Atlanta's best hailed in AOL poll

The Varsity, Ted's Montana Grill, the Tabernacle and Fadó have something in common.

AOL users rated them tops in a Web poll of fave bars, restaurants, nightclubs and coffee shops around the country.

Dawn Porras, a barista at top-rated Joe's East Atlanta Coffee Shop, was succinct in reacting to AOL voters' choice: "Yay!"

She's been there five years and figures the shop's relaxed environment and dedication to each cup put Joe's over the top.

"You have to make it with love," she said.

Nationwide, 2.6 million votes were cast for the City's Best awards. The contest, in its ninth year, covers 40 cities.

AOL writers and editors came up with lists from which voters chose their favorites. Next year, the plan is to take user nominations to compile the lists, said City Guide Editor-in-Chief James Fletcher.

There were some close races in Atlanta in the burger and barbecue categories. Five Guys and the Vortex were both knocking on winner Ted's door in the former, while Williamson Bros., Harold's, Dreamland and Fat Matt's were all close contenders in the latter. Fox Bros. won.

If you want to visit the city's best restaurant as decided by AOL voters, get cracking: Chef Michael Tuohy is selling top-rated Woodfire Grill and is moving back to California. He'll cook his last supper here on Aug. 12, Woodfire's sixth anniversary.

Here's the full list:

Best Restaurant: Woodfire Grill

Best Bar: Fado Irish Pub

Best Bar Games: Gravity Pub

Best Barbecue: Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

Best Beer: Sweetwater Brewery

Best Breakfast: Flying Biscuit Midtown

Best Brunch: Park 75

Best Burgers: Ted's Montana Grill

Best Cheap Eats: Varsity

Best Chinese Restaurant: Lin's Chinese Cuisine (Windward)

Best Cocktails: Eastside Lounge