For a city that’s proud of its traditional, southern roots, Atlanta is surprisingly bursting with promising tech startups, creative eateries, and a great art scene. From trendy neighborhoods to explore to plenty of activities to do in Atlanta, there’s something for everyone. If you’re ready to go off-the-beaten path in Atlanta, though, we have some good news for you. Read on to find out some of the best hidden gems in the ATL.
Octopus Bar
560 Gresham Ave. SE
This hidden gem in East Atlanta doesn’t open until 10:30pm, but when it does, it really opens. Housed in the back of So Ba Vietnamese Restaurant in East Atlanta Village, Octopus Bar is one of the hippest places to get late-night bites and cocktails. The walls are covered in graffiti, but don’t let that fool you; this place serves up inventively scrumptious menu items. Combining European and Asian flavors, Octopus Bar’s rotating menu often features Maine Lobster Rolls, Shoyu Ramen, and oysters on the half shell. You’ll have to visit for yourself to see what’s on the current menu, for both food and drink, but be sure to go when it’s actually open–Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30pm-2:30am.
Heirloom Market BBQ
2243 Akers Mill Rd SE
We all know the south has some of the best BBQ in the country, but this place does it a little differently than others in the Atlanta area–and boy does it work. Chef Cody Taylor has spent his life perfecting the art of smoked meats and Chef Jiyeon Lee has worked to incorporate Korean flavors into Western dishes. Together, the two chefs created this incredible Korean-BBQ joint in 2010, and locals know how lucky they are to have it.
Customers can get the classics: brisket, pulled pork, a full rack of ribs, and all the traditional sides. What sets this place apart is the option to also dine on things like a Spicy Korean Pork Sandwich and Korean BBQ tacos, both topped with housemade Korean sweet heat sauce or kimchi slaw. If you’re looking to change up your normal BBQ routine, this is the place to go.
Eddie’s Attic
515 N McDonough St., Decatur
Catch a live, acoustic show by local artists before they’re famous. Eddie’s Attic has been holding it down since 1991, hosting performances by the Indigo Girls, John Mayer, The Civil Wars, and even Justin Bieber. You’ll have to drive to neighboring Decatur, but it’ll be worth it for the intimate performances and vast craft beer selection.
Come on a Monday night and get a chance to see the open mic songwriter performances; the winners from each Monday night compete in a bi-annual competition for the chance to perform in front of a panel of music industry professionals. Don’t miss the chance to see some talented artists at Eddie’s Attic; you’ll thank yourself when you get to tell your friends you saw the next Justin Bieber before he got a record deal.
Historic Fourth Ward Park
680 Dallas St. NE
One of the first urban parks on the Atlanta Beltline, Historic Fourth Ward Park starts behind Ponce City Market and heads south to the Carter Center. A scenic holding pond is one of the main attractions in this park, but there’s also a gigantic skatepark built with a generous $25,000 donation from skateboarding legend Tony Hawk. The park also features a multi-use athletic field complex and a playground for children. Best of all, being housed along the Atlanta Beltline means you can walk, bike, or even rollerblade to different parts of the city right from this park.
Edgewood Speakeasy
327 Edgewood Ave. SE
Hidden in the back of a pizzeria and through a bookshelf, Edgewood Speakeasy pours up some strong, hand-crafted cocktails. This place may be small, but it packs a punch. DJs play here nightly, and, despite the space restriction, you can expect people to bust a move on the dance floor. Head there for a movie or vinyl night, and be sure to try their inventive cocktails; they make some of the best Boilermakers around.
Doll’s Head Trail
1305 S. River Industrial Blvd SE
This truly unique (and a little spooky) hiking trail is nestled in the heart of Constitution Lakes Park nature preserve. Dedicated to found art, Doll’s Head Trail features toys, empty bottles that have been turned into art ”installations” and, of course, doll heads. The brainchild of local carpenter Joel Slaton, Doll’s Head Trail was his idea of turning the trash scattered throughout the preserve into something people could actually enjoy. Enter the nature preserve near the east side of Moreland Ave. and South River Industrial Blvd. SE and follow the signs for Doll’s Head Trail. Make sure to bring your camera!
Relocating to Atlanta? Read our moving guide and learn everything you need to know before the big move. Then, get started on your apartment search so you can check out the ATL’s best-kept secrets as soon as you arrive.
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