Even dining critics have their favorite haunts. Everyone needs that special spot where everybody doesn’t know their name — and that serves up a cold gin cocktail, the perfect cup of joe with conversation and pastry or just a nice quiet lunch.

Drinkshop not rated
45 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, Atlanta, inside the W Downtown, 404-582-5800
Forget the retro vibe and uber modern construction: I come to New York bar man Sasha Petraske’s Drinkshop to sit at the bar and have a well-made drink. Cool, calming colors and a huge block of ice to my left, I simply spout out a liquor and the barkeep, dressed in second-hand clothes, brings a surprise, made seemingly just for me. Sure, there’s a vibe if you want it. Otherwise, you’ll be left to your own devices. My devices include gin.

Johnny Cakes not rated
323 Walker St., Atlanta, 678-705-9759
This neighborhood spot in Castleberry Hill is as friendly as a beachcomber’s enclave in the Caribbean. The name comes from the fried biscuit popular in the islands — but you won’t find any on the menu just yet. The owner is from Belize, and promises to rectify that soon. Meanwhile settle in for breakfast or lunch with French toast or a cool glass of Jamaican Kola Champagne soda and a seafood quesadilla. You’ll leave smiling: These folks are nice.

Chocolate Pink Pastry Café not rated
905 Juniper St., Atlanta, 404-745-9292
Several boutique pastries and chocolatiers have popped up over the past couple of years, but this gem in Midtown rises above the rest: These are truly some of the best pastries, beautifully presented, in the city, period. Don’t argue — I was a pastry chef for nigh on to 14 years, and chef Christian Balbierer knows how to seduce with flour, sugar and of course, chocolate. Slip into a sweet seat at the window, order up a cup of well-made Illy coffee and start picking out pastries. It’s the perfect place to treat your sweetie, your Mom, or yourself.

Mirch Masala not rated
1713 Church St # B, Decatur, 404)-296-9999
My husband and I sometimes slip into this oddly formal Indian restaurant for the lunch buffet: salads with mint and cilantro chutney, a basket of fresh naan, tandoori chicken and mutter paneer are often just what we need to satisfy our jonsing for Indian food. The staff is extremely attentive, and lunch is easy for under $25 for the two of us.

Yoforia, not rated
1402 N. Highland Ave., Suite 7, Atlanta. (Other locations inside Perimeter Mall and Windward Parkway in Alpharetta.) 404-685-3747, www.yoforia.com
Far out. I can treat myself to a serving of original Yoforia with fruit and mochi and never have to confess the transgression with my trainer. What’s to discuss? This is tangy, groovy, fro-yo the way it used to be, ‘70s style. I feel an episode of Starsky and Hutch coming on.