You'll probably pass this restaurant a few times while driving down busy Peachtree Road without even noticing it's there; even when my GPS took me right to the front, I didn't see it, as the façade is completely unassuming. This James Beard-nominated establishment opened to great popularity right out of the gate in 2008, but a cameo on Anthony Bourdain's "Layover" in 2013 propelled it into the national spotlight. A commitment to quality and an intriguing menu of inventive spins on classic American dishes keep the place packed. The bacon caramel popcorn is a favorite starter (or dessert; your call), though the butternut squash gratin or glazed turnips with pickled sunchoke are the healthier options. Entrées are a mix of surf and turf, like braised brisket or cornmeal-fried oysters. The farm egg and pancetta carbonara is positively delightful. Bear in mind, the menu does change daily, though many popular staples like the popcorn, soft pretzel with ballpark mustard, and the three kinds of deviled eggs are always on there.

This hip eatery doesn't take reservations, so you'd be wise to arrive right when the doors open at 5pm; wait much longer, and you could be camped out in the bar area for up to two hours hoping to nab a table. The bar, by the way, is renowned for its ace mixology. There's a complimentary valet for those driving. Tip: If you get here early and put your name on the list, you might be one of the lucky patrons to get one of the highly sought-after, hand-crafted burgers that emerge promptly at 10pm. Holeman & Finch only prepares 24 a night—and they aren't listed on the menu—and most are spoken for long before they emerge from the grill. The chefs claim this isn't merely a marketing gimmick but that a quality burger takes much time to prepare, hence the limited quantity available. Don't want to gamble on getting one of those coveted slabs of juicy meat? They're always available at Sunday brunch.