After a full day of driving nearly 700 miles up I-75 from Naples, Florida on our way to New York (yes, we do know a better way to get there, don't ask), we will spend the night at the Grand Hyatt with a super rate we got for the club level. I haven't been up there in a few years and have been keeping a list of suggestions from here as well as other sources so please help me out, Atlanta people!
We don't want to get overly dressed up and make a big deal out of it (I'm sure we'll be too interstate weary to really enjoy it) so, BluePointe, Seegers, and probably Aria are out. Right? We'd like a nice casual night near by with minimal driving so that sounds like one of our old favorites, like the Peasant Uptown, but friends say those places aren't what they used to be. What about Anis Bistro? Sounds small, interesting, and supposedly has great casual food. On my short list is Bachanalia, but can't find anything about it including on Zagat's, or is it another "big deal" place? Any other super suggestions in the "neighborhood" of the Hyatt? Type of food is not important (we like them all), quality and a nice atmosphere are!

Hi Patrick. Anis is one of my favorites, though I must confess I don't get up to Buckhead much anymore. It's quaint, in an old house just in the Garden Hills neighborhood (off Pharr Rd across from where the old Oxford Books was if you remember that). Great prices, run by French folks, and pretty unpretentious for the neighborhood. Great patio if the weather's good. Soleil is very similar if that's in Zagats.

If you're in the mood for Italian, Ciao Bella is right around the corner from Anis and is very similar except for the cuisine, of course. Each will be very busy on a weekend night, so call ahead to see if you can get a reservation or at least call-ahead seating.

Bacchinalia is probalby the best in the city right now, but it moved into a wearhouse district on the west side of Midtown a couple of years ago. Probably too far away and too big of a deal for what you're looking for. I'd be really suprised if Zagat's didn't have it #1 or #2. Be sure you're spelling it right.

Welcome (back) to Atlanta.

Perhaps I should take my own advice. It's Bacchanalia. Sorry.

Not only was I spelling it wrong, but had my wires crossed and thought it was in Buckhead so was looking for it under Buckhead "neighborhood", but yes it does sound too "big deal" for this. Thanks for the other suggestions.

Try Anthony's. Its a beautiful old Antebellum Mansion that serves great regional cuisine. Rooms have about 4-6 tables in them and have fireplaces if it's cold. Try the Shrimp and Grits appetizer. It's YUMMY.
Oh yeah, it's also located about 1.5 blocks south on Piedmont Rd from the Gr. Hyatt. You can walk to it. Stop by Beluga (a funky martini bar) on your walk back.

Yea, I remember Anthony's, but I always thought it was some real tourist mecca with lots of tour groups and convention groups and mediocre food? Am I wrong? I guess it just looks like that kind of place and I've never heard too much about it, but have seen lots of big ads for it which usually seems to be the giveaway to stay away. Is it really great?

Patrick, I think you have accurately described Anthony's. It's also popular for big wedding parties, etc.

Another great restaurant nearby is Bones. The BEST steaks - but if you are going on a weekend night call ahead for reservations. The martini bar referenced, Beluga, is right across the street and is great fun!!!!!