Atlanta's Best First Date Spot 2008

Buckhead hookah bar offers global delights and a rich, romantic atmosphere.

Reviews:

• “Romantic, Fun, Great Food!”
• “Amazing Food & Service!”
• “Absolutely wonderful food, atmosphere and service.”
• “Amazing food and great atmosphere”
• “Best of Buckhead”

Tips: Even if you’re not a cigarette smoker, try a hookah pipe with fruit-flavored Turkish tobacco.

Divan Restaurant & Hookah Lounge or email Divan Restaurant & Hookah Lounge

East Andrews addition successfully merges chic sushi bar with trendy nightclub.

Reviews:

• “Happy Hour Sushi”
• “Enjoyable”
• “go during happy hour”
• “Great Sushi, Service and Atmosphere”
• “SUSHI!!”

Tips: For martinis and sushi, head here Monday-Wednesday nights and check out the half-price happy hour specials. To groove, come later on Thursday, Friday or Saturday night.

Aiko or email Aiko

Cheerful cantina adds a pleasing dash of Latin flavor to the Highlands.

Reviews:

• “Corn tortillas? YUCK!!!”
• “VERY average for refined tongues who know Mexican fusion”
• “Awesome food at great prices!”
• “Great Food & Service!”
• “Wonderful experience!”

Tips: Margaritas, mojitos and sangria are on tap, along with an extensive tequila list, and have playful names like the Bloody Maria and Rude Cosmopolitan.

Pozole or email Pozole

European-style bistro and coffeehouse lures locals with romantic atmosphere and an extra-large dessert case.

Reviews:

• “Unbelieveable Food and service”
• “More Than Just The Finest Dessert’s In The City!”
• “Ok”
• “CRITTERS!!!”
• “Manger from down below”

Tips: The greenhouse-roofed back room is the most romantic spot in the place.

Cafe Intermezzo

Cheap beer and respectable pub grub hit the spot at this low-key Ponce hangout.

Reviews:

• “great local place”
• “Good Food, Good Conversation, Lot o PBR”
• “fun place”
• “Dive.”
• “THIS IS THE ATLANTA BAR”

Tips: It’s easy to miss the place. Going toward downtown on Ponce, turn right immediately before Marco’s Pita.

The Local

The folks behind Midtown’s Leopard Lounge bring dressed-up Tex-Mex to the neighborhood.

Reviews:

• “Great Place, But Be Careful Upstairs”
• “A great place to dance, drink and eat! "
• “Despite the reviews, I thought I’d try it…”
• “WORST BAR IN ATLANTA”
• “Worst Place to Go in Atlanta”

Tips: The bar offers a comfortable view of several TVs and the large beer selection.

Twisted Taco or email Twisted Taco

Upmarket and eclectic, this welcoming Midtown gastropub is the latest in the Concentrics group’s culinary juggernaut.

Reviews:

• “Excellent for both food and atmosphere”
• “Perfect Patio”
• “We’ve Got a Problem Here!!!!!!”
• “Fun Patio, Food is nothing special”
• “agree, go there for drinks not food!”

Tips: Check out the prime-time people-watching on the patio, which also affords views of Midtown’s gleaming skyscrapers.

TAP

Elaborate picnic spreads headline at this picturesque outdoor concert park.

Reviews:

• “Alpharetta is betta”
• “Outdoor venue with no smoking area!”
• “Worst venue ever”
• “Handicap access @ Chastain "
• “Not a rock venue”

Tips: Tables are first offered to those who buy tickets to all shows in a series. If all tables are not sold as a series, they go up for individual sale.

Chastain Park Amphitheatre

“Gilligan’s Island”-meets-super hibachi at this fantasy-themed cult favorite.

Reviews:

• “Worst Experience”
• “Best Rum Drinks in Atlanta”
• “WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!”
• “Classic Tacky & Terrific! Great Bar Food!”
• “Cheesy Overpriced AWFUL!!”

Tips: The bar offers weekday drink specials. On Thursdays, go for the popular mai tai special and live music.

Trader Vic’s or email Trader Vic’s