The question is never whether Decatur will make CL’s extensive, annual “Best of Atlanta” list, but where the city’s institutions will show up.

This year our city itself rated as Atlanta’s best suburb! In your face big, squared-off chicken! (Did anyone else see the Atlanta mag article pitting Michael Stipe against the Big Chicken? It was odd even without the comic rendering that went along with it)

No stranger to rave reviews, The Brick Store usually shows up in one form or another. This year the Decatur staple was highlighted for having the best beer selection, while its neighbor, Zocalo, rose above the competition to be rated as the top Mexican restaurant. The Decatur Book Festival and Books Again also made the list, highlighting our successful new festival and a favorite used book shop. Decatur also received art-related mentions for East Decatur Station’s Foundation One Gallery and local photographer Suellen Parker. Our blogging friends over at Decatur CD even picked up a nod for the best locale to buy used CDs.

Congrats again to all Decaturites who made or helped make this rather fickle and arbitrary, yet highly-addictive list!