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A Cappella Books is no longer in Little Five Points. They have moved to Inman Park. You can find them at 208 Haralson Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 and (404) 681-5128 It is hard to find these days a book shop that will describe a certain town and its people through its novels and other written work. But in Atlanta’s Little 5 Points (L5P) neighborhood, a book shop as such can be found. Years after Frank Reiss graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens (UGA) he decided to open A Cappella Books in 1989, a book shop that seemed like the embodiment of Little 5 Points’ history, culture, lifestyle and its people through its collection of books and novels. It is L5P’s life and soul. The shop may not seem as your standard or normal bookstore that sells brand new paper backs or hard covers. A Cappella sells both used and brand new titles. Reiss has also ventured into publishing some out-of-print selections and a new book by Peter Case which showcases his memoirs. Reiss carefully chooses which books to sell, like Jean Genet’s Querelle or selections about indie music – you see, Little 5 Points is Atlanta’s indie capital. Now how does Reiss know which books would speak best about Little 5 Points? He solicits the help of his neighbors to organize reading events and meet-ups to gather feedback on what’s keeping L5P’s book-loving community hooked or interested at the moment. Think of A Cappella as Little 5 Points’ local library and Reiss as its librarian, only that the books in this “library” are of course, not free but are all worth spending money...
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1154 Euclid Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA | (404) 215-9511 | criminalatl.com In this digital age where music can be easily streamed and downloaded for cheap yearly or monthly subscriptions or even for free to say the least, you’d think that CDs and vinyl records are dead. But fact of the matter is, it really is a dwindling industry but there are still very few stores that keep that particular industry alive, one of which is Criminal Records. Don’t let the shop name fool you. This is not a branch of the feds or something like that. Criminal Records is a music and comic book shop situated in Atlanta’s most artistically eclectic neighborhood, Little Five Points. They sell a wide range of physical music formats from CDs, vinyl records (all types – LPs, 7”s, 10”s and 12”s), DVDs, multiple disc sets, box sets and even turntables and accessories perfect for passionate music collectors. They also have an extensive graphic novel collection, posters, magazines and other stuff that are both new and used and even a cozy spot to hold short live performances, but Criminal Records is more known in L5P as one of the very few remaining physical record shops in Georgia and the only one in Atlanta. The shop sells releases from both mainstream and indie artists, vintage and current, but people come here to sample and buy records that they cannot find in other record shops like Tower Records. They have the most extensive collection of indie albums, especially the hard to find ones and the classics, which is good news for indie artists because Criminal Records paves the way for them to be heard, discovered and make a profit – although meager at times – from their releases. Not only do they have the most extensive collection of the most obscure records that have been ever released, the prices are reasonable too and the staff is as equally as knowledgeable as the customers when it comes to their stuff – they really...
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1238 DeKalb Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA | (404) 577-4030 | www.foxbrosbbq.com We all know that Texas has the best barbecues in the US – perfectly seasoned and cooked at the right temperature. But not everyone is willing to go down south in pursuit of that perfect barbecue. If you live in the southeast, you can head to Atlanta instead and sample the offerings of Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q. Texan-bred brothers Jonathan and Justin Fox opened this restaurant with the help of other friends out of frustration of not finding any good barbecue restaurants in Atlanta. At present, Fox Bros. boasts of offering a barbecue that “has Texan roots but has a southern influence”. It is the perfect mix of the classic Texan barbecue with a taste and style that southern folks from Atlanta will surely love. Sample their meats that are smoked with hickory wood nonetheless and are dressed and served with their very own barbecue sauce which they also sell at Whole Foods for only $5. They’ve got baby back ribs which costs barely $20 for a whole serving, smoked chicken which could also be served in purely white meat for an additional $2, the deep brisket for only $14 a pound of serving and pulled pork, for only $12 a pound of serving. Their sides, salads and desserts, and even their kids’ meals are priced a tad lower, of course, than their solo meat offerings. They also have a separate menu for take-out orders where they have sandwiches and baskets that are each served with a side, meat plate orders that are also each served with a side, a combo plate where you can choose two meats, the “Everything” plate where you can choose up to four meats, the baby back ribs which costs $23 for a whole rack plate of serving and they even have something for the vegans – the veggie plate, which consists of four sides that costs $11. They also have daily lunch and dinner specials. Among their best...
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1099 Euclid Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA | (404) 524-7354 | variety-playhouse.com Little Five Points is known as Atlanta’s most eclectic district. The art galleries, shops, restaurants and theaters really keep this neighborhood both alive and colorful. For those who dig live music both by indie and mainstream acts in a tightly knit and cozy place, kind of like a sound check session, then come by the Variety Playhouse along Euclid Avenue. Variety Playhouse is both a theater and a nightclub, but used to be a movie house which explains the narrow aisles and the balcony seating. But it also has tables, chairs and a standing area for those who’d like to experience the show up close. Most of those who have been here enjoyed the concert experience despite the size of the venue. It might be small but it creates the intimacy which allows the audiences to be moved by the performers’ raw and personal performance on stage, which is also inspired by the intimate and relaxing vibe of the venue. Some agree that the venue’s name – Variety Playhouse – truly speaks for what the place represents, variety. Several and various live acts have already graced the stage of the Playhouse, mostly indie acts like The Afghan Wings, Men at Work, Junior Brown, while other indie acts that are scheduled to perform include The New Pornographers, acclaimed artist Dar Williams, Grammy award winning bassist Victor Wooten, the British group Steel Pulse, the eclectic group Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros, and the super eccentric funky group Here Come the Mummies, and even mainstream act and Billboard chart topper The Script, to name a few. As you can see, there is also a variety in music genre – from rock, to reflective, reggae, to world music and, funk and dance, Variety Playhouse truly lives up to its name. Variety Playhouse accepts band submissions and the venue is also open for rentals. For those interested to see a show, please keep in mind that smoking...
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1174 Euclid Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA | (404) 521-0661 | thecornertavern.com Situated in Little Five Points’ most active and hippest lane, Euclid Avenue, Corner Tavern is a prime spot for a guys’ or girls’ night out coupled with beers, subs, pool, darts, or simply a night of chit chat with friends or co-workers after work or at late night. Corner Tavern may seem like a simple bar from the outside but step inside to feel the warmth atmosphere that the British pub-inspired interiors give off. The wooden fixtures and floorings make the entire place homely and cozy balancing off with a lively vibe brought by the guests who have to come to eat either for lunch or dinner, relax after a day’s work with beers, or to simply have fun around the pool table or hit the dart board with friends for a fun night out. One of the Tavern’s best sellers are their sandwiches which comes in a wide array of varieties from turkey, to fish and shrimp, to the classic BLT and grilled cheese, chicken and veggie subs. Many recommend having the sandwiches steamed instead of having it served toasted so you can have smoking juicy sandwiches that you can savor while eating, but the toasted subs are just as equally delicious as the steamed ones. Other best sellers include the Black Bean Burger which is one for the vegans and those who have tasted it commend it for being far better than the real beef burger. The Tomato Basil Soup is also a knock out among patrons and first timers, and so is the Hawaiian Chicken Salad which is perfect with the House Vinegrette. Aside from the common subs and sides, the Tavern also offers complete meals in small and large servings like the BBQ Chicken and Tilapia Sliders, the Seared Yellow Fin Tuna, and the Warm Spinach and Goat Cheese Wrap which are all served in small plates and are all priced below $9, while the Dijon Steak Medallions, Bourbon...
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422 Seminole Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA | (404) 525-2530 Tourists and locals in Little Five Points have several of choices when it comes to pizza parlors, but people keep on coming back to Little Five Points Pizza for the great tasting pizza, pasta and sides, its affordability, the efficient service and, according to some previous guests, the friendly staff. The interiors are relaxed, giving off a friendly and warm atmosphere that anyone would love to hang out in, although the conspicuous inflated crocodile back drop may not go in tune with the supposed relaxed mood, but despite this, this pizza parlor can still be a nice place to hang out in after work, or in between breaks, or when simply trying to combat boredom. Simply watching people pass by the store from the inside while eating a pizza slice or two is worth one’s time and money. Speaking of money, for less than $5 you can get yourself a couple of pizza slices plus a draft beer. Their pizza is kind of New York style with an Atlanta twist and you can get a slice for even $2 and less– now that’s bang for the buck pizza! Many previous customers recommend the Pepperoni and Chicken Pizza, and the Spinach and Mushroom Pizza for vegans. Other best sellers include the lasagna and the spicy garlic bread served with marinara sauce. While many previous customers think that the small floor area works towards the pizza joint’s advantage by providing a relaxed and cozy atmosphere while enjoying the best pizza slice in this side of Atlanta, some think that once the place gets crowded and cramped up, it suddenly loses its homely appeal, but it only clearly speaks about the number of people who love and would come back to this place at any given free time and day. There are also mixed reviews with regards to the attitude of the staff, some customer’s claim that this joint has got the most accommodating and friendliest staff that...
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Sweet Lime has unfortunately closed Sushi is traditionally composed of rice and vinegar, topped with fresh fish all rolled into a seaweed. This famous Japanese dish has made its way to the US and other non-Asian countries with the addition of avocado, mango and sometimes, cream cheese. US cities like San Francisco, New York and Seattle have already been swept with the sushi phenomenon and have become top cities with the best Americanized and even authentic sushi. In Atlanta however, sushi is not as popular yet but a certain restaurant in the city’s lively Little Five Points neighborhood is slowly becoming famous not only for its take on the famous Japanese rice roll, but also on other Asian dishes like noodles and rice dishes that the Thais, Koreans and other countries from the Orient are known for, and did we mention that they also serve cocktails? Welcome to Sweet Lime, an Asian fusion restaurant that serves all kinds of famous Asian recipes from sushi to sashimi to beef, pork, chicken, rice, vegetables, and whether you like it spicy or mild, it has everything you need to satisfy that Asian food hankering – plus a cocktail to go down with it. Sweet Lime’s exteriors are very low key but the interiors are not over the top either but would still attract guests who are looking for a relaxing and wholesome venue for lunch or dinner with friends or family. The lights are dim but not too dark that you won’t see the menu or what you’re eating. The Chinese lanterns truly create a very zen-like atmosphere with the modern furniture keeping up with the times. The collision of the east and west, and the traditional and the modern resulted in a perfect balance of warmth, coziness and positive vibes in every corner of the place. As mentioned, the menu consists of varied Asian food choices. For appetizers, the green salad or the very healthy Miso soup is a good choice to warm up those guts...
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