A peek at Butch Walker's Atlanta

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The longtime local staple started out in the late '90s as part of Marvelous 3. Then his behind-the-scenes work as producer helped propel pop-rocker P!nk to multi-platinum success. Now he's enjoying his own solo ascent with current CD "Sycamore Meadows," and a single - featuring P!nk ("Here Comes The...") - that recently debuted atop Billboard's sales chart.

• For a big meal ... "I love to death my staples, like La Fonda [Latina]. There's just no place like it out here. I like their Cuban spin. I always get good service, and you can eat good cheap ... But when I want to throw some big money around, I go to Kevin Rathbun Steak."

• To dance that meal off ... "Oh ,there's no rhythm going on over here. When I take the guitar off it's over. I used to go dance at the Star Bar when Romeo Cologne was there on Tuesday nights. He's probably still there — playing the same set list. He's preserved for sure!"

• His go-to place for party gear ... "You know, I'm not as much of a shopper as I used to be. I used to have seven of everything. But I lost it all in the fire [at his Malibu home in November 2007]. After that I decided to go minimalist. But if I do shop, I'll succumb to American Apparel for T-shirts, tank tops and V-necks. My 'Jesus Is My Homeboy' T-shirt is still a favorite."

• When he's shopping for others ... "I go to Lenox Mall — though I honestly don't know if one's better than the other ... I like to buy watches as gifts. But gift certificates are usually the way to go, like from Bloomingdale's or something. On a smaller level, I'll hit Little Five Points [where he lived for 11 years until he moved to Ansley Park]. That place is always cool to get basic vintage clothes — or used $300 jeans for about four bucks. [Laughs] Who cares if someone else's crotch has been there?"

• And when it's date night ... "Sometimes I'll go to the Four Seasons. Get dinner and drinks; and maybe get a room ... I sit in a bar half my life, so the last thing I usually want to do is that, on a date. So I might go to the movies, [at] Tara or the theater on Ponce [De Leon]. Or the one in Midtown, where we can have culture and a beer."

• More: Butch Walker describes his favorite spots on the road.