Larry Luk
Atlanta, Georgia
Lloyd’s
When in need of a hearty meal and cheap beer, stop by this '70s time capsule on Dekalb Avenue. Lloyd's doesn't take itself too seriously – the throwback Americana decor is a conversation starter, but the stick-to-your-ribs comfort food is what really delivers. Meatloaf and all-you-can-eat mashed potatoes will put a smile on your face and have you snoozing in no time.
Nick’s Food to Go
If it weren’t for the amazing food, this odd concept probably wouldn’t have survived all these years, but here we are. Nick’s often comes up in conversations regarding the best gyro in Atlanta. Operating out of a tiny building on a street corner in Southeast Atlanta, Nick’s is a Mediterranean restaurant where they want you to take the food to go. Nick’s takes your order and serves you out of a window – there’s very little seating, but it’s worth trying to go!
The Optimist
Often times we’re disappointed by things that are overhyped, but that’s not the case with The Optimist. Esquire’s Restaurant of the Year for 2012 delivers across the board: the drinks, service, and space are all top-notch. The menu has so many bangers that it’s hard to pick favorites. Try the frothy she-crab soup, lobster roll (lunch only), duck fat-poached swordfish, or the red snapper and rock shrimp in curry butter. Lawdamercy!
Versus ATL
If you missed a recent Jordan or Yeezy drop, Versus probably has it stocked or they can help you locate an authentic pair with a relative quickness. Versus specializes in stocking their shelves with vintage sportswear, streetwear, and '90s memorabilia. From Dream Team, Atlanta '96 to Freaknik, Versus will definitely hit you with all the nostalgic feelings.
Over the last 20, 10, and even the last five years, there’s been so much change. Of course gentrification is a huge part of that, but it’s not new for us. Everyone likes to say that it has happened fast but it really hasn’t. It has been going on since the early ‘80s. There’s appeal of living in town versus living in the suburbs that could be anywhere in America. That’s why all these films and TV shows are filming in the suburbs of Atlanta. They look like they could be anywhere.
Larry Luk is the Chief Creative Officer at Goods & Services, Inc.’s brand incubator, where he oversees the creative process for new direct-to-consumer brands and helps the agency’s clients bring value to the products they make. An avid sneakerhead, trend aficionado, and ATLien, he’s also worked as an illustrator and writer with Nice Kicks, Complex, Finish Line, had artwork featured in HypeBeast, SneakerFreaker, The Hundreds blog, ongoing collaborations with Spilled, has appeared on the cover of Atlanta Magazine, and was recently named “King of ATL” by Butter.ATL.