2008 Index of Winners

1009 Marietta St. 404-815-9886. www.octanecoffee.com. With the proliferation of so many franchise coffeehouses in the city, Tony Riffel and his staff at OCTANE still do things the old-fashioned way - hand-made coffee drinks, house-made syrups, knowledgeable staff and a welcoming atmosphere. In addition to the fabulous coffee, Octane offers fresh baked items at breakfast and sandwiches and salads for lunch. The unique selection of beers and wine also makes this a great spot for meeting with friends late night. And Riffel's continued support of local artists with in-house art openings and the display of local artists' work on the walls is just another way he has embraced this community. It's what the Westside is all about. less...

125 E. Court Square, Decatur. 404-687-0990. www.brickstorepub.com. Atlanta is lucky to enjoy many great local beers and restaurants featuring a wide variety of brews. But nothing compares to the amazing experience at the BRICK STORE PUB in Decatur. The atmosphere of the pub, its large selection of beer from all over the world, and the thorough knowledge of all the employees make the Brick Store stand out. Filled with the smell of delicious beer, the pub is welcoming to everyone, from the connoisseur to the novice. Nowhere else can one enjoy as many Belgian varieties. Whether it's a local beer from Georgia, a microbrew from Colorado, or a traditional Belgian or German ale, the staff is always willing to help people choose something that fits their taste. But be warned: The selection is limited to what many (including this writer) consider to be higher-quality beer, so no Bud, Miller or Coors. less...

If only this category were called "Best Museum That Doesn't Have Dinosaurs," then maybe the High or the Michael C. Carlos Museum would stand a chance. The Giants of the Mesozoic exhibit at the FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY helps it stand alone as Atlanta's best. Inside the main atrium, a fictional battle rages on the plains of prehistoric Argentina between the plant-eating Argentinosaurus and the meat-eating Giganotosaurus - two of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered. There's also the weekly Martinis & IMAX, a great date night if your significant other is into vodka and late Cretaceous fauna. More dinos are on the way in 2009 when the exhibit Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries opens on Valentine's Day. I've already marked my calendar! Museum: Free-$15. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. Martinis & IMAX: $7-$15. Fri., 5:30-10 p.m., January-November. 767 Clifton Road. 404-929-6300. www.fernbankmuseum.org. less...