Best Restaurant to Take Visitors

You’ve heard it countless times when visitors come to town: “Where can I get a real taste of Atlanta?” The answer is WATERSHED. Chef Scott Peacock’s cooking is classic Southern without the usual kitsch and without the excessive “updating” and fusion. The Tuesday-night fried chicken dinner is the quintessential Watershed experience, but the daily menu includes plenty of classics, too: salmon croquettes, okra pancakes, fried catfish and barbecued chicken. In fact, dishes like those earned Peacock a James Beard award as best chef in the Southeast this year. less...

It there’s one thing your out-of-town visitors may not be able to get in other big cities, it’s genuine, delicious Southern soul food, served up with a side of hospitality. Atlanta couldn’t ask for a better welcoming party for those out-of-towners than SON’S PLACE, where even Yankees will love the squash casserole, collards and ho-cakes. As if all that food weren’t enough, the folks behind the counter are likely to clang the bell for first-timers to welcome them to Son’s Place. We just hope that you love your guests, because once they’ve eaten here they may never leave. less...

Eating at TWO URBAN LICKS is as much about the spectacle as it is about the meal. With so much competing for your attention — the frenzied bar, the giant rotisserie, the wall of windows overlooking the Midtown skyline — it’s easy to get swept up in the scene. Small plates with cheeky names like “lamb lollipops” are good for sharing and make great conversation starters, too. Atlanta may not have much in the way of tourist attractions, but an over-the-top dining spectacle like Two more than makes up for it. less...