With all-day cafes multiplying across Atlanta, Alon's Bakery & Market in Morningside has been doing this since 1992. Founded by namesake owner Alon Balshan, the place still draws crowds for its crusty loaves, stacked sandwiches, and gourmet market.
The move is to skip the croissants (kidding, get the croissants too) and head straight for the sandwiches. The bresaola panini layers paper-thin cured beef, Parmigiano-reggiano, and shaved fennel on ciabatta. The smoked peppered turkey has cult status among regulars, and the move is to order it on focaccia.
For an easy dinner, the prepared foods counter has Moroccan chicken skewers with chimichurri and tri-color couscous. The bakery case turns out some of Atlanta's flakiest croissants, from classic butter to pistachio variations. If you're hosting, the mini pastry basket ($55, serves 12) is a greatest-hits assortment.