"On the weekend, a velvet rope and line makes it feel like you’re waiting to get into a club where drinks are free before midnight, so arrive before 10am for your best chance of sliding right into a green velvet booth. With some of the best brunch offerings in town, Barney’s, near Grady, is kinda worth the wait (and it’s open every day). There’s a dish for everyone here, from favorites like their sweet 24 Karat Gold Pancakes—“thicc” pancakes topped with edible gold leaf and an orchid that taste as amazing as they look—and savory items like lamb and eggs to the regionally controversial fried catfish with spaghetti. The vegan friends in the crew, who you usually avoid sending invites to, can also come out to play with the plant-based entrees and fresh pressed juices. " - nina reeder, juli horsford, demarco williams