Eating Casual when Visiting Atlanta, Georgia

Enjoying good food is incorporated in my travels yet I like to dine in a casual atmosphere. After several business trips and vacation jaunts, following are overviews of my three favorite casual places to eat in Atlanta, Georgia.

Savor Divine Burgers at Flip Burger Boutique

"Fine dining between two buns" is what this joint promises and Flip Burger Boutique delivers. Celebrity Chef Richard Blais (BRAVO's "Top Chef: Chicago" and Food Networks' "Iron Chef America") is responsible for the culinary creations of the upscale and mod burger boutique. Decor is white, clean and minimal but don't let it mislead you, dress is casual; denim jeans and sundresses are appropriate.

Diners can sit at oversized tables in the center of the dining room, along the perimeter in booths, outside on the patio when weather permits, at the bar, or my favorite spot, at the burger bar. Sitting at Flip's burger bar is like watching artists create hundreds of masterpieces. Watch as cooks add fresh garnishes and creamy sauces to grass-fed beef burgers and non-beef burgers. These non-beef delights include venison, crab, and wild mushroom and Swiss cheese creations. A full bar is available but complement a meal with a creamy milkshake such as Nutella with toasted marshmallow or foie gras.

Flip Burger Boutique opens at 11 a.m. daily and closes at 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 p.m. on Sunday. Expect a dinner to run $35 including a cocktail, per person. (1587 Howell Mill Road Northwest, Atlanta; Tel: (404) 343-1609; www.flipburgerboutique.com)

Looking for Love at the Flying Biscuit Cafe

Although now part of a larger franchise, the original Flying Biscuit Cafe is located in funky Candler Park and worth a visit for a good ole' Southern breakfast, lunch or dinner. Eclectic and folksy decor complements interesting menu items. Biscuits are a must as well as the "Love Cakes" made with black beans and cornmeal and topped with salsa, sour cream, feta cheese and red onion. Turkey Meatloaf and Pudge is another favorite which is topped with horseradish cream sauce. Pudge is mashed potatoes, basil, olive oil and sundried tomatoes. Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls was an original investor of The Flying Biscuit.

The cafe is open daily at 7 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Anticipate dinner to cost $20 per person. (Candler Park 1655 McLendon Ave., Atlanta; Tel: (404) 687-8888; www.flyingbiscuit.com)

Dogs, Burgers and Frozen Goodness at The Varsity

When asked, "What'll ya have?" be prepared to place your meal order at this Atlanta institution. Founded in 1928 in Midtown Atlanta, The Varsity now sits near Georgia Institute of Technology and the red Varsity sign with its red "V" is visible to travelers on I-75 / I-85. Capable of serving 600 cars at a time, The Varsity Downtown is the world's largest drive-in diner.

Inside, 800 people can be seated and this is the best way to get a feel for how busy The Varsity really is. Dine on hamburgers and hot dogs or for something lighter, try a grilled cheese sandwich or chicken salad. Order a Heavy Dog (a chili-loaded hot dog with a strip of mustard), onion rings, a fried peach pie, and a Varsity Orange (a heavenly frosted orange shake). There are six Atlanta locations but eat at this one for tradition.

The Varsity opens daily at 10 a.m. and closes at 11:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 12:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Anticipate lunch to cost about $10 per person. (61 North Ave., Atlanta; Tel: 404-881-1706; www.thevarsity.com)

Flip Burger Boutique, Flying Biscuit Cafe and The Varsity offer slices of casual Atlanta culture while serving up tasty bites to satisfy everyone's palate.