Marietta resident, bow tie designer, and Iron Chef host Alton Brown knows the Atlanta area pretty well. He's lived here for quite some time, went to school down 316 in good ol' Athens, GA, and even showed Anthony Bourdain around the city. Below, Brown shares some of his favorite spots in town and outside the perimeter— the chef says that he tends to favor restaurants where, if he has a favorite dish, he never has to worry about not being able to order it. "They'll never take it off the menu, and I like that."

Next Friday night, he'll be at the Fox Theatre, playing a show as part of Alton Brown Live! The Edible Inevitable Tour, about which he claims, "If you have any interest in food whatsoever, there's something for you." That show contains music, puppets, food demonstrations, and poncho zones. Head here to learn more, and keep reading for Brown's restaurant recommendations.

Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.