Restaurant Eugene or Canoe?

[dockhl]

I am coming to Atlanta on April 4-7 and am looking for somewhere to have dinner on Sunday night. I'll be staying at Hyatt Regency Atlanta‎ ,265 Peachtree Street NE and do NOT know my way around ! Won't have a car, so we'll take cabs wherever we need to go.

I'd like a restaurant that have terrific food, but also MUST have nice (read romantic) atmosphere. Doesn't need to be high end or fancy, but not too casual, either. (We'll probably need to dress rather casually, for him khakis and a white dress shirt, me a skirt most likely).

Two come to mind, considering that many don't seem to be open on Sundays. Restaurant Eugene has a Sunday dinner that sounds awfully good, and Canoe sounds like it has nice atmosphere and good eats. Help.

I'd love to hear any and all suggestions. Also, what the heck will the weather be like?

Thanks in advance.................

[dockhl]

Thank you, everyone, for your input. We have reservations at Eugene........I'm excited ! Looks like the weather may be warm and rainy. No matter :)

[LizATL]

Have a great time!

If you have some time to kill after your dinner at Eugene, walk across the driveway to Holeman and Finch (owned by the same folks) and have a cocktail. It is not exactly romantic, but it is happening and fun. In fact, I enjoy it more than Eugene, but YMMV.

[dockhl]

Thanks, everyone for your input, both in terms of the restaurant and the location. Sounds like Eugene is a winner.

Bimmertimmer, where would you suggest?

Also, can we go dressed as I think we will be? Nice atmosphere?

[HaagenDazs]

While there are always differing opinions on everything I can say from my experience that Restaurant Eugene is a good choice. As others have mentioned, they agree as well. Funny we're talking about this restaurant as it seems they are just about to put out a new menu. See the link below for more info.

As for the dress code... IF you're dressed as in slacks and a nice shirt? Yes, you'll be fine that way. Business casual is the normal dress code.

http://blogs.ajc.com/food-and-more/20...

[bimmertimmer]

I am glad to hear that Rest Eugene has gotten it's act together. I will give it another try next time I am in Atl. I really don't know what else is open on Sun. night. Just reacting to my experiences at the two you mentioned. Let us know what worked for you.

[HaagenDazs]

Gotten it's act together?! I think it's always been a great restaurant. Chef Linton Hopkins was just nominated by the James Beard folks as the best chef in the southeast... again.

[bimmertimmer]

I am not really a fan of either. I really wanted to like Restaurant Eugene, but thought the service was not up to the experience. Waiter was not familiar enough with the menu and frankly looked like he hadn't bathed. Like the environs and the story behind the place, just not very cohesive in terms of the overall dining experience. I have not tried the Sunday dinner, but it looked pretty good when I read it. Canoe is a pretty place on the river (especially in the Spring) . As has been mentioned, it's a hike from where you are staying.

[rcburli]

Restaurant Eugene is excellent. I had one of my most enjoyable dining experiences there in the city. It's much much closer by taxi to your hotel, and you should do it.

[Katj]

I totally agree with Restaurant Eugene. Canoe is a fine restaurant and great atmosphere but my experiences with Restaurant Eugene would lead me there.
Have a great time.

[dockhl]

Thanks for your help ! Sounds like I need to bring the Claritin with me :(

Is there anything out there better that I haven't considered?

[HaagenDazs]

I'm not familiar with the hours of operation of all the restaurants in the city but if you find a few more that look good feel free to post and we can help guide you to the right spot(s). With that said, Eugene is a very well respected restaurant and I think it is a good choice.

Look here: http://atlanta.diningguide.com/dl1mi.htm

This is by no means an ultimate guide but it does appear to have quick access to hours of operation. Breezing through I saw Nan, 4th & Swift, MF Sushi, and Craft Atlanta. I have not been to Craft but the reviews are good. The other 3, I can attest are good spots.

[HaagenDazs]

I'd vote for Restaurant Eugene. Canoe is nice but I think the food is better at Eugene. The cab ride will be slightly cheaper to Restaurant Eugene, but neither of them are really that far from your hotel.

The weather will *probably* be light slacks and a light shirt but as with most of the southeast, early April is still a transitional time in terms of weather... it could be 80+ or it could drop below freezing, who knows. Just watch the weather forecasts and you'll be fine.

Also if you've never been in Atlanta during the height of pollen season, get ready to be covered in yellowish-green powder.