This Saturday, November 28, the University of Georgia Bulldogs will take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at one of the biggest showdowns in the city. For those folks heading to the big game or just looking to be near all the action, we’ve got the scoop on Atlanta’s prime tailgating places!
A few blocks away from the Georgia Tech campus,
Marlow's Tavern™ - Midtown is closing down the street and throwing a block party that is sure to get fans barking and buzzing all afternoon. The good folks at Marlow's have it all planned with a hot grill, cold drink specials and prize giveaways three hours before game time. No game tickets, no problem. Marlow's will pump up the game volume after kick off. (950 West Peachtree Street; 404-815-0323.)
If you usually park and pull out your Dawg or Jacket awning and cache of
paraphernalia, swing by
Pacci Ristorante beforehand. Atlanta's new Italian steakhouse has a special pre-game, take-out menu studded with
champion items such as five flavors of wings, three flavors of ribs, Pacci chili, Brunswick stew, pork and beans, pulled pork sandwiches, jalapeño cornbread and a healthy veggie tray. Items are priced from $4 to $14; orders must be placed at least 24 hours before pick-up time. Fans burning with football fever can head upstairs, atop Pacci Ristorante, to AltoRex Rooftop Lounge (left) beginning at 2 p.m. for spirited drinks and football favorites including Johnsonville brats, Italian sausage, soft pretzels and more. (866 West Peachtree Street, NW; 678-412-2402.)
Before every Georgia Tech Saturday home game,
WaterHaven has wel
comed both the home team and guests (go figure on this showdown) to park and tailgate before and after the game -- and this weekend's showdown is no exception. The restaurant will open at noon so fans can power up on sandwiches and BBQ as well as regular menu items such as lamb sliders, fried green tomatoes, crab cakes and WaterHaven's classic burger, plus $5 mimosas and Bloody Marys. Cheer inside or outside on the 100-seat patio! WaterHaven will validate guests' parking tickets from the AT&T parking deck, located at Fifth and West Peachtree streets, with a minimum purchase of $25. (75 Fifth Street, NW; 404-214-6740.)
We can already hear both teams applauding for the freebie food offer that
EVOS Feel Great Fast Food in Sandy Springs is kicking out there this game day. On November 28, Yellow Jacket fans who don gold and white or UGA fans wearing red and black will receive free Airfries™ and a drink with the purchase of a burger or wrap at the Sandy Springs EVOS restaurant in The Prado. (Open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. at 5590 Prado Place off Roswell Road, Suite 140; 404-252-4022.)
Even though the game clock runs for 15 minute quarters, the clock keeps running for 16 hours of tailgating merriment at The Cypress Street Pint & Plate Rivalry Weekend Tailgate Party 2009, sponsored by New Belgium Brewery, on November 28. From 10 a.m. until 2 a.m.,
Cypress Street Pint & Plate is extending its patio, rolling out the grills and screens, going long with giveaways and quenching cheer-parched throats with $4 Fat Tire drafts. Rock on after the game with crowd pleasing tunes from the Francisco Vidal Band. (817 West Peachtree Street at the corner of 6th and Cypress streets behind the Biltmore; 404-815-9243.)
Once Thanksgiving is over -- the holiday rush sets in. In light of the season, here are some events we think will make you jolly! 
