Feast your eyes on this: Great restaurants to people watch

Photo credit: The Painted Pin

Credit: Carolyn Desalu

Credit: Carolyn Desalu

Photo credit: The Painted Pin
Photo credit: The Ritz Carlton

Credit: Carolyn Desalu

icon to expand image

Credit: Carolyn Desalu

While the first order of business is to dine, it's also nice to feast your eyes on interesting subjects, like people. People watching, which varies greatly from an average stare, is a subtle study of what people are wearing, estimating where they may be going or even conjuring up great stories akin to "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." I digress. The truth is, while waiting for your food, you'll inadvertently start to gaze at other patrons. And, when that happens, you might as well do it an unobtrusive and stylish way. Below are three restaurants that are great for surveying the scene, but note that you may also be seen.

Atlanta Grill: The menu offers an assortment of steaks, seafood and many gluten-free options while this "elevated" restaurant at The Ritz Carlton offers unobstructed views of downtown Peachtree Street. It's upper level veranda features flickering gaslight-style lanterns and wrought-iron railings, so if you lean to look, you're safe.

Painted Pin: This boutique bowling alley offers more than just fun and games. Over-sized leather seating paints a picture of comfortable sophistication while the menu, inclusive of everything from wood-fried pizza, waffle dogs and small plates to signature cocktails and craft beers, scores a strike. And, the pulsating, yet dimly lit environment is perfect for peeking.

Mi Cocina: Floor-to-ceiling windows will inspire diners to look in or out at this Mexican restaurant in Midtown. Al fresco dining offers an up close and personal view of people strolling along Peachtree Street. Cooler temps inside still leave room to survey the scene, which is generally a mix of stylish patrons dining on tasty tacos and flame-grilled fajitas or sipping cocktails at the bar in the back.

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