Stephen Gill's Hackney Flowers, 2006. Found on a paper placemat at West Egg.
One of the best ways to pass a Saturday is brunch followed by some thrifting. My personal favorite place to thrift/brunch (thrunch?) is Howell Mill area, because the parking isn't god-awful and some of Atlanta's favorite budget restaurants, like Taqueria del Sol, Figo Pasta, & Pangaea, are nearby. You can eat well at any of them for less than $10; Star Provisions costs a bit more, but it's the only place in town that sells lavender pound cake and finocchiona.
West Egg interior.
My personal brunch preference, however, is West Egg Cafe. Admittedly, I usually go there on weekdays, and weekends tend to be crowded and loud. Still, it's worth the rush: West Egg is cool without pretension, with laid back staff, low lighting, local artwork, and sagging couches. Even better, the prices are reasonable, the wi-fi is free, and a bottomless cup of coffee costs $1.75.
Spicy black bean cakes, eggs, and rosemary potatoes.
As for food, I get the same thing every time: black bean cakes with scrambled eggs and potatoes ($6.95), and a butterscotch oatmeal cookie (as big as your face, for $1.75). I've also heard good things about the omelets, cupcakes, and oatmeal--again, nothing fancy, just tasty, reliable grub served in a comfortable atmosphere.
Vegetable omelet, $7.25.
After eating, I head over to the Nearly New Shop for clothes shopping (if you're more interested in antiques and housewares, try 14th Street Antiques (review/link coming soon) instead). Just turn left out of West Egg onto Howell Mill and go straight. After you cross White, the Nearly New Shop will be on your right, in the same strip mall as Kroger.
Filler shot until I can get some interior/product shots.
Inside, the Nearly New Shop is a clean if typical thrift shop--stuffed to the gills with product, not particularly well-lit, and filled with a slight, persistent musty odor. The staff is minimal, but pleasant.
Good for: Clothing and shoes (men's, women's, and children's)--I'd say this is one of the best places in Atlanta for thrift clothing. Sample prices include purple Ferragamos for $8.00, and a striped Ralph Lauren oxford shirt for $7.00. Housewares tends to be more miss than hit, but occasionally you'll find something.
Not for: I didn't see magazines, CDs, or records. The book selection is extensive but consists mainly of so-so hardcovers and cheesy mass paperbacks, for relatively high thrift prices ($1.75 for mass paperbacks, $2.00 to $4.00 for the rest).
Other notes: Love the easy parking, hate the communal dressing rooms.
West Egg Cafe
1168-A Howell Mill Road
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 872-3973
M-F 7:00am-4:00pm; S-S 8:00am-4:00pm
Junior League of Atlanta's Nearly New Shop
1715 Howell Mill Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30318
(404) 355-3547
M-F 10:00am-9:00pm; Sat 10:00am-7:00pm; Sun 12:00pm-6:00pm