willowjane

We are running down to Atlanta for the Carolina game next weekend. We have a few days after the game and this is what I have planned - one day to do the Georgia Aquarium and the High Museum of Art, another day to do the Bodies Exhibit and then head home.
The game will take up the entire day on Sunday, and we have reservations for dinner at the hotel. A great bar near the game would be fabulous so we could unwind and get ready to head to dinner. We all love martinis!
Food: Bistro Niko , Livingston (we are staying at The Georgian Terrace) and ......I would love another restaurant recommendation for Monday night!! I thought about Canoe, but my husband is not crazy about "upscale southern" food. Any thoughts.....???? Is there something that is going on that I just can't miss?

I should say that we are all "mature" adults and no children. We love food and don't mind paying for something that is fabulous! Thanks!

starrs

Canoe is stellar. I've never heard it described that way. Have you looked at the menu?
http://www.canoeatl.com/dinner-menu/

We are having gorgeous weather and you may be able to sit outside overlooking the river. The grounds are gorgeous and the service is divine. Inside is great too. I try not to hold a grudge against Canoe because they bought 3 vintage Old Towne canoe bookshelves out from under me a few years ago. I went in the gallery to buy one and a guy from Atlanta had bought all 3 - and they don't become available that often. I later learned "that guy" was opening Canoe.

Anyway, look at the menu. There will be much your husband will enjoy. I don't think of it "southern" except they embrance the farm to market approach. We have some of the organic veggie suppliers near me.

willowjane

Thank you - I hadn't looked at the menu because I had heard it described that way. It looks fabulous!

starrs

It is fabulous. I have a VIP who flies in a couple of times a year and it's one of his alltime favorite restaurants of any he goes to (nationwide). If it's warm enough and you get there before dusk, sit outide. The grounds to the river are just beautiful. I still think about a tomato soup I had there as an appetizer. Fresh, fresh veggies but a LOT more than "southern" food. Enjoy!

Gretchen

If you need a Diners Driveins and Dives selection to eat at try Colonnade. We ate there passing through Atlanta last week and it was fun, and delicious. Apparently a real Atlanta institution also. Might be fun for breakfast assuming they serve it.

Gretchen

Add--it is literally a couple of blocks off I85 near the "almost out of Atlanta" side so it isn't hard to find.

palmettoprincess

I don't think the High is open on Mondays. You may want to check.

birgator

Since you presumably live in the south, I'd skip the Colonnade (which is only open for dinner) -- it's whatever you get locally at home albeit fairly well done and an institution of sorts.

The very best restaurants these days are indeed "new south." Everything pork, from snout to tail. Must admit I loved Bacchanalia ... but that's chef's table and may not suit you.

Canoe is excellent, highly recommended. I tend to pick apps and skip main course.

For a bar, how about the Vortex? The Little 5 Points one, not the Midtown location which is closer to your hotel but not as outrageous. I'm grandma age, and enjoyed it thoroughly as something different, albeit loud. Reckon they could whip up a martini or two. Note that smoking is allowed at the bar which may be a deterrent.

bachslunch

Have been to the Colonnade, and while it's cheap and filling, I wasn't all that impressed with the food. Mary Mac's Tea Room also does classic Southern "meat and three" soul-style eats, and I preferred it to Colonnade.

Vortex is also known for its burgers, though the veggie burger I got there was just okay.

A good drive-in style spot is The Varsity. A most worthy guilty pleasure is to have a couple chili-slaw dogs, an order of onion rings, and a frosted orange to drink.

Definitely second going to the High Museum and the Georgia Aquarium, both excellent.

bachslunch

Forgot to suggest some Atlanta BBQ spots: Fox Brothers is excellent, and Rolling Bones is very good. Have not tried Fat Matt's, another noteworthy option.

willowjane

Thank you all so much! We will try Vortex and we made our reservation for Canoe. Go Panthers!