Skylar Mclean of Serving Looks ATL is a newly engaged millennial and dog mom living in Atlanta, Georgia. In June 2018, after receiving her MBA and going to work as an accountant, Skylar started Serving Looks ATL as a creative outlet to express her love of food, drink, and stunning lifestyle moments. 

Serving Looks ATL showcases not only Skylar’s creativity, favorite local restaurants, and fashionable outfits, but also offers freelance services for content creation, event representation, and bookkeeping. 

Skylar is a resident expert when it comes to first-rate dining and accommodation in Atlanta (as can be seen on her Instagram). Read on for her insider tips on food, culture, R&R, and more. 

What are your top three hotels in Atlanta?

Bellyard – I love the personalized welcome package (consisting of a handwritten note, chips, salsa, sour cream, and a build your own margarita kit), as well as the food and drinks at the onsite Drawbar. The neighboring attractions in West Midtown are also a plus. There is no shortage of things to do and places to eat: Puttshack, Velvet Taco, Slingshot Social, and The Painted Pin are all fun, upscale options for dining or a night out.

Hyatt Centric Buckhead – I love the views and vibe of the rooftop bar here. Located right next to the Lenox Mall and Phipps Plaza, it’s easy to do some shopping before or after your stay. There are also some really nice restaurants in the area: Del Frisco’s Grille and Dantanna’s are both less than 10 minutes away. 

Epicurean – Also located in Midtown, I love the food-focused events here, like the wine and chocolate pairing classes. Amazing restaurants like STK, Sugar Factory, and Saints + Council are located just around the corner, as well as cultural attractions like The Woodruff Arts Center and the High Museum of Art. 

Eat & Drink

Where are your go-to spots to eat & drink in Atlanta?

Breakfast: Highland Bistro for the waffles with fruit; Buttermilk Kitchen for the buttermilk biscuits with jam; and The Real Milk and Honey for the lobster biscuits. 

Lunch: Aviva for the salmon; Food Terminal for Grandma BBQ Pork; and Italia Pizza for the Sorrento Pizza. 

Dinner: Saints + Council for the North Georgia Trout; Red Pepper Taqueria for the Fried Lobster Tail; and A Mano for the Crawfish Spaghetti.

Fun fact: Every Thursday, A Mano hosts “A Mano lends a hand night,” where they donate a portion of their nightly profits to a selected charity or non-profit. The selected beneficiary—Giving Kitchen, Free Bikes 4 Kidz, Mercy Care Atlanta, etc.—are featured for the entire month. It’s definitely worth checking out—not only for the delicious food, but also so you can dine for a cause!

Where should we go for an enjoyable solo dinner? 

Saints + Council is a great spot for craft dishes, cocktails, and conversation. Go with no agenda, and spend as much time as you want in the relaxed environment. Located in the heart of Colony Square in Midtown Atlanta, the atmosphere is a perfect blend of work and play. Inside, you’ll find modern decor, impressive vaulted ceilings, a warm fireplace, and dinner tables that remind you of home. Outside, there is an airy patio featuring another cozy fireplace and lots of greenery.

Culture

Where should we go to get a feel for Atlanta culture? 

The Alliance Theatre is a great place to discover new shows and players. I also really love seeing how the playwright puts their own spin on classic pieces like Trading Places.

(Note: The Alliance is Atlanta’s national theater, expanding hearts and minds onstage and off since 1968. Reaching more than 165,000 patrons annually, the Alliance delivers powerful programming that challenges audiences to think critically and care deeply.)

R&R

If we’re going for a full spa experience, where’s the place?

Go to the Health and Beauty Boutique and book with Amal. I love my monthly facials, B12 shots, and neck and shoulder massages!

Any extra tips?

• Check the weather before planning your outfit. 
• Always ask if the venue has parking and if you need to pay for parking, that way you can plan accordingly. 
• Follow @ServingLooksATL for all the top spots in Atlanta!

Matt Ford is a queer actor, writer, and video producer with over eight years of NYC living under his belt. After five years of working for Buzzfeed, Matt decided it was time to chase a dream of creating his own video production company. He’s still doing what he loves, and now he’s also living a bicoastal lifestyle between New York and LA.  

Though it’s no longer his full-time home, Matt’s love for NYC runs deep. He recounts his move to New York in 2014 as one of his life highlights to date (along with writing an investigative piece of journalism that went viral, and booking an ad campaign that had his face in trains on every New York City subway line!). Matt’s an NYC pro, and he’s giving us his best recommendations for a great, gay night out in five of his favorite neighborhoods. 

Keep reading for all of Matt’s Williamsburg, East Village, Bushwick, West Village, and Hell’s Kitchen LBGTQ+ New York City nightlife tips. 

What are your top 3 hotel recommendations? 

The Standard in The Meatpacking District is always fun because it has a gorgeous view and has easy access to the Boom Boom Room and Le Bain up top, which usually have fun parties going on.

In Williamsburg, you can’t go wrong with The William Vale. Stunning views, incredible service, close to everything fun in the neighborhood, and a couple of great restaurants to start the night.

No Bar on Second Avenue (located inside of The Standard East Village) is virtually a gay bar, with great food and a gorgeous aesthetic. It’s also in close proximity to a lot of East Village gay bars, so it’s a solid option to kick off a night.

What is it that you love about staying/eating/drinking here?

All of these are centrally located, plus have great service and drink options. You can be as dressed up or as dressed down as you want to be there, and they all are gorgeously designed.

What do you like about the neighborhoods they’re in? 

The three mentioned — Meatpacking, Williamsburg, and the East Village — are where a huge amount of parties and nightlife happens. Add in Hell’s Kitchen for the muscle gay crowd and Bushwick for the club queers, and you’ve pretty much covered all the bases. These three hotels provide easy access to all those neighborhoods to get any night going swimmingly (or to have a sunrise cocktail after).

WILLIAMSBURG

What does a great night out here look like for you?

Starting out with a cocktail at a hotel like The William Vale and then hitting all my favorite gay bars, which are located very conveniently close to one another.

What are the can’t-miss spots?

Macri Park, The Exley, Metropolitan, and The Rosemont. Special shout-outs to Union Pool and Rocka Rolla for the straights.

What’s everyone wearing? 

Anything hipstery/Brooklyn style. You can’t really go wrong with black and/or genderfucky pieces.

Who’s invited? 

Gays and allies. 

What time are we staying out until? 

Until the bars shut down at 4am!

Who are we likely to make new friends with while there?

You’re definitely going to become friends with creative, hipstery BK types.

Where’s the afterparty?

Bagelsmith. (Multiple locations!)

EAST VILLAGE

What’s your favorite way to spend a night out here?

Hitting some of my favorite bars (sometimes that’s needed over a club night, ya know?). 

What spots shouldn’t be missed?

No Bar, Nowhere, Phoenix, and the Boiler Room!

What’s the dress code? 

Casual but trendy. 

Who’s there? 

EV is a younger crowd, so anyone who doesn’t mind that vibe.

What time are we staying out until? 

We’re staying out until pizza calls our name!

What are we listening to? 

No DJ, just whatever playlist the barkeep has on. 

Who are we likely to make new friends with while there?

A lot of recent NYC college grads.

Where’s the afterparty?

Whatever the closest pizza place is, and/or the apartment of a friend who lives right off Tompkins Square.

BUSHWICK:

What’s your idea of a great night out here? 

Dancing until the sun comes up!

What are your can’t-miss spots?

There are lots of fun smaller spots, but the undeniable main attraction is 3 Dollar Bill.

What’s everyone wearing? 

That depends on the theme of the night, but less is almost always more. 

Who’s invited? 

Everyone’s invited, but few are on the list.

What time are we staying out until? 

We’re staying out until 6am at least.

Who’s DJ-ing? 

Ty Sunderland or one of his accomplices, depending on the party.

Who are we likely to make new friends with while there?

You’re likely to meet a lot of major nightlife figures there, and perhaps a celebrity (or seven) on a good night. Plus some famous drag queens!

Where’s the afterparty?

3 Dollar Bill runs late so it could actually be considered the afterparty. But if you’re looking for more, follow the crowd out at closing and you’ll almost always get the address for a good (after) afterparty.

WEST VILLAGE:

What’s your favorite way to spend a night out here?

Getting some showtunes in, seeing some good drag, and basking in the gay capital that is the West Village.

What spots shouldn’t be missed?

Playhouse, Duplex, Marie’s Crisis, Julius’, The Jane Hotel, and Stonewall are good for a drink.

What’s the dress code? 

Whatever you’d typically wear out for a night in New York City.

Who’s invited? 

Everyone’s invited, though be warned it’s gonna be a lot of showtunes and/or drag gays.

What time are we staying out until? 

We’re staying until 2 or 3am before skipping to another neighborhood or an afterparty.

Who are we likely to make new friends with while there?

You’re sure to make friends with Broadway folks (and those who aspire to it), up-and-coming drag queens, and plenty of Manhattan gay men.

Where’s the afterparty?

One of the many bodegas nearby, or perhaps a party at The Jane if that’s going on.

HELL’S KITCHEN:

What does a great night out here look like for you?

Dancing, dancing, dancing.

What are your can’t-miss spots? 

There are so many! DBL, Hush, Industry, The Q, Rise, The Ritz, Hardware, Pocket Bar, Boxers, the list goes on. Think of this as the West Hollywood of New York.

What’s everyone wearing? 

Tank top and booty shorts.

Who’s invited? 

Everyone’s invited, but especially gay men with a Pidgeotto haircut.

What time are we staying out until? 

Till 4am, when the bouncers kick everyone out.

Where’s the afterparty?

After all that dancing, you’ll be dreaming of your bed. 

For more from Matt, check out his Insider Profile and follow him on IG.

Since ‘hygge’ became a global trend, we’ve all been coveting the Danish lifestyle. And in Copenhagen, the people are just as cool and laid back as you would hope. Their effortless, no-fuss confidence is honestly refreshing, and bound to rub off the longer you spend here.

Pleasure is simply a way of life – think pastries, coffees and good conversation. There are also more bikes than people in Copenhagen, so you’ll be safe cycling around as your explore the city. And there’s plenty to explore – Denmark is a leader in design, fashion, art, and food (hello Noma and Ganni!).

Denmark also has the happiest workforce in the world. As author of The Little Book of Hygge, Meik Wiking, explains: “Danes are aware of the decoupling between wealth and wellbeing. After our basic needs are met, more money doesn’t lead to more happiness and, instead, Danes are good at focusing on what brings them a better quality of life.”

Here’s our guide to Copenhagen, to get yourself some of that Danish spirit.

Where to stay in Copenhagen

Hotel SP34

A boutique hotel with an arty vibe that’s perfectly located in the Latin Quarter of Copenhagen. It’s walkable or bikeable to some of the best spots in the city (scroll down for a few).

Nobis Hotel

The Nobis Hotel has got it all – including toiletries from Byredo that you can take home with you. The building is historic and the restaurant is divine.

D’Angleterre

This classic 5-star hotel offers the best breakfast view from a very cute rooftop terrace. Previous guests have included rockstars and royalty. If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us.

Where to eat in Copenhagen

We’d be remiss not to mention that Copenhagen is home to some of the top-rated restaurants in the world, including Noma and Geranium. There’s also the more laid back Selma, which received a Michelin Bib Gourmand for it’s exceptional yet moderately priced food, and the list goes on.

Of course, there are many amazing restaurants without Michelin stars in this city as well. Three of them happen to be Italian: go to Mangia for incredible pasta and a dope atmosphere; Baest for the best pizzas in town; and Spaghetteria for the local feels. The latter really embodies the Copenhagen attitude of being very cool and casual. Elsewhere, Fishmarket and Osteria 16 are two of our favorite seafood restaurants. And we’re always impressed by Amass, whose zero-waste ethos makes for unique and creative high-end fare.

Where to get coffee

Café Atelier September

Thanks to the hip owner Fredrik Bille Brahe (brother of Sophie Bille Brahe, the renowned jewelry designer) this place is a local hotspot. The curated menu offers healthy snacks, and great coffee. Note: they only do dairy milk.

Juno the Bakery

Less trendy, but no less delicious, the wienerbrød – aka Danish pastry – and coffee here is amazing.

The Coffee Collective

If you’re really into exceptional coffee and don’t care about the rest, then this is the place for you.

Where to shop in Copenhagen

Storm should be your first stop, for sure. An impressive concept store that will leave no one empty-handed. Around the corner is Beau Marché, another must-see. If not for the design decoration, go to grab a coffee in their cozy backyard café.

Local brands like Ganni, Soulland, and Wood Wood all need to be explored, too. Go to Time’s Up for some secondhand shopping – it might be worth mentioning this was a favorite of Virgil Abloh’s.

Where to get a hit of culture

Louisiana

This modern art museum is located outside of Copenhagen, so it doesn’t technically qualify for this list, but it is so good. The train from the central station only takes 30 minutes – cheap and easy.

Glyptotek

If you prefer to stay in the city center, make your way to Glyptoteket. The main hall is inspiring and soothing; the cafe is good for lunch; and, make sure to check out the exhibitions as well.

Where to party

Apollo Bar

Put on your sneakers and go to Apollo Bar (also owned by Fredrik Bille Brahe). There, you’ll find a cool crowd from the creative industries, especially during Fashion Week.

Bakken

Basically, Bakken is where the afterparty is at. Enough said.

Where to work

Skt. Petri Hotel

The lounge is the perfect place to sit down with your laptop without being disturbed. In the summer, head to the terrace and enjoy some sun while you work.

What to do in Copenhagen

Christiania

Rent a bike or hop on a bicycle taxi (or just take a normal taxi), and go to this ‘free town’ – a community where people pretty much make a living out of selling art and handicrafts (and sometimes weed) to tourists. It’s a strange place, but one you’ll want to see before leaving.

Where to work out in Copenhagen

In the summer, go for a swim – firstly, it’s a super clean harbor in the middle of a big city, which basically never happens. Secondly, there are wooden docks all over the place that encourage a dive (or five).

Copenhagen is, as mentioned, the perfect city for cycling. It’s flat and there are 350km of cycle paths (so, it’s super safe). Rent a bicycle and cycle anywhere you need to go – refueling on Danish pastries as often as needed.

Where to drink

Ruby

For some of the best cocktails in town, head to Ruby’s. It will feel like your friend’s living room, complete with dark lighting to set the mood and small corners to hide away in.

Hotel Sanders

For something better suited for that daytime date, then the roof terrace of the luxury Hotel Sanders is a perfect spot in thoughtful surroundings.

Best place to buy gifts

Hay

A cool brand and an even cooler store. Buy some Danish design for someone you love, or, self gift.

Best spot for a photo in Copenhagen

The waterfront in Nyhavn, by the postcard ready buildings. Regardless of whether that photo is going on your social / LinkedIn / dating app profile or not, this place requires a stroll and a snapshot. Don’t stay for lunch though, as every place in this ‘hood is a tourist trap.

For more Scandinavian travel inspiration, check out our guide to Stockholm, here.

Trying to boil down London to just one city guide isn’t possible. There is way too much going on in the UK capital to choose just a few restaurants, shops, or hotels. In fact, we’d argue that London makes even NYC seem tiny in terms of potential travel time between areas and highlights along the way. So, instead of giving you one top list, we’ve decided to show you a variety of perspectives from one of Safara’s bases.

First up is Annabel Herrick’s guide to London – with a focus on the North East, including Shoreditch, Spitalfields, Islington and the surrounding areas. As a freelance journalist, Annabel has written for CN Traveler, Vice, and Stylist, and is the person we call for tips on the best coffee shop to work from, the new spot for a 6pm cocktail, and where to escape from the city noise. Whether you’re looking to workout or shop, her London selections are second to none. 

Favorite places to eat in London?

I loved the Friday food market on Southbank when I worked in Covent Garden. There are various Natural Kitchens all over London and they do great salads; good for meetings, too. I just discovered a lovely organic market at the end of my road, Manse Road, in Stoke Newington that’s on every Saturday morning. They have whatever the farmers have grown that week, as well as honey, homemade bread, cheeses, milk etc.

Where would you go to eat for a special occasion?

Brutto is such a special place. Under the arches by Farringdon station, it feels like it’s been here forever – although it only opened in 2021. Think old Italian trattoria: low lit, beautiful service and even better negronis. My two tips are be quick, tables are made available 14 days in advance; and, order the vodka pasta.

What are your go-to bars around town?

I’m more about pubs than bars. A few that come to mind: Faltering Fullback in Finsbury Park; The Water Poet near Moorgate; and the Southampton Arms in Gospel Oak, which has a wonderful live jazz duo, only takes cash, and is a very old fashioned, proper ‘old man pub’ with great local ales.

Best place for coffee in London?

London Grind (various around the city) is an easy choice and always good (short and strong with oat milk, please). Any Hoxton Hotel is also reliable for a quiet spot for a morning coffee meeting.

We have an entire afternoon free, and are looking to shop, where should we go?

Has to be Rivington Street in Shoreditch for mid- to high-end brands, like Acne, or Church Street in Stoke Newington, where you’ll find lots of lovely interiors boutiques and antique shops.

We’ve lost our luggage, where should we get a new wardrobe?

In and around Shoreditch, you’ve got Brick Lane for vintage, BoxPark for local designers and Spitalfields for bigger brands.

Where can we get our hit of culture, while avoiding crowds of tourists?

Clissold Park in Stoke Newington for a stroll (and the goats), or smaller Shoreditch galleries like Jealous or Protein. Now I’m freelance, I tend to go to galleries midweek (a luxury, I know) as I can’t handle weekend crowds.

We’re looking to party, like a local. What’s your spot?

Rowans Tenpin Bowl in Finsbury Park. It’s very weird, but very fun. The Old Queen’s Head in Angel, or Netil360 in London Fields for a crowd-pleasing summer rooftop bar, plus year-round sauna.

We’d love to see some live music in London. Where to?

Union Chapel in Angel is a beautiful venue.

Favorite secret spot to get some alone time?

The northern edge of Hampstead Heath away from the crowds. Ideally not on a weekend, but super early, when it’s misty if you can handle it.

The best date spot that will actually have a table?

You have to book in advance wherever you go really. I’m so not the right person to ask for this – I just like a big beer garden, with good ales (easily pleased). So, maybe further out in North London, like The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead, which is lovely.

Where should we go for a walk in nature (if not a full-on hike)?

Hampstead, Clissold Park, or Lea Valley – there’s also an old railway line above Archway that not many people know about. Download Go Jauntly for more ideas, they have loads. 

Tips and tricks for getting around town?

Cycle – that’s my number one tip, if you’re brave enough. It’s really not as scary as it looks.

Where would you go with your sketch pad or journal?

The best galleries, but midweek if possible: RA, Tate, Courtauld, Barbican.

You need to work, but the wifi is down. Where do you go?

One of the many beautiful Stoke Newington cafes. 

Where’s the coolest place for a workout?

I love spinning at Digme or 1Rebel (they do hip-hop themed classes). There’s a tiny, community focused yoga studio called YogaHome near me that’s a registered charity, their classes are amazing considering their low prices. Other amazing studios with a cult following (more expensive) include: Indaba (Marylebone) or TriYoga (Camden, Shoreditch, Soho).

Where should a jet-lagged traveler go for a restorative spa or massage?

I’ve heard treatments at TriYoga are amazing.

Anything other must-sees or dos?

Columbia Road Flower Market on a Sunday. Get there early.

And, for a trip outside London, where would you go?

42 Acres retreat in Somerset, or the Pembrokeshire Coast – it’s so wild there.

 For more travel inspiration from Annabel, check out her full Insider profile, here.