A haven for cravings: Your city guide to Brookhaven
Just northeast of Buckhead, as Peachtree Road stretches past Lenox Mall, you’ll soon find yourself in the leafy streets of Brookhaven. And while this suburban city may only be a little over a decade old, its history goes back much longer.
Plantation pioneer John L. Evins settled in the area in the early 1800s. While few families lived in modern Brookhaven for much of the century, summer homes and a country club were established by the early 1900s. The Brookhaven Country Club and its nine-hole golf course were incorporated and much of the town built up around the surrounding lots — one of Georgia’s earliest such planned communities. Because of this, many of the homes built in the area attracted upper-class residents who could afford the retreat, and in the 1940s “North Atlanta” was born. But after a referendum in the 1960s, the city was dissolved into DeKalb County, where it would remain until the cityhood movement revived in 2012 and Brookhaven took shape.
In between those two cityhood movements, the Brookhaven area plowed along: it attracted a major university (Oglethorpe University), a MARTA rail station, retail corridors, and a Historic Places designation for the earliest neighborhoods. Today, development shows no sign of stopping, with lots of lush parks for families to enjoy, growing populations, top-notch restaurants to eat at, and the only Costco ITP for all your bulk shopping needs.
What can I do for fun in Brookhaven?
Drag your friends to brunch at Lips. Kick off your Sunday at this renowned drag bar on Buford Highway which has been featured on Bravo. The ladies of Lips go all out during the weekly Dragalicious Brunch, and the only rule is to have fun. Stuff your face with Southern classics while you feast your eyes on the talented, flamboyant performances and sing along to the hits. Reservations required.
Enjoy the vast greenspace at Brookhaven’s many parks. Even with all the development around Brookhaven in recent years, the city itself is still largely residential and verdant. You’ll find playgrounds, walking trails, dog parks, tennis courts, and more at one of their 19 parks. Or take a lovely spring stroll on the emerging Peachtree Creek Greenway, which will span from Buford Highway to Doraville upon completion and currently runs over a mile through the heart of Brookhaven.
Wine and crime with a murder mystery dinner theater at Petite Violette. Get ready for a night of French feasts with the suddenly deceased as this murder mystery show takes place amongst your dinner tables. The only people who can solve it are a parody crime-solving team, and you! This four-course dinner and show happens on Friday and Saturday nights and is guaranteed to make you laugh and cry. (The restaurant itself is worth a visit, too, any other evening).
Where are the best places to eat and drink in Brookhaven?
Sublime Doughnuts
Well known inside Atlanta, Sublime Doughnuts has an outpost off of North Druid Hills Road so you can get your fix of sugary sweets without braving the Connector. Indulge in classic flavors and unique confections like the A-shaped A-Town Cream, chocolate banana fritter, Nutella and more. They also serve ice cream, which will be perfect for those hot Atlanta summer days. Sublime is open any time, is kosher certified, and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Location: 2566 Briarcliff Rd NE, Suite 107; Hours: Open 24 hours a day; Website: sublimedoughnuts.com
Pure Taqueria
Originally rising from an old gas station, each outpost of this local taqueria chain features an open-air, industrial feel — one that feels like the perfect place for families and friends to gather over a bowl of chips and salsa. The Brookhaven location and its rooftop patio are no different. Pure is a solid choice for classic Mexican dishes, savory tacos — we recommend the birria and al pastor — served on fresh-made tortillas, or a margarita after a hard day’s work.
Location: 3589 Durden Drive NE; Hours: Sunday and Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Website: puretaqueria.com/brookhaven
Havana Sandwich Shop
This cozy, unassuming shop on Buford Highway holds a treasure trove of Cuban food behind its colorful exterior. A family-owned shop for decades, Havana serves authentic Cuban meals for all your needs. Grab and go with their savory empanadas filled with peppers, cheese, or chicken. Or if you need a heartier lunch, sit down for a fresh Cuban sandwich with rice and beans. Dropping in for a snack? Try a side of maduros, grab a cup of coffee, or a sweet mango milkshake instead.
Location: 2905 Buford Hwy NE; Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Website: havanaatlanta.com
Secreto Southern Kitchen
This Southern restaurant isn’t so secret if its many rave reviews are any indication. Take your classic Southern dishes for a new spin with dishes like an Asian-inspired bang bang shrimp, crispy brussels sprouts drizzled with crème and candied pecans, or Southern fried chicken smothered in a bacon jalapeno gravy. If you need more, grab a sweet slice of buttermilk glazed carrot cake for dessert. It all tastes as good as it presents at this hidden gem.
Location: 3575 Durden Drive NE, Suite 201; Hours: Lunch: Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Dinner: Tuesday through Thursday, 5-9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 5-10 p.m.; Brunch Sundays, 10:30 am to 3 p.m.; Website: secretokitchen.com
Valenza
If your tastes lean more international, sit down to a quality Italian dinner at this popular Venitian venue. The dishes are all made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and include a variety of pastas, proteins, and salads to enjoy. Pair the creamy bucatini with a rich red wine from their extensive drink menu. Or enjoy the perfect spring weather with a cocktail and appetizer on the patio.
Location: 1441 Dresden Drive NE, Suite 100; Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5-10 p.m.; Website: valenzarestaurant.com
