Welcome to the Atlanta weekend dining planner, where Eater Atlanta’s editor and contributors recommend restaurants, bars, and food pop-ups to check out each month. These are the spots they’ve been eating at recently around town. The list includes a mix of newer restaurants on the scene, old standbys worth a revisit, under-the-radar finds, and the occasional can’t-miss food event.
Got a restaurant or bar recommendation? Send a message with a brief description as to why Eater Atlanta should check it out for inclusion in a future weekend dining planner.
JUNE 2022
For a tropical rum bar and Venezulan food on a spacious patio…
Arepa Mia in Avondale Estates quickly became one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta after I moved here. For over 11 years now, the Venezualan restaurant in Avondale Estates has made a name for itself with its 100-percent, gluten-free kitchen and hearty arepas. In addition to a newly built covered patio, Arepa Mia recently added another fresh feature to its menu: a rum bar. While there are popular drinks, like mojitos and rum old fashioned on the roster, I gravitated toward the guarapita de parchita, a white-rum based co*cktail that leans into fresh passion fruit and lime juices for a bright and crushable summer drink. I hit the patio with my go-to arepa, the pabellón, and enjoyed something familiar with something new. And, of course, I had to get a guava dessert empanada to top off the whole meal. So, for those looking to visit an old favorite and try something new at the same time, stop by Arepa Mia for rum co*cktails and Venezuelan street food. And if the Atlanta heat isn’t too much this weekend, grab a seat on the patio, too. — Kris Martins, Atlanta-based food journalist and Eater Atlanta contributor
For a food writer’s favorite version of saag paneer...
After a move brought me closer to the abundance of Decatur Indian restaurants, it meant my go-to restaurant, Vatica in Marietta, was off the regular rotation. But another move now puts Vatica back on the frequent-visit list. When I was younger, the thali platters were a lunchtime staple for me and my sister. And I discovered Vatica serves more varied dishes on the menu than when I was growing up, including meat entrees. But I always go vegetarian here. In fact, Vatica makes my favorite version of saag paneer (a spinach and paneer curry) in Atlanta. Rather than dark green and overcooked, the spinach is bright as grass, dotted with cubes of creamy paneer in an even creamier sauce meant to be scooped up with a piece of naan bread or piled onto a spoon with a fluff of buttery rice. The restaurant also offers a handful of tamarind-laced chaat dishes with bright tangy and sweet flavors, which never fail to please the kids. — Jennifer Zyman, Atlanta-based food writer and host of podcast The Food That Binds
For a hot chicken sandwich and cold German pilsner in a beer garden...
After researching beer gardens in Atlanta over the last month for a guide, I returned to what I find to be one of the prettiest beer gardens in the city behind Bold Monk Brewing Co. in Underwood Hills. Nestled among the trees, with co*cktail rounds, four-tops, and picnic tables scattered throughout the multi-tier outdoor area, it’s a surprisingly quiet space given the close proximity to busy Chattahoochee Avenue just up the street. It’s even more of an oasis in the evening, when the sun sets and the beer garden is lit by the warm glow of string lights overhead, while people gather together for al fresco brews and food. On a recent visit during lunch, my husband and I split the Caesar salad and Richards hot fried chicken sandwich topped with pimento cheese. Chef Todd Richards partnered with the brewery to serve his most popular menu item at Krog Street Market stall Soul: Food and Culture. This juicy fried chicken filet is topped with zesty pimento cheese and tangy chow chow served on an airy brioche bun. It melts in your mouth, not in your hands, to steal a tagline from a famous candy. The brewery was out of the Cantada saison that day, so I ordered the Chant lager — a crisp, easy-drinking German-style pilsner. Weekends can get busy, especially when the weather is beautiful and the heat and humidity in Atlanta are low. But I don’t mind the crowds here, because what’s better than being around people enjoying a beautiful day in Atlanta communing over beers outdoors? — Beth McKibben, editor and reporter for Eater Atlanta
Earlier in June...
For morning pastries on a cool covered patio…
When the end of the week rolls around, there’s nothing like a celebratory treat. On a recent Friday, I grabbed my laptop and headed to the westside’s Juniper Cafe to try the pastry menu as I knocked out some morning tasks. The menu is only fully available Friday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and while there’s plenty to choose from — multiple croissants, stuffed brioche muffins, Portuguese egg tarts — I gravitated toward the classic croissant and the Turkish egg bread. The former was delicate, buttery and airy with a light touch of sweetness, perhaps from a sweet glaze on the top. The latter, a Turkish flatbread called pide, is filled with cheese and topped with an egg, resembling Georgian khachapuri. The pastries satisfied both breakfast styles — light and sweet and rich and savory — without being too heavy. That, coupled with the fact that the pastry window sits within the covered patio, made Juniper Cafe a delightful spot for easing into the weekend. With plentiful seating, couches, fans and WiFi, the patio will be a space I return to on other Fridays, but also to meet friends or have a leisurely weekend morning without my laptop. — Kris Martins, Atlanta-based food journalist and Eater Atlanta contributor
For a cheeseburger flavor explosion from a bakery pop-up...
I’ve had many a sweet treat made by Lindsay and Nebi Berhane, who run Atlanta bakery pop-up Sugar Loaf. This includes the Thai spice peanut butter cookie, Ethiopian-inspired sticky bun, strawberry lemon meringue pie, and Medivnyk coffee cake at both the Piedmont Park and Grant Park farmers markets. The pair often tap into their respective heritages (Ethiopian and Albanian) to create the baked goods for Sugar Loaf. But I can’t stop thinking about the drive-in burger (akin to the Oklahoma fried onion burger) served during their recent smash burger pop-up in the beer garden at Halfway Crooks in Summerhill. It’s a juicy (and perfectly cooked) 4-ounce beef patty from Pinestreet Market coated in a tangy special sauce and melty sharp cheddar cheese topped with grilled Vidalia onions and bread and butter pickles sandwiched between a soft sesame seed bun. A cheeseburger flavor explosion which paired exceptionally well with a šnyt pour of the Czech-style pilsner Var from Halfway Crooks during the brewery’s Czech beer days in May. Of course, the burger meal came with a cookie — chocolate chip salted toffee. Just make sure to follow Sugar Loaf on Instagram, y’all. — Beth McKibben, editor and reporter for Eater Atlanta
For birria pizza from a metro Atlanta taco institution...
After catching fire in March, the Smyrna location of Tacos La Villa should reopen in the next week — at least that’s the word via the restaurant’s Facebook page right now. Given its immense popularity, loyal patrons will definitely flock back to this metro Atlanta taco institution. And if you have never been, the tacos are served with a variety of fillings and the salsa and fresh accouterment selection are always in abundance here. Tacos La Villa also serves classic Mexican soups such as caldo de res and trendy dishes of the moment like birria pizza and heart-shaped platters of mini tacos. Keep an eye out on Instagram for more information on the reopening in Smyrna. But for those who can’t wait, there’s a location open in Kennesaw. — Jennifer Zyman, Atlanta-based food writer and host of podcast The Food That Binds
MAY 2022
For a top-notch raspberry-hibiscus morning bun...
I’ve eaten a lot of pastries in the last few months, but nothing has been as impressive as Little Tart Bakeshop’s raspberry-hibiscus morning bun. Have you ever anticipated something will be great but still feel blown away when it hits your tongue? That’s what this morning bun’s tart, sugary exterior did to me. Little Tart has managed to take the overlooked outer layer of morning buns and make it the star. It’s an edible reminder not to dig straight into whatever your metaphorical, super-tender center is and take the time to appreciate the beginning of an experience as much as (if not more than) the culmination. — Sarra Sedghi, freelance food writer and Eater Atlanta contributor
For Mexican brunch and Middle Eastern dishes that hit the spot in Inman Park...
Mexican brunch just hits differently, and Superica is one of my favorite places to beat the Sunday scaries. Where else can you have pancakes, chips and salsa, and a Bloody Maria? It’s hard to choose between the loaded chilaquiles, 10-inch pancakes, and huevos rancheros because they are all peerless and exceptional. My partner had the chorizo with potatoes and eggs and all the trimmings on our last visit, including the restaurant’s homemade flour tortillas. I also visited Middle Eastern hotspot Delbar in Inman Park recently, which continues to be a bonafide dining destination in Atlanta. It feels as bustling as any spot you’d find in a place like South Beach, and the food, service, and drinks are all excellent. Don’t skimp on the dips, and be sure to enjoy the endless stream of hot flatbreads from the kitchen. There’s a new location headed to Buckhead, too. — Jennifer Zyman, Atlanta-based food writer and host of podcast The Food That Binds
For a sweet, spicy, tangy frozen mango dessert...
It’s starting to get hot again in Atlanta, which means I’m regularly craving soft serve ice cream, frozen drinks on patios, and mangonadas. The latter is a particular favorite of mine due to its fruity sweetness, tang, and spice and a texture and consistency falling somewhere between a smoothie and a slushie. As the name implies, this mango dessert typically features mango shaved ice or sorbet with chunks of fresh mango mixed in, generous drizzles of chamoy sauce, lime, and chile powder or Tajin (spice blend of chili peppers, lime, sea salt). It’s the chamoy sauce that gives the mangonada its signature salty sweetness, tying the flavors together in this deliciously satisfying frozen dessert that absolutely hits the spot on a hot Atlanta day. My mangonada go-to is found at La Nina Michoacana Pop inside Plaza Fiesta, even after eating my weight in tacos de canasta from La Guelaguetza. There’s also Paleteria Janitzio in Forest Park, which packs its mangonada with plenty of fresh mango and chamoy sauce. The in-town sleeper hit for me is the small, but mighty mangonada at El Progreso on Boulevard. Yes, the Mexican market and butcher shop known around town for its tacos. All three come with necessary spoons and tamarind straws. — Beth McKibben, editor and reporter for Eater Atlanta
APRIL 2022
For Jamaican patties in Underwood Hills…
While accompanying a colleague to lunch recently, I ducked into the Chattahoochee Food Works to explore the food hall for the first time. I was on the hunt for something snackable rather than a full meal and was impressed with the array of options — empanadas and cubanos, chaat and vermicelli. But Perfect Seasoning caught my eye with its Jamaican patties — something I haven’t had in years. These handheld pastries have a flaky golden crust that gets it color from turmeric and are typically stuffed with ground beef, though they can hold all sorts of savory fillings. Perfect Seasoning had chicken and vegetable patties, too, but I had to get the classic beef. A bite into the patty sent a satisfying shower of pastry shards across the table, and the beef had a solid kick from what I presume is a Scotch bonnet pepper that’s usually folded into the mix. This treat checked all the boxes for me: nostalgia, a handheld lunch snack, and balanced flavors. — Kris Martins, Atlanta-based food journalist and Eater Atlanta contributor
For a sugar and spice doughnut with heat and a treat-yourself lunch date...
Summerhill continues to grow into a culinary destination with restaurants like Big Softie, Wood’s Chapel BBQ, and Little Bear. But, before an exquisite meal at Little Bear (which also might be one of Atlanta’s most affordable tasting menus at $48 for four courses,) I grabbed some doughnuts from down the street. Not only are the doughnuts amazing, especially the sugar and spice, which has a hint of chili in its coating, but Hero also serves thick burgers, salads, and co*cktails like an Italian spritz. It might be the most perfect concept for me ever. I also recently paid a visit to Lucian Books and Wine in Buckhead during lunch, when reservations are much easier to come by versus dinner. The food during lunch is just as good, too. Don’t miss the new Italian gem salad on the menu, which is a feast for the senses, hitting on all the crunchy and tart notes you want in a salad. It pairs beautifully with the herby frites and a glass of wine, if you are treating yourself for lunch, which you definitely should do. — Jennifer Zyman, Atlanta-based food writer and host of podcast The Food That Binds
For pimento cheese stuffed in a crispy fried wonton...
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I love dumplings — in any and all forms. This includes the crispy fried pimento cheese stuffed wontons at Sweet Auburn BBQ on North Highland, owned by Howard and Anita Hsu. Made by their father just for the restaurant, these wontons are tangy pimento cheese flavor bombs paired with a Thai chili dipping sauce for an added kick of heat. It’s basically peak snacking perfection for me, especially as a sidekick to the Szechuan lemon pepper smoked wings. Also worth the order at Sweet Auburn BBQ is the Southern Seoul steak sandwich — marinated Korean-style steak that comes topped with daikon jalapeno slaw, cucumbers, pickled carrots, and Sriracha aioli. I need to head in soon for that sandwich again and the wontons. I’ve got my eye on the Sesamed Scotch Mule co*cktail, too. — Beth McKibben, editor and reporter for Eater Atlanta
Earlier in April...
For good Thai (finally) in Hapeville...
Atlanta’s Tri-Cities (East Point, College Park, Hapeville) have been notably turning a dining and drinking corner, and Hapeville scored the latest W with the addition of Paper Plane. Not to be confused with the former Decatur bar led by Ticonderoga Club’s Paul Calvert. Hapeville’s Paper Plane is three venues in one: an event space; a bar; and the newest location of Spoon, the Atlanta Thai food institution that first began on Marietta Street. The lofty brick building was a recent lunch destination for a crew of writer homies, including my man Ale Sharpton, his lovely wife Andrea, and my wife Jacinta Howard. We ordered a bit of everything, the warm and crisp roti massaman curry, pad kee mao with tofu, crab fried rice and more, and shared everything. Spoon is gonna Spoon, so everything was as good as anyone familiar with the restaurant would expect, but being East Point residents, Jacinta and I are particularly happy to have a new, hip dining option, especially for good Thai. Jacinta has been watching the construction since last year, curious to know what it would eventually become. “I was kind of surprised it turned out to be a Thai spot, but I’m glad because the food was good,” she says. And Ale Sharpton agrees, although at the time the beer expert had one understandable critique: “They better have beer next time!” They do now, Ale. Let’s go back! — Mike Jordan, editor of Butter.ATL
For crave-worthy vegan dishes in Midtown...
On most menus, diners who eat a vegan diet are often relegated to a sauteed vegetable plate. Bar Margot is trying to change that (not that there’s anything wrong with a good vegetable plate.) Bar Margot at the Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown is named for the character of Margot Tenenbaum from the Wes Anderson movie “The Royal Tenenbaums”. The restaurant recently rolled out a new vegan menu, overseen by chefs Edgar Kano and Chad “Sosa” Hester. The menu draws from many cultures, too, with dishes such as chickpea tostadas and spicy jollof rice. The completely BIPOC kitchen (something we need to see more of in Atlanta) created crave-able dishes for this menu, including the fried oyster mushroom burger with vegan aioli, which tastes like a killer crunchy oyster slider, minus the brininess. That burger alone is worth a visit, and I suggest pairing it with any of the exceptional co*cktails here. — Jennifer Zyman, Atlanta-based food writer and host of podcast The Food That Binds
For a cheesy loaf of bread that works for multiple home-cooked meals…
On the hunt for some good bread around town, I made my way recently to TGM Bread, the bakery arm of the General Muir. Breads of all kinds lined the shelves by the register here, including Hawaiian rolls, hamburger buns, ciabatta, and cranberry walnut. Thinking ahead to some dinners I wanted to make, I grabbed an asiago cheese loaf and a brioche-like sandwich bread called Bea’s. Of the two, I was enamored with the way the asiago bread, which had pockets of cheese within and on the crust of the loaf, transformed when toasted. I fried slices of it in a cast iron skillet and paired it with a light spring soup. Later, I tore the inside of the loaf into chunks and roasted the pieces in the oven to make rustic croutons for a homemade caesar salad. Both preparations intensified the cheesiness of this bread (the croutons tasted like cheese straws!) It makes me think the bread would be great for breakfast sandwiches, tartines, and other meals that need a cheesy touch. While you can pop into TGM Bread, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., to grab freshly baked bread, you can also order from a tight menu of soups that come paired with a piece of one of the bakery’s loaves. A great option if you want to try a bread before committing to purchasing a whole loaf. — Kris Martins, Atlanta-based food journalist and Eater Atlanta contributor
For a low-key brunch spot with French 75s and Bloody Marys...
I admit, I’m not much of a brunch person. It’s just not my meal. But when I do get a hankering for brunch, I tend to lean toward spots serving interesting takes on traditional brunch dishes, those offering lighter bites, or comfortable spots with a solid selection of brunchy foods and a low-key vibe. Highland Tap falls into the latter category. The old-school Virginia-Highland steakhouse (aka steak basem*nt or steak cellar) might be known to most Atlantans for its steaks and ice cold-martinis at dinner, but the brunch and the vibe here are hard to beat. It’s been one of my favorite places to brunch for years. On a recent Saturday, and for what I hope was Atlanta’s last winter gasp for the year, I ventured over to Highland Tap for brunch. The menu includes everything from a filet medallions with bearnaise sauce benedict and crab cake benedict to Grand Marnier French toast, eggs in hell, and shrimp and jalapeno grits. It was all about the spicy andouille sausage and potato hash skillet for me that cold spring day, a dish of pure comfort I paired with a French 75. Don’t skip the Bloody Mary here, which flies under the radar for one of the best in the city. And, yes, the martini is always on the menu, no matter the time of day. — Beth McKibben, editor and reporter for Eater Atlanta
For a sleeper hit cheeseburger at a food hall…
Chattahoochee Food Works opened in 2021, and I thought it was time to visit and check out the latest stalls at the food hall. And there’s now a new burger and hot dog spot next to Sakura Ramen from chef Andrew Zimmern, who helped develop the food hall. Aptly named Patty and Frank’s, the stall serves a variety of burgers and hot dogs, using Pat Lafrieda meats for the burgers and Piedmontese beef for the franks. But the burger here is the sleeper hit of the food hall. If I had to compare it to another burger, it’s like if In-N-Out Burger and Fuddruckers had a baby. The burger I ordered is a traditional mix with shredded iceberg lettuce, onion, tomato, and a crisp dill pickle topping double patties slathered with American cheese. The ingredients in this burger make all the difference. The beef tastes great, but I was taken by the classic soft bun, which remained intact for the short time I had the burger in my hand. There might be something to the food stall’s slogan: “There is love in every bun.” — Jennifer Zyman, Atlanta-based food writer and host of podcast The Food That Binds
For cheese and salumi to pair with wine and that busy 8th Street/Howell Mill intersection...
I weirdly don’t eat a lot of cheese, which is inconvenient when you write about food and restaurants. It’s mainly a smell thing. But I’m pretty geeked about Bastone, chef Pat Pascarella’s new salumi and mozzarella bar on Howell Mill. I like the cheese selections here because “mild” is my wave when it comes to coagulated dairy proteins. A few former coworkers were in town for March Madness recently, so we ran around town eating and drinking with a “more things at less places” strategy. Our eating adventures began at Bastone. Taking over the former Bocado space, Bastone’s design mods include a caged bottle display cabinet above the bar, elegant new wallpaper, and light color tones throughout, making it feel a bit more fancy without increasing pressure on a wardrobe upgrade. And the food continues Pascarella’s impressive streak of Italian restaurants (the White Bull and Grana). If you’re hungry for pasta, definitely get the orecchiette with pancetta, escarole, bone marrow, and bread crumbs; it gave me the tingles. Increasing that feeling were the aged prosciutto di parma, the amazing focaccia, and the hand-stretched fatt’ a mano, a soft, chewy dome of salted mozzarella drizzled with olive oil. We paired it all with several glasses of bright Italian wine. Next time you’re stuck in that Howell Mill traffic and you see space at the bar through the front windows, I highly suggest making a detour to Bastone at the 8th Street intersection. — Mike Jordan, editor of Butter.ATL
For birria tacos that don’t skimp on the meat or the flavor…
The birria taco craze in Atlanta is far from over. Where it used to be difficult to find birria on menus here, it’s now become a bonafide trend, from food trucks and pop-ups to restaurants hopping on that birria bandwagon. I’m not sad about this, as I love tacos, stew meats, and all forms of dipping food. Birria combines all three. So, I was delighted to discover the Chicas Birria food truck parked at Sun Auto Services on Buford Highway in Doraville. A perpetual over-orderer (because leftovers never go to waste in my house,) I ordered the birria pizza, three beef birria tacos, and three chicken birria tacos. All come with sauces, ranging from mild to hot, and a side of consomme for dipping. Chicas Birria doesn’t skimp on the meat stuffed in both its tacos and the pizza, and the consomme was packed with flavor. But that chicken birria was some of the best I’ve had in Atlanta. Again, packed with flavor. I find most chicken birria to be pretty bland, as if the chicken wasn’t given enough time to soak in those stewy juices. That’s not the case with this chicken. I’m headed back to this food truck soon to try the birria burrito and the chocoflan. Chicas Birria also sets up shop in Cartersville. — Beth McKibben, editor and reporter for Eater Atlanta
MARCH 2022
For delightful bite-sized party pastelitos…
A couple weeks ago, I was reminiscing about a recent trip to Miami and longing for a few of the Magic City’s quintessential treats. While planning a small gathering, I decided to go all out and serve a Latin spread that would satisfy a crowd and my craving. In addition to cubanos, which I scored from Cubanos ATL, and vegetarian empanadas from Casa Cardoza, I knew pastelitos were non-negotiable. I called up Pan American Bakery off of Clairmont Road near Buford Highway and ordered a box of mini guava pastelitos, an option the bakery offers for gatherings. The little torpedo-shaped pastries were not only adorably bite-sized, but were also well balanced. The pastelitos had the perfect guava-to-dough ratio, keeping the jammy, fruity paste from over-sweetening each bite — something I’ve struggled to achieve in my own guava desserts. These pastelitos had a more unconventional, yet delightful, texture than I’m used to eating. Instead of boasting a glossy top, each one was sprinkled with sugar crystals, which provided a subtle crunch that gave way to softer flaky layers closer to the center. It was the perfect introduction to the iconic baked good for some people at my party, and a fun variation on a favorite for others. For me, it’s soon to become my go-to contribution to a party spread. — Kris Martins, Atlanta-based food journalist and Eater Atlanta contributor
For purchasing cookies with a cause...
It’s time again for one of my favorite annual sweet treat events: The Planned Parenthood cookie grab, now in its seventh year in Atlanta. The 2022 cookie grab includes 19 Atlanta bakers, from Little Tart Bakeshop and Osono Bread to pastry chef Jen Yee and chef Anne Quatrano, all contributing a cookie to this year’s box. Boxes cost $60 and go on sale via the Planned Parenthood’s website at 12 p.m. on Monday, March 21, with all proceeds benefiting Planned Parenthood Southeast. Keep an eye on Little Tart Bakeshop’s Instagram for a live link to the cookie grab, too. Last year, cookie boxes sold out in four hours, so have that clicker finger ready on Monday at noon! — Jennifer Zyman, Atlanta-based food writer and host of podcast The Food That Binds
For coffee and choux pastries across from Piedmont Park..
On Saturday mornings, my husband and I enjoy grabbing coffee together and sitting in a park or strolling one of the quieter portions of the Beltline to unwind from our busy weekday work schedules. I’ve been following Tic Tac Coffee for some time now, and recently checked out this pop-up coffee shop at Skate Escape, located at the corner of 12th and Piedmont. Save Mondays, the coffee cart is there every day at 8 a.m. Folks can order lattes, macchiatos, Americanos, and espresso drinks here, which can come hot or iced upon request. We grabbed Americanos on that beautiful, sunny morning in the A and sat down facing the 12th Street entrance to Piedmont Park. This spot makes for great people watching, especially given the large scavenger hunt event occurring in Midtown that morning with teams racing around in crazy costumes. Later in the afternoon, we popped by again for Tic Tac’s coffee happy hour and indulged in barbecue sandwiches from the Das BBQ food truck for lunch, followed by strawberry cream eclairs and salted caramel cream puffs from pastry pop-up Choux Maker. What a great impromptu picnic option as Atlanta enters spring. You’ll often find other food pop-ups hosted in the parking lot on the weekends, so be sure to follow Skate Escape and Tic Tac Coffee for updates. — Beth McKibben, editor and reporter for Eater Atlanta
FEBRUARY 2022
For a steak sandwich you probably wouldn’t think to order from this famed barbecue spot...
Just like his James Beard award-winning whole hog plates and pulled pork sandwiches, Rodney Scott has taken his time turning the Atlanta outpost of his ever-expanding chain of barbecue restaurants into a local dining establishment. And it’s got all the fixins to turn Georgians into temporary South Carolinians, from the leafy collard greens and other sides to the tangy lemonade, right down to the selection of co*cktails at the bar. But you might be pleasantly surprised to know that Scott’s menu also includes an amazing thin-shaved ribeye sandwich, too. It’s brined with his signature vinegar sauce and slow-pit-smoked, then topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, mayo, and white American cheese and served on a soft buttered bun. I met my buddy Sanjay Patel, the brains behind Atlanta’s Station Soccer venues (those soccer pitches you’ve seen at the Five Points, West End, and East Point MARTA stations,) and when he saw mine he told me how aligned we are in our thinking. Sure, your intuition might tell you to stick with the pig when you visit Rodney’s smokehouse on Metropolitan, but trust me, the steak sandwich here will have you feeling like you live just as high on the hog. — Mike Jordan, editor of Butter.ATL
For smokey rotisserie chicken (and chili-lime wings) in Buckhead…
Recently, Atlanta’s fake spring had me craving one of my go-to home meals: a spatchco*ck chicken rubbed with a homemade Mediterranean spice rub and cooked over a charcoal grill. On the hunt for something similar, I decided to try Fire Hen in Buckhead, which serves wood-fired rotisserie chickens, wings, and fried chicken. To satisfy my craving, I went for the slow-roasted half-chicken I spotted on social media. It’s marinated in garlic, citrus, herbs and spices for 24 hours. With a gorgeous char and accompanying smokey flavor that reminded me of my homemade grilled chicken, not only did this (half) bird evoke warmer days, it also delivered juiciness. Given that I can’t seem to go a week without eating wings, I ordered the chili-lime and buffalo wings, too. The former was the more memorable of the two, with a sticky sweet heat for those who like a glazed wing sauce with some kick. — Kris Martins, Atlanta-based food journalist and Eater Atlanta contributor
For bánh mì, boba, and crispy cha gio by the dozen...
One thing I love about teaching my kid about food is having an excuse to revisit old favorites on Buford Highway. Given that my daughter is currently in a serious bánh mì and boba phase, I took her out recently for the best bánh mì in Atlanta: Quoc Huong Banh Mi Fast Food on Buford Highway. The excellent and varied bánh mì sandwiches here are around $4 each. The small shop also serves boba, pho, and the tiniest, crispy cha gio (fried spring rolls) by the dozen served with crisp lettuce and herbs for wrapping the rolls up like tacos. Just a note before you go, Quoc Huong is closed on Thursdays and the restaurant now accepts both cash and debit cards. — Jennifer Zyman, Atlanta-based food writer and host of podcast The Food That Binds
For dim sum (and a wine pairing), but make it takeout...
It’s only on rare occasions that I turn down an opportunity to partake in dim sum. For me, it’s as much about the experience and the friends around the table sharing a meal as it is about the smorgasbord of foods found on the carts rolling through the dining room. I always try something new, while indulging in favorites like buns stuffed with lacy barbecue pork or red bean paste, egg custard tarts, and every dumpling I can get my hands on, including shumai filled to the brim with pork and shrimp. When I don’t have the time (or friends available to take down a table filled with dim sum snacks,) I head to Best BBQ next to City Farmers Market on Buford Highway. You’ll find standard dim sum offerings on the menu here. We ordered a quintet of dumplings and shumai, fried shrimp rolls, spicy chicken feet, stuffed eggplant, and pork buns on a recent visit, along with crispy roast duck, and paired the takeout feast with a bottle of Biokult Naken orange wine. It’s a yeasty, lightly effervescent natural wine with hints of orange peel and baking spice notes. Best BBQ also serves a selection of Vietnamese dishes, congee (try the pork and preserved egg,) hot pots, noodles, and barbecued meats. I highly recommend the honey roast barbecued pork, too. There’s usually a line — and for good reason — but it goes pretty fast. Large orders like ours are typically ready within 10 to 15 minutes. —Beth McKibben, editor and reporter for Eater Atlanta
EARLIER IN FEBRUARY
For Estonian baked goods at Metro Atlanta Farmers Markets…
On a recent trip to Grant Park Farmers Market, I was pleasantly surprised to see such a diverse array of food vendors and bakers, one of whom caught my eye with her pastries. Tiina D’Souza of EstoEtno sells her Estonian-style baked goods at different metro Atlanta farmers markets. Looking for something traditional, I followed her recommendation and got a slice of the farmers cheese cake, which had rhubarb and raisins tucked in it and a bit of buckwheat flour to bind everything together. Like a tangy, seasonal handheld cheesecake, that pastry, along with the samples of the seedy rye sourdough bread I snagged (I had too many other loaves at home to justify buying another one,) were a delightful deviation from the doughier baked goods in my recent rotation. EstoEtno will be at Oakhurst Farmers Market on Saturday, February 12, and Avondale Estates Farmers Market on Sunday, February 13, so hit up those traditional options and maybe something with a seasonal spin while you’re at it. The citrus-topped spelt cake is next on my list. — Kris Martins, Atlanta-based food journalist and Eater Atlanta contributor
For a Valentine’s Day taco platter or “heartdilla” and strawberry horchata...
Are you looking for fun ways to commemorate Valentine’s Day this year that won’t break the bank or involve the typical sweet treats? Consider an Atlanta taqueria. For example, Tacos La Villa in Smyrna is selling a heart-shaped platter of 15 mini tacos to include fillings of your choice or an enormous heart-shaped birria-style quesadilla. Birria El Gordo in Marietta serves heart-shaped taqueria specialties, too, like a bouquet of mulitas (double-decker quesadillas filled with meat,) a “Heartdilla”, and horchata de fresa (strawberry horchata). I highly recommend ordering ahead of time since these Valentine’s Day specials do sell out. — Jennifer Zyman, Atlanta-based food writer and host of podcast The Food That Binds
For a seriously righteous double-stack burger on Buford Highway...
I recently discovered a new burger joint on Buford Highway during a research trip for an upcoming map. And the double-stack cheeseburger I had there was seriously righteous. The restaurant just so happens to serve all halal food and includes wings, fried rice, and fried seafood platters on its menu, too. Three Buddies, which opened in Chamblee in January and is owned by (you guessed it) three good friends, offers burgers as single, double, and triple patties topped with melty cheese and dressed with all the proper burger accoutrements. I topped mine with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and bacon, because what’s a little extra protein, right? This was one juicy, flavor-packed, cooked-perfectly burger and is now on my favorites list. I also tried the spicy Southern fried chicken sandwich, which comes topped with slaw and sweet pickles. While the heat on that crispy chicken won’t set your mouth ablaze, it was a satisfyingly subtle kick of spice that builds as you eat. I’m heading back to Three Buddies soon to try the wings and the TB Signature Burger, a triple threat topped with all the aforementioned fixings as well as sauteed onions and mushrooms. Dine in or order online for takeout. —Beth McKibben, editor and reporter for Eater Atlanta
JANUARY 2022
For super legit soul food you’d never expect to find in Buckhead...
If you’ve ever heard the radio commercial for Peach Cobbler Cafe, you know the lady doing the voiceover has the kind of voice you only get to have if you can make superior soul food. That, by the way, is exactly what this Peachtree Hills restaurant serves. Hidden in plain sight between Peachtree Battle and Piedmont Hospital, Peach Cobbler Cafe is located on the first floor of a two-story shopping center you’ve likely passed hundreds of times driving on Peachtree. Do yourself a favor: Go inside and order literally anything you see behind the cafeteria counter. I didn’t have room for the short ribs, oxtails, or gravy-laden turkey wings, but I had the fried chicken. When fried chicken is this perfectly crispy, mac-and-cheese is this creamy and cheesy, greens are this leafy and flavorful, and the namesake dessert is so flaky and spirit-warming, you can definitely take chances ordering the rest of the menu And no, the lady from the commercial wasn’t there when I visited, but I can testify that she’s telling no lies. — Mike Jordan, editor of Butter.ATL
For early Chinese New Year dumplings…
The Year of the Tiger is almost here, and I’m already starting to see pop-ups gearing up to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Mighty Hans, which usually serves a Taiwanese-style weekend brunch out of Gato in Candler Park, is instead dishing out “lucky dumplings” this Saturday, January 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. I felt like I got in on the luck earlier in the month when I had Fu-Mao Sun’s pork wontons at Woodward and Park. I love anything with Sichuan peppercorns, but those dumplings captured more than that iconic peppercorn tingle, layering crunch and spice with a chewy dough doused in chili oil. So, if this weekend’s dumpling special is even remotely adjacent to those wontons, I’d say you’re in luck. And how appropriate to get ready for the new year. The regular brunch menu will also be served this weekend. — Kris Martins, Atlanta-based food journalist and Eater Atlanta contributor
For rotisserie chicken, pita sandwiches, and excellent cafe French fries...
In case you haven’t heard, chef Julia Kesler Immerman, the owner behind prepared foods and provisions business Stop Think Chew, has a new cafe called the Daily Chew on Liddell Drive in Piedmont Heights. Immerman’s farmer-forward fare is cooked with Israeli and South African-inspired flavors and ingredients in dishes like stuffed pitas, grain bowls, whole rotisserie chickens, and harissa-spiced cauliflower. Make sure to also try the excellent French fries here as well as the fresh juices from the cafe. This all-day neighborhood cafe is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, and will be opening on Mondays in about two weeks. And, if you’re uncomfortable eating out right now, you can get Immerman’s food delivered, too. — Jennifer Zyman, Atlanta-based food writer and host of podcast The Food That Binds
For coffee and beignets from a takeout window...
I stumbled upon the latest addition to Irwin Street Market last weekend, a takeout window doling out hot and fluffy beignets and Ethiopian coffee and cold brew. Appropriately named Yay Beignet, which is what I might have exclaimed when I discovered it, the window is located on the covered porch beside Jake’s Ice Cream at the market. The universe must sense that I’m missing New Orleans, as I wrote about my hankering for muffulettas earlier in January. It’s not hyperbole when I tell you these are likely the best beignets I’ve had outside of that city. Just perfectly fried and appropriately chewy, with the right amount of powdered sugar sprinkled on top. Make sure to order one of the dipping sauces, too. I loved the praline sauce. Paired with a hot cup of coffee on a cold day, it hits the spot in the best way possible. Yay Beignet is open daily at 9 a.m. Follow on Instagram for updates. —Beth McKibben, editor and reporter for Eater Atlanta
EARLIER IN JANUARY
For a winter bounty to shake up your home meals…
Atlanta’s markets are bursting with leafy greens, crisp apples and roots galore this time of year, and farmers tell me winter is the best time to try something new, since vegetables are sweetest in the winter due to frosts and freezes. For those who want to pick up an assortment of local produce picked out by farmers, some of my favorite farmers have pre-made boxes or pre-order options available this winter. Most exciting for me is the return of Patchwork City Farms’ weekly boxes, which first blew me away in 2020 when the spring box featured the sweetest strawberries I’ve ever had. You can sign up for a Friday or Saturday pickup via the online farm shop. But if you’re looking to hand-select the items in your produce box, farmers like Hearts of Harvest and Rodgers Greens and Roots also take pre-orders during the week for pickup at the Cathedral of St. Philip on Saturdays while the Peachtree Road Farmers Market is on hiatus. Either way, I love these options because they help you plan ahead and quickly grab freshly harvested bounty to transform into a delicious home meal throughout the week. — Kris Martins, Atlanta-based food journalist and Eater Atlanta contributor
For old-school pizza and pizzeria vibes...
Getting a pizza and a six-pack of beer or soda feels like a quintessential American past time that Lloyd’s Restaurant & Lounge seems to have captured perfectly. Open since 2018 on DeKalb Avenue, the kitschy restaurant with its 1970s-inspired design made the pivot to Lloyd’s Pizza Party last winter, selling pizza and beer (and martinis) for dine in or takeout. The slogan here is “Whatever, man” or “Where nobody knows your name” (depending on where you read it), and pretty much sums up the distinct vibe at Lloyd’s. Order light and crispy pies like the Just Cheese, Sausage Party, Great White, and vegetarian pizza the Garden Salad. But it’s not all pizza, all the time, at Lloyd’s. Some nights feature meatloaf, and there’s a crab leg special on Monday nights, too. The bar even serves its own eponymous light lager emblazoned with the Lloyd’s logo in curvy old-school red script. Make sure to also order shrimp co*cktail and fried cheese. — Jennifer Zyman, Atlanta-based food writer and host of podcast The Food That Binds
For a muffuletta, but it’s also a po’boy and a salad...
One of my favorite cities for dining (and drinking) is New Orleans. I love the vibe and energy of this city, especially if you get out of the tourist-heavy French Quarter and into the amazing neighborhoods here, where many of the best restaurants and bars really reside. While still in the French Quarter, I make it a point every time I visit New Orleans to grab a muffuletta from Central Grocery on Decatur Street. For me, the beauty of the muffuletta is the briny olive tapenade spread complementing the provolone and tangy Swiss cheese and savory saltiness of the layers of genoa salami, ham, and mortadella in this sandwich. It’s served as a round sandwich on Italian sesame seed bread. The muffuletta isn’t as popular here in Atlanta as it is in New Orleans, but I’ve found solid versions at AJ’s Famous Seafood and Po’Boys in Marietta and at E. 48th Street Market and Deli in Dunwoody. Add to your muffuletta list for Atlanta the Po’Boy Shop on Clairmont in Decatur, too. While I typically order a shrimp or crawfish po’boy here, I highly recommend the muffuletta here, which comes as the classic (crowd-feeding) round sandwich or as a po’boy. There’s even a muffuletta salad on the menu tossed with the sandwich meats and topped with olive tapenade. —Beth McKibben, editor and reporter for Eater Atlanta
- A Neighborhood Breakdown of Atlanta Restaurants Opening [EATL]
