Updating the Eater Heatmap: Where to Eat Right Now

by Sonia Chopra@soniachopra May 1, 2014, 9:00am EDT

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by Sonia Chopra@soniachopra May 1, 2014, 9:00am EDT

More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends, and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? What are the new restaurants? What haven't I heard of? What's everyone talking about? While the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the 'it' places of the moment. Thus, we offer the Eater Heatmap, which will change periodically to highlight where the food-crazed crowds are flocking. Since this is a spotlight on what's happening right now, we must bid adieu to places that have been around for too long. Therefore, in this edition, we remove Big Sky, Stem Wine Bar, Osteria Mattone, and Foundation Social Eatery, and we welcome Lusca, Varuni Napoli, and Octane Coffee's new Atlanta Tech Village location.

Suggestions? Vital omissions? Leave 'em in the comments or email the tipline.

01/03/13: Added: Seven Lamps, Gio's Chicken Amalfitana
02/07/13: Added: General Muir, Monday Night Brewing, La Tagliatella, Woodfire Grill
03/07/13: Added: Chai Pani, KR SteakBar, the Argosy
04/03/13: Added: Paper Plane
05/02/13: Added: BoccaLupo, Villains
06/06/13: Added: Gunshow, King + Duke
07/11/13: Added: Chick-a-Biddy, Saltyard, Umi Sushi, Yum Bunz
08/01/13: Added: Timone's
09/05/13 Added: BlueTarp Brewing Co., Sun Dial, Caffe Gio
10/03/13: Added: Bantam Pub, Folk Art, Ink & Elm, Kimball House, Sobban
11/07/13: Added: Common Quarter, Stem Wine Bar, Jeni's
12/06/13: Added: Osteria Mattone, Smoke Ring
01/02/14: Added: Better Half, Toscano & Sons
02/06/14: Added: Cinco y Diez, St. Cecilia, Sprinkles ATM
03/06/14: Added: Big Sky Buckhead, Sweet Auburn Barbecue
04/03/14: Added: Foundation Social Eatery, Ration & Dram
05/01/14: Added: Lusca, Octane ATV, Varuni Napoli
· All Eater Atlanta Heatmap Coverage [-EATL-]

Lusca

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Angus Brown and Nhan Le's Brookwood Hills concept, Lusca, just opened up on Peachtree Road. Look for a seafood-heavy menu, including raw bar offerings from Le, in the space. Pronounced Looh-sca, the restaurant's named after a giant legendary octopus-like sea monster, a nice nod to Brown and Le's first concept, late-night spot Octopus Bar. [Photo]

1829 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

(678) 705-1486

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Octane Coffee ATV

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Local— and national— favorite Octane Coffee's Buckhead location is open for business, albeit with shortened hours (Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for the time being. Soon, look for a large patio, alcoholic beverages, and service seven days a week, but for now head in for the stellar coffee, tea, and local treats (from Little Tart, XK Macarons, Sublime Doughnuts, and King of Pops) you've come to known and love at the West Midtown and Grant Park locations.

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3423 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

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St. Cecilia

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Set in a stunning space in Buckhead, Ford Fry's latest concept, St. Cecilia has been getting rave early reviews. Go for the crudo and seafood dishes, pastas, and great beverage program.

3455 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

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Varuni Napoli

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This new addition to Atlanta's pizza scene recently opened up on the corner of Monroe Drive and Piedmont Avenue. Look for a long list of traditionally made pies, plus salads, mozzarella, calzones, wine/beer/cordials, and dessert in a space with indoor and outdoor seating.

1540 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

(404) 873-0000

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Ration & Dram

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Holeman & Finch alum Andy Minchow's family-friendly spot in Kirkwood is quickly establishing itself as a neighborhood go-to. Check out the housemade sodas, adult cocktails, duck wontons, and expansive outdoor patio. [Photo: Date Night Friday]

130 Arizona Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

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Sweet Auburn Barbecue

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It's been a seamless transition so far from food truck to full-service restaurant for Sweet Auburn Barbecue. There's traditional barbecue on the menu, as well as Asian-inspired updates like pimento cheese wontons. Take a closer look here.

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656 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

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Better Half

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This crowdfunded brick-and-mortar from the PushStart Kitchen supper club crew started serving in its small Home Park space in December. Go for the rotating menu from Zach Meloy and Jonathan Miller, the robot mural, and the exceptionally friendly service. More here.

349 14th St NW Bldg C, Atlanta, GA 30318

(404) 695-4547

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Cinco y Diez

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To the east of Atlanta in good ol' Athens, Hugh Acheson's fourth concept has opened. Helmed by Whitney Otawka, the neighborhood cocina serves Latin cuisine with a focus on locally farmed ingredients. Learn more.