Eat and drink like a local at NICAR15 in Atlanta

We’ve been reaching out to Atlanta-area journalists and compiling their suggestions on what to eat and drink during NICAR15. We've heard back about grungy little spots for late-night eats, beer bars with endless taps, tapas and live music.

What follows is a big ol' compilation, separated by neighborhood and proximity to the conference hotel. Some of these suggestions came up over and over. Others, we’ll call "sleepers."

Read through, then join in the conversation by leaving your favorite Atlanta spots in the comments or tweeting them with the hashtag #NICAR15.

Little Five Points (3 miles east of the hotel; 12 minute drive)

Porter Beer Bar: More than 800 beers in-house and 44 of them on tap. Plus food.

Star Bar: A community bar with live music Wednesdays through Saturdays. They sometimes charge a cover (looks like $6 and $10 on the Thursday and Saturday of the conference), so check before or bring some cash.

Manuel’s Tavern: Actually, just a hair north of L5P. Manuel's is a neighborhood bar always with a hand in state politics. And we’ve heard it should be hopping during conference time with the state legislature in session.

Majestic Diner: Again, a little north of L5P, near Manuel’s. A 24-hour diner that does dine-in or carry-out.

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q: A good, well-known barbecue spot with a fun hangout atmosphere.

The Vortex (also a location in Midtown): If you’re planning on making #NICAR15 your last stop on earth, might as well hit The Vortex for a Triple Coronary Bypass burger. Its contents: three burger patties, three fried eggs, 14 slices of American cheese, 10 strips of bacon and two grilled cheese sandwiches (the “bun”).

Midtown (1-2 miles north of the hotel; 5-10 minute drive)

Mary Mac’s Tea Room: Old-fashioned spot for southern fare, and reasonably priced.

Escorpion: Nice tequila bar and restaurant just a mile from the hotel.

Lure: Good seafood in an atmosphere that’s part sophisticated, part casual.

Inman Park

Barcelona: Wine bar and tapas restaurant open late. Outdoor seating with a fireplace.

Westside (3-4 miles from the hotel; 10-15 minute drive)

Tacqueria del Sol (with other locations): A little Mexican tacqueria – order, then take a seat. Good place to grab a couple tacos and a cheap drink with a small group.

Jeni’s Splended Ice Creams: Delicious ice cream, right there near Tacqueria del Sol.

Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House (another location in Grant Park): Reasonably priced seafood and an extensive menu. Good beer selection. Great rooftop patios at each location when the weather permits.

Bocado: Burgers, creative sandwiches and cocktails.

In and near the hotel

Within Marriott: The convention hotel offers several options for food and drink: Sear, a more upscale place for steaks and seafood; High Velocity, a sports bar with 29 TVs; Pulse, a lounge area set around a 50-foot sail; the M-store, a convenience store; and Starbucks.

Nearby: White Oak Kitchen and Cocktails, Alma Cocina, Hard Rock Cafe, Firehouse Subs, Benihana, Jalapeno Charlie’s, Pacific Rim Bistro, Morton’s Steakhouse

Other resources:

• Atlanta Magazine’s ranking of the city’s 50 best restaurants.
• The Atlanta Journal Constitution responds to a Mindy Kaling tweet with 5 fun things to do in Atlanta.
• Zagat chimes in with a guide to the best places to eat and drink along the route of the new Atlanta Streetcar.