I grew up near the city and went to college at Georgia Tech. Don't live in Atlanta anymore but these are my favorite places to visit when I go back there.
Southern Food Restaurant · Midtown · 302 tips and reviews
Chelsea Mitchell: First time visitors get a free pot likker. Eat fried chicken, mac & cheese, fried okra, green beans, etc. The cinnamon rolls are SO good too.
Karen Johnson: Eclectic selection of shops and cuisine/food/drinking establishments in Midtown neighborhood of ATL. Also, the Beltline provides a great urban walking trial.
1009 Marietta St NW (at Howell Mill Rd. NW), Atlanta, GA
Coffee Shop · Marietta Street Artery · 239 tips and reviews
savoryexposure.com: The grandaddy of the local specialty coffee scene - Amazing coffee is joined by a curated list of craft beers & custom cocktails. Try a carmelatto for a coffee drink with a hint of sweetness.