Photo credit: Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta.

Credit: Carolyn Desalu

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Credit: Carolyn Desalu

From garden parties to intimate settings, these restaurants offer several reasons to eat, drink and enjoy live music. A desire for delectable dishes is required; fancy footwork is optional.

Reservations required. The Mandarin Oriental in Buckhead will host two special garden parties called The Garden Q from 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 24 and Friday, Aug. 21. Each event will feature barbecue bites, cool cocktails and beer tastings by Monday Night Brewing plus a variety of DJs and bluegrass music. Admittance is complimentary; tickets for specially priced cocktails and food menu may be purchased. To attend, RSVP via email at moatl-rsvp@mohg.com.

Dining downtown: Thursday night is now complemented by entertainment. Fandangles, the restaurant with a 50-foot bar at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, is serving up menu must-haves such as lobster bisque, house made pasta and sweet tea free-range chicken (there's also extensive gluten-free and vegetarian options for the health-conscious) while The Eric Thomas Trio delivers sweet sounds of jazz from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Need to park? The restaurant will provide complimentary valet during the event.

Perfect pairings: Known as the acoustic living room, The Velvet Note in Alpharetta offers a savory menu with southern classics such as shrimp and grits and crab cakes plus a notable wine and craft beer list. On select nights, the stage becomes home to soulful singers, guitarists, quintets and an open mic jam, making this the perfect place for a meal and music.

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Aerial photo shows demonstrators holding signs to oppose Trump’s immigration policies during “No Cake for False Kings” protest on the 17th Street NW Bridge, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC