Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Atlanta Northwest at Windy Hill Road, GA

SMYRNA. Secreted away in a strip mall, House of Chan has earned a strong reputation for its spot-on cooking and friendly...

SMYRNA. Secreted away in a strip mall, House of Chan has earned a strong reputation for its spot-on cooking and friendly ambiance. Locals give it lots of business, although people from all over the metro have discovered its culinary charms. A broad menu promises plenty of options, and HOC's "kulu" preparation of chicken, shrimp or pork will render inferior any other versions of sweet-and-sour you've had before. Other specialties include black pepper shrimp, plum roast duck, spicy garlic beef, and red snapper filet with asparagus.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri 11am-10:30pm; Sat 5pm-10:30pm; Sun Noon-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

SANDY SPRINGS. Craving full-flavored Mexican quick food at more-than-fair prices? El Taco Veloz knows just what you...

SANDY SPRINGS. Craving full-flavored Mexican quick food at more-than-fair prices? El Taco Veloz knows just what you need. The place is nothing to look at, but don't let that deter you ­ taste and satisfaction are ample rewards for your determination. Soft corn tacos are as homey and delicious as you'd imagine, and huge burritos make folks sigh with delight. Along with standard offerings, you can try selections like beef tongue or the even more exotic barbacoa (slow-cooked beef headmeat). Don't forget to spice things up with their potent, zesty salsas.

Hours: Daily 7am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

BUCKHEAD. Those in the know regard this ladling lunchery as one of the best alternatives in town; judging from the...

BUCKHEAD. Those in the know regard this ladling lunchery as one of the best alternatives in town; judging from the proverbially long lines, the accolades are well deserved. Creative sandwiches and salads are featured, but the true headline-grabbers are the gourmet-caliber soups, which run the gamut from Southwestern-style chicken tortilla to the ever-popular My Dad's Turkey Chili, which "owner-souper" Jenny Levison makes sure is on the menu every day. Expect a casual though crowded scene ­ you can't enjoy food like this all by your lonesome!

Hours: Sep - Jul Mon, Fri-Sat 11am-5pm; Tue-Wed 11am-6pm; Thu 11am-10pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

BUCKHEAD. Figo Pasta adds hearty dashes of Tuscan-style warmth and panache to the Buckhead dining scene. Charming...

BUCKHEAD. Figo Pasta adds hearty dashes of Tuscan-style warmth and panache to the Buckhead dining scene. Charming service and a flair for creative sauces mingle with the space's cozy confines to create an experience that, until now, Atlantans could find only by visiting a neighborhood eatery in the Old Country. Deliciously homemade portions of ricotta and spinach-stuffed ravioli, whole wheat penne and egg pappardelle may be topped with sauces ranging from checca (fresh-chopped tomato, basil and mozzarella) to Siciliana (eggplant, mozzarella and basil tomato sauce topped with shredded ricotta). Portions are large and, perhaps best of all, the prices are stunningly reasonable.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-9pm; Fri 11:30am-9:30pm; Sat 4:30pm-9:30pm; Sun 4:30pm-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

WESTSIDE. Run by a husband-wife team who want to introduce patrons to a more authentic Mexican cuisine than America...

WESTSIDE. Run by a husband-wife team who want to introduce patrons to a more authentic Mexican cuisine than America typically gets, Bone Garden Cantina serves homemade food in a small space decked out in celebratory Day of the Dead decor. Dishes are served a la carte, so you can put together your own meal of enchiladas, tacos, burritos, tamales, etc. to suit your taste. However, fillings are eminently more interesting, including goat, beef tongue, spicy pork, and brisket. Cocktails, tequilas, and beers enliven the whole event, and you'll also find guacamole and chips 'n salsa (not unlimited). Come see how good Mexican can be!

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat Noon-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card

DUNWOODY. At first glance, this seafooder certainly makes a strong splash, from the stunning, cobalt-blue aquarium to...

DUNWOODY. At first glance, this seafooder certainly makes a strong splash, from the stunning, cobalt-blue aquarium to Leigh Smith Catherall's fantasical artwork. Dive deeper, and you'll find Goldfish can't be accused of being "all style, no sustenance." Start with an appetizer ­ hot ones like crab cakes or catfish served with ponzu sauce, or a colder one like peel & eat shrimp or oysters. From there, the menu takes several routes, each of them posing tempting endeavors: Charleston-style shrimp & grits, pan-roasted haddock with sweet corn and scallion chowder, and parmesan-seared skate wing.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat Noon-11pm; Sun Noon-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

WESTSIDE. Sibling of Midtown's ever-popular Sundown Café, Taqueria del Sol serves quick and easy Southwestern food...

WESTSIDE. Sibling of Midtown's ever-popular Sundown Café, Taqueria del Sol serves quick and easy Southwestern food that is so good you'll be convinced the cashier under-charged you. Made-to-order fare is prepared right at the counter, and you can have your taco stuffed with tasty ingredients like chopped smoked pork, tilapia rolled in corn masa, or chicken breast with lime jalapeño mayonnaise. Heartier appetites can go for one or two beef brisket enchiladas and, perhaps, a side of Mexican rice, turnip greens or jalapeño coleslaw.

Hours: Mon 11am-2pm; Tue-Thu 11am-2pm, 5:30pm-9pm; Fri 11am-2pm, 5:30pm-10pm; Sat Noon-3pm, 5:30pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

MIDTOWN. Southern American cuisine is the specialty at this '50s-style restaurant, which is where your grandparents...

MIDTOWN. Southern American cuisine is the specialty at this '50s-style restaurant, which is where your grandparents would have gone when looking for a trendy restaurant 30 years ago. It's still drawing crowds today. All your favorite Southern classics ­ fried chicken, grilled trout, cornbread and hot yeast rolls ­ are served here. The banquet facility accommodates up to 72 people.

Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-9pm; Fri 5pm-10pm; Sat Noon-10pm; Sun 11:30am-9pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

The unimpressive building belies the amazing dining experience that awaits you. Whether you prefer Thai or Chinese, the...

The unimpressive building belies the amazing dining experience that awaits you. Whether you prefer Thai or Chinese, the entrees are authentic and flavorful. Regulars routinely name this little eatery the best in all of Atlanta.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm; Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-11pm; Sat 5pm-11pm; Sun 5pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

BUFORD HIGHWAY. Pleasant, inviting and relaxing, this traditional Bangladeshi restaurant is located in a most unlikely...

BUFORD HIGHWAY. Pleasant, inviting and relaxing, this traditional Bangladeshi restaurant is located in a most unlikely setting ­ a shopping strip off busy Buford Highway. Don't let the setting dissuade your visit, though, because they serve some of the tastiest fare this side of Dhaka. Dishes seem to explode with exotic aromas and flavors, as seen in tandoori lamb with ginger, Biriyani specialties with baashmatee rice and mixed vegetables, and spicy chicken vindaloo with aloo. A word to the wise: if you plan on enjoying wine with your meal, stop by the store first ­ Panahar maintains a BYOB policy.

Hours: Tue-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club