City Profile: Atlanta 

Livability

“Atlanta is known as the city of neighborhoods,” says architect Charles Heydt of Pak Heydt & Associates. New neighborhoods once meant increasing sprawl away from the city, but in recent years, there has been renewed interest inside the perimeter. Heydt tells us what’s happening in
Atlanta’s neighborhoods.

Buckhead

Rumored to be named after an impressive hunting trophy, Buckhead is known for its estate homes, including the Governor’s Mansion and the Nunnally-Arnold house, where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard posed for photos during the 1939 premiere of Gone With the Wind. “If you look at Buckhead stylistically, it’s pretty eclectic,” says Heydt. “It has Country French, Italianate, every English variety of Georgian, Tudor, and Edwardian, and then it has wonderful little examples that run the gamut from English Colonial to Craftsman.”

Heydt considers Georgia native Philip Trammell Shutze (whose best-known work is likely Swan House), along with James Means and Neel Reid, to be the architects who were most instrumental in establishing the area as a mecca for high-quality architecture. Today the neighborhood boasts a premier shopping and dining scene. Buckhead Village’s notorious -- and often raucous -- bar scene is no more, thanks to developer Ben Carter, who is bringing in major restaurants and hotels and an outdoor art gallery. High-rise and mid-rise residential developments are also popping up. 770/216-1662, www.buckhead.net.

Glenwood Park

Just two miles from downtown, Glenwood Park brings the New Urbanism movement to a city known for its car-loving populace. “Charles Brewer bought an old concrete-recycling site, a brownfield, and cleaned it up,” says Heydt. “He is building a complete neighborhood out of what was once industrial.” The neighborhood encompasses single-family houses, town houses, and condos mixed with shops, green spaces, and recreational facilities. 404/879-2230, www.glenwoodpark.com.

Midtown and Surrounding Neighborhoods

“There are a lot of wonderful places to live inside the perimeter,” says Heydt. New residential high-rises dot the Midtown skyline as developers bet big on the appeal of urban living. In older, single-family communities, such as Morningside and Little Five Points, “people are renovating old homes or tearing them down and building new ones,” he says. “The great thing about these communities is that instead of mowing down a whole site and starting over, younger people are revitalizing existing neighborhoods.” www.atlanta-midtown.com. 

 

WHERE TO STAY

Four Seasons Hotel
“Excellent food and service, elegant interiors, and a central location,” says Fay Gold. 75 14th St., 404/881-9898, www.fourseasons.com.

The Glenn Hotel
“It’s very chic and modern,” Andrea Moattar says. Take in the skyline views from the Rooftop Bar. 110 Marietta St. NW, 404/521-2250, www.glennhotel.com.

InterContinental Buckhead Hotel
Jason Moattar recommends its fun bistro/bar. 3315 Peachtree Rd. NE, 404/946-9000, www.ichotelsgroup.com.

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead
In the evenings, the rich lobby is transformed with soothing candlelight. 3434 Peachtree Rd. NE, 404/237-2700, www.ritzcarlton.com.

 

WHERE TO EAT

Anis Café & Bistro
“The patio is encompassed by a Provençal-style garden,” says Andrea. 2974 Grandview Ave., 404/233-9889, www.anisbistro.com.

Aria
Known for its slow-cooked entrées. 490 East Paces Ferry Rd., 404/233-7673, www.aria-atl.com.

Bacchanalia
“Crab fritters, Kobe beef -- love it!” says Jason. 1198 Howell Mill Rd., 404/365-0410, www.starprovisions.com.

Bone’s
The accolades for this premier steak house just keep coming. 3130 Piedmont Rd. NE, 404/237-2663, www.bonesrestaurant.com.

Canoe
“Sit by the window overlooking the river,” recommends Gold. 4199 Paces Ferry Rd. NW, 770/432-2663, www.canoe-atl.com.

Colonnade
“Great Southern-style food. I always get the fried chicken,” says Andrea. 1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd. NE, 404/874-5642.

JCT Kitchen & Bar
“Even my children love it,” says Bob Brown. Try the “Grown-up” Grilled Cheese. 1198 Howell Mill Rd., Ste. 18, 404/355-2252, www.jctkitchen.com.

Kevin Rathbun Steak
Tempting sides, such as jalapeño creamed corn. 154 Krog St., 404/524-5600, www.kevinrathbunsteak.com.

Matty Cakes Bakery
“Fantastic carrot cake,” says Gold. 1830 Piedmont Ave., 404/917-2253, www.mattycakes.com.

OK Cafe
The collard greens and black-eyed peas are quintessential Atlanta. 1284 West Paces Ferry Rd., 404/233-2888, www.okcafe.com.

Pano’s & Paul’s
An Atlanta institution. 1232 West Paces Ferry Rd., 404/261-3662, www.buckheadrestaurants.com.

Paul’s Restaurant
“A wonderful bistro-type menu with fresh seasonal items -- always great fish,” says Carole Weaks. 10 Kings Cir. NE, 404/231-4113, www.thechefpaul.com.

Posh
“The food is prepared with fresh market ingredients,” Jason says. 111 West Paces Ferry Rd., 404/869-0777, www.heretoserverestaurants.com.

Rathbun’s and Krog Bar
Located in a one-time potbellied-stove factory. 112 Krog St.; Rathbun’s: 404/524-8280, www.rathbunsrestaurant.com; Krog Bar: 404/524-1618, www.krogbar.com.

Restaurant Eugene
Reserve a spot at the monthly cheese tastings. 2277 Peachtree Rd., 404/355-0321, www.restauranteugene.com.

Rumi’s Kitchen
“The best Persian food,” says Jason. “I order the Koobideh Kabob.” 6152 Roswell Rd., 404/477-2100, www.rumiskitchen.com.

Sotto Sotto
“The lasagna is so delicate, light, and delicious,” says Andrea. 313 North Highland Ave., 404/523-6678, www.sottosottorestaurant.com.

Trois
Brown suggests the “Toad in a Hole” -- tuna tartare with egg and caviar. 1180 Peachtree St., 404/815-3337, www.trois3.com.

The Varsity
“I know I’m in Atlanta when I drive by The Varsity and smell their fried onion rings,” says Brown. 61 North Ave., 404/881-1706, www.thevarsity.com.