USA Guide
The South
Eating
1 Ann's Snack Bar 1615 Memorial Drive 
404/687-9207 Locals wait in line in this tiny diner for the immensely popular Ghetto Burger, which is topped with fried onions, chilli, coleslaw, bacon, and cheese. Closed Sun.
2 Atlanta Fish Market 265 Pharr Rd NE 404/262-3165 Buckhead's top seafood specialist, at the sign of the giant fish, with ultra-fresh oysters and crabs; dinner can get expensive, but lunch is great value.
3 
Colonnade 1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE at Wellborne 404/874-5642 Long-established, inexpensive Southern restaurant. Specializes in fried chicken made just the way it's supposed to be.
4 Fat Matt's Rib Shack 1811 Piedmont Ave NW 404/607-1622 Atlanta's best barbecue, halfway between Midtown and Buckhead, plus live blues at 8pm nightly. It makes little difference if you choose a plateful of juicy pork or chicken, or a "sandwich" (a slab of ribs piled on a slab of bread) – everything here is delicious.
5 Flying Biscuit 1001 Piedmont Ave 404/874-8887 A pleasing diner at a lively Midtown intersection. Renowned locally for its healthy/organic breakfasts, it also serves medium-priced New American lunches and dinners, all with a Southern twist. Four other Atlanta outposts exist.
6 The Glenwood 1263 Glenwood Ave 404/622-6066 Eclectic neighbourhood gastro-pub fare in a cozy East Atlanta setting. Full bar and large selection of beers.
7 Holy Taco 1314 Glenwood Ave SE 404/230-6177 Moderately priced freshly prepared Mexican fare in a hip East Atlanta setting. Locals come for the spacious patio and the organic agave margaritas.
8 Mary Mac's Tearoom 224 Ponce de Leon Ave 404/876-1800 Cute little Midtown restaurant, straight out of the 1940s, famous for its cheap traditional Southern cuisine, served for lunch and dinner daily.
9 R Thomas' Deluxe Grill 1812 Peachtree St NW 404/872-2942 Quirky 24hr Midtown place where all the seating is outdoors, albeit sheltered by rattan screening. The varied menu ranges from Thai stir-fries with quinoa to fish tacos and it makes a healthy and cheap option.
10 Thelma's Kitchen 302 Auburn Ave 404/688-5855 Inexpensive soul-food institution in a new setting, now housed in the former Auburn Avenue Rib Shack building; try the salmon and grits for breakfast, and, of course, fried chicken for lunch. Opening time: Mon– Sat 8am–8pm
11 The Varsity 61 North Ave NW 404/881-1706 Vast, packed Midtown fast-food drive-in diner: a true Fifties throwback, with chili dogs for under $2. Open until at least 11.30pm nightly.