Intermezzo (Midtown, Dunwoody)
My favorite cafe in Atlanta, Intermezzo is like a vacation in Milan or Paris without the flight. It feels more like a restaurant given the size, level of service, and offerings. This doesn’t take away from its quiet and intimate aesthetic. It can be all-purpose; I’ve studied in the dining room, done homework at the bar, had meetings with friends, and a few romantic dates. My usual orders: strawberry banana crepes, Florentine crepes, and a Granita latte. The price is around the same as an IHOP meal.
Intermezzo Midtown validates parking in the garage next to STK. Intermezzo Dunwoody has a large free parking lot.
The Ke’nekt Cooperative
On the Westside, this is where I go when I want to truly feel at home. It’s actually a coworking space with a cafe inside. Here, you’ll engage with interesting people doing amazing work. The layout of the place invites connection and the weekly events have something for everybody. The space is in a converted garage and when it’s warm outside, the garage door is open so that patrons get that breezy indoor-but-outdoor feel. I recommend their Peach Cobbler Cider, a sweet and tangy dessert drink with delicious cobbler crumbles on the surface.
Ke’nekt has their own parking lot directly in front.
Lucian Books & Wine
Fine dining in a bookstore. This is where I go when I want to be fancy, and I typically have to book 2-3 weeks in advance. The menu varies through the seasons. Pictured is a peach prosciutto arugula situation on focaccia, 10/10. I enjoyed it with a glass of white wine. If going to read or work, the best time is when it opens, so around 11 AM on the weekend. The dinner hours are a classy, intimate date night mood.
Free parking is in the garage it shares the building with.
The Office Bar
On Peachtree in the Google building, this spot is a cozy upscale mood with sleek velvety interiors and ample table space to set up and stay for a while. I’ve been twice on typical date night hours and to my surprise, it wasn’t crowded. Patrons were getting work done, relaxing, or having intimate conversations. My usual order is the Office Gossip cocktail, a refreshing blend of elderflower, grapefruit, and ketel one cucumber, paired with their simple House Burger and fries (can be substituted for caesar salad). I also enjoyed the Nashville Fried Chicken Sandwich. The offerings can be pricey, but there are weekly specials.
The bar will validate your valet ticket if you park at the hotel next door. (Self-parking in Google’s garage comes out to $20.)