According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau numbers, Atlanta is the sixth-largest metro area in the United States with a population just south of 6.5 million people. That number will greatly increase, albeit temporarily, between June 15 and July 15, when the FIFA World Cup comes to town and brings hundreds of thousands of international soccer fans along with it.
Once you add in the vacationing families, conventiongoers and I-just-need-a-breakers who already had Georgia on their mind for a summer getaway, that number really spikes. It’s a good thing then that the city and its vast hospitality infrastructure are equipped to handle all the foot traffic.
Read on for a roundup of high-end hotels, buzzy restaurants and new attractions that will keep everyone entertained for the next few months and beyond.
Where To Stay
Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead would be a wise hotel option off its location alone. A mere 20-minute drive from downtown and a five-minute stroll from Lenox Square shopping center and area restaurants, the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star stay couldn’t be better situated if it tried. But it’s so much more than its GPS coordinates might hint. Guests can get lost in amenities such as its world-class spa, a private garden perfect for impromptu Instagram shoots, an indoor pool, and 127 rooms and suites that feel like a home — if said residence had a marble bathroom and a cloud-soft bed fitted in Frette sheets.
And then there’s the Peacock Alley lobby lounge and Brassica Restaurant. The latter is an elegant, French-inspired dining room that speaks with a Southern accent. The menu has shrimp and grits, sure, but the plate is accentuated with avocado relish. Panko-crusted chicken and a waffle made with matcha highlight brunch. And now that four-time James Beard semifinalist Todd Richards is the executive chef, expect even more expertly seasoned moments to continue throughout Brassica, room service, special events and all of Waldorf Astoria’s other gastronomic efforts.
Another area where the culinary team shines is with its signature tea service. Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, the first floor transforms to a Canterbury courtyard with staffers parading out delectable pastries, finger sandwiches and premium teas. On special occasions, like the Kentucky Derby and Mother’s Day, the refinement dial turns up even more with specialty cocktails, Southern-inspired dishes and blooming garden backdrops.
More Places To Eat and Drink
Atlanta’s soul food and barbecue scenes have been deliciously documented for years. A category that’s been criminally underrated is the city’s burger scene. With outdoor temperatures rising, a classic burger and fries combination makes sense. When the craving hits, it won’t matter if you’re on the north side (Che Butter Jonez), out east (Smiley’s Burger Club, Fred’s Meat & Bread) or Midtown (Holeman & Finch Public House), there’s a brilliant burger to be noshed. Our favorite spot right now is the new Grindhouse Killer Burgers on the Westside. We can’t wait to enjoy a juicy double with a side of fried pickles and a cold lager from the adults-only rooftop this summer.
Another side to Atlanta’s culinary landscape that doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves is its Thai food. There’s great massaman curry to be had in places like Snap, Nan Thai and 26 Thai Kitchen & Bar. Our latest go-to for prawns and spare ribs is Lo Kee, an Asian fusion winner in West Midtown’s The Interlock. Outfitted in plush red seats; folded, flower-like light fixtures; and a tropical scene muraled behind the bar, the restaurant works wonderfully for a romantic outing or a celebratory dinner with friends. But don’t save the lobster fried rice and filet mignon and broccoli for an anniversary meal. The food, astute service and standout drinks (yes, we’ll have another lychee martini) are amazing on a random Wednesday, too.
What To Do
You haven’t seen a makeover until you’ve seen Centennial Yards. What used to be a grubby railyard and parking area downtown called the Gulch has been painstakingly reconstructed and reshaped into a 50-acre development with restaurants, retail, residences and the footprint for two hotels, the recently opened Hotel Phoenix and the just-announced Virgin Hotels Atlanta. Even with all of that, the business that’s generated the most excitement is Cosm, a fully immersive entertainment venue centering around an 87-foot LED dome that creates “shared reality” experiences. The NBA Finals, UFC fights and classic movies like The Matrix will all show in extremely high-definition here. Cosm also promises elevated dining and an unparalleled sports bar when it opens in June.
Across the street from Centennial Yards is State Farm Arena. The WNBA’s Atlanta Dream is coming into its new season (May 10 to September 23) with so much hype that five of the games are moving to the big arena from the smaller home confines at College Park’s Gateway Center Arena. A playoff team a year ago thanks to the efforts of stars like Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, the Dream and its vocal fans are now fantasizing about the Finals after a headline-making April trade brought rebounding queen/social media darling Angel Reese to the city.
If the Dream and soccer action get you in a competitive mood, head over to Armour Yards to let off some steam at Painted Pickle. As the name suggests, the spot is ideal for a bit of paddle action. But what could prove the smarter summer play is stopping over for a game of miniature golf on its all-new, nine-hole Dog Leg course. The fairly challenging layout offers dramatic undulations, water hazards — okay, so they’re blue beads meant to simulate a stream — and “sand traps.” The biggest threat to a low score, though, might be Korean spiced wings and just-spicy-enough buffalo cauliflower tempting you from the table.
