Dominic:
I spent 4 years at the "North Ave. Trade School" so I had plenty of time to research restaurants.

Unfortunately, most of the really good ones have disappeared. The Varsity is an institution. Even if you don't eat there, just go and get a Coke and soak in the environment. I recommend their Chili Dogs, Onion Rings, and something called a Frosted Orange (an orange milk shake! It is wonderful).

North of Tech on Ponce De Leon is a restaurant called Mary Mac's Tearoom. Don't let the name fool you. This is THE place for southern cooking in Atlanta. In fact, it may be one of the last places on earth where you can still get an order of "Pot Likker" (the juice left over after cooking turnip greens. They serve it with Cornbread and it is a true cultural experience). Mary Mac's fried chicken is wonderful. Come to think of it, it all is wonderful.

Across from the Varsity is a place called Crickets. They serve excellent Buffalo Wings.

Good luck and have fun.