Stewart Cink's Top 5 Restaurants

3424 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 (map)

Whether it's a celebration with the Claret Jug, or an early dinner at the bar before a Thrasher game, I always have the most fun (and a ridiculously-good dinner) at New York Prime in Buckhead. Plus the Phipps/Lenox proximity makes it a convenient stop before heading out on the town. The appetizer tray is legendary, and the TVs in the bar give Prime a laid back feel that belies its upper-crust menu.

112 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 (map)

On date night, my wife and I love to gather up a few other couples and head to Rathbun's. This Inman Park gem offers the total metropolitan experience, not to mention a SWEET menu that is as exciting to read as it is to eat. Lodged in an old warehouse, the place is one part fine dining and one part social scene. But due the trend-happy atmosphere, don't leave your date alone for long, or she may defect for greener pastures.

906 Oakview Rd., Decatur, GA 30030 (map)

Speaking of pastures, those green fields produce one of America's iconic food staples and one of my personal favorites--the hamburger. To find that small town, feel good burger stand, look no further than Oakhurts’ Universal Joint (or U-Joint as it's known locally.) Their burger is what a good burger should be--simple. Plus it goes great with almost anything from behind the bar. Their slogan, "Drinks Well with Others," says it all. Plus the fact that it’s right down the street from East Lake Golf Club makes it a perfect spot to lick your wounds after getting beaten up by the course.

6555 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth, GA 30097 (map)

Since I live in Duluth, I feel compelled to include some of my favorites in the area. And this comes in the form of not one, but two Mexican restaurants. Frontera on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth is the old reliable, delivering consistent options from a standard Tex-Mex menu. However those headed out on weekends might want earplugs--the mariachi band typically turns it up to 11.

1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Suwanee, GA 30024 (map)

Located one town up in Suwanee, Cinco is my other go-to. Cinco refreshingly changes up the standard suburban Mexican menu (which is hard to find outside the perimeter) and their patio is spot-on for social gatherings. While plenty Atlantans may think they won't "fit in way out in Gwinnett," their bar scene surprisingly feels very much ITP.