It's spring in the city. You've got a date lined up in Buckhead, but only $100 to burn.
Simply follow this blueprint, and success against all odds is nearly assured.
Start with: Cafe Agora
There are several strategic reasons to include this Greek favorite into your itinerary. Cafe Agora is a winner in price, flavor and environment. Nobody will think about the bill again, once ever-present owner Al Ozelci delivers a small meze sampler and excitedly encourages/forces you to try every item on the platter. Frankly, you haven't lived until you've been spoon-fed tabouli by an enthusiastic Greek man. Bonus points if you pre-empt his hand-feeding with airplane noises. Split an entree platter (more than enough food) and you are out the door, having been a part of something delicious, a little strange and completely endearing.
Grand total: $25.
Follow it up: bar seats at Tavern at Phipps
Rumor has it the napkin-tossing bartenders of Buckhead's preeminent happy hour will occasionally give free drinks to the ladies. It's either their way of saying "thanks for being you," or a very wise method of ensuring happy hour is actually happy. Whatever the motivation for the femme-freebies, the practice creates an environment worth enjoying as evening descends on Buckhead.
Tab + Tip: $18
Grand total: $43
Night time is the right time: Red Door
The key to Red Door is the low low prices. If you could've somehow gotten your date to meet you at the famous Buckhead dive bar prior to 4 p.m. – albeit an unlikely date time – you could've been the recipient of their famed 4 p.m. shot giveaway. Regardless, the beer is cheap at Red Door. $3 cheap. Well drinks don't run much different. Stumble out the door four rounds later, and you've still got cash to burn.
Tab + Tip: $32
Grand total: $75
The nightcap: Johnny's Hideaway, obviously
Sure, you'll burn half your reserve just getting through the door. But the nightcap, the scenery and the memories are worth your last penny. The only thing Johnny (R.I.P. Johnny) asks - nay, demands - in return for organizing the mecca of people watching? That you not, under any circumstance, take your drink onto the dance floor.
Cover Charge $10
Tab + Tip: $15
Grand total: $100.00
Now, call AAA and use your 50 miles of free towing to bring you home.
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