Tudor Style Buildings in Avondale Estates

As brand-new residents of Decatur, Georgia’s Forrest Hills neighborhood, my husband and I are super excited to start exploring the area and to see what it has to offer in terms of restaurants, cafes, bars and the like. Of course, we’re about two miles from downtown Decatur, where most of the action is, but Avondale Estates is a charming community right around the corner from us with plenty of cute shops, bars and restaurants to keep us occupied for a little while. There are rumors that the Tudor style buildings will be removed and replaced with a Publix and some condos, but that plan has been on the book for some time, so who knows.

For now, here’s what we have going on in Avondale Estates, less than a mile from our new, cute little ‘hood:

1. James Joyce Irish Pub-22 North Avondale Road

I’ve been here twice now, and it’s great! Perfect spot to watch sports games (making the hubby happy) and terrific food. Fish and Chips are huge! Nice dark woods and cozy interior give it a lovely, homey ambiance. We’ll be back to explore the menu more soon.

2. The Little Wine Shop – 100 North Avondale Road

Brand new to Avondale Estates! Haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, but I know they have tasting, lots of little events and a fabulous wine selection. They also offer bread, cheese, meats and gifts. I’m thinking about planning a ladies night out at this shop sometime soon!

3. Savage Pizza – 115 Laredo Drive

This delicious pizza joint is not technically in historic Avondale Estates (like the Avondale Pizza Cafe), but I adore the beer selection and I’m a huge fan of their pizzas. They no longer serve by the slice, unfortunately, but the pies are too good to have one slice of in any case.

Photo: AJC HomeFinder

Tucked away in a corner of The Palazzo on the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll find Lavo. You may have heard of the famous nightclub or even the restaurant. While those are two very lovely and exciting sisters in the Lavo family, you shouldn’t overlook the third, quieter sister, the Lavo Lounge. She adjoins the restaurant and is filled with many visitors waiting for their turn at the linen-topped tables. Its rich decor is well balanced by the high ceilings and amazing details that draw the eye from floor to ceiling.

If the decor isn’t enough to look at, this is a hip and happening spot on the Strip for locals and visitors alike. Since it’s a quick elevator ride up from The Palazzo’s easily accessible subterranean parking garage, it has great appeal for those who want a Vegas experience without getting stuck in the quagmire of tourists. With stunningly beautiful servers, the lounge seems to attract thirty and forty-something professionals in the happy hour time slot who don’t mind forking over $30+ on two drinks. Some would say the price is worth it though. You can stick with a lovely glass of wine, or opt for one of the house’s signature drinks, such as a Pomegranate Lemonada or a Sicilian Sun.

Looking for an intimate conversation? You may want to slide into the curved bar that wraps through the space. Those looking for some one-on-one time seem to pair off like giraffes on an ark, but this time the ark has leather-padded barstools. Groups are easily accommodated in the large U-shaped, built-in banquette seating. Velvet-covered ottomans are shuffled around the floor like chess pieces as groups ebb and flow.

If the wait for dinner seems more distant than your stomach can handle, Lavo Lounge does offer a nice, but limited selection of appetizers. The pizzas seem to be a popular and tasty choice, easily serving four to six with a hearty crunch and tasty toppings.

While I wouldn’t rank the Lavo Lounge on my “must see” spots for Vegas, its definitely on my list of places to try again another day.

[Images by Nancy Syzdek]