You know it's spring when the Atlanta Beltline is packed with people, moving slow as molasses. A leisurely stroll down the main artery of Atlanta's urban sidewalk will take you through the bustling neighborhoods of Midtown, Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward. Along the way, stop at one of these six spots for a grab-n-go snack or a sit down meal.
TWO Urban Licks
On a busy weekend, you can hear the convivial chatter as it drifts from the groups playing cornhole or ambling across the thin strip of grass in the restaurant's "backyard." Their wood-fired entrees prime your sense of smell and please your palate. On first bite, wood oven-roasted lobster or bronzed scallops melt with tenderness. Stop by on Sunday for their "Brunch and Blues," and pair lobster eggs benedict with smooth New Orleans jazz. 820 Ralph McGill Blvd., Atlanta. 404-522-4622. www.twourbanlicks.com.
Juice It! Atlanta
Just before the Ponce de Leon bridge in "Paris on Ponce" you'll find the unassuming juice bar of Juice It Atlanta. Owner Savanna Kidd fuses together her passion for healthy eating into a rainbow of sipping selections including fresh pressed juices and smoothies. We recommend the "Jet Fuel" juice for a kick start to your Beltline stroll. The blend of beets, kale, cayenne pepper, apples, carrots and oranges is supercharged with immune-enhancing ingredients. Be aware that they are only open Thursday through Sunday. 716 Ponce De Leon Pl. N.E., Atlanta. 404-455-961. www.juiceitatlanta.com.
The Brasserie and Neighborhood Café at PARISH
If you're on the Beltline early in the day, stop by the Neighborhood Cafe in the basement of PARISH. The garage-style doors open wide onto their patio enclave, where you can sip on coffee and dunk pastries, or grab a quick lunch at their counter in the back. Plan to swing by the Brassiere upstairs on Sundays from 6-9 p.m. for "shuckin' n jivin'" specials. In addition to $1 oysters, $2 local brews, and $5 PARISH punch, LPs and vinyls of funk, soul and jazz tunes float through the air. 240 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta. 404-681-4434. www.Parishatl.com.
Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall
You could just as easily find Ladybird off a North Georgia hiking trail. However its spot at mile marker 9.25 of the iconic Beltline bridges the rustic, campfire vibes you'd get in the woods with humble, snackable fare. Stop in for an under $10 libation or relive childhood with the "Fluffernutter" a white bread sandwich oozing with marshmallow crème and hazelnut butter. Reservations are only accepted for eight or more people. 684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., Atlanta. 404-458-6838. www.ladybirdatlanta.com.
Kevin Rathbun Steak
Usher in the warmer weather on Kevin Rathbun Steak's coveted Beltline Patio. This "hush hush" dining area is among the closest seats to the Beltline's path, where guests can sit at the fireplace area or directly behind the restaurant. The full menu is available and Rathbun's spring offerings are refreshing such as Sonoma jack cheese-pecan fritters with a glass of Charles Bove Touraine Rosé. Or dive into the big flavors with the Bay of Fundy salmon steak or double-bone pork chop. 154 Krog St., Atlanta. 404-524-5600. www.kevinrathbunsteak.com.
Jake’s
Since its humble beginnings of eight flavors, Jake's has taken requests from their cult-like following to feature quirky flavors such as "Chocolate Slap Yo' Mama," a chocolate take on cookies and cream, or "Delta Delight," an homage to the Atlanta-based airline's Biscoff snack swirled in caramel and Bailey's ice cream. The ice cream has been consistently rich in flavor by using 18 percent butterfat in their milk. Time your visit to Jake's when it's your birthday and you'll receive a free scoop of ice cream. 660 Irwin St., Atlanta. 678-705-7945. www.jakesicecream.com.
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