One afternoon in ATL-lunch place, 1 tourist attraction? (Atlanta, Decatur: house, restaurant)

[equinox1]

I spend winters in a seasonal cabin in NW GA. My daughter and her BF are coming for Easter. They get into the Atl. around 12:30 and we thought we'd spend the afternoon in ATL before heading to the cabin.

Any unique Ga type very casual lunch spots?

We have time for one tourist spot. I've been to the Martin Luther King site and the Aquarium and think they would enjoy either, though DD just visited an aquarium in Chicago. Any other spots we should consider? He likes history and the outdoors. We'll do Amicolola Falls on Sat.

[lorilove]

Atlanta History Center or Atlanta Botanical Gardens

[nrgpill]

for casual (brunch or lunch) I recommend Horseradish Grill. If not casual, I think Restaurant Eugene has excellent brunch.

[equinox1]

Thanks for suggestions.

[cqholt]

Piedmont Park in Midtown, then lunch at Mary Mac's Tea room on Ponce De Leon Blvd.

[nrgpill]

Mary Mac's has been going downhill for me for a good while now, but still not a bad recommendation if "Southern" is what you are after. But i just cannot recommend crap places like the park tavern.

Originally Posted by cqholt

Piedmont Park in Midtown, then lunch at Mary Mac's Tea room on Ponce De Leon Blvd.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by lorilove

Atlanta History Center or Atlanta Botanical Gardens

I'd strongly second those recommendations. Both give you a great look at some of the distinctive aspects our city and culture, as well as a chance to experience its beautiful outdoors.

If I were doing the Botanical Gardens, I'd consider lunch at Murphy's or Einstein's.

If you go to the History Center, I'd probably just do the Coach House since it's on the premises. An Atlanta tradition.

[cqholt]

But i just cannot recommend crap places like the park tavern.

The food is way better at Mary Mac's and it gives that southern tradition. The service sucks at Park Tavern, Overrated.

[johnatl]

For the best true "Southern" food, I honestly think the Colonade blows MM's out of the water......and it's right up the road from the Botanical Gardens. Just remember they aren't open for lunch on weekdays any longer.

[shivtim]

Lots of good recommendations above. I'll second Botanical Gardens/Piedmont Park (which are right next to each other so you can easily visit both at the same time), and the Atlanta History Center in Buckhead. For something more unique and off the beaten path, the Center for Puppetry Arts in Midtown has a couple of very interesting permanent exhibits.

For casual lunch spots, there are plenty of options. Personally I'd avoid Mary Macs (I agree with the poster above that it has gone way downhill). I'd also avoid other over-rated tourist options such as The Varsity. No offense to the people who love these places, but I find they're usually a let down.

You might want to consider BBQ. Fat Matt's is a no-nonsense joint with great ribs and sauce. Community Q in North Decatur also is delicous. Fox Bros is another good one.
If you'd like brunch, my favorites are Sun in My Belly and Highland Bakery. Both are good options for out of town guests, but make sure to double check their brunch hours!



I suggest looking at reviews on yelp to help select a spot.