DJ EU performs at Tongue & Groove in Atlanta. (via Facebook)

DJs may not know where to eat, stay, and play when they get booked in cities they’ve never been to before. To help them get the most out of their visit, DJcity has launched a monthly series called DJ Travel Tips. The series highlights some of the best things to do in some of the most popular destinations around the world.

Where to stay

DJ Danny M:

“There are two major entertainment districts in Atlanta: Midtown and Buckhead. If you’re playing a gig in Buckhead, then the W in Buckhead is a great choice due to its proximity. If you’re doing an event in Midtown or downtown, then I recommend staying at Loews. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Buckhead is also an affordable choice if you’re paying out of pocket.”

Where to eat

DJ EU:

“I recommend checking out Ponce City Market. It used to be a Sears store and warehouse in the 1920s, and in the ’90s, it became the eastern office for Atlanta’s City Hall. Inside the marketplace, you’ll find several options for food including Holeman and Finch, which has the best burger in town. Ponce is also home to the best Latin-influenced restaurant in the city, El Super Pan. You can grab a Cuban sandwich, mofongo, and pork belly and shrimp (you won’t find it on the normal menu). Also, the South is known for its amazing BBQ food. Fox Bros BBQ is one of my favorite places to get a little dirty. If you’re in the mood for Italian food, you should check out La Tavola, which is located in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood. It’s one of the most authentic restaurants in the city, and I believe in their squid ink spaghetti! Finally, my favorite restaurant for brunch is Barcelona Wine Bar. It has a great vibe and plenty of incredible tapas to share with your homies.”

What to do

Xavier Black, DJ DannyM, and DJ EU:

“Little Five Points is an eclectic district with a cool and alternative culture. It’s full of unique shops, including Wish Atlanta, a dope spot that sells trendy clothes and shoes. Also in Five Points is Beatlab, a must-visit for any DJ looking to buy or rent equipment. Stop by and talk with the owner, Mega. If you’re interested in history, check out The King Center, which is located at Martin Luther King Jr’s birthplace in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood. In the downtown area, you can find the World of Coca-Cola museum and the Georgia Aquarium, the latter of which is the largest aquarium in the western hemisphere.”

Where to party

DJ Weaponz and DJ EU:

“Go to El Bar on any given night and you won’t be let down. On Fridays, you’ll find DJ Speakerfoxxx throwing down hip-hop classics and current hits. On Thursday nights, hit up Tongue & Groove for the best open-format industry party in the city. There’s always a bunch of local DJs hanging around. On Saturdays, catch EDM acts such as Nervo, R3hab, Steve Aoki, and Dillon Francis at Gold Room. It’s a VIP-driven club, though, so table service is highly recommended. There’s also Compound, which has the biggest hip-hop night in the city. It’s also VIP-driven. Dress to impress because that’s where you might find Jeezy, 2 Chainz, or Future sitting next to you.”

Related: Travel Tips for DJs Visiting Miami

DJ Livitup in Miami

DJs may not know where to eat, stay, and play when they get booked in cities they’ve never been to before. To help them get the most out of their visit, DJcity has launched a monthly series called DJ Travel Tips. The series highlights some of the best things to do in some of the most popular destinations around the world.

Where to stay

DJ R SILVA:

“Most of Miami’s nightlife is located in South Beach, so finding an affordable hotel can sometimes be tough. For those who aren’t on a budget, places like Fontainebleau and Clevelander offer beachfront views and nonstop activities. On the cheaper side, corporate hotels in Miami like Days Inn and Hampton Inn offer great rooms and amenities with the same standards as five-star hotels. Keep in mind that Miami is a seasonal city, so timing can definitely impact the cost of your stay.”

Where to eat

DJ Livitup:

“Moshi Moshi is the spot to eat if you love sushi. It’s one of my favorite places to go after a gig. The food is on point, and I always run into people from the industry, especially late at night. If you’re not into sushi, then La Sandwicherie is the place to be. They offer fresh sandwiches and shakes. Make sure to order the “special sauce.” Of course, Miami wouldn’t be Miami without Latin food. Jimmy’z Kitchen has healthy and modern selection, and you can’t go wrong with the Ahi Tuna. Last but not least, one of most talked about spots for tacos is Coyo Taco in the Wynwood neighborhood (it’s also a speakeasy bar). Not only do they serve bomb tacos, but they also book major DJs throughout the week. You won’t be disappointed!”

What to do

DJ A-Train:

“Taking an Everglades airboat tour is a must. You can always find a deal on Groupon (look for a tour that includes an “alligator show”). I recommend spending the extra money to get your own boat, which usually seats up to four people. You should also rent a bike for an hour take a ride in the Wynwood neighborhood, which boasts “one of the largest open-air street-art installations in the world.” If you can, try to squeeze your way into the old RC Cola plant if the gates aren’t locked. Remember, though, while Miami is known for fun in the sun, it also has unpredictable weather. That means that a lovely day can quickly turn into a shit storm at any given time. If that happens, buy a day pass to The Standard’s Spa. If you’re ballin’ on a budget, check out Russian & Turkish Baths. Make sure to catch the sunset at The Standard or hit up the little Russian cafe at the baths. That borscht soup, though!”

Where to party

DJ KILLAKA5:

“Miami is known for its nightlife in South Beach, but there is a lot more to the city than that. On Sundays, Wood Tavern hosts the “Backyard Boogie,” which is similar to the world famous Do-Over party (old school funk, breaks, hip-hop, etc.) You should also stop by Purdy Lounge on Sunday nights for “Chocolate Sundays” featuring residents Louie Arson and Sharpsound. The music is always right and make sure you get a “Happy Meal” at the bar. On Mondays, check out DJ Iron Lyon and myself at Rockwell. It’s the best hip-hop party on a Monday. We constantly have big guests and performers, and you never know who might show up.”

Related: Travel Tips for DJs Visiting Dallas

DJ Niro on the cut. (Sean Patrick)

DJs may not know where to eat, stay, and play when they get booked in cities they’ve never been to before. To help them get the most out of their visit, DJcity has launched a monthly series called DJ Travel Tips. The series highlights some of the best things to do in some of the most popular destinations around the world.

Where to stay

DJ Niro:

“The W, Omni, and The Joule are all high-end places close to downtown and NYLO, Aloft, and Hotel Indigo are solid options if you’re looking for something cheaper. Also, check out the HotelTonight app if you’re willing to wait until the last minute. You can usually find good deals up to three days before your stay.”

Where to eat

Crisco Kidd:

“Shell Shack is great seafood place that serves almost anything that has a shell. Whatever you order, be sure to get it soaked in the ‘kitchen sink’ seasoning. If you’re looking for a good lunch spot for Sunday Funday, Clutch Bar has great food, music and atmosphere. As for tacos, my favorite place is Tacos Mariachi, located in Trinity Groves. You have to try the Norteño, The Campechano, and Salmon tacos. Ask for the ‘Crisco Kidd’ special as a bonus!”

What to do
 
DJSC:

“If you’re looking for a fresh cut, stop by High & Tight Barbershop in the Deep Ellum district. It’s a barbershop with a hidden craft cocktail lounge so you can vibe while getting a cut. Off The Record, also in Deep Ellum is a dope record store that’s also has a bar. And as the official DJ for the Dallas Cowboys, I definitely recommend coming to take a tour of AT&T Stadium. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before and costs less than $20.”

Where to party

Styles Davis:

“If you’re in town on a Thursday and have the night off, check out DJ Sober’s ‘Big Bang’ party at Beauty Bar. I had the chance to play it a few months back, and it’s definitely one of the most fun hip-hop parties in the city. The vibe is casual, and it’s a dance-friendly crowd. It’s been going strong for five years, and DJs like SpankRock, House Shoes, and Erykah Badu have played sets there.”

Related: Meet DJcity’s South Regional Manager, Danny West