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8 reasons to go West(side)

The Westside boasts glossy art galleries and gritty performance spaces alike

CityGuide photo for CL
Photo credit: CL File
Northside Tavern - Atlanta

The Westside has a perennial and formidable challenge: Can the neighborhood summon and solidify a number of diverse haunts to anchor it as a viable destination? The short and explicit answer is hell yes. The area offers a spread of attractions that could cradle an intimate brunch or incite a rowdy night out — even lay down some mean (and permanent) ink. The Westside may actually be the best side, after all.

The Castleberry tattoo parlor, one of Atlanta’s most high-profile shops, doubles as an art gallery and hub for Atlanta’s independent hip-hop scene. The artists on staff take their custom-designed work seriously and have nurtured a cultured customer base as a result. People travel from across the cou... | more...

Modern jewelry, clothing, accessories, decor, and bath and body items — these are the specialities of the independent artisans from Atlanta and the surrounding region whose products are sold here, in an open and woodsy-warm former warehouse space in the Brickworks building. | more...

A contemporary gallery that hosts quality exhibitions with a focus on emerging local artists who work with photography, sculpture, and hand-crafted art, among other mediums. | more...

This legendary dive bar in West Midtown is Atlanta’s home for live blues. The weekly lineup includes a Monday night jam and a regular Wednesday night slot held down by Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck, who helped make the club a blues hot spot in the 1980s. Weekends bring a grab bag of local and touring acts. | more...

It’s rare for a place to be so hip and so comfortable. This one has an industrial vibe, a cool-but-not-too-cool staff, locally produced art on the walls, pastries and cookies from Alon’s and, of course, well-crafted coffee drinks and high-quality teas. Of particular note: Octane’s French press coffe... | more...

The takeout menu varies slightly each day, but count on seductively constructed sandwiches such as the shrimp po’boy or the prosciutto and Parmesan, among other options. You’ll also find a butcher and a specialty cheese counter in the back of the space. | more...

Originally a cotton-gin manufacturer, the Goat Farm is a Westside haven for working artists and performance companies, a frequent location for movie shoots (cough cough, Hunger Games, cough cough), and a great live music venue. | more...

This popular Westside cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This place can get packed out, so expect a wait on weekends. | more...

 

The list above first appeared in the 2015 CL Cityguide and was updated by CL Staff recently.