Urban Living - Kirkwood basics

By Unknown Author Wednesday April 2, 2008 12:04 AM EDT

ATTRACTIONS

BESSIE BRANHAM PARK The 7-acre park features tennis and basketball courts, baseball fields, a playground, and a $2 million recreation center that houses both a gym and a computer center with free classes for Atlanta residents. Recreation center hours: Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 2051 Delano Ave. 404-371-5010. www.historic-kirkwood.com.

RESTAURANTS

ACES BAR & GRILL Burgers, pinball and a full bar. $ L, D. Mon., 5:30 p.m.-1 a.m.; Tues.-Thurs., 12:30 p.m.-2 a.m.; Fri.-Sat., 12:30 p.m.-3 a.m.; Sun., 12:30 p.m.-midnight. 1992 Hosea Williams Drive. 404-377-9577. www.myspace.com/kirkwoodaces.

FUEL PIZZA Neighborhood joint offering pizza, salads and cannoli in a picturesque former gas station. 2012-A Hosea Williams Drive. 404-373-2778.

VINOCITY The wine bar and restaurant that made its mark in a cozy Midtown house brought a notably upscale addition to lofty Kirkwood Station. Dishes include free-form shiitake ravioli and double-cut pork chop with fig demi-glace. 1963 Hosea Williams Drive. 404-870-8886. www.vinocitywinebar.com.

COFFEE SHOPS

GATHERING GROUNDS A sleek and stylish coffee shop offering free Wi-Fi, organic coffee, local baked goods and gourmet breakfast sandwiches. Occasional acoustic performances and children’s story times, too. Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 1994 Hosea Williams Drive. 404-370-0515. www.gatheringgroundskirkwood.com.NIGHTCLUBS AND BARS

MORRIS RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE A friendly dive bar and Kirkwood’s oldest black-owned business, the Morris has been open for nearly 40 years. No one under 25 is allowed — and that also goes for the songs that are played. Expect to hear Al Green, not Cee-Lo Green. A decent karaoke crowd and a limited menu to boot. Opens at 9 p.m. 2254 Oakview Road. 404-378-9262.

COOL SHOPS

GITCHE YAH YAH The first store to open in Kirkwood Station offers custom floral arrangements and gifts such as candles, perfume and stuff for the kids. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 1963 Hosea Williams Drive. 404-373-3099. www.gitcheyahyah.com.

KIRKWOOD SEED AND FEED A homey space offering premium pet supplies and dog washing. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 1998 Hosea Williams Drive. 404-378-2829. www.kirkwoodfeedandseed.com.

MISSION MOTIF Gorgeous, high-end Craftsman home furnishings that are a perfect fit for much of the neighborhood’s new and historic housing stock. Located in the mixed-use complex Kirkwood Station. Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 1963 Hosea Williams Drive. 888-649-0409.