Urban Living - On the West side

Attractions 

FERST CENTER FOR THE ARTS On Georgia Tech’s campus, it hosts a wide variety of performances, music from rock to classical, and also good plays. 349 Ferst Drive. 404-894-9600. www.ferstcenter.gatech.edu.

GRANT FIELD Georgia Tech football stadium. 150 Bobby Dodd Way. 404-894-5447. www.ramblinwreck.cstv.com.

THE ROBERT C. WILLIAMS PAPER MUSEUM A Georgia Tech exhibition space devoted to works on paper, workshops of the same nature and a small collection of tools and the like. 500 10th St. 404-894-7840. www.ipst.gatech.edu/amp.

Galleries

ATLANTA CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER Smartly curated contemporary artwork by a variety of regional, national and international artists. Free-$3. Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 535 Means St. 404-688-1970. www.thecontemporary.org.

SANDLER HUDSON GALLERY The gallery specializes in both old-school and emerging Atlanta and Southeastern artists. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., noon-5 p.m. 1009-A Marietta St. 404-817-3300. www.sandlerhudson.com.

Theaters

ACTOR’S EXPRESS Possibly Atlanta’s most exciting theater company, Actor’s Express specializes in finding bold new plays and rediscovering classics that are still kicking. 887 W. Marietta St., Suite J-107. 404-875-1606. www.actorsexpress.com.

Restaurants

BACCHANALIA ***** The California-influenced cuisine of owners/chefs Clifford Harrison and Anne Quatrano is based on solid technique, simple presentation and fresh, first-quality ingredients. $$$$. L, D. 1198 Howell Mill Road. 404-365-0410. www.starprovisions.com.

THE FOOD STUDIO A gourmet outpost amid the warehouses and rail yards, the Food Studio kitchen shows a fancy but fine grasp of American regional cuisine. $$$. D. 887 W. Marietta St., Studio K-102. 404-815-6677. www.fifthgroup.com.

KOOL KORNERS Order a classic Cuban sandwich from the counter, and relish every last bite. $. L. 349 14th St. 404-892-4424.

NUEVO LAREDO CANTINA From its obscure location on Chattahoochee, Nuevo Laredo offers home-cooked Mexican food that is as sabroso (delicious) as it is sano (healthy). $$. L, D. 1495 Chattahoochee Ave. 404-352-9009. www.nuevolaredocantina.com.

OSTERIA DEL FIGO The template for the local Figo pasta chain, with an ordering queue and a mix-and-match menu of pastas and sauces. $. L, D. 1210 Howell Mill Road. 404-351-3700. www.figopasta.com.

QUINONES AT BACCHANALIA ***** The 10-course menu changes nightly, but it’s always 95 big ones. $$$$. D. 1198 Howell Mill Road. 404-365-0410.

SILVER SKILLET One of the last true diners in the city. $. B, L. 200 14th St. 404-874-1388. www.thesilverskillet.com.

SPOON Sister chefs Aim and Sjuaree Suteeluxnaporn bring an intensity of layered flavors to their Thai dishes. Best of all, there’s plenty of parking. $-$$$. L, D. 768 Marietta St. 404-522-5655. www.spoonatlanta.com.

TAQUERIA DEL SOL Long on informality and comfortingly Americanized Mexican and Southwestern fare. $$. L, D. 1200 Howell Mill Road. 404-352-5812. www.taqueriadelsol.com/westside.htm.

Coffee Shops

URBAN GRIND Offers art shows, musical showcases and sales of albums by local musicians. Of course, there are exotic coffees, including a pumpkin-spiced latte. Mon.-Sun., 7 a.m.-10 p.m. 962 Marietta St. 404-724-0605.

Music Venues

MR. C’S NEIGHBORHOOD BAR AND GRILL A pleasant neighborhood bar with a twist. 1983 Howell Mill Road. 404-605-0888.

NORTHSIDE TAVERN Legendary blues, local blues and more blues. 1058 Howell Mill Road. 404-874-8745. www.northsidetavern.com.

Nightclubs and Bars

ATLANTA’S ORIGINAL UPTOWN COMEDY CORNER Attracts, among others, the biggest names in urban comedy. 800 Marietta St. 404-881-0200. www.uptowncomedy.net.

CLUB CRUCIAL Bankhead hot spot owned by T.I. 2517 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway. 404-794-2114.

COMPOUND Upscale megaclub featuring a nonsmoking garden, large outdoor terrace and bamboo garden. 1008 Brady Ave. 404-872-4621. www.compoundatl.com.

Cool Shops

BUNGALOW Sophisticated furniture and housewares shop specializes in low-key swank, with couches, lamps and high-end linens in muted colors and simple shapes. 1197 Howell Mill Road. 404-367-8522.

G. GILBERT For women who want to look edgy and hip, but also grown-up and sophisticated. Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 1198 Howell Mill Road, Suite 109. 404-355-3713.

SPROUT All things children. Everything from toys to furniture to clothing to art. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 1198 Howell Mill Road. 404-352-0864.

STAR PROVISIONS Bacchanalia’s food and gift shop for foodies featuring cheeses, wines, fresh meats and hard-to-find jams and honeys. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 1198 Howell Mill Road. 404-365-0410. www.starprovisions.com.

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