re: ATL recs

Don't go to the Aquarium. I mean, if you're really into it it's worthwhile, but if you're like me, sitting on patios drinking craft beer will be better.

Ponce City Market is pretty cool and worth a visit if you have time. Plenty of places to drink and hangout. Inman Park/Krog Street is great, just not really close to where you'll be for the games. A little closer is the westside stretch which has several solid places to eat and drink. The Battery is solid but you'll want to branch out beyond that.

Bar/eatery suggestions:

Cypress Street Pint and Plate - Good patio, located in midtown. There are several very good patios in the heart of Midtown, but note that many are gay-centric. They're perfectly fine should you end up there, but they're slammed for the 4th. I like Cypress Street the best, but it's not that close to anything else.

Six Feet Under - Either location has a great roof and good craft beer. It's not extraordinary but it'll be lively.

Barcelona - It's a small chain but it's quite good. Both have good outdoor seating. Good choices if you have females accompanying you. Located in good parts of town relative to other stuff (Inman Park and West Midtown).

JCT Kitchen - Also on westside, they've got solid food and good drinks. All the outdoor areas will be packed, but it's a good spot. Make a reservation if interested.

If you want a classier place to drink, you might try the Bar at St Regis. There are strivers here but it's actually pretty nice.

Steak - For me it is 1) Hals 2) Bones 3) Rathbun steak/Chops (tie) in that order. Hals is noisy and old, Bones is subdued and classy.

Johnnys Hideaway is probably the most fun novelty bar in Atlanta (better than Clermont even, honestly). But it's slammed most of the time.

In general, I wouldn't bother with Buckhead proper unless you're doing it for a prime steak place or Johnnys