December 2021
Features
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Best of Atlanta 2021: Readers’ Choice
We asked our readers to share their favorites in dozens of categories, and these 161 came out on top.
Best of Atlanta 2021: Buy
Our 2021 Best of Atlanta picks for things you can buy—here’s where you’ll find cool books, plants, home decor, clothing, hats, and more.
Best of Atlanta 2021: See
Our 2021 Best of Atlanta picks for things you should see—comedians, theater, parks, dance, art, and more.
Best of Atlanta 2021: Do
Our 2021 Best of Atlanta picks for things to do—here’s where you can rock climb, get your nails done, ride a bike, see a movie, and more.
Best of Atlanta 2021: Drink
Our 2021 Best of Atlanta picks for all things beverage-related—here’s where you’ll find great cocktails, coffee, beer, tea, wine, and more.
Best of Atlanta 2021: Eat
Our 2021 Best of Atlanta picks for all things food-related—here’s where you’ll find great barbecue, vegan food, pizza, breakfast, and more.
“We cannot outorganize a subversion of democracy”: Democratic rising star Bee Nguyen is vying to be Georgia’s next elections chief
Next year’s contest for Georgia secretary of state—an enormously consequential position in a newly purple state—will be one of the country’s most-watched races. Democratic rising star Bee Nguyen wants the job.
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The Connector
Ghosts of Christmas Past: What’s ahead for Greenbriar and other Atlanta malls?
Without its largest tenants, Greenbriar now feels like a ghost of Christmas past—reflecting a nationwide trend. Some 40 percent of U.S. department stores have shuttered since 2016, according to Green Street Advisors, which also predicts about half of the remaining mall locations will close in the next few years.
How the Board of Regents pulls the strings at Georgia’s colleges and universities
Who controls Georgia colleges and universities? It’s not the university presidents. The buck stops with the Board of Regents.
Pratt-Pullman Yard emerges as a full-fledged arts district
When husband-and-wife duo Adam Rosenfelt and Maureen Meulen purchased the 27-acre Kirkwood parcel of land now known as the Pratt Pullman District in 2017, their plan was to turn it into a creative cultural destination, separating it from other mixed-use developments anchored by large retail or restaurant tenants. A trio of initiatives launching in 2022 will continue to make that vision a reality.
A late-stage cancer diagnosis inspires a veteran Atlanta radio host’s next step
Propelled by a late-stage cancer diagnosis, veteran radio host Silas “Si-Man” Alexander plots his most meaningful production yet.
The Bite
The verdict on 4 new Atlanta restaurants: Reverence, Biggerstaff Brewing, Big Boss Chinese, and Tre Vele
A kaleidoscope of flavors at Reverence, which anchors Midtown’s new “culinary” hotel. Plus: Fortify yourself for winter at a Polish pop-up.
Love Letter: Some things change, but Minato stays wonderfully the same
Even after 31 years in business, Minato hasn’t changed much, starting with an aesthetic that now—three decades on—feels a bit Rainforest Cafe–lite.
In South Atlanta, artist and activist Quianah Upton finds fertile ground for her “greenhouse eatery”
Quianah Upton knows her vision for Nourish Botanica is a little ambitious. To start, the place will do the things restaurants do—in this case, serve vegan food with Caribbean and Southern influences. Upton also envisions Nourish Botanica as a nursery that will sell plants while providing gardening education; the herbs and flowers grown on site, meanwhile, will be used at Botanica Bar, where they’ll go into juices, teas, and zero-proof cocktails.
Review: Perfect small plates and impeccable wines at Buckhead’s artful Lucian
If the idea of a book cafe conjures for you a certain notion of coziness—perhaps with a side of muffins—then the exquisite new Lucian Books and Wine may upend your expectations.
Our (frequently updating) guide to Atlanta’s very best pop-ups, food trucks, and more
Some of the most exciting food in Atlanta today is served out of borrowed kitchens, at farmers markets, and from food trucks. Here’s some of our recent faves, and where to find them.
The Goods
Room Envy: A swanky Snellville kitchen that doubles as a home office
People can be multitaskers, and so can rooms. This swanky Snellville kitchen does double duty as a home office, thanks to smart space planning by homeowner Cynthia Pararo of Pineapple House Interior Design.
Digital detox: How to break your screen habit
The more we scroll, the more our brains crave those quick bursts of pleasure and connection, keeping us coming back for more. Here’s how to cut back.
