I just saw this review of the Old Fourth Ward in Yelp. Old Fourth Ward is the neighborhood on the other side of the tracks from The Urban Oasis. It is where Martin Luther King Historic District, the Edgewood Corridor and Auburn Avenue, where I have done a lot of building. In fact the Yelp Article mentions, Lotta Fruita which is one of my buildings. Here is the article but you can go to Yelp and check out the reviews.

While neighborhoods like Inman Park and Midtown have been cool for years, Old Fourth Ward is finally getting its day in the sun. All along Boulevard, Edgewood and Auburn new hot spots are opening on the regular, offering up a diverse array of food and fun. Whether you’re a virgin to the scene or a local superstar (like our very own Martin Luther King, Jr.), check out this edition of the Weekly for Yelp-approved spots in the O4W.

Nestled amongst the beautiful homes on Auburn Avenue, you’ll find local treasures like MLK’s birthplace and LottaFrutta. According to Sara C, the latter is “lottagooda: it feels like you’re in another city, like somewhere in Latin America or Miami.” Pizzeria Vesuvius‘ only problem “is being delicious. Sometimes too delicious,” reports Justin H, as he often finds he has control issues during the Sunday night all you can eat fest. And if you want to finish your night off right, head to Miso Izakaya for the macha brulée. Jennifer E proclaims, “Even if the rest of the food was made from dog hair and banana peels, I would be back just for that.”

Morning or night, there’s always something goin’ down at local fixture Danneman’s. Barry G takes advantage of the happenings, be it coffee in the AM or “salsa, yoga or artwork in the evenings.” Next door, Josh H takes advantage of lunch and dinner at The Edgewood Corner Tavern, which is “the bomb, like tick-tick” at any hour of the day. Support those less fortunate at Café 458, where 100% of the proceeds benefit Samaritan House. Gerald S encourages you to “give it a try, fill your belly, and help the homeless.”

Nightlife is on lock in this little neighborhood, so start your eve off right at 4th & Swift, where “they’re firing on all cylinders.” Robert S has become a regular, and recommends you do the same – “food, service and atmosphere are all at their pinnacle.” If dancing is your thing, Noni’s is your place. Deli by day, “hands down the best late night dance party” by night: Tara J has never had a bad time! Or try out the newest kid on the block, The Sound Table. Vanessa T swears she could hardly stay in her chair with the music and ‘riddims’ playing while she dined; “I think I have finally found a dance space deserving of my devotion.” Old Fourth Ward certainly deserves the love!

I’ve also got to mention my favorite restaurant, Serpas which is around the corner from us. Scott Serpas and his wife Dawn have done a great job on the decor in an old cotton warehouse as well as the food. They are from Louisiana and call their cuisine, “True Food”.  Get some of their flash fried oysters for a little bit of heaven.

Then we also have to say Danneman’s coffee shop is the heart and soul of the neighborhood. If you want to know what is going on just head over to Danneman’s at the corner of Edgewood and Boulevard from 8-10 AM and you will meet and greet everyone you need to know to be in the know. My friend, Joe Stewardson who owns the building that houses Dannemans, Corner Tavern and Cafe Circa, says he just sits their like a grouper with his mouth open and takes it all in. I say he needs to run for Mayor next time around.

While you are cruising around the hood, check out the Wigwam Building, one of the hundred most important buildings in Atlanta. I restored it in 2004, and got a couple of historic restoration awards for saving it.

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