raspberry Beret—made with High West double rye, housemade raspberry shrub, ginger liqueur and orgeat—is perfect for savoring on the restaurant’s patio. Pair with the de-shelled Maine whole lobster a la plancha with almond arugula pesto linguine, cherry heirloom tomato and beurre blanc. 3027 Bolling Way NE
Check out our full list of Atlanta's best brunches here.
Best Coffee Shop: East Pole Coffee Co.
Enjoy a refreshing caffeinated sip inside this Ottley Drive coffee shop's stunning and spacious interior, or outside on its sunlit patio. Connected to a coffee roaster—complete with retail space—espresso, craft coffee, tea and more is served from an airy bar, with new treats from different ATL vendors offered on a weekly/weekend special basis. Insider tip: Don't miss East Pole's free weekly coffee cuppings open to the public!
Check out our full list of Atlanta's best coffee here.
Best Patio: St. Julep
Atlantans love a good rooftop bar moment, so it comes as no shock that Buckhead’s groovy new bar and lounge is quickly becoming the place to see and be seen. Perched high on the ninth floor of the recently opened Kimpton Sylvan Hotel, flashy indoor-outdoor space St. Julep boasts a curated drink menu which shows love to tried-and-true classics like the gin and tonic, margarita and highball, but it’s the boozy soft serve ice cream that’s calling our name. 374 East Paces Ferry Road NE
Check out our full list of Atlanta's best patio spots here.
Best Ice Cream: Butter & Cream
Locally crafted in small batches with real cream and fresh ingredients, the brilliant minds at Butter & Cream take classic flavors and reinvent them with unique, modern twists. Offering up to 20 different flavors at any given time, you can expect seasonal rotations of quirky concoctions, including milkshakes, slushies and ice cream floats. Every inclusion, from brownies and cookies to toffee and sauces, are made in-house and guaranteed fresh. Be sure to stop by the Beltline location with your pooch and treat them to a pup cup. Multiple locations
Check out our full list of Atlanta's best ice cream here.
Best Golf Course: The Frog Golf Club
Armed with its Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status, it comes as no surprise that this course is consistently considered a favorite amongst Atlantans. Tom Fazio designed The Frog Golf Club 18-hole course, complete with bentgrass greens and extensive bunkering. 2699 Georgian Parkway, Villa Rica, 770.459.4400
Check out our full list of Atlanta's best golf courses here.
Best Date Spot: The Garden Room
Even amongst the breadth of bar options in Atlanta, the Garden Room stands out for its whimsical atmosphere and creative craft libations. Step into the decked-out garden space to feel instantly transported with your date. Our personal favorite drink? The Aloe Vieux, featuring Ketel One vodka, St-Germain liqueur, aloe vera juice, blueberries, mint, lemon bitters and Raventos cava. P.S. Don’t miss the delish small plates if you get peckish. 88 West Paces Ferry Road NW, 404.600.6471
Check out our full list of Atlanta's best date spots here.
Best Vegan Spot: Chi Chi Vegan
This ultra-Instagramable bright pink plant-based taco shop brings all the goodness of Mexican cuisine guilt-free through mimicking the texture of real meat through proteins such as soy and seitan. Chi Chi Vegan's street fare and nachos, complete with lettuce, black beans, corn salad, pico, guacamole, vegan queso and a protein of your choice, are fan-favorites. 1 Moreland Ave. Ste. F, 404.464.7153
Check out our full list of Atlanta's best vegan spots here.
Best Hair Salon: Van Michael Salon
An Atlanta staple, Van Michael Salon is well known for their dedication to expertise and attention to the guest experience. The Van Michael team offers a variety of services ranging from keratin treatments to precision cuts, all backed with incredible Aveda products. Best of all? Each cut or color service comes with a complimentary Aveda makeup touch-up. Multiple locations
Check out our full list of Atlanta's best hair salons here.
Best Staycation Spot: Hotel Colee
Overlooking Peachtree Road, Hotel Colee puts Buckhead’s beautiful surroundings on display with a rooftop infinity pool; suite packages with skylineview rooms; and Whiskey Blue, its on-premise rooftop bar. Stay in and de-stress with a bottle of bubbly, a movie and popcorn—all included in the A Show on the Road package—with the addition of 2PM checkout for maximum rest and recuperation. 3377 Peachtree Road NE
Check out our full list of Atlanta's best staycation spots here.
Best Weekend Getaway: Savannah
Savannah, the Hostess City of the South is the perfect getaway at just about three hours from downtown Atlanta. Along with being on the river, Savannah is full of history, spanish moss, cobblestone streets and a slower pace that fufill the southern charm you easily missed in the hussle bussle of the city. Recently a new district has arisen, the Savannah's Plant Riverside District, an area once home to a power plant. The $375 million project stretches along Savannah’s riverfront, offering visitors a place to shop, drink and dine. You’ll probably want to spend a little extra time at Electric Moon, which sits on top of the refurbished power plant. The rooftop bar and lounge is basically a playground for adults, featuring LED swingsets, slides and stunning views of the river. In this area the soon-to-open JW Marriott will be the perfect host. Two hotel buildings are already open (Power Plant and Three Muses, the Atlantic Building is coming Aug. 2021). Located smack-dab in the heart of the district, guests can explore new places to eat, drink and shop—like on-site Stone & Webster Chophouse, below, and enchanting Myrtle & Rose rooftop garden. Or opt for a classic luxury hotel stay at The Perry Lane Hotel on East Perry street and be sure to get your spot at the rooftop pool bar and lounge. It is the perfect way to recover after shopping down Broughton street.
Check out our full list of Atlanta's best weekend getaways here.
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