This is a guest post from Keith Pepper, the publisher of Rough Draft Atlanta, a hyperlocal media organization that reaches almost one million readers every month. Keith also serves as the chairman of the board of the Atlanta Press Club and a board member of the Georgia Press Association.
On behalf of Rough Draft Atlanta, the Atlanta Press Club, and the Georgia Press Association, Welcome to Atlanta!
I’m an Atlanta native who did what many people thought was crazy in 2020: I bought a group of community newspapers. Since then, the team and I have transformed the company from a print-first, 98% print revenue newspaper business into a digital-first, newsletter-driven publisher whose revenue is now diversified and growing.
Our editorial coverage includes the “news people need” (local government, public safety, education) and the “stories they crave” (food, real estate, arts). In fact, our food coverage has been a big part of our growth in the past year and, although I’m not a food writer (I leave that to the professionals on my team), it is my favorite Atlanta activity, so I wanted to share my list of the Top 11 dishes you should not miss while you’re in town for ONA24. I’ve listed them with the average Uber ride from the conference hotel.
🥦 Vegetable Plate at Miller Union (999 Brady Ave; 10 min; $$)
James Beard winning Chef Steven Satterfield’s latest cookbook is called “Vegetable Revelations” for a reason. His veggie plate highlights what’s fresh at local farmer markets each season.
Locals tip: Go for lunch Thur.-Sat., and don’t skip dessert.
🍝 20 Yolk Tagliatelle at BoccaLupo (753 Edgewood Ave.; 10 min, $$)
Although BoccaLupo was awarded Michelin recognition for its cocktail program, you have to eat something and there’s a reason this dish never leaves the menu.
Locals tip: Reserve in advance or grab a seat at the bar.
🎣 The Reef Burger at Ticonderoga Club (99 Krog St.; 10 min, $$)
This quirky, yet essential favorite is known for making everybody feel welcome. If you go with a group, get the legendary Chuck Wagon.
Locals tip: Explore the cocktails, and buy some swag.
🍔 The Classic – Double at NFA Burger (5465 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd.; 40 min, $)
Self-taught Chef Billy Kramer’s burger counter is in a Chevron station in a suburb, but the secret is out after it was named the Best Burger in Georgia by Food & Wine.
Locals tip: Go early or off-hours.
🇵🇪 Tio’s Salad at Tio Lucho’s (675 N. Highland; 10 Min, $$)
Chef Arnaldo Castillo has introduced Intown Atlanta to the flavors of Peru, and critics took quick notice as he was named a James Beard semifinalist this year.
Locals tip: go hungry and with a group, you want to sample as much as possible.
🥩 Steak Frites at Lucian Books & Wine (3005 Peachtree Rd; 20 min, $$)
This sun-drenched Buckhead gem will impress for lunch or dinner, or an afternoon glass of wine as you browse a curated collection of books.
Locals tip: Go for lunch with a friend, split the Steak Frites and an Omelette and whatever wine Jordan tells you to try.
🥑 Herb Guacamole at Oaxaxa (5255 Peachtree Blvd; 30 min, $$)
A bit of a hike from the conference, but, as the t-shirt says, “I can’t make everybody happy, I’m not an avocado.” But the Guac (and everything else) at Oaxaxa will bring a smile. Plus, they are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Locals tip: Try the Mexican wines, they are hard to find in Atlanta.
🍠 The Loaded Sweet Potato at Southern National (72 Georgia Ave.; 10 min; $$)
Chef Duane Nutter expertly blends the flavors from his experience cooking in Seattle and the South.
Locals tip: Save room for dessert at Big Softie next door in the reborn Summerhill neighborhood.
🌯 Breakfast Burrito at The Daily (Hurt St.; 10 min, $)
A quick and hearty breakfast that’s a 5k from the Hyatt. You may know it from its first location in Charleston.
Locals tip: Run there, eat breakfast and take an uber or Marta train back to the hotel.
🍳 The Everyday at Daily Chew (2127 Liddell Dr.; 15 min, $$)
A charming cafe that will transport you to Sydney or Tel Aviv, plan a morning around this dish that will sustain you through conference sessions.
Locals tip: Pick up a cookie for an afternoon snack.
🍺 Draft Beer at Manuel’s Tavern (602 North Highland Ave; 10 min, $)
Since 1956, little in journalism or politics happens in Atlanta without a connection to Manuel’s Tavern. It’s worth the trip for a beer.
Locals tip: They have strong, free wifi. Oh, and the tater tots.
