Where to Eat, Drink, and Explore in Atlanta for the World Cup (From a Local Chef)

Navigating a city as sprawling and soulful as the "City in a Forest" requires a definitive Atlanta travel guide.

As the world descends upon our streets for the World Cup, knowing where the locals eat and play is the difference between a tourist trip and a true Southern immersion. Fortunately for visitors, Casey Corn, a local chef, culinary anthropologist, and host of Apple TV's Recipe Lost and Found, has plenty of family-friendly suggestions for how to best experience the city. And with recommendations from Chef Casey Corn, you won't be steered wrong.

The Best Museums and Family-Friendly Stops in Atlanta

To start your day like a local, skip the hotel breakfast. Begin at Little Tart Bakeshop for their excellent pastries — the pistachio croissant is a religious experience. "They make excellent, excellent pastries. I think the best croissant in teh city," Corn says. If you’re a caffeine purist, seek out Plants and Coffee in East Atlanta Village for a "cute experience," or Bellwood Coffee (conveniently tucked inside the Little Shop of Stories) in Decatur for a solid brew, too.

If you're a first-time visitor to Atlanta during the World Cup and have kids in tow, head to the Georgia Aquarium. "It’s also super close to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is nice. The aquarium is really, like, a cut above as far as experiences go," she says. Alternatively, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is great for everyone, with family-friendly features, including one that's a lifesaver in the Georgia heat. "Their Children's Garden is amazing. It's also the best splash pad in the city, in my opinion," Corn says. For a more "underrated" outdoor experience, Corn suggests the Fernbank Museum. While the dinosaurs are the draw, the outdoor space is spectacular, specifically the Fernbank Forest hike, which offers a lush canopy you wouldn't expect in a major metro area.

For those with toddlers, Toy Park in Decatur is a local legend — it is exactly what it sounds like: a public playground filled with donated toys that creates a chaotic, hilarious, and joyful environment. Pair this with Chai Pani across the street for lunch and a visit to Oakhurst’s Wylde Center for a nature-filled afternoon.

How to Spend the Perfect Day in Atlanta (From a Local) 

When asked how a local would plan the perfect day, the answer is unanimous. "I would park at Madison yards and get breakfast at Sugarloaf, and then I would walk up the Beltline, bring your best walking shoes, rent whatever scooters we have these days, and literally walk up the Beltline all the way up to Piedmont Park," Corn says.

This former railway corridor is a one-of-a-kind experience that offers a very different perspective of Atlanta because you walk it, surrounded by the city's heartbeat, street art, and skyline views. Corn insists there is "no bad stop along the way." You can literally food crawl along the Beltline, too. "You get to walk through Krog Tunnel, which is also a thing you have to do in Atlanta," Corn says. Stop at Krog Street Market for Goo’s Dumplings, Yalla, or Fred’s Meat & Bread.

If you find yourself at Ponce City Market, grab a King of Pops popsicle. For a sit-down lunch, Bonafide Deluxe sandwiches are absolutely worth the price, or visit Yeppa’s right on the Beltline. Regardless of where you eat, Corn's best tip is to simply go in, order, and enjoy the food fresh and quickly rather than ordering takeout, which simply takes too long.

Where Casey Loves to Eat and Drink in Atlanta

As the sun sets, the city’s beverage and renowned spots are worth indulging in. For the best pizza in the city (as verified by Corn, who is a New Yorker), Glide Pizza is the gold standard and right on the Beltline, too. From there, you can continue up the Beltline to Ladybird. "We can get a bag cocktail and walk, which takes you up to the skate park. New Realm is up there. If you're looking for a cocktail, you can go to the Victorian," Corn explains.

If you want the quintessential Atlanta experience, Fox Brothers BBQ is a mainstay, while Sweet Auburn BBQ offers fascinating Asian influences on classic smoked meats. The brewery scene is also excellent in Atlanta. Monday Night Brewing and its new beer gardens offer a family-friendly atmosphere, while Halfway Crooks and New Realm provide incredible views and craft drafts. Homegrown is a staple for that local feel.

For those seeking Atlanta local recommendations that lean toward the affordable and easy, Pollo Primo is one of the best food options in the city. "The menu is simple; it is rotisserie chicken and some sides. It's delicious. It's always a crowd pleaser," Corn says. If you want a more refined evening, Bar Ana offers a sophisticated end to the night with Latin American-inspired desserts and cocktails. And never, ever leave Atlanta without a stop at Morelli’s Ice Cream — the salted caramel is "Lewis-approved," by Corn's husband, Lewis — or a scoop from Jeni’s.

A Local's Atlanta Travel Guide

Whether you're here to witness World Cup goals or the grits, this Atlanta travel guide ensures you see the city through the eyes of those who call it home. From the city's mainstay restaurants to beloved local pop-ups, Atlanta is ready to show the world its flavor.