Month: October 2016

Shop, Dine and Even Take a Yoga Class at Colony Square

Colony Square Mall has been around in one form or another for half a century, but this Atlanta fixture is currently getting a major facelift thanks to developer Mark Toro, who's spearheading the property's $166 million renovation. That renovation is focused on emphasizing what Toro calls "the art of modern life." What does that mean for shoppers? A bevvy of sophisticated boutiques, numerous foodie-oriented restaurants, and plenty of entertainment options.

Right now, you can enjoy sushi at Colony Square's new pop-up restaurant, Sukoshi, or head to the rooftop patio at 5Church Rooftop for cocktails and charcuterie. You can even grab your yoga mat and head on over for free Wednesday evening yoga sessions at Colony Square's outdoor plaza. With 180,000-square-feet of retail space located within a cluster of modernist buildings, there's plenty of room to imagine big things in store for Colony Square Mall.

Fill Up on Irish Fare While Sipping Cold Beers at Gibney’s Pub

Regulars will happily tell you that there's nothing fancy about Gibney's Pub — which they mean in the best possible way. Instead, you'll find this Atlanta mainstay is a simple, classic bar that specializes in serving up frosty drinks and tasty grub at reasonable prices. Add in a casual, laid-back atmosphere and plenty of flat-screen televisions, and it’s clear why this place is so popular among sports fans who like to cheer on their team with a friendly crowd.

When you arrive, just take a seat at the bar, order your favorite microbrew, and ask for a burger and some fries to nosh on while you watch the game. The kitchen at Gibney's also turns out a few traditional Irish favorites like shepherd's pie, as well as crispy-fried fish and chips, so if you’ve got a craving for Irish fare, this might be just the place for you.

Have a Real Southern Breakfast With a Decade of Experience at Thumbs Up Diner

For more than ten years, Thumbs Up Diner has served up hot and ready Southern breakfasts to Decatur residents. This cute, casual diner has four locations throughout the Atlanta area, and it specializes in hearty breakfast foods for very reasonable prices.

Slide into a booth at this colorful eatery and start your meal with a steaming hot cup of coffee or fresh squeezed orange juice. You'll certainly want to try the flavorful cheese grits, and be sure to pair them with a fresh baked Southern biscuit smothered in gravy. Build your own omelet with your choice of fillings and toppings, or go for a side of smoked Italian sausage or chicken-fried steak. For lunch, Thumbs Up Diner also offers casual options like sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas and even vegan options for those with more modern dining preferences.

Experience Elevated, Seasonal Cuisine at Restaurant Eugene

It's not just the elegant dining room, the elevated cuisine, or the respect for traditional foodways that have made Restaurant Eugene so popular; it's also a myriad of little details that constitute special touches throughout your meal.

Depending on when you go and what you order, you might be surprised with an "amuse bouche" appetizer or little palate cleansers between courses. The staff is also happy to explain exactly how the chef developed the concept for your current meal (hint: it's likely to include a preference for seasonal and sustainably produced ingredients). It also doesn't hurt that the bar has a reputation for turning out creative, expertly-mixed cocktails (try the "Jackie Rose," which combines apple brandy, sumac, lemon, and orange). You can order a la carte, but regulars suggest that if you want a real treat you might consider the chef's tasting menu, which changes from day to day.