Many good things have contributed to the amazing start to the season for the Braves. One of the biggest factors is how well many of the depth position player signings and acquisitions have worked out for Atlanta, such as Dominic Smith and Jorge Mateo. But the best of all was the trade for Mauricio Dubon, whose versatility has been extremely valuable for the Braves. Alex Anthopoulos has always made good moves on the margins, and this year is no different.
Atlanta, GA
This Atlanta Neighborhood With A Quirky Name Has Walkable Streets And Trendy Eats – Islands
It’s sometimes hard to believe that Atlanta has been destroyed by fire twice — first toward the end of the Civil War, and again in 1917, when a blaze destroyed 3,400 buildings. In the century since, the city’s undergone much development, often at the expense of historic communities. “Atlanta has an unfortunate habit of bulldozing historic properties in exchange for shiny new ones,” according to Atlanta Magazine. Despite this, ATL remains defined by its neighborhoods, a rich mix of historic districts, green spaces, and celebrated food scenes. Longstanding neighborhoods like Cabbagetown — a queer-friendly enclave known for its eateries — and Inman Park — an artsy neighborhood with charming architecture and cafés — reflect this past and present. SoNo, a quirky nickname derived from “South of North,” as in “South of North Avenue,” sits at the center of it all. Located west of Old Fourth Ward, a historic neighborhood with good shopping, SoNo has emerged as a thriving hub thanks to its trendy eats, entertainment options, and historic vibe. It’s also considered one of Atlanta’s most walkable neighborhoods.
Interstate 85 runs along SoNo’s western edge, providing quick access from elsewhere. With a transit score of 65 on WalkScore.com, the neighborhood is obviously well connected to the rest of the city. Although surrounded by skyscrapers and office buildings, SoNo retains its history through smaller buildings and long-standing businesses. Roughly 100 establishments, from coffee shops to restaurants to music venues, call SoNo home, including the original J.R. Crickets, an acclaimed chicken wings chain. For entertainment there’s the Fox Theatre, built in 1929, as well as the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, home to Atlanta’s Shakespeare Company. And like most Atlanta enclaves, there’s no shortage of green spaces. Folk Art Park features city skyline views, while sprawling Central Park sits just east.
SoNo has carved out a quirky balance of modern and historic
When you look at the Atlanta skyline from a distance, you’re seeing SoNo. SoNo is bounded to the north by North Avenue — once the city’s northernmost boundary — Central Park to the east, and Interstate 85 to the west and south. Midtown sits just above North Avenue. SoNo received its modern moniker around 2005, when new development revitalized the area, introducing contemporary apartments and helping the neighborhood carve out a distinct identity among Atlanta’s many districts. Today, SoNo features contemporary high-rise condos and apartment buildings that contribute to the city skyline, with average rents on Apartments.com reported at $1,782 for studios.
Other standout landmarks include Bank of America Plaza, Atlanta’s tallest building, and the Rufus M. Rose House, a rare, late Victorian Queen Anne-style mansion once owned by the founder of Four Roses Distillery (interior tours not available as of this writing). Nearby, the W.W. Orr Building, a 1930s-era Art Deco structure, continues to function as part of the Emory University Hospital Midtown campus, and One Georgia Center adds to the area’s quirky mix of historic and modern.
One of SoNo’s most historic stretches is the Baltimore Block, a series of rowhouses uncommon in the South, where historic residential architecture typically consists of semi-detached duplexes or shotgun-style homes. Built by Baltimore native Jacob J. Rosenthal, the 14 rowhouses became the city’s first long-term lease rental units. They were considered modern and opulent for the time, featuring rare luxuries like central heating, gaslight fixtures, and marble mantels. The area was briefly a hotspot for Atlanta’s white high society, though it eventually fell into disrepair, with some buildings demolished. Slowly, restoration began in the 1930s, and by the 1980s, Baltimore Block had been converted into a mixed-use office and apartment complex.
Enjoy SoNo’s walkable selection of trendy eats
SoNo’s WalkScore rating of 87 in walkability pairs with a bike score of 72, meaning it’s easy to get around. While its own restaurant scene isn’t as large or widely known as Bucktown, Little Five Points, or nearby Midtown — a vibrant district with festivals, rooftop spaces, and art – SoNo still has a few standout, innovative and trendy eating options. Poor Calvin’s, in the neighborhood since 2012, was once known for a “killer brunch” but now focuses on dinner, offering fusion Thai-American dishes like Deviled eggs with crab, lobster macaroni and cheese, frog legs, and Fuji apple cake. “Imagine shrimp curry with a side of mac-and-cheese,” wrote one TripAdvisor reviewer. “I could not possibly recommend this restaurant more.” Another agreed: “This is such a popular restaurant and there’s no need to guess why.”
Nikolai’s Roof on the 30th floor of the Hilton Atlanta, a short walk south of SoNo, is perfect for celebratory events. Its fine dining menu features seared foie gras, duck breast, and a ricotta-gruyère lasagna, plus caviar service, complemented by a wine list and cocktails. “Nikolai’s is a gem!” wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer. “The small details are not overlooked and the food was delicious.” Another agreed: “Amazing food, great views of the city, awesome environment. 10/10 definitely recommend.” There are plenty more restaurants offering a diverse range of cuisines, and there’s the aforementioned J.R. Crickets, an acclaimed fried chicken wing spot.
While the historic Fox Theatre and Publik Draft House are just north of North Avenue, they’re easily walkable or bikable from SoNo, making it simple to enjoy the broader Midtown dining and nightlife scene. You could even make it on foot to the one-Michelin star Lazy Betty for innovative contemporary dishes, about a mile walk.
Food & Dining
Nearly a dozen restaurants closed during the month, including the Alden.
The waakye served at Ike’s Cafe and Grill shown on Monday, March 24, 2025. The bean and rice mixture is served with spaghetti, plantains, a tomato stew, fish, beef, a boiled egg, dried cassava and a chili sauce. (Natrice Miller/AJC)
May was another strong month for restaurant openings in metro Atlanta, with at least 19 new food businesses setting up shop.
But nearly a dozen restaurants closed during the month, as well — including the Alden, which was unexpectedly shut down when the Chamblee apartment building where it occupied a ground-floor space was destroyed by a fire.
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Joupe Jeht’s fresh spring rolls. (Courtesy of Jude Downs)
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A rendering of the Ledger Bar and Lounge at the recently renovated JW Marriott Downtown Atlanta hotel. (Courtesy of Marriott)
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PopUp Bagels offers five kinds: plain, salt, sesame, poppy and everything. They are sold whole and meant to be ripped and dipped into schmears. (Courtesy of PopUp Bagels)
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Showdown Social opens this May in Alpharetta with host-led card games. (Courtesy of Showdown Social)
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Waffle with Chicken Tenders made and styled by Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles in Atlanta, Ga., Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (Aaliyah Man for the AJC)
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Metro Atlanta restaurant openings
Metro Atlanta restaurant closings
Henri Hollis is a restaurant critic and food reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he covers Atlanta’s restaurants, chefs and dining culture. As part of the AJC’s Food & Dining team, he reviews new restaurants, reports on industry trends and explores metro Atlanta’s culinary scene through the neighborhoods and people that shape it.
One of the most inevitable moves of the summer is complete. The Atlanta Falcons have given Drake London a lucrative four year deal worth up to $150 million, locking up their top receiver for the foreseeable future.
It’s a deserved extension for a physical, sure-handed talent who has been consistently excellent in Atlanta despite a constantly rotating cast of quarterbacks. London, who has averaged 1,086 yards over four NFL seasons and has 22 touchdowns over that span, has also emerged as one of the locker room’s most vocal and accountable players.
The 2022 first round pick came into the NFL catching passes from Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder and flourished immediately, with 806 yards and four touchdowns in year one and 905 yards and two touchdowns in year two. When the coaching staff turned over and Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. entered the picture, London exploded for 100 catches, 1,271 yards, and nine touchdowns in 2024, following that up with 919 yards and seven touchdowns in just 12 games a year ago. Through just four seasons, London is already 10th in team history in receiving yards, eighth in receptions, and 13th in touchdowns, and mixes that with solid blocking. He’s been the ideal receiver for the last two iterations of this Falcons offense, and I have no doubt that will continue here.
The contract’s guaranteed money would be tops in the NFL if the $100 million figure is accurate, but by overall money it’s just the third most lucrative contract in the league, and will likely be hovering near the bottom of the top ten in a couple of seasons. The Falcons were never going to risk losing their top receiving option, and if all goes well, London will continue to thrive in Atlanta and set his sights on surpassing some franchise legends in the years to come. I’m glad the deal is done, and we’ll see the exact terms soon enough.
How do you feel about this extension?
Andrelton Simmons plies his trade in Mexico
The Athletic caught up with former Braves shortstop – and one of the most gifted defenders at the position in the history of the game – Andrelton Simmons who, at 36, returned to organized baseball in Mexico last season.
Link below.
Rec 0ReplyRead 4 replies
In a fun “Where are they now” segment, here is an update on Andrelton Simmons.
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New Mexico2 minutes agoCumbres & Toltec to begin summer season June 9
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North Carolina4 minutes ago‘Bonsai in the Blue Ridge’ exhibit brings dozens of displays to North Carolina Arboretum
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North Dakota10 minutes agoAnd he’s off
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Ohio17 minutes agoThe purge? Ohio moves to downgrade non-domiciled CDLs
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Oklahoma20 minutes agoWhat Oklahoma Does Better Than Texas and Why It Matters
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Oregon25 minutes agoAmid warnings of future cuts, University of Oregon trustees approve next year’s budget
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Pennsylvania32 minutes agoState Awards Contract To Resurface Major Doylestown Borough Street
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Rhode Island35 minutes agoShifting Sands in Rhode Island – Rhode Island Monthly
