The top spots that will make you fall for Midtown, again

Ask a group of Atlanta natives to name the best thing about Midtown and their answers would be as unique and varied as the city itself.

With an endless list of places to eat and things to see, it's no wonder that Midtown has one of the fastest growing populations in the city. "Nowhere else but Midtown can you walk to 150+ restaurants, 300+ acres of parks and green space, world-class arts and attractions, shopping, events and festivals, and much more," says MidtownATL.com.

If you're not already swooning, here are some of the top places to fall in love with Midtown again (and again):

Best spots for a cup of coffee

935 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 935,  8 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Thursday, Friday and 8- 1 a.m. Saturday

With a menu full of coffees, teas, sandwiches, donuts, cakes and other baked goods, it's no mystery why Sweet HUT stands out as a top location for a cup of joe. With an extensive menu of blends and lattes, you can go there time and time again and never have the exact same food and drink pairing.

Pro tip: you can get validation for two free hours of Metropolis Parking if you bring your parking ticket to the register. Just make sure you circle around toward the back and enter the Metropolis building through the visitor entrance.

Credit: Yvonne Zusel

Credit: Yvonne Zusel

33 Peachtree Place NE, Suite 9, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 

If you hop off the MARTA at the Midtown Station, you'll run into the Dancing Goats Coffee Bar right across the street. With their free WiFi, you can sit and plan out your day while enjoying local pastries and single origin manual brews.

Top places to eat lunch

Credit: Lesli Peterson

Credit: Lesli Peterson

224 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

If you're new to Atlanta, it won't be long before you hear about Mary Mac's Tea Room. In fact, the Georgia House of Representatives passed a resolution in 2011 that officially declared the restaurant to be "Atlanta's Dining Room." With a menu full of southern favorites, Mary Mac's offers a full menu to help you get your fill for lunch or dinner (or both).

1077 Juniper St., 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday

Branded as "Midtown's element since 1991," Einstein's is well known as a great spot for a tasty dinner. But, if you're more interested in mimosas and brunch, then it might also be the perfect spot to curb your craving. Einstein's offers pancakes, omelets and great drinks, plus a trendy setting with top music. You can also check out the regular lunch menu daily.

Where to have dinner

Credit: Bob Townsend

Credit: Bob Townsend

878 Peachtree St. NE, Monday to Thursday, 11-1 a.m., Friday and Saturday, 11-3 a.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to midnight

If you're 21 or older, the Vortex is a popular haunt for lovers of burgers and booze. Though the restaurant has more than one location, only the one in Midtown offers the chance to visit the attached (but independently operated) Laughing Skull Lounge after dinner. As the world's smallest full-time comedy club, this intimate venue hosts regular open mic events and comedy shows.

1075 Peachtree St. NE, 5:30-10:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 5:30-11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.,and 5:30-10 p.m. Sunday 

If you're the type who loves to get dressed up and hit the streets, STK Midtown might be the perfect place to kick off your night. With pulsing music and upscale cuisine, STK is branded as a combination of a modern steakhouse and a chic lounge. With a menu full of unique flavors plus an ambiance straight out of "Sex and the City," it's the perfect setting to celebrate or to enjoy a candlelit dinner with your significant other.

Pro tip: the bar opens earlier than the dining room and features a happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Must-see art

Midtown is the home of the annual Piedmont Park Arts Festival, but with staples like the High Museum of Art, there's plenty of art to see year round. There's also lots of public art, from outdoor sculptures to murals painted by local artists. If you find yourself in Midtown and you've got some time, check out StreetArtMap.org for a detailed list of murals in the area. And if you're looking for likes, be sure to pose for a picture in front of the MIDTOWN letters.

Best way to spend a weekend

Midtown features some of the best theater Atlanta has to offer. Depending on your preference, you can take in a play, catch a performance by the Atlanta Ballet or see a touring Broadway production at the Fox Theatre.

On any given weekend, Midtown visitors have a wide selection of shows to choose from. Here's a rundown of a few upcoming performances: