The Set Up
Midtown Atlanta is the cultural heart of town. It's where you go when your Friday night is going to actively contribute to the overall reputation of the city. The happenings in Midtown are Atlanta.
With a focus on the west side, you'll need a few tips, some real world advice, and a little actionable intelligence to keep your night under $100 total. Here's how to do it:
The Game plan
Miller Union: 8:00 p.m., $100 dollars remaining.
You are wise to start a little later. The restaurants are abuzz on a Friday night from the Westside Provisions to King Plow, down Howell Mill to I-75. Meet for an 8 p.m. drink at Miller Union. Two things must occur to make this strategic meet up location successful:
(1) Order a couple of cheap but respectable drinks while simultaneously (2) placing an order for the farm egg. Eleven minutes later? The best $9 you have ever spent will be delivered to you in the form of buttery bread and an egg proudly situated atop a creamy southern concoction that couldn't be more savory. Total bill: $26.00
Hankook Taqueria: 8:45 p.m., $74 dollars remaining.
With cultured taste and sophisticated palate established, head to Hankook Taqueria. It's a combination of Korean and Mexican, but in a classier style of fusion than a combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.
Four PBRs, four tacos. Total bill: $24.00
Cafe Antico: 9:30 pm, $50.00 remaining.
Slide over to Cafe Antico (formerly Cafe Gio) in the heart of Giovanni Di Palma's one-man Little Italy on Hemphill. Cafe Antico does dessert by way of Italy. Select from more than fifteen gelato or sorbetto flavors, freshly imported. Ice cream? Bolognese. Cone? Roman. Total bill? $18.00.
Northside Tavern: 10:15 pm $32.00 remaining.
The rest of your night is easy, thanks to Northside Tavern. If you like really cheap beers, pool tables, and that locals-only vibe there isn't a better bar in town. The every-night live blues isn't good; it's straight-up great. If things had turned out a little differently, Northside legend and underrated bluesman Sean Costello might still be putting his home base - that little gas station turned dive bar - on the map.
Six drinks. Total bill? $30.00
The Exit Strategy
Pocket the two dollar balance, and downloaded Lyft. Input the promo code du jour to get five free rides. The rest of your night is on you.
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