MIDTOWN. This popular restaurant revels in kitsch ­ yes, the lunch boxes, board games and Barbie-related collectibles are authentic ­ and serves delicious Southern fare. How does a Sunday brunch of salmon croquettes, Cajun-fried okra and fried green tomatoes sound? Other down-home favorites include mac-n-cheese fritters, BBQ shrimp served over creamy grits, turkey meatloaf and buttermilk fried chicken. Of course, one of their spicy Bloody Marys is a must. And, oh yes, be sure to save room for a slice of carrot cake ... theirs may just be the best in town. Note: call ahead seating only.

DOWNTOWN. Lauded for its superb cuisine and inviting ambience, this esteemed restaurant is elegant and gracious ­ just as you'd expect from the Ritz. Well-executed murals and classic city photographs distinguish the space, which plays host to well-to-do travelers and celebs. The Southern-inspired menu finds great expression in the prix fixe brunch, which includes fare like prime rib, artisan cheeses, and pastries. Not to be outdone, lunch at the Grill is itself an impressive affair ­ one that includes frisee and endive salad with pancetta, Maine lobster club with eggs brioche, tomato and cucumber gazpacho, and green asparagus soup.

AIRPORT AREA. It's not that the Barbecue Kitchen is hard to get to (it's located just off I-85), but the ill-informed may consider its airport area setting a bit "out there." In point of fact, this A-frame smokehouse is a reward worth traveling for, and the heavy traffic is proof positive that if you serve up good food and neighborly service, people will go out of the way to give you their business. The finger-licking house specialty is hickory-smoked pulled pork, and when a heaping portion arrives flanked by made-from-scratch biscuits (or corn muffins), collard greens, fresh rutabagas and candied yams ... Well, let's just say that nature'll kick in, and you'll know exactly what to do! MARTA: College Park

BUCKHEAD. Soak up the mountain-lodge ambience, complete with roaring fireplace and log cabin decor, before ordering fine regional American cuisine. Long-time Southern favorites are given innovative twists with dishes focusing on game, seafood and chops. Try grilled, apple-stuffed trout in honey-pecan sauce for a real treat. Vegetables are organic and consistently delicious, and fresh sourdough bread will almost make you forget all about your entree ... almost.

VININGS. Located on the Chattahoochee River where Buckhead meets the historic Vinings area, this romantic restaurant is a wonderful choice for special dinners and celebrations. The lush gardens outside, along with the vaulted ceilings and intricate decor inside, set the scene for a fabulous meal. Award-winning seasonal American cuisine is creatively prepared and artistically presented. Try their Carolina trout with pecans in citrus and brown butter sauce or, for brunch, pheasant ragout with two sunnyside eggs.