It's not hard to find a someone willing and able to wax poetic about the best burger, cuppa joe, and glass of wine in L.A. or New York. But smaller cities like Atlanta are often overlooked—despite the fact they have plenty to offer in the way of food and beverages. So we asked Alton Brown, a man who knows plenty about Good Eats, about his favorite spots in ATL. Here's a scientifically-sound guide to the best of the best, from a local who knows.
Best Cup of Coffee Brash"I am a creature of habit. I live here, so most of the coffee places [I'd list] would be my day-to-day. But my actual favorite is Brash."
Best Place to Get a Cocktail The Optimist"This place has got a super fun, super-inventive cocktail program. They also make a lot of drinks with beer, which is a growing trend."
Best-Kept Secret The Butcher The Baker"It's in Marietta, outside of Atlanta, which is why it's still a secret. It's got a massive charcuterie program and is also just a great restaurant. I almost hate telling you about it, because now I'm not going to be able to get in. It does all kinds of wild twists on Southern cuisine, and great sourcing of local stuff."
Best Place for a Baller, Celebratory Dinner Marcel"I'm kind of obessed with Marcel. It's done up inside like a turn-of-the-century French boxing gym…but they've got a really nice cocktail program, too." "I tend to prefer classic cocktails made properly, and they do it there."
Best Spot to Pre-Empt a Hangover R. Thomas Deluxe GrillIt's been around for a long time. It's the weirdest place. Most of the food is vegetarian, but they do standard stuff so well. I still find if I'm downtown late night, I'll be craving their burgers and home fries. In the rise of gastropubs, people tend to forget about it. But folks that really know, when you ask what the best late-night place is, they'll tell you it's R. Thomas.
Guaranteed Hit Miller Union"This is what everybody would say. It's really, really hard to beat if you want to do a special occasion thing. It's really about the food."