Food, fish and fun: Your city guide to Centennial Hill

Centennial Hill is a bustling area on the north edge of Atlanta. It has undergone lots of development in recent years with a particular area of growth being Allen Plaza along Iven Allen Boulevard. The Plaza is home to a series of glittering highrise office buildings and surrounding businesses in an eight-block area.

The neighborhood centers on the intersection of Ted Turner Driven and Iven Allen Boulevard. There are plenty of recreational attractions, the Georgia Aquarium perhaps most notable among them, and the Centennial Place residences make up a good portion of the neighborhood. Here’s what you need to know if you visit.

What can I do for fun in Centennial Hill?

Georgia Aquarium: Atlanta is home to one of the most extensive aquatic displays in the world. The Georgia Aquarium is teeming with opportunities for education and entertainment. Take in the beauty of the ocean in front of the facility’s massive Ocean Voyager exhibit, which houses whale sharks, sea turtles and many fish species. See the special animal exhibits, which include Beluga whales and African penguins. And laugh your way through a sea lion show!

World of Coca-Cola: See the full impact the Coca-Cola legacy has on the world. The 20-acre plaza at Pemberton Place is home to exhibits like Coca-Cola stories and Icons, alongside the Coca-Cola Theater and The Loft, which houses Coke artifacts. And don’t forget the Taste It! exhibit, which lets you sample more than 100 beverages. When you’re done exploring, select a memento from the on-site store.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta: This hands-on museum offers and chance to learn through interaction. Permanent exhibits include “Let Your Creativity Flow,” where children can paint a wall; “Fundamentally Food,” which introduces participants to a farm-to-table food experience. Cultural, STEM and crafts-centric activities also abound throughout the year.

Where are the best places to eat and drink in Centennial Hill?

Max Lager’s Woodfired Grill & Brewery

This spot bills itself as “the oldest brewpub in Georgia.” You’ll find plenty of draft beers and bottles and cans to suit your tastes. The wine list offers whites, reds and rosés from around the world. Pair your choice with selections from the dinner menu like the cowboy steak, the basil pesto salmon or the Creole BBQ shrimp, and you’re on your way to an unforgettable evening!

Location: Max Lager’s Woodfired Grill & Brewery; Hours: Lunch - Monday-Saturday - 11:30 a.m., Dinner - daily at 4 p.m.; Website: maxlagers.com

The Peri Peri Grill

Bold flavors are the cornerstone of this restaurant, which traces its roots to African-Portuguese tradition. Fill up on the chicken pizza, the Peri Peri chicken platters or the Philly steak burger. Fries, fried okra, corn go great on the side. And don’t forget dessert — the Dubai chocolate brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream finishes things out well.

Location: The Peri Peri Grill; Hours: Friday and Saturday - 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday-Thursday - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: theperiperigrill.com

Suite Food Lounge

Settle in for an evening of socializing and/or live entertainment at Suite. Regular live entertainment includes weekly jazz and Friday night comedy showcases. A classic American menu brings you choices like chicken and waffles, smoked gouda shrimp and grits and catfish, alongside an extensive beer and wine list.

Location: Suite Food Lounge; Hours: Sunday - 10 a.m. ro 9 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5-11 p.m., Friday - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., Saturday - 10 a.m. to 3 a.m.; Website: suiteatl.com

Bottle Cap Café

Located just outside the World of Coca-Cola, the Bottle Cap Cafe offers an array of artisan sandwiches, fresh salads and snacks like veggie trays, mixed fruit and granola bars. Add a Danish pastry or salted caramel brownie for dessert, and, of course, a Coke product to drink.

Location: Bottle Cap Café; Hours: Monday-Thursday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Website: worldofcoca-cola.com

Johnny Rockets

Looking to grab a quick bite in a fun atmosphere? Johnny Rockets on Luckie Street is the place! The Rocket double gives you the perfect cheeseburger experience with two angus beef patties, crisp lettuce and onion. Or try the Route 66 — an angus patty under grilled mushrooms, Swiss cheese and onions with fries, tots, chili or onion rings on the side. Feeling like a salad? Go for grilled or crispy chicken over fresh greens!

Location: Johnny Rockets; Hours: Sunday-Thursday - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: johnnyrockets.com