This Atlanta Neighborhood With A Quirky Name Has Walkable Streets And Trendy Eats

Atlanta Magazine said that "Atlanta has an unfortunate habit of bulldozing historic properties in exchange for shiny new ones," but it's fair to say that its diverse neighborhoods are one of the great defining features of the city. Atlanta has a rich mix of historic districts, green spaces, and celebrated food scenes, with the queer-friendly enclave of Cabbagetown and the charming architecture and cafe of artsy Inman Park among the best. SoNo, a quirky nickname derived from "South of North," as in "South of North Avenue," is another spot to add to the list. Located west of Old Fourth Ward, SoNo has emerged as a thriving hub thanks to its trendy eats, entertainment options, and unbeatable location between Downtown and Midtown. It's also considered one of Atlanta's most walkable neighborhoods, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, with WalkScore giving it a rating of 87.

Interstate 85 runs along SoNo's western edge, providing quick access from elsewhere, and the neighborhood is well-connected to the rest of the city. Although surrounded by skyscrapers and office buildings, SoNo retains a community atmosphere through smaller buildings, long-standing businesses, and a diverse dining scene. Just north of the neighborhood, the Fox Theatre adds to the area's appeal; constructed in 1929, the stunning Moorish building was originally intended as part of a temple before becoming one of Atlanta's most impressive movie houses.

Today, SoNo features contemporary high-rise condos and office towers that contribute to the city skyline, and while standout landmarks like the Bank of America Plaza (Atlanta's tallest building) steal the attention, it's the neighborhood's older buildings that give SoNo much of its character. Visitors looking to stroll around SoNo should start in the heart of the neighborhood with the Rufus M. Rose House, a rare, late Victorian Queen Anne-style mansion once owned by the founder of Four Roses Distillery, although interior tours are unfortunately not available as of this writing. Nearby, the W.W. Orr Building, a 1930s-era Art Deco structure, continues to function as part of the Emory University Hospital Midtown campus, and the One Georgia Center adds to the area's eclectic mix of historic and modern.

One of SoNo's most historic stretches is the Baltimore Block, a series of rowhouses, a housing style relatively uncommon in Atlanta, where historic residential architecture typically consists of semi-detached duplexes or shotgun-style homes. Built by Baltimore native Jacob J. Rosenthal, the 14 rowhouses became some of the city's first long-term lease rental units. They were considered modern and opulent for the time, featuring rare luxuries like central heating, gaslight fixtures, and marble mantels. The area was briefly a fashionable address for Atlanta's white elite before eventually falling into disrepair, with some buildings demolished. Slowly, restoration began in the 1930s, and by the 1980s, Baltimore Block had been converted into a mixed-use office and apartment complex.

SoNo's own dining scene is compact, but its walkable location also puts several of Midtown and Downtown Atlanta favorites within easy reach. Poor Calvin's, a fixture of the neighborhood since 2012, was once known for what Thrillist called a "killer brunch" but now focuses on dinner, offering fusion Thai-American dishes like deviled eggs with crab, lobster macaroni and cheese, frog legs, and Fuji apple cake. "Imagine shrimp curry with a side of mac-and-cheese," wrote one Tripadvisor reviewer, going on to say that they "could not possibly recommend this restaurant more."

For a contemporary take on Asian cuisine, Noodoh Asian Fusion & Bar combines ramen, noodles, sushi, and small plates in a modern setting and offers creative cocktails to enhance any night out. Taste on Pine is a more relaxed dining experience, marrying a welcoming atmosphere with American comfort food and a solid drinks menu. If you're looking for social eats, Taste on Pine ticks the box. However, no visit to SoNo is complete without stopping at J.R. Crickets, an Atlanta institution that has been serving its famous wings since the '80s. While newer restaurants have shaped SoNo's dining scene, J.R. Crickets remains as popular as ever.

Combine these eats with a trip to the historic Fox Theatre and a beer or three at Publik Draft House, both easily walkable or bikable from SoNo, and you've got yourself an Atlanta experience to remember. You're also within walking range of the artful green spaces and rooftop bites of Midtown, if you're looking to explore even more of ATL.