Buckhead
Located uptown, Buckhead is the hot spot for the bougiest of Atlantans. Since at least the 1950s, Buckhead has been known as an area of extreme wealth. In 2011, The Gadberry Group compiled the list of the 50 wealthiest zip codes in the United States, ranking Buckhead’s western zip code (30327) as the second wealthiest zip code in the South. If you’re a lover of luxury goods or a patron of high-end nightlife, Buckhead is the place for you.
If you’re looking to live lavishly, take a visit to Phipp’s Plaza, a mall for Atlanta’s most upscale shoppers. Anchors include Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, with many smaller luxury retailers like Hermés, Fendi, Loewe, and Christian Louboutin. You should also stop by private jeweler Jonathan Buckhead to splurge on a diamond for a special someone (hey, you’re a special someone, too!).
When it comes to food and drinks, Buckhead’s high-end ethos remains steadfast. The Garden Room is a must–visit. Delectable small bites are served with creative cocktails in one of the most awe-inspiring atmospheres in Atlanta. Plants, flowers, and extravagant light fixtures fill the greenhouse-like glass building. Make sure to make reservations and be ready to drop some moolah. Upscale casual bistro Terra Terroir is a hidden gem, boasting a lengthy wine list, an eclectic menu created by award-winning chef Charles Zeran, and a gorgeous woodsy patio. If you’re a fan of tapas, wine, and charcuterie, you won’t want to skip The Iberian Pig.
Even if you’re not a high roller, there are some more affordable options in the Buckhead area. Lost-n-Found Youth Thrift Store has thousands of reasonably priced, secondhand items for sale. Proceeds help fund the operation of the nonprofit, which takes unhoused LGBTQ youth off the street and transitions them to more permanent housing. If you’re a proud nerd, you definitely won’t want to stop by Buckhead without visiting Oxford Comics and Games for new and vintage comics, graphic novels, action figures, DVDs, and posters. And don’t forget your furry friend – visit The Pet Set to pick them up a souvenir from your travels.
Some more low-key dining options in Buckhead include Alon’s Bakery and Market, Fellini’s Pizza, Grindhouse Killer Burgers, OK Café, and Roasters Rotisserie.
When it comes to LGBTQ+ nightlife, Buckhead has a few fabulous offerings. Lips Atlanta is the ultimate in drag dining in Atlanta. Georgia’s top drag queens perform Vegas-style shows five nights a week: shows include Twisted Broadway on Wednesdays, The Divas on Thursdays, Glitz and Glam on Fridays and Saturdays, Taboo: The Dirty Show late Saturday nights, and Showstoppers on Sundays. They also host a Dragalicious Brunch on Sunday afternoons. If you’re looking for something with less frills, Woofs is the place for you. Atlanta’s only gay sports bar, Woofs hosts a regular bear crowd with little elbow room on game days. The weekly line-up includes trivia, poker, sports on 21 screens, pool, darts, and a popular menu of bar grub. Tripp’s Bar is a cozy, unassuming gay bar that offers karaoke, darts, free Wi-Fi, and a taco bar on Wednesdays – plus male go-go dancers on Fridays. If you’re looking to keep the party at home, shop Green’s Beverages’ huge stock of liquors, craft beer, wine, and kegs.
Fun Facts:
- Built in 1974, Tower Place was Buckhead’s first skyscraper.
- Buckhead was not officially a part of Atlanta until it was annexed in 1952.
- Out of all generations, Millennials are Buckhead’s largest population.
- “Peachtree” is in the name of 15 streets in Buckhead.
