Where once the front lines in the battle for Atlanta formed in the Civil War, today sits Atlanta's most eclectic neighborhoods. East Atlanta Village is home to some of Atlanta's favorite bars, murals, boutiques and indie rock and roll clubs.
EAV is at once hip and unpretentious, with a walkable center on Flat Shoals Road, filled with thriving independent businesses. It's one of the best places to see live music in the city, with acts as big as national headliners and as small as basement indie rockers gracing the same small stages.
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Best coffee shops
Hodgepodge Coffeehouse and Gallery, 720 Moreland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-622-8525. https://hodgepodgecoffee.com.
Homey, eclectic and filled with lots of local art, this busy coffee spot stays true to its name. The interior is quite spacious (unlike most Starbucks) with areas for larger groups, single sitters and couches for those wanting a more at-home feel. And when it comes to the menu, treat the true Southern in you to a Bless Your Heart−made with Ghirardelli Caramel and French Vanilla Latte.
Joe's East Atlanta Coffee Shop, 510 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-521-1122. https://www.facebook.com/Joes-East-Atlanta-Coffee-Shop.
East Atlanta and comfy coffee shops? Check. Joe's is another great coffee spot with lots of roomy space and plenty of snug furniture. It's also well equipped with outlets for all you workaholics. When you go to order coffee, be prepared to order a sweet treat; there are so many delicious looking desserts on the counter.
Best lunch spots
Credit: Bob Townsend
Credit: Bob Townsend
Emerald City Bagels, 1257A Glenwood Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-343-3758. http://www.emeraldcitybagels.com.
Emerald City Bagels has about as close to a New York-style bagel as you can get outside of the magical city itself. The shop is styled after a few of owners Deanna and Jackie Halcrow's favorite bagel shops in lower Manhattan and the menu is simple and classic. With a bagel as dreamy as theirs, it's just as much lunch as it is breakfast.
Flatiron Bar and Restaurant, 520 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-688-8864. https://flatironatl.com.
Grungy on the outside, incredible bites on the inside. This favorited late-night watering hole's food menu is to be reckoned with. Flatiron's got award-winning burgers, tasty sandwiches and straightforward prices.
Best dinner spots
Banshee, 1271 Glenwood Ave. SE, Atlanta. 470-639-8931. http://www.banshee-atl.com.
"Enjoy yourself...it's later than you think," East Atlanta's newest addition dares. From the minute you walk in the door, you know this is the place to be. There's a glowing neon sign, gorgeous lights and high ceilings. And when you get to the menu, which includes Butternut Squash Ravioli and Braised Duck Mezzelune, do as they say and enjoy.
Argosy, 470 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-577-0407. http://argosy-east.com.
From its mermaidy-decor, exposed-wood ceilings and porthole windows, Argosy is like stepping aboard a mystical ship. Once there, take a seat at the super spacious, cozy bar, ask a host to be seated at a table, or head to the back for an even more relaxed vibe (if it's open). The menu is full of fun stuff like Impossible Poutine and gourmet entrees and sandwiches, but what you should really do is save your appetite for the wood-fired pizza.
Must-see public art
Credit: Bo Emerson
Credit: Bo Emerson
Living Walls Mural, Boulevard (under Decatur Street), Atlanta. http://www.livingwallsatl.com.
There's plenty of fabulous art to go around in East Atlanta, but did you know where most of it comes from? Many of EAV's murals were brought to this funky neighborhood by Living Walls and Outer Space Project. For an open-air gallery tour, start at Interesni Kazki's mural on the side of Argosy and find the rest using the map available.
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Best way to spend a weekend
Chomp and Stomp, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 3. Admission $6 card, $5 cash. 650 Gaskill Street SE, Atlanta. http://www.chompandstomp.com.
The annual Chomp & Stomp Chili Cook-off and Bluegrass Festival is back and better than ever. If you've never heard of it or been before, now's your chance. This festival is one of the rowdiest, tastiest fall festivals around AND benefits Cabbagetown parks, green spaces and community center. Come on down and see the best of what Cabbagetown has to offer.
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