Matt and Lindsay live together in a new townhome in West Midtown and it also happens to be the same neighborhood as the wedding venue, Summerour Studio. This industrial side of town has been going through a modern retrofit and it has cemented itself on the Atlanta map as one of the premier restaurant and brewery districts. If you're in town early and have some time to explore then check out our list below. Click the link for a cultivated list of restaurants, shops, and bars in Lindsay and Matt's West Midtown neighborhood.
The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the best attractions to see while in the ATL. This extended walking trail connects some of Atlanta's most vibrant neighborhoods and is always buzzing with activity. "Bopping on the BeltLine" would make for a great Saturday day time activity as you can start at Piedmont Park near Midtown and walk or scooter stopping at places like Ponce City Market, LadyBird beer garden, and Krog Street Market along the way. Click the link below for the complete list!
West Midtown is home to a decent amount of breweries worth exploring - Dr. Scofflaw's Laboratory (There is also Scofflaw's actual brewery but the Lab is in a better location) - Monday Night - Steady Hand - Bold Monk (Brew pub) - Firemaker - Roundtrip - Second Self - Urban Tree Cidery
The Chelsea Market of the South combines an eclectic mix of food stalls in its massive food hall (no chains allowed!) with a variety of open air shopping experiences that appeal to a younger, crunchier crowd. Think Lululemon, Chubbies, and artisanal candles at Candlefish, not some decrepit suburban mall. There is also a Boardwalk Empire-esque old school carnival themed rooftop complete with putt-putt and a beer garden. It's $10 a person to go up, but worth going for the city wide views. Did I mention that it is also literally connected to the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta Beltline and across the street from Old 4th Ward Park?
Located in West Midtown on the same street that Matt & Lindsay live on. Topgolf isn't really unique to Atlanta but its a great day time group event and it's in a pretty optimal location across the corner from Bold Monk and The Works (Food Hall). They usually will have a decent wait going so we recommend swinging by to put your name in and then hanging at a nearby brewery like Steady Hand, Scofflaw, or Bold Monk while you wait to be called.
From the same people that brought you Top Golf, Putt Shack is the indoor adults only version of boutique putt putt that you've always wanted. Great nightlife option, possibly for Saturday night. Putt Shack is also in the same building as the Bellyard Hotel in West Midtown.
A new concept from the folks that brought Yeah Burger to the area, Upbeet is a millenial's dream come true. I consider this Fast Casual 2.0 with design your own salad and grain bowls, bulletproof coffee, deconstructed smoothies, various "toasts", charcoal lemonade, and everything else that makes sense to be across the street from a lululemon. Fair warning that it can get expensive in a hurry, but who said trendy, err.. I mean healthy, is cheap?
A melting pool of millennials and prowling cougars set in a smoky 1970s disco. Don't let the nondescript entrance fool you, this place is a time machine and an absolute gem. Come for the people watching, disco music, dancing, cheap champagne, and heavy pours. Lines do start to build at around 11PM so aim to get here on the early side of a late night. There is always a minimum $5 cover on Friday and Saturday nights but you can walk to the front and pay $20 a head to skip it (plus $5 inside). Don't even think about negotiating a package or discounted rate, it's $20 a head, firm. We like to call it the "Troll Toll". You may or may not find the Bride and Groom here Friday and/or Saturday night. It's one of our favorite spots on planet earth.
While Jeni's is by no means an Atlanta establishment (Columbus, OH), it sure does a good job of planting itself in the hottest neighborhoods. We have included the Westside location on this list as it is our personal favorite, just down the road from our house, but you can't go wrong with the Krog Street Market or Decatur locations either. If you're looking to find a cool neighborhood (in any city), search for Jeni's Ice Cream as an anchor point and then work from there. In terms of the actual Ice Cream, words can't do it justice. I'll let the ever-present line (rain or shine) do the talking because Jeni really does have something special going here. Go for a 3 scoop sampler and add a 4th!.
Antico is THE GOAT pizza spot to hit in ATL. When Barstool's El Pres eventually gives this a "One Bite" pizza review I would expect no less than the 9.0 floor (UPDATE: He gave it a 8.3, a solid score). This Neapolitan joint serves up "fancy pizza" that is famously paired with the BYOB wine (with no corkage fee) that you bring along. Get the Lasagna Pizza and sit at one of the communal tables in the kitchen area so you can marvel as they make the best pizza in the world right in front of your glistening eyes. Be warned that it can get hot in there on a hot day. You can also walk the pizza across the street to their neighboring Bar Amalfi or order from there directly if they're open.
Ladybird is the quintessential watering hole on the BeltLine Eastside trail. If making the trek between Krog Street Market and Ponce City Market, you would be remiss to not stop at this pacific northwestern campground themed beer garden. An old school camper nestled amidst the totem poles and lounging areas serves as an outdoor bar often featuring sangria, IPA tallboys, and (if you're lucky) draft Tropicalia.
Incidentally this is where the Dermody family + Allie first met Lindsay! A marquee brunch destination centered in West Midtown/Westside Provisions District relatively close to the Wedding Venue. The prices are shockingly affordable for the extravagant brunch options that they dish out. Highly recommend the Georgia Benedict (think Eggs Benny on biscuits with sausage gravy) and the Banana Bread French toast. They don't take reservations so get there relatively early and put your name in. Then stroll over to Brash Coffee, Savannah Honey Bee, lululemon or any of the other options nearby while you wait.