The 7 Wonders of ATL

By: Taren Marsaw

I lived in Atlanta for 7 years, and I never got tired of any of these places. I had to quietly cherish these precious gems for a long time. I feared they would be saturated with locals if the word of their wonder got out to the public. I am a better person now, so I will no longer hoard all of these marvelous tidbits to myself. Here they are:

1. Jeju Korean Spa (Relaxation)

It’s a Korean Spa. Translation: it’s a nudist joint. If you are free spirited and believe in the beauty of your body (without sexual connotation), then this place is a perfect vacation from society. You can spend the night here, and they have amazing massage packages for reasonable prices. It is kid friendly in the common areas, has a heated pool and wifi access for your productivity needs. I used to go here on Thursday nights to work into the wee hours of the night and come back into the city feeling totally prepared for the weekend.

2. Vickery Creek Trails (Scenery)

Summer spot…not fit for usage in Winter. Oh, but in the summer! Right off of the Chattahoochee River, these trails are complete with hiking and biking trails, a river and strong current waterfall. Swim, kayak, tube or just splash around the rocks. This is a great family location, just make sure you arrive early because it fills up quick.

3. Mary Mac’s Tea Room (Dinner)

This place used to be 7 minutes away from my house. I would drive there almost nightly for their bread pudding. It is southern food done the right way. It sits across from a building that used to be a brothel, and it has some of the same wait staff that was there when segregation was alive and well. The walls are booming with history. Plus, the ambassadors who come to your table will tell you so much about Atlanta history that you will think you are at a museum. Way to kill two birds with one stone: cultural immersion and southern flavor-hypnosis.

4. Homegrown (Brunch)

You will wait in line to be seated. But, the long wait time is well worth it. The pancakes at this establishment are the size of a kiddie-bicycle wheel. You can order this larger than life pancake as a side. Yes, a side, meaning for $3. They have chicken biscuits with gravy that will make you forget you are eating in public. #NomNomNom…#LickPlate! I tried a lot on this menu by virtue of sticking my fork in other’s food. I was not disappointed by anything.

5. Serpas Restaurant (Brunch)

Shrimp and Grits. The end. Or, perhaps it is only the beginning. I have never had such tasty shrimp and grits, mainly because I hate grits. I don’t like the texture or consistency. However, I was forced to try this platter at Serpas, and I now wake up in my sleep craving it. This restaurant also has beignets and mimosas. How can one go wrong here?! It is a bit pricey for breakfast food, but the ambience is worth the extra few bucks.

6. Panahar Bangladeshi Food

Lifeline: Make a reservation or you won’t be able to get into the doors. It is a little gem of a restaurant in the northern part of Atlanta. It is cozy and sits in the middle of a shopping strip. You would drive right past it if you weren’t looking for it. Don’t drive past it. Look for it. It will make your stomach proud of you. You can bring your own beer and wine to this establishment. Thus, you have the option of a spiked or virgin Mango Lassi. Drink this alongside a platter of lamb, rice and nan. You will love yourself afterwards.

7. Papi’s Cuban Restaurant

Should you be at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport when you realize you haven’t gone to any of the places above, do not fret. Papi’s is a flagship in Atlanta that is now in Concourse T. Plantains and ropa vieja will do the trick everytime, but please be aware that this menu is like quicksand. Once you begin trying new items, you will not be able to stop! The food is so dog on delicious.