THOMPSON ATLANTA – BUCKHEAD TO HOST NATIONAL BARTENDING COMPETITION DURING U.S. BARTENDERS’ GUILD SUMMIT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/16/25

Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead is proud to serve as a host venue for the USBG Presents World Class Sponsored By DIAGEO, which brings its highly anticipated national finals to Atlanta this month.

From May 18 to May 20, 2025, the city will welcome the Top 30 regional bartenders from across the country as they compete in the USBG Presents World Class U.S. Finals, a multi-day event designed to test the creativity, technical skill, and knowledge of the nation’s best mixologists. Competitions and programming will take place within Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead, offering guests a front-row seat to the craft cocktail world’s most exciting showdown.

Following a series of immersive and challenging rounds, 10 finalists will be selected to continue vying for the title of 2025 U.S. Bartender of the Year. The national champion will go on to represent the U.S. at the World Class Global Finals in Toronto, Canada this August, competing against top bartenders from more than 50 countries.

“We’re honored to be part of such a prestigious event and welcome bartending talent from across the country to Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead,” said Donte Johnson, General Manager of Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead. “Our hotel celebrates craft, culture, and community – values deeply shared with this competition and the bartending profession at large.”

The World Class competition, sponsored by global spirits leader Diageo, will take place exclusively at Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead. While select off-site events – including the Top 10 Dinner and Winner Announcement – will be held at other locations, the main competition is open to the public for consumers 21+. See the full schedule here.

“World Class is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of bartenders at the highest level,” said Bo Shuff, Executive Director of the United States Bartenders’ Guild. “We’re honored to host this event as part of the USBG Bar Summit and to partner with Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead in welcoming and showcasing these professionals from across the country as we celebrate their craft. It’s a powerful reflection of how education and community – core to the USBG’s mission, continue to shape the future of our industry.”

The United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG), a nonprofit with thousands of members and chapters in nearly 50 cities, including Atlanta, has long championed professional development within the beverage industry. The USBG Presents World Class Sponsored by DIAGEO event not only showcases exceptional bartending talent but also highlights emerging trends in the industry, from sustainability and low-ABV cocktails to bartenders’ growing roles as educators and community leaders. In celebration of this year’s U.S. Finals, World Class will be hosting a Cocktail Festival that will be serving specialty drinks at various bars and restaurants in Atlanta to engage the local community and build buzz around the competition. A list of participating bars and restaurants can be found here.

Cocktails created for the duration of this year’s competition can be found on Instagram using the handle @WorldClassUS.

For additional information about the program and for details on the upcoming global competition, follow hashtags #worldclassus and #worldclass2025 on Twitter and Instagram, and visit worldclass.usbg.org and www.usbg.org.

GLOBAL MINI GOLF PROS HEAD TO GEORGIA TO COMPETE FOR $20K PURSE AT 2025 US OPEN

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Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/15/25


 This Free Event Brings Together the World’s Best Putters, Local Atlanta Legends & Family Fun

Friday, 5/16 and Saturday, 5/17!

The 2025 US Open, one of the US Pro Mini Golf Association’s two premier global tournaments, will bring nearly 100 of the top putters from around the world to Tin Cup Grill in Cumming, GA, for a high-stakes, family-friendly weekend of competitive play and community celebration.

Hosted in partnership with the Putters League and sanctioned by the USPMGA, this year’s Open marks the first time the event has been held on a PuttTek real-grass-style putting course that will challenge even the most seasoned competitors. Admission is free for spectators, and fans are encouraged to attend and cheer on local favorites and international stars alike.

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  • Nearly 100 players, including 50+ elite global competitors, featuring two of the only four players in history to record a perfect 18, and competitors previously featured on ESPN.
  • Players include:
    • Rick Baird, One of only four players in history to shoot a perfect 18
    • Josh Mars, A fan-favorite YouTube personality from Australia known as “The Putting Wonder from Down Under”
    • Greg Newport, USPMGA Hall of Famer and one of only four players to achieve a perfect 18
    • Gary English, Atlanta-based legendary putter

TIO LUCHO’S & PUMA YU’S PAIR UP FOR ONE-NIGHT-ONLY EVENT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/12/25

Sunday, May 18

They started out the same way—late-night pop-ups, word-of-mouth dinners, and a whole lot of hustle in Athens and Atlanta. Now, Tio Lucho’s and Puma Yu’s, two James Beard-nominated restaurants that turned those early days and late nights into something bigger, are teaming up for the first time for one night only on Tio Lucho’s patio, Sunday, May 18, 2025. It’s Peruvian meets Thai. Open flames, stacked grills, citrus, smoke, herbs, spice. Whole chicken quarters kissed by the fire, shrimp skewers sizzling in chili and lime, pastel de papa layered and rich, a wedge salad made wild with huacatay ranch, papaya salad piled high, and sticky rice to bring it all together. Dessert? A creamy, dreamy Suspiro de Atlanta. And then there’s the bar. Smitty Luck of Puma Yu’s is pulling up from Athens to collaborate with the Tio Lucho’s crew on a one-night-only cocktail menu made for golden hour and good decisions (or bad ones—no judging). Two seatings are available at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $100 and include dinner for two; beverages will be available for purchase separately. Space is limited, so grab a ticket today at tioluchos.com. For more information, call (404) 343-0278. Tio Lucho’s is located at 675 N. Highland Ave. NE, Suite 6000, Atlanta, GA 30306. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook @tioluchos.

HOUSTON’S BANDISTA POPS UP AT BAR MARGOT ATLANTA FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/9/25

Tuesday, May 13th at 7pm

Bar Margot is hosting a one-night-only takeover by Bandista, the acclaimed speakeasy from Four Seasons Hotel Houston recently named one of North America’s 50 Best Bars (#59 on the 2025 list) on Tuesday, May 13 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Known for its inventive cocktails, rare spirits, and high-touch hospitality, Bandista is bringing the heat—and the mezcal—to Midtown for one unforgettable night. From a macadamia- and pineapple-laced Colada Cosmico to a toasted bolillo–infused Patrón Reposado creation, each drink on the featured menu is a nod to Bandista’s playful precision and boundary-pushing style. Expect impeccable cocktails, creative flair, and Bar Margot’s signature laid-back energy. No cover; cocktails available à la carte.  Bar Margot is located inside Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta at 75 14th Street NE.  For more information on the Bar Margot x Bandista pop-up or to book a table, visit www.barmargotatl.com or call (404) 881-5913. Follow along at @barmargotatl.

PUTTSHACK CELEBRATES NATIONAL MINI GOLF DAY WITH FREE GAMES AND NEW MENU DROPS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/6/25

Swing by the Atlanta and Dunwoody Locations for All-Day, Tech-Infused Gameplay, Signature Cocktails, and Next-Level Bites 

Saturday, May 10, 2025 

On Saturday, May 10, Puttshack Atlanta and Puttshack Dunwoody are taking National Mini Golf Day up a notch with an all-day celebration packed with tech-infused gameplay, signature cocktails, and next-level bites. Guests who play a round on National Mini Golf Day will receive a free game card for a future visit, because one round is never quite enough.

The bar is teeing up a trio of featured cocktails made for post-putt celebrations, including the Ultimate Top Shelf Margarita with a Supertube shot, a classic Arnold Palmer, and the spiked John Daly for those looking to keep the party going. Just in time for the festivities, the new Quesabirria is hitting the expansive menu with slow-braised beef, a rich Chihuahua cheese blend, smoky chipotle aioli, and consomé for dipping. 

From sliders and street food to curated playlists and neon-lit vibes, Puttshack delivers the energy of a night out with the thrill of friendly competition. Puttshack Atlanta is located at 1115 Howell Mill Rd., and Puttshack Dunwoody is at 111 High Street, Suite 210. For more information or to make a reservation, visit puttshack.com. Stay connected on Instagram at @puttshack.

GEORGIA PLANT TRADE AND SALES HOSTS: GEORGIA PLANT SWAP & SALE BELTLINE – MAY 24TH – RESCHEDULED

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/1/25

May 24, 2025 (Sat 12-5pm)

The Krog District

Atlanta Stove Works by Brewdog

112 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Celebrate with the locals over Plants!

*Plant Sale (Apply)

*Plant Swap (No Sell Zone) – bring your plants to swap with others 

*Free Plant Area (No Sell Zone) – Donate or Take

*No Solicitation*

We have beginner to expert level plants. Come for the first time I’d you’re eager to get into plants. Family friendly, pet friendly, Free Entry. Support the locals and eateries on premise! Come enjoy the day along the Beltline Nature walk!

Contact for upcoming event applications:

https://linktr.ee/georgiaplants

Parking garage (Pay) or street parking. Check signs to park for no tow zones. 

CINCO DE MAYO 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/30/25

From Mezcal to Margaritas: Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in Atlanta

Cinco de Mayo, Hermanita-Style: Street Eats, Mexican Specials, and Mezcal

This Cinco de Mayo, Hermanita—the fiery pop-up from James Beard-nominated Chef Arnaldo Castillo—is throwing a patio party packed with Peruvian street food, Mexican specials, and Mezcal cocktails. Kicking off at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 5, the little sister of Tio Lucho’s is taking over the sidewalk and grill once again, serving up a festive menu of flame-kissed bites, bright salsas, and refreshing libations designed to celebrate the season in true Hermanita style. Special for Cinco de Mayo, the menu features a tender grilled chicken taco topped with chalaca and aji limo for a bright, zesty finish, alongside a vibrant aguachile verde with shrimp, cucumber, and serrano pepper. Flame-kissed elote gets dressed in crema de aji, manchego, Old Bay, and green onions, while a traditional Tres Leches Cake rounds out the offerings with a rich, indulgent touch. To keep the party going, Producer Mezcal will be on site with refreshing Mezcal drink pouches, joined by housemade Chicha Morada and plenty of crisp, cold beers. Hermanita’s Cinco de Mayo pop-up kicks off Monday, May 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Tio Lucho’s (675 N. Highland Ave. NE #6000, Atlanta, GA 30306) and will serve until sold out. For menus, updates, and future pop-up dates, follow along at @tioluchos and @hermanita_atl. For more information, call (404) 343-0278 or visit www.tioluchos.com.

DBA Tacos and BBQ Celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a Weekend-Long Fiesta

Cinco de Mayo deserves more than just a single day of celebration, and DBA Tacos and BBQ in Clarkston is making sure of it. From Friday, May 2 through Monday, May 5, 2025, DBA is turning up the energy with specialty tacos, cold beers, and house margaritas designed to keep the good times rolling all weekend long. Guests can dive into $4 beers, $6 house margaritas, and $8 Cinco margaritas, all while sampling a lineup of specialty tacos crafted just for the occasion. Whether it’s a casual happy hour, a Saturday spread, or a last-minute Monday celebration, DBA offers the kind of laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile. Known for its smoked meats and bold tacos, DBA Tacos and BBQ has quickly become a go-to spot for anyone looking for great food without the fuss. This Cinco de Mayo weekend, expect a lively crowd, unbeatable specials, and plenty of reasons to stick around for that second (or third) margarita. For more information, visit www.dbabarbecue.com. DBA Tacos and Barbecue is located at 4540 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Clarkston, GA 30021. Stay connected on Facebook at facebook.com/dbabarbecue and Instagram at @dba.bbq.

Margs, Beers & Early Cheers at Wild Heaven West EndSome holidays deserve more than one day, and Wild Heaven West End is getting a head start on the Cinco de Mayo festivities with its “Cuatro de Mayo bash full of tamales, tequila, and good trouble. On Sunday, May 4, the air will be rich with the scent of El Tesoro’s signature tamales—plus a few specials made just for the occasion—while ice-cold beers and freshly shaken margaritas flow freely across the taproom and patio. To round out the Sunday Funday, Sudnat Studios will add even more color to the mix with a curated art market, perfect for browsing between rounds. And for anyone stretching the weekend—or making up for missing it—Wild Heaven’s Margarita Mondays keep the fiesta going with half-priced margaritas at all three locations every week. This Cinco de Mayo weekend, consider Cuatro the pregame, with just enough tequila to tip the weekend into overtime. Wild Heaven Beer has three Atlanta locations: West End (1010 White St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310); Avondale (135B Maple St, Decatur, GA 30030) in Avondale Estates; and Toco Hills (2935B N Druid Hills Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329). Visit wildheavenbeer.com for more information. Stay connected on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wildheaven or on Instagram and Twitter at @beerwildheaven

Tres Margs for Cinco at Vesper Vesper is coming with the three amigos as they mix up a trio of margaritas to get the fiesta started for Cinco de Mayo. Available all weekend long, the Banana Margarita kicks off the party, blending banana liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and tequila into a tropical getaway in a glass. For a floral-forward experience, the Lavender Margarita balances fragrant lavender syrup, vibrant pea flower, fresh lime, and a solid tequila base. And for those seeking a refreshing twist, the Prickly Margarita combines prickly pear, lime, cranberry, and tequila into a ruby-red sip with a hint of desert intrigue. Each concoction is a nod to the occasion without straying from Vesper’s signature touch, with the full menu of craveable American tapas and elevated cocktail program available. Vesper is tucked along the Atlanta BeltLine at 924 Garrett St., Suite D, Atlanta, GA 30316. For more information, visit www.vesperatl.com or call 404.343.1174. Stay connected on Facebook and Instagram at @vesperatl.

Cinco De Mayo at The Works

  • Chicheria Mexican Kitchen is hosting one of the biggest Cinco de Mayo parties in Atlanta from Friday, May 2, to Monday, May 5. Friday features a live DJ spinning behind the bar, Saturday brings live music on the patio and daytime face painting, Sunday offers face painting for all ages and Monday wraps it up with a family-friendly Cinco de Mayo party! Guests can also enjoy frozen margaritas in souvenir pineapple cups all weekend long. For more information, visit Chicheria’s event page.
  • Chattahoochee Food Works is offering the ultimate three-day fiesta filled with delicious eats, festive drinks, live entertainment and a vibrant culture. Guests can enjoy a live DJ on Saturday, a mariachi band on Sunday, giveaways, games and surprises throughout. For more information, visit the Chattahoochee Food Works website
  • Your 3rd Spot is celebrating with piñatas, $3 tacos and award-winning margaritas. Come for the flavor, stay for the vibes. Entry is $5 for members and $30 for non-members. Visit Your 3rd Spot on Instagram for more information.
  • Taqueria La Luz in Chattahoochee Food Works is open Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., serving up its famous frozen margaritas and margarita sangria swirl. Stay tuned on Taqueria La Luz’s Instagram for more information. 

Red Pepper Taqueria Cinco de Mayo

When: Monday 5/5/25


Super size your Cinco de Mayo at Red Pepper Taqueria. We’ll have 16oz. $10 RPT and $12 frozon margs from Friday 5/2 through Monday 5/5. Also, we’ll feature $7 Corazón shots all weekend. Chef Isaac has created a special sizzling fajita for the occasion including beef short ribs, jumbo shrimp, chipotle chicken, and skirt steak. Can you say yum in Spanish?

We are also showing the Ryan Garcia fight on Friday 5/2 and Canelo on Saturday 5/3. Don’t miss all of the live action with NO cover charge. $25 per person minimum spend please.

The party starts and ends with RPT on Cinco de Mayo. All of our special margaritas will be 16oz. Many of your favorite tequila brands will be featured including Don Julio, Patron, Herradura, and Lunazul are included. There will be a DJ from 2pm to close. Many drink and food specials!

FROZEN MARGARITA FEST 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/25/25

Historic Fourth Ward Park
Saturday, May 3

Cinco de Mayo season meets ATL energy! Grab your crew and get ready for a day of frozen margaritas, tacos, and non-stop music at the FROZEN MARGARITA FEST!

Non-stop margaritas & beer
Tacos from Atlanta’s best spots
Live DJs keeping the party HOT!

This event WILL sell out—secure your spot now at FrozenMargaritaFest.com before it’s too late!

Tickets here and start at just $25.

THE KENTUCKY DERBY AT THE OFFICE BAR

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/25/25

May 2-4

The big race is right around the corner, so saddle up and enjoy the Kentucky Derby at the Office Bar in Midtown. The Office Bar will host a viewing party for one of the South’s most beloved traditions, featuring food favorites and a drink special inspired by a Churchill Downs classic. Specials are available May 2-4.

The Office Bar is rolling out a refreshing new cocktail and mouthwatering menu specials, including a Bourbon Mint Fizz crafted with Horse Soldiers Straight Bourbon, fresh mint and a splash of lemon for a crisp, Southern-inspired twist. Food highlights include jalapeño poppers stuffed with cheddar, cream cheese and bacon, served with a buttermilk dressing, and a bold shrimp mac and cheese loaded with Cajun spices, roasted corn, caramelized onions, rich cheese fondue and a citrus bread crumble.

FREE ADOPT A PLUSH AT CARTER’S

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/23/25

Carter’s at Perimeter Village is hosting an Adopt a Plush event this Saturday, April 26, from 11 AM to 3 PM. 

FREE Adopt a Plush event on Saturday, April 26! Swing by from 11AM – 3PM ET to take home a plush puppy or kitty. Choose your new pet, name it and fill out its very own adoption certificate. Ages 3 & up. While supplies last.