OT: Atlanta Dawgs

Lettucexxxx

All-Conference
Oct 16, 2012
4,562
1,047
113
Making the move tomorrow. Lay it on me. Does and Don't, what to order at the Varsity and which rooftop bars are must see?
We will get into lawn treatments at a later date.
 

aTotal360

Heisman
Nov 12, 2009
22,397
15,937
113
I stopped eating The Varsity after the 3rd time it made me uncontrollably fart blood. It absolutely ravages my lower GI tract. With that being said...get the #2 with onion rings and a FO.

I look at the ITP bar scene in areas:
Buckhead will be nice and very pricey. Expect to pay $20 (minimum) for a mixed drink.
Little Five Points is generally not as snooty, but is a lot more hipster and can be a little grungy. Doc Martins, a pedo-stache, tight jeans, etc.
Atlantic Station is somewhere in the middle of the 2 above.

Where are you moving to? ATL proper? I might can help you a little better if you give me a suburb.
 

Lettucexxxx

All-Conference
Oct 16, 2012
4,562
1,047
113
I'll be in Riverdale until Aug. Move in ready place. Then I'm headed north, house hunting. Pulling a Uhaul and using my phone to navigate as I havnt a clue where I'm going. I've visited for weddings and sporting events but never stayed for an extended time. I did a little research on the area. Probably won't be going out in College Park very often.
 

Lettucexxxx

All-Conference
Oct 16, 2012
4,562
1,047
113
"I stopped eating The Varsity after the 3rd time it made me uncontrollably fart blood. It absolutely ravages my lower GI tract. With that being said...get the #2 with onion rings and a FO. "

Good thing about the Varsity, they give you the little hat so when you end up shitting yourself in the parking lot......one wipe swipe!
 

5049

Redshirt
Dec 3, 2017
700
0
0
I'll be in Riverdale until Aug. Move in ready place. Then I'm headed north, house hunting. Pulling a Uhaul and using my phone to navigate as I havnt a clue where I'm going. I've visited for weddings and sporting events but never stayed for an extended time. I did a little research on the area. Probably won't be going out in College Park very often.
Every time my credit card gets ganked, the charges are always in Riverdale it seems
 

aTotal360

Heisman
Nov 12, 2009
22,397
15,937
113
Riverdale is pretty rough. Try to get north as fast as you can. North of the perimeter, Cherokee and Forsyth counties are booming. I talked to a realtor a couple months ago and he said there isn't enough inventory in those 2 counties to last another 3 months. Investors/builders can't keep up. If you can afford north Fulton or Cobb, do that. Anything between Roswell and Free Home is good living without feeling like you're in the concrete jungle.
 
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Dawgzilla

Redshirt
Mar 3, 2008
5,406
0
0
Avoid the Varsity at all costs. Atlanta is the land of gourmet burgers; spend your first few months deciding which ones you like best. I'm a Farmburger guy, but there are others that are really good. Vortex is over-rated.

Try to live somewhere that makes sense for your work commute, i.e., if you're going to work ITP or South, then do not consider living North of town, particularly up 400. Too many people in this city have set themselves up for 2 to 3 hour commutes, both ways.

Most of my favorite restaurants are in Decatur. There are no really good Italian restaurants here, just a few that are tolerable.

Download the Chik-fil-A app, because the lines are NEVER short there.

Uber is better than Marta, unless the surge pricing is too high.

Order an MSU specialty license plate from your local county office.
 

Lettucexxxx

All-Conference
Oct 16, 2012
4,562
1,047
113
Avoid the Varsity at all costs. Atlanta is the land of gourmet burgers; spend your first few months deciding which ones you like best. I'm a Farmburger guy, but there are others that are really good. Vortex is over-rated.

Try to live somewhere that makes sense for your work commute, i.e., if you're going to work ITP or South, then do not consider living North of town, particularly up 400. Too many people in this city have set themselves up for 2 to 3 hour commutes, both ways.

Most of my favorite restaurants are in Decatur. There are no really good Italian restaurants here, just a few that are tolerable.

Download the Chik-fil-A app, because the lines are NEVER short there.

Uber is better than Marta, unless the surge pricing is too high.

Order an MSU specialty license plate from your local county office.

Thank you zilla, good stuff
 

ugabully

Redshirt
Feb 10, 2012
316
38
28
I'll be in Riverdale until Aug. Move in ready place. Then I'm headed north, house hunting. Pulling a Uhaul and using my phone to navigate as I havnt a clue where I'm going. I've visited for weddings and sporting events but never stayed for an extended time. I did a little research on the area. Probably won't be going out in College Park very often.

How'd you pick Riverdale?

I'm too old and suburban to actually help with your question about the big city I'm afraid, but can say that Fayetteville/Peachtree City will provide some easy, safe places to eat, drink, and shop and if you don't want to drive downtown for some reason and will go a little further south (on Georgia 85), Senoia is a fun place to look around with a couple of good non-chain places to eat or go on a date.
 

tired

All-Conference
Sep 16, 2013
3,569
1,299
113
I'll be in Riverdale until Aug. Move in ready place. Then I'm headed north, house hunting. Pulling a Uhaul and using my phone to navigate as I havnt a clue where I'm going. I've visited for weddings and sporting events but never stayed for an extended time. I did a little research on the area. Probably won't be going out in College Park very often.

Are you a gun owner?
 

Lettucexxxx

All-Conference
Oct 16, 2012
4,562
1,047
113
Are you a gun owner?

I’ll have the boom stick with me
 

Dawgzilla

Redshirt
Mar 3, 2008
5,406
0
0
Hey, there's no accounting for individual taste, but I do think the Vortex is coasting on its reputation. 20 years ago, it was a good burger, and may very well have been the best in town. But over the last decade these gourmet burger joints have been popping up all over town while the Vortex burger has gotten left in the dust. Their reputation still gets them on those "best of" lists, though.

Of course, I don't really care for the burgers at Holeman & Finch, either. Could be I'm the one with poor taste in burgers.
 

vandaldawg

Junior
Feb 23, 2008
2,144
321
83
Making the move tomorrow. Lay it on me. Does and Don't, what to order at the Varsity and which rooftop bars are must see?
We will get into lawn treatments at a later date.

Just wave at the Varsity sign on the way to Grindhouse. Varsity sucks. Six Feet Under beside the Oakland Cemetery is fun, and the food and drinks are good. For pure views, the top of the Glen Hotel is hard to beat, but the drinks kind of suck. There is going to be a rooftop bar atop the new renovated Clermont Hotel (don't worry, the old Clermont Lounge is still kicking and retains all of its sickening charm). The Local across the street used to be an old haunt until I moved. The rooftop of the Ponce City Market is badass, but you have to pay to get up there. The whole thing is pretty badass, but it's filled with hipster nonsense that is stupidly overpriced.

Ask yourself what kind of person you are. No judgement. Collar popper? Obsessed with talking about how much money you make? Buckhead is for you. And that vibe is migrating south. Inman Park used to be awesome, now its kind of Buckhead South. The Albert is still hanging in there as much as it can, but it's fighting uphill. If you are hoping to buy, look south of I-20 to Grant Park (starting to get out of hand) and East Atlanta (be a gun owner). Honestly, we bought right next to the beltline in Grant Park and did so at a great time. One good decision in basically a lifetime of mistakes. There is still time, but the window is closing. More time in East Atlanta, though. You don't want to be left having to buy in Southwest Atlanta, although you will make a killing. Or be killed. You certainly don't want to be left having to go (gasp) OTP.

There is new **** everywhere, so it is hard to keep up. The West Side has some cool **** and is still kind of affordable, and even Buckhead with all it's douchiness has its merits.

Go check out the Krog Street Market on Krog Street (duh), have beer at the Hop City bar, then get on the Beltline and walk north. Be at one with the matrix, though as a series of millenial idots will come at you at top speed with all manner of transport. Just try not to hit them. It will be a challenge.

You can go all the way up to Piedmont Park if you have plenty of time, and if it's a nice day, it's worth it.

We live in Grant Park, but even if we didn't most of our favorite places are in the neighborhood and in East Atlanta. There are plenty of high dollar awesome restaurants, and you should definitely go to them, but our favorite places are unpretentious haunts that happen to have really good food. We love going to Augustine's on Memorial and a new Grindhouse just opened up on Memorial that is pretty badass.

If you like the euro football, go watch an Atlanta United match at Midway. You won't see any of the game, but it's kind of a riot anyway. Or just go to Midway whenever. Go see a rock show at the Earl, or Variety Playhouse or the Tabernacle. Always good shows. Always good shows.

I could go on, but in addition to everyone here, I am even starting to bore myself. Cheers. Good luck on the move.
 

vandaldawg

Junior
Feb 23, 2008
2,144
321
83
Avoid the Varsity at all costs. Atlanta is the land of gourmet burgers; spend your first few months deciding which ones you like best. I'm a Farmburger guy, but there are others that are really good. Vortex is over-rated.

Try to live somewhere that makes sense for your work commute, i.e., if you're going to work ITP or South, then do not consider living North of town, particularly up 400. Too many people in this city have set themselves up for 2 to 3 hour commutes, both ways.

Most of my favorite restaurants are in Decatur. There are no really good Italian restaurants here, just a few that are tolerable.

Download the Chik-fil-A app, because the lines are NEVER short there.

Uber is better than Marta, unless the surge pricing is too high.

Order an MSU specialty license plate from your local county office.

Agree on Decatur, but it always seems far away. Sotto Sotto is good Italian to me, and there are other pretty god ones. Buford Higway is your insane home for actually excellent ethnic food. (Get at Lee's Bakery). And Cheshire Bridge is your home for old, old school Atlanta fare. Unfortunately, Alfredo's is no longer as it is a victim to development. I partied with Greg Allman there.
 

Atldog.sixpack

Redshirt
Apr 21, 2016
10
0
0
Try Fayette County. As the previous poster mentioned, it’s close to Riverdale so you can explore while you’re there. Peachtree City/Fayetteville is a super nice area and you get far more land for your money. Quite a few Dogs here as well. Good public schools, easy commute, plenty to do, etc.
 

Dawgzilla

Redshirt
Mar 3, 2008
5,406
0
0
Sotto Sotto is fine, but not worth the trip to me. I was spoiled....I used to live in Houston which, surprisingly, had some really great Italian restaurants all over town.
 
Aug 22, 2012
1,152
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We rented in Alpharetta for a while but now have bought a townhouse in Woodstock. The downtown area is great with a good mix of family stuff and adult stuff (music and bars). It has an amphitheater right in downtown with free concerts during the summer and other events. Depending on your price range and where you will work is pretty important. Also, if you want a house with a yard then it gets really pricey unless you want to go north to Marietta on 75 or Cumming on 400 at least it seemed that way when we were looking last year.
 

Trojanbulldog19

All-American
Aug 25, 2014
10,090
5,865
113
Varsity i usually go with the chili cheese dog and chili burger with fries. Definitely recommend Mary Mac's Tea Room for lunch on Sunday if you like southern food. That place was dam fine. I like north Atlanta like the others said outside of the perimeter. i didn't really care much for east, south, or downtown that much.
 

af102

Redshirt
May 17, 2009
712
29
28
This guy Atlantas. A few of my favorite meals in the city are at Krog- Varuni Napoli (2nd location) is the best pizza in the city, Fred's Meat and Bread has amazing burgers/cheesesteaks, Yalla (Mediterranean ) has a Laffa called "The Shouk" that is a 5 lbs brick of fantastic food, and Gu's has a great Szechuan Chicken Po'Boy. There are other places there that are good, but hard to pick anything over my first options. Oh, and Superica has the best margs in the city.

I've got Atlanta United season tickets, and it is a must to go at least once even if you aren't a soccer person. The team is good, the atmosphere is great, and there is cheap (for a stadium) food/beer.

If you are going to buy a house ITP, the saying goes:

Affordable
Safe
Near Marta

Pick 2.

But really, you can still find single family 3:2 houses in decent areas for sub $300k if you are willing to put up with some of the typical city problems. Your options expand if you don't have kids as schools dictate home prices a ton.
 
Aug 22, 2012
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I work in the Clifton Corridor, Emory/CDC area. I rented in Peachtree Corners for 4 years before buying in Suwanee this past year. I really like that Peachtree Corners & Johns Creek, Buford, Suwanee area - if you want Suburbs and are picking based on school ratings. We almost bought in Snellville as well, some nice areas there.

That said, depending on where you work or time your work day starts, then some areas really aren’t feasible. I don’t know much about South Atlanta-I have just never heard good things.

If I was single & without a family, I would get a townhouse/condo in Decatur. I agree with Zilla that Decatur is a great place for food and drinks. If someone visits and wants tourist parts, I take them to Coke/aquarium/Football hall of Fame, to the Dekalb Farmers Market or to Decatur for the Brick Store Pub/Iberian Pig/Leon’s. The wife and I go to Canoe, Bones, or Holeman & Finch for special occasion dining.

The local Alumni Chapter meets for games in Alpharetta at Hooligans, so that a nice feature. Roswell has some cool spots, I like Hop Alley a lot. Lots of good breweries all over the place too.

I would rather dodge rocks in the Ole Miss student section than eat at the Varsity again. Rocks hurt less.
 

57stratdawg

Heisman
Dec 1, 2004
148,534
24,321
113
Entertainment -
Decatur has a hip scene
Check City Winery’s & Fox Theater’s schedule
Southern Art’s Bourbon Bar

Shopping -
West Side Provisions
Buckhead Atlanta

Food -
Kimball House (!!)
Fox’s BBQ is decent central Texas BBQ
Krog Street Market

Never been to Marcel, but hear it’s really good too. Excellent drunk food.
 

Lettucexxxx

All-Conference
Oct 16, 2012
4,562
1,047
113
This has and will continue to be very helpful.
Thank you to everyone.
I look forward to meeting the local Chapter......may know some of yous already.

I'm 35, divorced no kids. I have a cousin who has a townhouse downtown, 38 divorced, no kids. If I make it to forty, I'll be lucky.
Continue to add if you feel like adding. I'm a history buff. Love Native American and Contact Era history. Also love the civil war and am an avid metal detector ist, when I'm able. Ive already done my homework......Jonesburo, Battle Creek Rd.........but yes. On top of the obvious msu sports fan, I tend to go to places that have music if I'm out. I like the homegrown places....so most of my venues will have the plaid and the skinny jeans but that is ok. They are generally a docile tribe.
Better than something uncivilized.
 
Jan 28, 2015
45
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Looks like most things have been covered. I would also recommend joining the r/atlanta subreddit on reddit. It is very active and friendly for the most part. If you like comedy (stand up and improv) the comedy scene in Atlanta is booming so make sure to check out some shows at Dad's Garage and the laughing skull. Community Q has the best bbq in city imop. It's located in Decatur. Make sure you check out Ponce city market, and take advantage of the beltline when the weather is nice. This is one of the most exciting times to live in Atlanta. The film industry has taken over the city and you can often see your favorite marvel character bouncing around the city. If you need anything feel free to shoot me a dm. I have been living in Atlanta for about 10 years and absolutely love it.
 

Dubs.sixpack

Redshirt
Feb 8, 2012
360
0
0
Agreed on the Varsity. The best part is when you leave. There's not another restaurant that could pull off serving food that bad.
 

Dawgzilla

Redshirt
Mar 3, 2008
5,406
0
0
Wait...you had to fart blood THREE TIMES before you stopped eating there?

Dude, I quit eating there after two tries because the food is just gross. If I experienced any digestive issues then the second trip never would have occurred.
 

DerHntr

All-Conference
Sep 18, 2007
16,078
3,368
113
What are all you guys doing out of state? I heard from the Spirit board that MSU fans are super conservative and not highly educated, making them ideal candidates for staying right in the middle of crappy job opportunity, backwards thinking Mississippi.
 

o_dawgnabit

All-American
Oct 13, 2016
4,732
6,964
113
If you’re moving for sure look to Fayetteville/Peachtree City/Senoia.

This is where I’m from and grew up and it is great. You are out of Atlanta traffic and you don’t have the same population booms as the Suburbs in North Atlanta.
 

vandaldawg

Junior
Feb 23, 2008
2,144
321
83
Sotto Sotto is fine, but not worth the trip to me. I was spoiled....I used to live in Houston which, surprisingly, had some really great Italian restaurants all over town.

I hear ya. I had a pretty good meal there. Pricey, though. My thing is Greek. Birmingham has it all over Atlanta for good Greek food.
 

Lettucexxxx

All-Conference
Oct 16, 2012
4,562
1,047
113
I vaguely remember my first visit 10 years ago to the Varsity...but from what I can remember...compared to the Cook Out I found 2 minutes away....no comparison actually. It’s been my go to early. Great shakes. Tons of international markets and restaurants here.... A lot cleaner and less congested than I had imagined.....and so far... very easy transition. I passed several Historical Markers near my place, so I won’t have to go far to get my nerd on.

Again, thanks for the PMs, well wishes and great advice.
HailState
 
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