WHERE HOT SPOTS ARE ON ATLANTA’S WESTSIDE

The neighborhood has counterculture icons, places to eat and drink.

The word hipster can be a loaded one, but most will agree the term exudes distinct qualities, namely independence, appreciation for the arts and counter-cultural ideals.

All those characteristics happen to describe many of the dwellers of Westside Atlanta, which includes West Midtown and areas near the Atlanta Beltline’s Westside Trail.

For those who like to think of themselves as hipsters, there are places just as cool and counterculture as you are.

Take a look at these select spots on Atlanta’s Westside that are tailor-made for the consummate hipster.

Elliott Street Deli & Pub

Tiny and eccentric Elliott Street Deli & Pub has existed long before it fell in the shadows of Mercedes-Benz Stadium —since 2006 to be exact. This blue-collar dive was formerly a jazz club known as Dee’s Bird Cage, but is now known for its friendly and outdoor setting, hot and cold sandwiches and live music down in the basement. Come for a date or after a game at the stadium, and you’re sure to have an amazing time. 51 Elliott St. SW, Atlanta. 404-5232174, elliottstreet.com.

Mammal Gallery

Indie or not, it’s easy to appreciate the eclectic space of Mammal Gallery, a music venue and collaborative performance and art space. South Broad Street, a usually pretty empty area, resurrects when the gallery has a show. People from all walks of life fill the building, out onto the street with admiration of art and good times. 91 Broad St. SW, Atlanta. 678-744-7095, www.mammalgallery.com.

Brash Coffee

This tiny cafe opened in 2015, constructed from two shipping containers - the first public shipping container project in Atlanta. The Brash “box” is only 400 square feet, but the enclosed patio offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating for the coffee and architectural lovers. 1168 Howell Mill Road Atlanta. 470-575-5077, www.brashcoffee.com.

Castleberry Hill Art Stroll

The second Friday of every month, round up your friends or family and head to the Cas-

tleberry Hill Art Stroll. It’s a free, self-guided tour that walks through fascinating and diverse galleries, as well as neighborhood businesses and restaurants. Some fun places along the way include Mindzai Creative, Besharat Gallery and Iwi fresh Garden Day Spa. For those wanting to stay out even later, hit up Bottle Rocket for its infamous karaoke after-party. 180 Walker St. SW, Atlanta, www.castleberryhill.org/ chartstroll.

Rowdy Dowdy

If you’re looking for a rambunctious, glitzy time, head on over to Rowdy Dowdy. The unique and eccentric art collective takes place in a renovated Adair Park auto mechanic’s shop, which just so happens to also be where the “Rowdy Girls” live. There’s always tons of cool bands and plays coming up on their calendar — don’t miss out on them, or the house-made wine and concessions. 1300 Sylvan Road SW, Atlanta, www.facebook.com/rowdyatdowdy.

Uptown Comedy Corner

Nothing compares with the up-close and personal feeling of a great comedy club. Uptown’s hosted some of the biggest names in comedy for the last 20 years: Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Mo’Nique, Kevin Hart and many more. This isn’t the place to wear a ball cap or sweat pants; instead, put on something spiffy and get ready for a night filled with good times and comedy excitement. 800 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta. 404-881-0200, www.uptowncomedy.net.

Marcia Wood Gallery

Goodbye spinning rock, hello Autoeater. Marcia Wood Gallery was behind that gigantic move, brokering the 16-ton Carrara marble structure devouring a Fiat Panda piece for Midtown Alliance. Many artists are represented by this gallery, as well as regular rotating shows by nationally- and internationally-acclaimed artists. Put on your hippest outfit and get ready to have a swanky time. 263 Walker St. SW, Atlanta. 404-827-0030, www.marciawoodgallery.com

CONTRIBUTED BY JENNI GIRTMAN Bloom, a collective art show featuring the work of 20 female artists from across the U.S., is on the Castleberry Hill Art Stroll in the Mindzai Creative print shop. The stroll in Castleberry is the second Friday of every month.

CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLIS Brash Coffee is housed in a shipping container with plenty of large windows. It’s located on Howell Mill Road.

CONTRIBUTED BY JENNI GIRTMAN The Mammal Gallery on Broad Street in southwest downtown Atlanta is an art and performance gallery. The “Un Sound” choreographed performance was a silent performance; the audience was asked to arrive and stay silent. The performance ran for about a...