14 Small Businesses in Atlanta to Support This Small Business Week

To celebrate Small Business Week (April 28-May 4, 2024), we’ve asked GoCo employees across the country to list some of their most beloved small businesses in their city.

Today, we have Lucy Leonard, Director of Marketing at GoCo. Atlanta is Lucy’s hometown, and she lived there for 22 years.

Check out her small business recommendations below!

1. For The Best BBQ: Sweet Auburn BBQ

Address: 656 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306

Website: https://www.sweetauburnbbq.com/

“I’m getting hungry just writing this. Head to Sweet Auburn for finger-licking good BBQ and cocktails. My go-to order is the smoked chicken plate with mac and cheese and jerk spiced collards. My stomach is officially growling.”

2. For Finding A Unique Gift: Kudzu Antiques

Address: 2928 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030

Website: https://www.kudzuantiques.com/

“Kudzu is a unique mix of an antique store, new furniture store, vintage dealers mall, and a gift store, and it’s an absolute blast to visit. Leave yourself plenty of time to explore. It’s huge (26,000 sq.ft.), and there are so many fun things to unearth.”

3. For The Best Booze: Elemental Spirits Co.

Address: 602 North Highland Avenue Northeast suite a & b, Atlanta, GA 30307

Website: https://www.elementalspirits.co/

“Elemental Spirits Co. is for the thirsty and curious. Their selection is out of this world, and everyone who works there is so knowledgeable and eager to help. Plus, they usually have some amazing vintage glassware and tableware to check out, too!”

4. For A Fresh Cut: Van Michael Salon

Address: 675 North Highland Avenue Northeast #1000, Atlanta, GA 30306

Website: https://www.vanmichael.com/book-now/

“I got my haircut at Van Michael Salon for over 10 years, and my mom has been a client for even longer than that. They have never steered either of us wrong, and their new(ish) Virginia-Highland location is huge and gorgeous! When you’re done with your haircut, you can hop across the street for some BBQ at Sweet Auburn, too!”

5. For Finding Your Next Read: Virginia Highland Books

Address: 1034 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306

Website: https://www.vahibooks.com/

“I’m such a bookworm, so I have a favorite bookstore in every city, and this is mine for Atlanta. It’s in a charming building in Virginia-Highlands, and after you’ve picked out your next read, you can do some shopping at other local stores right along the same street.”

6. For A Killer Workout: VESTA Fitboxing

Address: 665 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Website: https://www.vestafitboxing.com/

“VESTA is a super inclusive, fun, and HARD kickboxing and/or HIIT workout. You’ll for sure be sore the next day, but you’ll have a blast during the class and meet some incredible people. And it’s a woman-owned and run business. Plus, it’s right along the Beltline so walk or bike there for a bit of extra fitness and fun!”

7. For Weekday Date Night: LLoyd's Restaurant & Lounge

Address: 900 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Website: https://www.lloydsatl.com/

“LLoyd’s slogan is ‘Whatever forever,’ and that just makes me happy and perfectly describes the vibe. The pizza is super good, the cocktails are strong, and the decor is like stepping back into the 70s. It’s a hip spot for Atlantans and a great place to run into friends or bring a date.”

8. For Your Caffeine Fix: PERC

Address: 1046 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306

Website: https://perccoffee.com/

“My partner Emmett is an absolute coffee addict, and he has very high standards when it comes to java. When PERC opened up near my parents’ house, he fell absolutely in love and subsequently, so did I. Their coffee is strong and delicious, and their branding is funky and fun.”

9. For Getting Cultured: High Museum of Art

Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Website: https://high.org/

“This one always makes the list of best things to do in Atlanta, and for good reason! The High features a collection of more than 19,000 works of art, including an extensive anthology of 19th- and 20th century American fine and decorative arts; major holdings of photography and folk and self-taught work, especially that of artists from the American South; burgeoning collections of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculpture, new media and design; a growing collection of African art, with work dating from prehistory through the present; and significant holdings of European paintings and works on paper.”

10. For Getting Outside: Atlanta Botanical Garden

Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Website: https://atlantabg.org/

“The Atlanta Botanical Garden is great fun for the entire family. It’s beautiful and a great way to spend a nice day. Plus, they have a really cute children’s area and host events throughout the year, like their popular Garden Nights, Holiday Lights show.”

11. For Guilty-Pleasure Vegan Food: SluttyVegan

Address: 476 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Website: https://sluttyveganatl.com/

“This ain’t your momma’s vegan food. SluttyVegan was started in Atlanta by Pinky Cole, and it has become wildly popular. There’s always a line, and the company has begun to franchise in other cities. Expect “cheesy” “meaty” burgers and fries, and expect it to be messy!”

12. For A Classic Atlanta Experience: The Varsity

Address: 61 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30308

Website: https://thevarsity.com/

“Atlanta classic, The Varsity, has been around since the 20s. It’s a fast food restaurant, sure, but it’s also a true Atlanta institution and a genuinely fun place to try. Get a Frosted Orange for the complete experience.”

13. For Some Laughs: Dad’s Garage Theater

Address: 569 Ezzard St SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Website: https://www.dadsgarage.com/

“Dad's Garage is an award-winning non-profit theater company in Atlanta's historic Old Fourth Ward. At Dad’s Garage, there are shows for everyone — adults, children, families, etc — and you’ll see everyone from famous comedians to local troupes. Plus, they host improv classes if you want to try your hand at comedy, too.”