Good Ol’ Southern Food (and Drink) in ATL

by Katherine Sacks with Antoinette Bruno

Antoinette Bruno and Katherine Sacks

May 2012

As far as size goes, Atlanta may be a second-tier city (it ranks number 40 in terms of population). But it's the big city down South, and its culinary talent is no longer willing to sit second seat behind the bigger city scenes.

In the time since our last trip to Atlanta (we can't believe it was 2007 either), the city has come a long way. We started to see the culinary landscape begin to blossom during our first slew of Rising Stars tastings five years ago, and today culinary movers and shakers are opening up shop all over town—from trendy Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward, to the more hipster East Atlanta. And though the city is decidedly dedicated to Southern ingredients and casual-comfort concepts, inventive chefs and pastry chefs are offering the Atlantans more than fried chicken (although you can find finger licken' drumsticks here as well). And to go along with its rejuvenated cuisine, Atlanta has a serious community of tight-knit mixologists, dedicated to creating a local cocktail scene all its own.

The city's also a bona fide culinary melting pot. We stumbled across coffee shops, beer bars, sandwich shops, late-night spots, and restaurants both run and populated by former residents of Brooklyn, Pennsylvania, and Portland, Oregon's finest locals. These transplants have fully embraced the local produce, Southern charm, and traditional products of the area (hominy, mirliton, and Georgia olive oil to boot).

That means for both serious eaters and Southern comfort fans there is plenty to taste in this burgeoning culinary mini metropolis. So get ready to eat, drink, and dig into the Atlanta restaurants and bars we just can't get out of our heads.

DRINK

5 Seasons Brewing Company Westside

Jittery Joe's Coffee Roasting Co.

Red Hare Brewing Company

Rev Coffee

Steady Hand Pour House

SweetWater Brewing Company

Terrapin Brewery

STAY

The Glenn Hotel

The Georgian Terrace Hotel

InterContinental Buckhead

Loews Atlanta Hotel

Omni Hotel at CNN Center

EAT

4th & Swift

621 North Avenue Northeast
Midtown
Atlanta, GA 30308
(678) 904-0160
www.4thandswift.com
Hours: Sun 1am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-9pm; Mon-Thu 5:30pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm

4th & Swift takes its surroundings—the restored Southern Dairies building—and runs with it. The restaurant is a complete study in industrial chic, with all the necessary exposed brick, cityscape photographs, and bare pipes. To complement that modern motif, Chefs Jay Swift and son Jeb Aldrich create a menu of seasonal, globally inspired fare that keep Atlantans coming back again and again. It doesn't hurt that 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Sommelier Seth Roskind makes it a point to show his customers something unique, curating a list of well-priced, lesser-known wines to pair with Swift and Aldrich's dishes.

Recommended:

Wood-grilled Spanish Octopus, Sunchoke Purée, Frisée, Charred Red Onions, and Chorizo Vinaigrette with 2009 Cinsault/Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau Musar, "Jeune," Lebanon

Wood-grilled Cervena Venison, Kabocha Squash, Maitake Mushrooms, Swiss Chard, and 2009 Port Wine-Juniper Sauce with Zinfandel, Orin Swift, "Saldo," California

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Abattoir

1170 Howell Mill Road Northwest
Knight Park, Westside
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 892-3335
www.starprovisions.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 6pm-11pm

At Anne Quatrano's meat-centric Abattoir (the name literally means slaughterhouse), you can find meat, meat, and well, more meat. Pig murals and butchery diagrams literally line the walls. But don't expect the typical charcuterie plates and pork belly from 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Chef Tyler Williams. Instead, the menu at this Westside restaurant is playful and creative. Williams injects just enough of his personality into each dish to make the food fun, without being trite. He nods to Asian inspiration with Eastern ingredients (steak tartare gets a welcome update with the addition of Asian pear, unagi sauce, and Korean chili flakes). But Williams also keeps things meaty with interesting cuts and skillful preparation (don't miss the corned Wagyu beef belly).

Recommended:

Wagyu Beef Belly, Sarsaparilla, and Kohlrabi

Spicy Veal Sweetbreads, Cabbage, Pear, and Beef Bacon

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Alma Cocina

191 Peachtree Street Northeast
Downtown
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 968-9662
www.alma-atlanta.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-3pm; Sun-Thu 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm

Atlanta may be head honcho when it comes to all things pickled, porkified, and otherwise Southern. But if you are in the mood for some traditional Mexican food, Alma Cocina is the place to go. That's because Chef Chad Clevenger packs some serious knowledge when it comes to Southwestern cuisine—he spent several years learning the ins-and-outs of chilies, spices, and posole and tamale recipes. Choose your setting from the gorgeous turn-of-the-century chic atrium or the ranch-style interior of the restaurant (complete with stamped leather floor, cacti, and dark, rich detailing). Just be prepared to get comfortable; you're going to want to fill up on Clevenger's menu of tacos and traditional huaraches, along with Alma's impressive tequila collection.

Recommended:

Alma Cocina Huevos Rancheros

Fried Avocado Taco with Crispy Cotija, Roasted Tomato, Poblano Pesto, and Epazote

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Bacchanalia

1198 Howell Mill Road
Knight Park, Westside
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 365-0410
www.starprovisions.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 6pm-close

With a slew of fancified burgers, marketplace dining, trattorias, and cafés, Atlanta hits the mark with comfort-casual. But Chef Anne Quatrano makes sure there are still a few places to put on your party clothes, and Bacchanalia, with its elegant tables and understated service, pulls out all the stops. Before farm-to-table was matter of course for responsible chefs, 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Chef David Carson was working with Quatrano to bring whole animals to Bacchanalia, creating a menu that's as holistic as it is approachable. And he sweeps diners away with his refined plates, combinations of modern technique, and local ingredients. Pastry Chef Carla Tomasko's desserts are an ideal end to Carson's meal; deftly executed, they are just the simple, fulfilling bite needed at the end of a swanky dinner.

Recommended:

Jamison Farm Lamb, Summerland Farms Onion, and Natural Jus

Wild Foraged Snails, Crisp Pork Shoulder, Crispy Garlic, and Phytoplankton Foam

Preserved Lemon Soufflé, Pistachio Ice Cream, Candied Pistachios, and Candied Lemon Zest

Yogurt Panna Cotta, Yogurt Foam, Summerland Farms Strawberries, Hibiscus Gel, Strawberry Ships, and Strawberry Ice Cream

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The Bakery at Cakes & Ale

254 West Ponce de Leon Avenue
Decatur
Decatur, GA 30030
404-377-7994
cakesandalerestaurant.com
Hours: Mon 8:30am-3pm; Tue-Thu-7:30pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 7:30am-12pm

Pastry Chef Eric Wolitikzy may be a newcomer to the South, but take one look at his dreamy desserts, and you’d think he was born-and-bred in Atlanta. As the newest addition to Decatur’s The Bakery at Cakes & Ale, Wolitikzy offers picturesque cakes covered in smooth-as-silk buttercream, alongside his childhood-inspired bakeshop sweets: whoopie pies, nutter butters, and pineapple upside down cake. Take a seat along the charming 1950s-style counter for a cup of coffee and a slice of his death by chocolate Mississippi Mud Pie, or pick up a few goodies to go. Or better yet, finish off a meal at next door’s Cakes & Ale with a grown-up version of Wolitikzy’s treats. The formerly New York-based baker is stretching his wings into plated desserts with a full sweets menu worthy of dipping into.

Recommended:

Mandarin Creamsicle Cake

My Mississippi Mud Pie: Flourless Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Pudding, and Stout Ice Cream

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BLT STEAK - Atlanta

45 Ivan Allen Jr Boulevard NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 582-5800
www.e2hospitality.com/blt-steak-atlanta/locations/
Hours: Mon-Sun 6:30am-10:30am, 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:00pm

Atlanta's outpost of BLT Steak is everything you'd expect from the esteemed national restaurant group. It's French food meets French wine meets Southern hospitality, and Chef Cyrille Holota executes the classic menu alongside Sommelier Dorinne Buche's wine pairings without waver. Although it's housed in the somewhat ritzy and modern W Hotel, the restaurant itself offers the cozy charm of a steakhouse. Warm wooden paneling, an inviting raw seafood bar, and a fireplace all set the mood for a meal that doesn't disappoint.

Recommended:

Roasted Lamb Loin, Artichokes-Turnip-Chanterelle Fricassée, Thyme Lamb Jus, and Micro Basil with Saint Emillion Château Puy-Blanquet, Bordeaux, France, 2008

Sautéed Dover Sole and Caper Brown Butter Sauce with Chardonnay, Bourgogne, Gabriel Jouard, France, 2009

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Bocado

888 Howell Mill Road
Knight Park, Westside
Atlanta, GA 30319
404-815-1400
bocadoatlanta.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm; Mon-Sat 5:30pm-close

On a sunny day, Bocado is the place to go to just sit. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, open spaces, and rustic wooden tables, it's a place that immediately invites you in. Chef Todd Ginsberg's comforting menu of Southern favorites (fluffy grits, sweet potato fries, and a burger that boats it's "the city's best") doesn't hurt either. Owned by 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Restaurateur Brian Lewis, Bocado is full of the charm Lewis instills in all his restaurants, a familial warmth that brings you in and keeps you coming back.

Recommended:

Sweet Potatoes, Whipped Ricotta, Brown Butter, Spicy Raisins, Almonds, and Crunchy Jackets

Sweetbreads, Poached Egg, Grits, and Truffle-Madeira Sauce

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Canoe

4199 Paces Ferry Road Southeast
Paces Ferry
Atlanta, GA 30339
770-432-2663
www.canoeatl.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm; Mon-Thu 5:30pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm; Sun 10:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm

Taking its moniker quite seriously, Canoe offers all the charm of cabin-chic—an actual (grounded) canoe greets you at the front door, the impressive vaulted ceiling is curved in the style of a boat. The entire space captures that old-world cabin feel, complete with a picturesque river-setting. But don't expect kitsch from this Atlanta institution, whose hallowed walls have raised some of Atlanta's brightest young culinary talent. Culling from her blossoming garden, Chef Carvel Gould has offered the surrounding Vinnings community her organic, contemporary fare for over a decade. And Sommelier Matt Bradford provides wine pairings on point with Gould's cuisine, pulling from a list of more than 500 labels.

Recommended:

Canoe's House-smoked Salmon with R. Lopez de Geredia, "Vina Gravonia," Rioja Gran Reserva, 2000

Sapelo Island Clams with Albert Boxler Riesling, 'Brand Grand Cru,' Alsace, 2008

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Cardamom Hill

1701 Northside Drive Northwest Suite A6
North Atlanta, Berkely Park
Atlanta, GA 30318
www.cardamomhill.net
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm; Mon-Thu 5:30pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm

You can ask Chef Asha Gomez for a side of naan with your Pork Vindaloo, but she won’t serve it to you. That’s because Gomez and her Cardamom Hill restaurant are all about the cuisine of her native land, Kerala-a lush, a coastal state in South India. But don’t fret, you won’t miss the Indian bread for long, because Gomez’s dishes are rich in spices, coconut, and plenty of the beef, goat, and other proteins often missing from typical Americanized-Indian cuisines. (Thanks to the diets of the Spanish Catholic missionaries who settled the coastal areas, rather than the Muslim and Hindu populations more prevalent in larger Indian cities). So sit back—surrounded by dark detailing, lush fabrics, and exotic décor—and enjoy all Gomez has to teach about her native cuisine.

Recommended:

Pork Vindaloo with Appam

Roasted Red Snapper with Sambar

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Empire State South

999 Peachtree Street Northeast # 140
Midtown
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 541-1105
www.empirestatesouth.com
Hours: Mon-Thurs 7am-10am, 11am-3pm, 5:30pm-10pm; Fri 7am-10am, 11am-3pm, 5:30pm-11pm; Sat 10:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-11pm; Sun 10:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-10pm

No matter what you are looking for—an incredible cup of coffee, a mouthwatering pastry, or a rich Southern dinner paired with a serious wine and cocktail menu—2007 Atlanta Rising Star Hugh Acheson's Empire State South has it all. Head Barista Emily Letia reigns supreme during the morning hours, brewing small-farm coffees alongside Pastry Chef Cynthia Wong's collection of addictive sticky buns, whoopie pies, and scones. On the more filling side of the menu, 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Chef Ryan Smith shines, creating inventive, unforgettable dishes, based on traditional Southern ingredients and techniques but presented with a whiff of modern finesse. Sommelier Steven Grubbs and Mixologist Kellie Thorn follow suit, adding a strong beverage program to the mix. But ESS isn't just about the charm; underneath the gingham shirts and boyish smiles, the soft banquets, teal and chocolate palate, and antiquated décor (that's bonafide reclaimed antique wood) set the tone for a meal you won't forget.

Recommended:

Honey and Apple: Honey Tartlet, Apple Sorbet, and Grana Padano Chip

Duck and Chestnut Terrine, Burnt Bourbon Mustard, and Pickles

Lobster Cannelloni with Cauliflower Purée, Dried Capers, and Grapefruit Confit with 2006 Riesling, Zind-Humbrecht, "Herrenweg de Turckheim," Alsace, France

Sidoux Fizz: Maison Prunier Cognac, Scuppernong Shrub, Dolin Blanc Vermouth de Chambéry, Bar Keep Swedish Herb Bitters, Lemon Juice, De Jean Blanc de Blancs

Georgia Coffee

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Farm 255

255 West Washington Street
Athens
Athens, GA 30601
(706) 549-4660
www.farm255.com
Hours: Tue-Thu 5:20pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm; Sun 10:30am-2pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm

It goes without saying that a restaurant named Farm 255 is focused on farm-to-table cuisine. But for 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Sustainability Chef Whitney Otawka, farm-to-table is more than “best practice,” and her soulful cooking at one of Athen’s best restaurants expands the realm of simple farm fresh. Using goods from partner farm Moonshine Meats, along with her self-foraged and market finds, Otawka creates a seasonal, inspirational menu. And the restaurant’s warm, sunny dining room fits in perfectly with the farm cuisine. Fresh flowers greet each table, floor-to-ceiling windows let in the sunlight, and vintage wooden tables line the room. It’s the lovely setting needed to dig into Otawka’s feast.

Recommended:

House-made Tagliatelle, Border Springs Farm Lamb Shank, Foraged Ramps, and Blackberry Farms Brebis

Columbia River Chinook Salmon, Sugar Snap Peas, Baby Carrots, Baby Fennel, Green Garlic, and Pea Tendrils

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Farm Burger

410 West Ponce De Leon Avenue
Decatur
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 378-5077
www.farmburger.net
Hours: Sun - Thur 11:30am - 10:00pm; Fri - Sat 11:30am - 11:30pm

Farm Burger is the burger you have been waiting for. Forget about greasy patties and fries—2012 Atlanta Rising Star Sustainability Chef Terry Koval looks toward the garden plot to create his produce-packed menu (with a little help from 100 percent grass-fed beef from farm partner Moonshine Meats). But this ain’t hippie town either. Koval’s burgers, bacon-studded grits, and dare we say addictive sides (pickled beef tongue anyone?) come along with a heavy hand of fresh produce, but first and foremost are blessed with Koval’s spot-on technique, seasoning, and creative outlook. And while Farm Burger lacks in ambiance (the Decatur location could sub-in for a truck stop, with plywood siding, billboard menus, and plastic serving baskets), Owner George Frangos puts care into the most important areas of his concept—the product.

Recommended:

Grass-fed Burger with Arugula, Pickled Beets, and Decimal Place Goat Cheese

Pickled Beef Tongue with Cauliflower Purée and Pickled Mustard Seeds

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Five & Ten

1653 S Lumpkin Street
Athens
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 546-7300
www.fiveandten.com
Hours: Sun-Thu 5:30pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm; Sun 10:30am-2:30pm

We trekked to 2007 Atlanta Rising Star Hugh Acheson at his breakout restaurant Five & Ten nearly six years ago, and we’ve been charmed with Athens and Acheson ever since. Although Acheson has since expanded his empire to include The National, Gosford Wine, and Empire State South, and garnered some national media attention along the way, he’s still our star. And it’s at his Athens home base where Acheson really shines, offering a menu based on local farmers’ produce, while creating a down-to-earth atmosphere that lets diners settle in for the true Acheson experience—clean, bold flavors.

Recommended:

English Pea Soup, Minted Crème Fraîche, Peeky Toe Crab, and Julienned Bacon

Crisp Veal Sweetbreads, Tarragon-Lemon Jus, Grits Custard, and Succotash

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Flip Burger

1587 Howell Mill Road North West
Midtown
Atlanta, Georgia 30318
(404) 352-3547‎
www.flipburgerboutique.com
Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm; 11am-9pm

Our 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Concept Chef Richard Blais may have made his name as a television star on Top Chef, but he became Atlanta’s darling with his modern hamburger concept Flip Burger. What makes it so modern you ask? It’s partly Blais’ molecular toys—liquid nitrogen gussies up milkshakes and induction burners cook his cuisine. But the real star is his addictive “Flipped” burgers, in flavors like fluffy chickpea or juicy pork carnitas (Blais puts out more traditional beef burgers as well). The mod-setting does its part; graphic art splashes across the walls, futuristic framed televisions line the bar, and white leather nooks offer privacy for more intimate dates.

Recommended:

Asparagus and Green Bean Salad, Orange and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing, Capers

Fauxlafel: Chickpea Patty, Tzatziki, Pickled Spring Vegetables, and Arugula

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Floataway Café

1123 Zonolite Road Suite 15
Druid Hills, Emory University
Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 892-1414
www.starprovisions.com
Hours: Tue-Sat 6pm-close

Hidden away on a side street in Druid Hills, Anne Quatrano’s Floataway Café, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, pale green and blue décor, and framed cloud photographs, literally makes you feel like you are floating. Its location inside a renovated warehouse acts as a sort of hanger-like backdrop, furthering the mirage. And Chef Christopher Schmidt’s understated, refreshing cuisine—a combination of French, Mediterranean, and Italian influences—furthers the feeling of lightness. But don’t think light means unserious. Shmidt is among some of the top talent we found in Atlanta. His menu offers everything from perfectly executed seafood compositions to playful and heartier meat preparations, proving you can find whatever you desire at Floataway Café.

Recommended:

Spring Nettle Soup, Georgia Olive Oil, Pickled Artichokes, and Preserved Myer Lemon

Hakurei Turnip Agnolotti, Braised Lamb, Parisian Carrots, and Green English Peas

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HD1

1664 North Highland Avenue
Poncey Highlands
Atlanta, GA 30306
404-815-1127
www.hd1restaurant.com
Hours: Mon - Wed 11:30am – 10:00pm; Thur 11:30am – 11:00pm; Fri – Sat – 11:30am – 2:00am; Sun – 11:30am – 10:00pm

What makes a hot dog more than just a hot dog? Take perfectly toasted sweet Guatemalan bread, stuff it with succulent ox tongue, and top with tripe hash, and you'll have a dog good enough for any ball game, but really worth a fun dinner date. At the most recent addition to 2012 Atlanta Rising Stars Concept Chef Richard Blais' Atlanta empire, HD1 Chef Jared Lee Pyles goes about dogs the way some chefs tackle the saucier station, with all the precision, innovation, and care necessary for unforgettable food. And it's one of Atlanta's only late hang-outs, offering a funky industrial vibe, along with late-night DJs, to both after-hours chefs and prime-time dates alike.

Recommended:

Chicken Wing Confit with Lemon Curd and Szechuan Pepper

Beef Pastrami Dog with Ox Tongue, Tripe Hash, and Rusky Dressing

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Highland Bakery

655 Highland Avenue 10
Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 586-0772
www.highlandbakery.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm; 8am-4pm

Reigning high on an overpass in the Old Fourth Ward district, Highland Bakery has been packed every time we’ve stopped by. And that’s not just because of the trendy neighborhood. It’s also thanks to Chef Stacey Eames’ approach to good Southern food. A dedicated athlete, Eames takes a wholesome look at her menu, using fresh, local produce and an in-house stone mill to grind grains for her breads. So even though she offers traditional Southern flavors like cheesy grits and flaky biscuits, Eames’ cuisine is as heart healthy as possible, which keeps her doors packed, and her customers happy.

Recommended:

Sweet Potato Cupcakes

Shrimp and House-milled Grits

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Holeman and Finch Public House

2277 Peachtree Road Northeast # B
Haynes Manor
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 948-1175
www.holeman-finch.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-1:30pm; Sat 11:30am-1:30am; Sun 11:30am-3pm

If Restaurant Eugene is 2007 Atlanta Rising Star Chef Linton Hopkins house of fine dining, then Holeman & Finch is his answer to Atlanta’s demand for all things casual-comfort. Working with Executive Sous Chef Jason Paolini, Hopkins creates inventive riffs on bar favorites (pork skin ramen noodles), superb in-house charcuterie, and Southern classics. And Mixologist Andy Minchow, along with Greg Best and Regan Smith, have built a bar program that lives up to Hopkins reputation as one of the South’s best chefs. Their cocktails combine classic combinations with creative ingenuity and plenty of don’t-miss-them flavors.

Recommended:

Jack's Press: Amaro Ciociaro, Peche Lambic, and Orange Bitters

Suppressor No 6: Cynar, Pommeau de Normandie, Brut

Housemade Charcuterie: Pepperoni, Finnochiona, Duck Ham, Bresaola, and Lomo

Sapelo Island Clams, Salt Pork, Jalapeños, Shallots, Rye Whiskey, and Pain au Levain

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Holy Taco

1314 Glenwood Avenue Southeast
East Atlanta
Atlanta, GA 30316
(404) 230-6177
www.holy-taco.com
Hours: Mon-Wed: 11am-10pm; Thu-Sat: 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-10pm

2012 Atlanta Rising Star Chef Robert Phalen started his empire in East Atlanta, with his Holy Taco taqueria. And while he's equally focused on local ingredients, house-cured meats, and preserved produce at his higher brow One Eared Stag, Holy Taco is his outlet for an evolving menu of addictive tacos, finger-licking offal, and all things Mexican fusion. Inside the (former garage) dining room, Day of the Dead artwork and graffiti set the tone for his funky menu, attracting even funkier customers from the surrounding neighborhood and plenty of hungry fans who come from across town in search of Phalen's grub.

Recommended:

Barbecue-style Pig Tails

Roasted Beef Tongue, Tomato-Cucumber Salsa, and Ashland Farms Cilantro

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JCT. Kitchen & Bar

1198 Howell Mill Rd Suite 18
Knight Park
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 355-2252
www.jctkitchen.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-2:30pm; Mon-Thu 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm; Sun 5pm-9pm

With its lush white banquets, warm cream-brown-blue décor, and pretty wild flowers, 2007 Atlanta Rising Star Chef Ford Fry’s JCT. Kitchen & Bar is the manifestation of Southern hospitality, a refined room with lush touches and quiet elegance. 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Chef Adam Evans eases into that backdrop with a menu defined by perfectly executed seafood and unexpected ingredient combinations. (As Evans moves on to open Fry’s newest locale, The Optimist, he’ll continue to show off his wood-grilling fish skills.) And Mixologist Lara Creasy’s cocktails are wonderful and complex, yet oh-so-easy easy to drink. The combination makes you want to stay at JCT. all night, eating and sipping into the late hours.

Recommended:

Wood-fired Virginia Clams, Razor Clams, Shallot Rings, Garlic, Serrano Chili, White Wine, Fines Herbes, Crispy Glazed Pork Belly Chunks, and Torn Croutons

Crispy Gulf Speckled Trout, Fava Bean Purée, Toasted Ricotta Cavatelli, Spring Onion Soubise, Braised Favas, and Pickled Candied Horseradish

Fields of Gold: No. 209 Gin, Chamomile-infused Vermouth, Lemon, Local Honey, Fennel Pollen

Grapes Are a Must: Local Muscadine-infused Pisco, Cumin Honey, and Cocchi Americano

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La Fourchette

3133 Piedmont Road Northeast
Buckhead
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 748-1229
lafourchette.com
Hours: Sun-Thu 5:30pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm; Sun 11am-2:30pm

Drive by La Fourchette, and you might just miss it. Tucked on a side street in Buckhead (some say it’s the newest up-and-coming culinary destination, but the verdict’s still out), La Fourchette's strip mall surroundings make it seem hardly a must-stop restaurant. But you’d be remiss to miss out on the talents of Chef Jeffrey Wall, and talents he has aplenty. Not only does Wall command an inviting savory menu at this Italian-American restaurant, he does a pretty decent job with the desserts, hand-churning his ice creams the old fashioned way (yep, with a bucket of ice) to make some of the creamiest we’ve had. Although the restaurant could use a face lift (the interior resembles a corporate mall joint), Wall’s cuisine is worth fighting the traffic-heavy Buckhead highways.

Recommended:

Seared Foie Gras, Chanterelle Mushrooms, French Lentils, Cider Reduction, and Cinnamon Froth

Marcho Farms Lamb, Brussels Sprouts, Apple, Celeriac, Fingerling Potato, Beurre Noisette Parsnip, and Perigord Truffle Sauce

Flourless Chocolate Torte, Pistachio Purée, and Raspberry Sorbet

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Latitude

3500 Peachtree Rd, Suite 1096 B
Buckhead
Atlanta, GA 30326
(678) 990-9463
www.latitudeatlanta.com
Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-11pm; Sat 11:30am-12am; Sun 12pm-9pm

While most of Atlanta’s chefs focus on traditional Southern ingredients or fast-casual concepts, Chef Micah Willix is looking outside the boundaries of the state lines and United States for his inspiration. At Latitude, his new Buckhead restaurant, Willix offers a thoughtfully crafted, global menu. The room sets the vibe, mixing industrial elements like Edison light bulbs with a Florida Keys feel (mosaic tiling and a teal color palette). And as partner of the operation, Willix’s blood, sweat, and tears (even more than the usual chef’s duties require) have gone into the project, giving him even more reason to push for its (inevitable) success.

Recommended:

Pan-roasted Atlantic Day Boat Scallops, Crispy Mushrooms, Lemon, and Chive

Roasted Chioggia Beet Salad, Mache, Toasted Hazelnuts, and Brown Butter

The Lawrence

905 Juniper Street
Midtown
Atlanta, GA 30309
(770) 710-1618
www.thelawrenceatlanta.com
Hours: Mon-Sun 5pm-10pm

2012 Atlanta Rising Star Chef Shane Devereux grew up in Philadelphia, but it’s in Atlanta that he’s made his mark as a chef. Although his earlier projects (Sound Table, Top Flr) have been more music-based (his partners tour internationally as DJs), his new restaurant The Lawrence gives Devereux the opportunity to really focus on his cuisine, expanding his reach as part-owner. Inspired by his part Vietnamese-heritage, along with his classic French training, Devereux’s menu offers Asian riffs on bar snack favorites, along with higher brow compositions that nod to the French kitchens he grew up in. The bistro-style dining room—tiled floors, open kitchen, and floor-to-ceiling windows—provide a casual, cheerful atmosphere for 2007 Atlanta Rising Star Mixologist Eric Simpkins' stunning and delightful cocktails.

Recommended:

Duck Tongue Carnitas, Cotija Cheese, Tomatillo, and Cilantro

Potato Gnocchi, Pearl Onion, Chicharrónes, and Fennel Frond Pistou

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The Little Tart Bakeshop

1010 Marietta Street Northwest
Grant Park
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 815-9886
www.littletartatl.com
Hours: Mon 7am-10pm; Tue-Fri 7am-12am; Sat 8am-12am; Sun 8am-10pm

Couple Sarah O’Brien and Deon Kay are just as cute as the French bakers they take inspiration from. Their bakeshop, The Little Tart, inside the Grant Park location of Octane Coffee, was conceived during O’Brien’s experiences working in a Parisian bakery. And every touch, from the curly scripted menu and white-washed brick walls to the brimming pastry case, fits the bill. It’s not just ambiance they imported from Paris. The flaky pastry, sweet tarts, and creamy custards don’t disappoint. Alongside a cup of expertly brewed coffee from Octane Barista Dustin Matson, it’s the perfect coffee and pastry stop, any day of the week.

Recommended:

Crème Fraîche Quiche with Local Carrot Salad

Local Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Candied Kumquats

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Local Three

3290 Northside Parkway Northwest
North Atlanta, Randall Mill
Atlanta, GA 30327
(404) 968-2700
www.localthree.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm; Mon-Thu 5:30pm-10pm; Sat 5:30pm-9pm; Sun 10:30am-2:30pm

Local Three Kitchen is just what it says it is: a locals’ hang out. On any given night, the dining room is guaranteed to be packed with chefs noshing on a charcuterie plate, tourists in for some Southern fare, and a few sports fans arguing over the latest Georgia Tech game with Chef Chris Hall. Hall doesn’t apologize for his simple approach to cuisine, but that’s because there’s no need; his bold flavors offer plenty of reason to pack the house. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s such a fun place to be—pig murals and funky artwork line the walls, and if you look closely, you may see an homage or two to “the Dude.”

Recommended:

Blistered Spring Beans, Crispy Garlic, Lemon, and Bottarga

Tennessee Rabbit Tasting: Crispy Croquette, Braised Hind Shank, Logan Turnpike Grits, and Ramps

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Miller Union

1000 Brady Avenue Northwest
Knight Park
Atlanta, GA 30318
(678) 733-8550
www.millerunion.com
Hours: Tue-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm; Mon-Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm

At Steven Satterfield’s Miller Union, farm-to-table cuisine doesn’t just mean using fresh, local produce. It means finding the best quality product, and creating an inventive menu that invites diners into a whole new experience. Chef de Cuisine Justin Burdett does just that, turning out a menu of fresh seafood, house-made sausages, and rich porky entrees that keeps Miller Union among the best in Atlanta. Pastry Chef Pamela Moxley plays toward the comfort side of things, keeping things creative with savory combinations and a mixture of textures. And Mixologist Stuart White mixes refreshing, balanced cocktails, offering up playful and light drinks. Take a seat in the inviting dining room—sweeping windows, vaulted ceilings (complete with a library ladder to peek into nooks and crannies), and vintage-culinary décor like a wall of heirloom cast-iron pans—and lets this team sweep you away.

Recommended:

Raw Capers, Inlet Oysters and Clams with Heirloom Carrot Juice, Shaved Radish and Fennel, and Celery Oil

Strawberry-Basil Napoleon, Caramelized Phyllo, and Strawberry Granita

Land of Cotton: Bourbon, Cherry, Peanut, and Lime

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Miso Izakaya

619 Edgewood Avenue SE # 101
Inman Park
Atlanta, GA 30312
(678) 701-012
www.misoizakaya.com
Hours: Mon: 5:30pm-10pm; Tue-Sat 5:30pm-12am

Whether you want traditional Japanese mother's home cooking or the late-night grub every chef has been talking about in Atlanta, head to Miso Izakaya. 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Chef Guy Wong, who trained at an izakaya in Japan before launching his own version, puts his heart and soul into the food. And while Wong could have gone for Asian lanterns when it came to the décor, Miso Izakaya is understated and elegant with modern lamps and dark wood. Atmosphere aside, the food is the real reason to head to this Old Fourth Ward restaurant. It's not the motif, it's Wong's congee and kimchi rice that are unforgettable.

Recommended:

Pork Kimchi Rice

Crispy Garlic Shrimp with Congee

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The National

232 West Hancock Avenue
Athens
Athens, GA 30601
(706) 549-3450
www.thenationalrestaurant.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30am-3pm; Mon-Thu 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-close; Sun 5pm-10pm

Athens may not be brimming with culinary destinations, but the few it has knock the ball out of the park. If you are headed that way (nearly two hours outside of Atlanta city proper) The National should be on your must-go list. After working together at Five and Ten, 2007 Atlanta Rising Star Chef Hugh Acheson and 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Chef Peter Dale teamed up to open this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. Finding similarities in Southern and Mediterranean regional product, Dale features his approach to local produce, mixing the bold spices of Spain and the Middle East and his creative touch. An added bonus: the rich blue room is a soothing relief on a hot Georgia summer day, with polished Mediterranean-inspired motif.

Recommended:

Orange and Aleppo Marinated Mussels and Cucumber and Georgia Olive Oil Gazpacho

Lamb Chop and Kefte, Spring Tabbouleh, Feta, and Pecan Muhummara

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Octopus Bar

560 Gresham Ave
East Atlanta
Atlanta, GA 30316
(404) 627-9911
OctopusbarATL.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30pm-3:30am

Pop-ups, underground supper clubs, dinner parties. As Atlanta’s culinary scene continues to grow, you can find them all. But Octopus Bar isn’t a pop-up, and it isn’t a supper club. So what is it? It’s a restaurant that just happens to live squarely inside of another restaurant. When the evening hours grow close, Chef Angus Brown takes over the patio portion of East Atlanta’s So Ba, and Octopus Bar (a nod to the patio’s octopus artwork perhaps?) comes alive and stays running into the wee hours of the night. It’s a creative way to capitalize on time and space. And while Brown’s rich Japanese-inspired tasting menus aren’t exactly typical late-night food, they are worth exploring the later side of things at this double-sided spot.

Recommended:

Lobster Rolls

Beef Heart Tartare, Squid Ink, Black Garlic, Foraged Greens, and Smoked Trout Roe -

Kusshi Oyster, Risotto, Prosecco, Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms, Asparagus, and Herbs

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One Eared Stag

1029 Edgewood Avenue Northeast
Inman Park
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 525-4479
www.oneearedstag.com
Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

While 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Chef Robert Phalen's first outlet, Holy Taco, is spot in the middle of East Atlanta, his second, One Eared Stag, is almost hidden away on a side street in Inman Park. But the homey-space is worth searching for; it's the type of place you'll want to hang out in all day (and drink in all night). An Old World-style communal table fills the dining room, and fresh produce and artful vegetable diagrams give the space an almost vintage feel. Phalen's composed presentations (think Michael Bras meets Alice Waters), combine the sensibility of Southern cuisine, distinct flavor combinations, and a touch of fancy living. Whether he's transforming Japanese favorite tuna collar into an approachable (and luxurious) meal, or updating the classic French radish salad with whipped lardo, this chef is dreaming up big things for Atlanta.

Recommended:

Oysters Crudo, Watermelon, Basil, Smoked Trout Roe, and Preserved Lemon

Whole Roasted Tuna Collar and Arugula Gremolata

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Parish Food & Goods

240 N Highland Avenue
Inman Park
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 681-4434
www.parishatl.com
Hours: Tues-Thur 5:30pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5:30-11pm; Sun 5:30-9pm; Brunch Sat-Sun 10-3pm

Surrounded by all the rustic Old World appeal of a historical 1890s pipe factory, Parish Food & Goods dazzles you with a sweeping Southern brick dining room, Venetian-style colored glass chandeliers, oversized chalkboard menus, and a stamped tin roof. But this Old Fourth Ward restaurant doesn’t rest on its beautifully designed laurels. The New Orleans menu is equally impressive, and when we tasted with Chef Joe Schafer (who has since moved on to helm JCT. Kitchen & Bar), we were blown away by the in-house charcuterie and dedication to Southern product. New Chef Edward Russell (an alum of Five and Ten and Farm 255) shows equal promise. And Sommelier Justin Amick aptly pairs with the Southern menu, pulling from a collection of New and Old World wines to balance the sweet, rich, and pickled flavors.

Recommended:

Pan-roasted North Carolina Speckled Sea Trout, Creamed Hominy, House Pancetta, Pickled Peanut Salad, and Sapelo Clam Broth with 2010 Assyrtiko, Domaine Sigalas, Santorini, Greece

Beef Carpaccio, Watercress, Crispy Brussels Sprout Leaves, Shaved Stilton, and Lemon-Pepper Oil with 2007 Produttori del Barbaresco, Piedmont, Itlay

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PushStart Kitchen

1220 Foster Street
Knight Park, Westside
Atlanta, GA 30318
(770) 344-8674
pushstartkitchen.blogspot.com/
Hours: Times and dates vary

PushStart Kitchen may be seriously off the beaten path (the supper-club style dinners are held inside an artist’s loft at the eclectic, antebellum-esque Goat Farm Arts Center), but Chef Zach Meloy’s food is worth trekking to the “farm.” Meloy takes his Georgia heritage, mixes in his love of his wife Christina’s native Costa Rica, and comes out with a wholly Southern experience (that’s Deep South and Southern American mind you). His themed dinners run the gamut of meat-centric affairs to all out homages to Meloy’s own backyard garden produce. The basic tableware is jazzed up by the Meloy’s personal South American keepsakes and art (fitting for the artist studio backdrop). And PushStart is hopefully just the beginning for this entrepreneurial couple; ideally the success of the supper-club will push the couple into a future brick-and-mortar location.

Recommended:

Sous Vide Beef Petit Tender, Roasted Sweet Potato, Crispy Thyme-scented Oats, Wild Mushroom Fricasse, Queso Fresco, and Pistachio Praline

Root Vegetable Dessert: Parsnip Cake, Honey Black Pepper Goat Cheese, Maple Granola, and Dulce de Leche

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Rathbun’s

112 Krog Street Northeast
Inman Park
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 524-8280
www.rathbunsrestaurant.com
Hours: Mon-Thu 5:30pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm

When you want a classic cuisine done right in Hotlanta, there’s one place to head, and that’s Rathbun’s (one of the reasons we named Kevin Rathbun our 2007 Atlanta Rising Star Restaurateur). Although the décor is a bit dated (the mod-style dining room features red Chinese lanterns), after nearly a decade, Rathbun is still putting up spot-on preparations—and is still in the kitchen himself, a rarity in these celebrity-chef driven times. And Sommelier Joon Lim pairs the cuisine with a novel wine list, looking to educate and excite his guests with outside-the-box offerings.

Recommended:

Crisped Apalachicola Oysters, Cippollini Butter, Ossetra Caviar, and Achiote Johnny Cake with Blanc de Blancs, Pierre Peters, Les Mesnil-Sur-Oger, Champagne NV

Chicken Heart Risotto, Wild Mushrooms, Brussels Sprout Leaves, and 2009 Grana Padano with Zinfandel, Orin Swift 'Saldo', California

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Restaurant Eugene

2277 Peachtree Rd
Buckhead
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 355-0321
www.restauranteugene.com
Hours: Mon-Sun 5:30pm-close

As the big city in the South, Atlanta has embraced comfort cuisine like no other, naming fried chicken, pickled vegetables, and fancified burgers as its signatures. But while other chefs have leaned hard on the comfort side, 2007 Atlanta Rising Star Chef Linton Hopkins insists Southern cuisine doesn’t have to be overcooked or overtly rich. With his soulful cuisine, artistic plating, and dedication to traditional, seasonal Southern ingredients and techniques, Hopkins motivates his kitchen and staff to reach beyond their limits. Restaurant Eugene offers Atlanta’s diners one of the few fine-dining locales in the city, a chance to be truly swept away in an intimate enchanted setting. And 2012 Atlanta Rising Stars Pastry Chef Aaron Russell provides the sweet finish to a Hopkins meal, offering a bold take—sweet-savory combinations, modern technique, contrasting textures—in Atlanta’s pastry market.

Recommended:

Berkshire Black Pork Belly, Hominy, House Made Pickles, and Whole Grain Mustard

Joyce Farms Poussin, Chestnut-Game Jus, Heirloom Sweet Potatoes, and Brussels Sprouts

English Pea Sorbet, Mint, Green Tea, Lemon, and Champagne

Strawberry Consommé, Barley Cake, Cucumber, Yogurt, and Peppermint

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1198 Howell Mill Road NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 365-0410
www.starprovisions.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-10pm

When you want the best salumi, cured meats, and pâtés in town, head to Anne Quatrano’s Star Provisions, where 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Artisan Chef Todd Immel has three temperature and air-flow controlled rooms at his disposal for anything and everything meat related. Provisions is also a one-stop-shop for all things culinary, with a vast assortment of artisanal cheeses, baked goods, wine, beer, and other pantry staples. And you can’t help but be temped by the luxe home goods artfully scattered on the picnic-style table and throughout the rest of the petite store. From hand cast pottery to leather-trimmed market bags, it’s any food-lover’s shopping dream come true (with access to next door Bacchanalia, Abattoir, and Quinones at Bacchanalia to boot!).

Recommended:

Sopressata

Andalusian Chorizo

STG Trattoria

102 West Paced Ferry
Buckhead
Atlanta, GA 30310
404-844-2879
stgtrattoria.com/
Hours: Tue-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm; Sat 12pm-3pm; Tue-Sat 5:30pm-close; Sun 5:30pm-9pm

Named for 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Restaurateur Brian Lewis’ three sons, STG Trattoria is all about family. In the wide-open dining room, Lewis creates that sense of familial warmth through relaxed service and a bright, inviting space. Chef Josh Hopkins (an alum of Abattoir and the Anne Quatrano family) takes on rustic Italian cuisine, heading the pizza oven to churn out wood-fired pizzas. The thin crust pizzas are mouth watering, but save room for the rest of the menu, a collection of rustic toasts, small plates, and lighter-than-air pastas. And we can’t wait to head back to sample Mixologist David Durnell’s delights at their amaro bar.

Recommended:

Veal Tongue and Marinated Anchovy

Swiss Chard Ravioli, Ricotta, Lemon, and Basil

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Sugar-Coated Radical

108 Howell St Northeast
Old Fourth Ward
Atlanta, GA 30312
404-587-4912
www.sugarcoatedradical.org
Hours: Thu-Fri: 12pm-6pm; Sat-Sun 9am-4pm

Sugar-Coated Radical may be a tiny, bare bones shop on a side street in the Old Fourth Ward, but it offers big flavors and big talent. 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Community Chef Taria Camerino seduces her customers with a variety of hand-dipped chocolates, cadies, and treats, featuring fair trade chocolate, local produce, and sustainable packaging. And while she may be a classically French-trained pastry chef, there is nothing classic about Camerino. From her wild art installations and edible stickers, to her “emotions in a bottle,” Camerino is always working on something sweetly radical. And don't miss the Sunday morning pop-ups, featuring ethnic riffs on treats from Camerino's past—flaky creamed kale tarts, light and fluffy coconut cake, and chorizo-potato hand pies.

Recommended:

Creamed Kale Tart

72 Percent Ghana Ganache Tart with Pink Peppercorn and Wild Blueberry Meringue

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Woodfire Grill

1782 Cheshire Bridge Road
Piedmont Heights
Atlanta, GA 30324
404-347-9055
www.woodfiregrill.com
Hours: Tue-Thu 5:30pm-10pm; 5:30pm-11pm

Atlanta is known for its dedication to local Southern produce, but Woodfire Grill is a sustainable house unlike any other. Calling Chef Kevin Gillespie dedicated is putting it lightly; this, obsessed chef brings in whole animals, only serves seasonal produce and fish, and demands the highest standards when it comes to sustainability. He also presents a delicious menu inside the copper-walled dining room, drawing inspiration from that prime product, as well as global influences (Moroccan flavors in one instance). And 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Pastry Chef Chrysta Poulos approaches the pastry plate with an artist’s hand, plating her modern, whimsical courses across a plate’s surface as if it were canvas.

Recommended:

Pan-roasted Georges Bank Scallop, Roasted Fennel, Piquillo Peppers, Oil-cured Olives, Capers, Pine Nut Relish, and Tomato and Charred Lemon Emulsion

Oven-roasted Local Berkshire Pork Loin, Lentils de Puy, Slow Cooked Pork Belly, Pork Skin, and Walnuts Braised in Honey and Banyuls

Valrhona Ivoire-Vanilla Noodles, Oranges, Hazelnut Croquant, Big Bison Ale Ice Cream, and Candied Micro Cilantro

Sticky Toffee Pudding, Toffee Sauce, and Coffee Crema

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Yeah! Burger

1168 Howell Mill Road
Inman Park
Atlanta, GA
(404) 496-4393
www.yeahburger.com/
Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-10pm; Fri 11:30am-11pm; Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-10pm

Don't roll your eyes, but this burger joint has been known to make a customer or two cry. Tears, really? The gluten-free burger buns, onion rings, and more offer people with celiac options rarely given elsewhere. And Chef-Owner Shaun Doty isn't afraid to say he's proud that the two-locations of Yeah! Burger can be both highly profitable and offer the Atlanta community such a dining delight. But the spot isn't just for those avoiding gluten: Doty's burgers are packed with top-notch ingredients (grass-fed beef, organic turkey, and heirloom Sea Island red beans) and topped with a variety of his house-made Southern-style dressings (think Alabama hot sauce and white Mississippi barbecue). Along with his cheeky pop-art motif and milkshakes-for-the-kids, beer-for-the-dads mentality, this fast-casual restaurant is on the road to joining the ranks of Atlanta’s haute cuisine couture.

Recommended:

Yeah! Burger: Grass-fed Beef, Grilled Onions, Pickles, American Cheese, and Yeah! Sauce

Vidalia Onion Rings

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Steady Hand Pour House

1593 North Decatur Road
Emory Village
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 687-5177
www.steadyhandcoffee.com
Hours: Mon-Fri: 7am-6pm; Sat-Sun: 8am-6pm

After working together at several cafés in Atlanta and consulting a roaster in Australia, Baristas-Owners Dale Donchey and Jordan Chambers finally branched out on their own java-venture. First came Rattletrap, where Donchey and Chambers equipped a 1982 Volkswagen with a two groove espresso machines and took brews to the street. A few months later, Donchey and Chambers opened Steady Hand Pour House, their technique-forward coffee shop wherebrewing methods look like they belong in science labs more than a kitchen. Not only do patrons have the option to enjoy Chemex-brews, they also have the rare chance (at least in the Southeast) to try a Siphon-brewed coffee, which is as visually exciting as it is distinct on the tongue. Although technique reigns mighty here, there’s no holding back on creativity either (their Cola Cocktail is an icy and delightful nod to the Atlanta-based soda).

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SweetWater Brewing Company

195 Ottley Drive Northeast
Buckhead
Atlanta, GA 30324
(404) 691-2537
www.sweetwaterbrew.com
Hours: Mon-Tue 9am-5pm; Wed-Fri 9am-7:30pm; Sat 2:30pm-4:30pm

Unlike some of the smaller beer getups in town, SweetWater is a massive presence. Their new location will push brewing from 100,000 barrels a day to 400,000, and shows the real growth in the Atlanta beer market. That’s because it’s one of the oldest breweries in town at a ripe 15 years old. SweetWater doesn’t have its roots in Atlanta—it began in Colorado when Owners Freddy Bensch and Kevin McNerney were roommates in college—but the brewery was founded here in 1996 as one of the city’s first craft breweries. James “Nick” Nock was there at the start, working his way from brewer’s apprentice to head brewer. And with their variety of easy-to-drink, playful beers (420 anyone?), it’s no wonder they’ve been so successful.

Recommended:

Schweet

420

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Terrapin Brewery

265 Newton Bridge Road
Athens, GA 30607
(706) 549-3377
www.terrapinbeer.com/
Hours: Wed-Sat 5:30pm-7:30pm

Terrapin Owners John Cochran and Brian Buckowski took years to realize their dream, but once they got going there was no stopping them. The two put their heads together and created Terrapin, and a few years later won the Best Pale Ale competition at the American Beer Festival in 2002—only six months after creating their Rye Pale Ale. Today, the two are respected members of the Georgian craft brewing environment, having created a well known brand (built around the designs of artist Richard Biffle, who worked with the Grateful Dead, inspiration for Terrapin’s name). And while they’ve continued to grow in markets surrounding their Athens home, the team has little interest in global domination. Instead they want to stay true to their craft-brew roots, keeping production quality and on the lower end (albeit large for the growing Atlanta scene at 19,000 bottles a year).

Recommended:

Rye Pale Ale

Anniversary Beer

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STAY

The Glenn Hotel

110 Marietta Street Northwest
Midtown
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404)469-0700
www.glennhotel.com

Downtown Atlanta may not be the booming heart of city charm (at the wrong time of night, the neighborhood can seem a bit dicey), but the locale offers plenty in the way of museums, sports events, and conferences. A stay at The Glenn Hotel, tagged Atlanta’s first boutique hotel, offers not only proximity to culture, but also a mod style of its own, with back-lit walls, bright red accents, H2O organic lotions and bath products, and breathtaking views from the SkyLounge rooftop bar. And if you are looking for a bite to eat before an early morning museum visit or flight, Chef Jason Lovell at Glenn's Kitchen will get your belly happily filled with his classic comfort favorites.

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The Georgian Terrace Hotel

659 Peachtree Street Northeast
Midtown
Atlanta, GA 30308
(678) 451-7662
www.thegeorgianterrace.com/
$190

You could just as easily imagine Scarlett O'Hara (complete with hoop skirt) descending the steps of The Georgian Terrace Hotel as her modern day Southern Belle counterpart. This luxurious hotel pulls out all the stops when its comes to the sort of lavish furnishings the Old South was known for; the lobby greets you with plush silver couches, white marble columns, decadent distressed mirrors, and a sweeping atrium. The airy rooms lack some of that refined décor, but are polished and come complete with pillow-top mattresses and Gilchrist & Soames eco-friendly toiletries. Whether you’re a guest of the hotel or just stopping by to enjoy the lovely atrium, make sure you try Chef Zeb Stevenson’s contemporary American menu at Livingston Restaurant + Bar. And just across the street is the iconic Fox Theater, so The Georgian also has you prepped to enjoy some of the best theater and shows to grace Atlanta.

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InterContinental Buckhead

3315 Peachtree Road Northeast
Buckhead
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404)946-9000
www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/atlanta
$223

Spending the night at the InterContinental Buckhead is like staying the night at your friend’s vacation home—your well-to-do friend, who happens to summer off the coast of South Africa. The plush rooms are built up around the hunting décor of the hotel—deep, plush leather chairs, a spacious bamboo and marble lobby, and dark wood accents. But you won’t feel like you’re on a safari inside the airy rooms; the lighter-than-air beds, ultra deep tubs, and plush linens provide the picture of comfort. And don’t miss out on the edibles at Southern Art and Bourbon Bar. 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Chef Anthony Gray is a force to be reckoned with when it comes charcuterie and Southern delights, and the Bourbon Bar offers more than 70 varieties of stiff stuff to choose from.

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Loews Atlanta Hotel

1065 Peachtree Street Northeast
Midtown
Atlanta, GA 30309
(813) 476-1170
www.loewshotels.com/en/Atlanta-Hotel
$179

The luxurious Loews Atlanta Hotel offers anything a traveler could need—whether it’s for a rushed business trip or a relaxing Southern vacation. Let go in one of the sprawling 414 guestrooms—complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, high-tech touches, and Bliss Spa toiletries. Work out in the airy gym; then break for a deep-tissue massage at the Exhale Spa. Chef de Cuisine Shayne Vaughn provides the hotel’s nurturing elements at eleven, with a farm-to-table menu of updated classic American fare. And if a short errand calls during your stay, the Loews staff is happy to whisk you anywhere (within a three-mile radius) compliments of their Infiniti transportation services.

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Omni Hotel at CNN Center

100 CNN Center
Midtown
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 659-0000
www.omnihotels.com/findahotel/atlantacnncenter.aspx
$159

The massive two-building Omni Hotel at the CNN Center harkens to Atlanta’s days as a convention center town—with 1,070 rooms, this downtown hotel is ready to hold the masses. But it’s as equally satisfying as it is large, with elegant, spacious rooms, skyline views, and ultra-luxe Molton Brown bath products. (Join the Select Guest program and receive complimentary WiFi and pressing, as well as morning beverage service at any Omni location) And while Chef Leslie Peat hails from England, his menu at the hotel’s Prime Meridian restaurant is full of Southern favorites, including cheesy grits and peach-topped French toast.

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CHEFS' FAVORITE SPOTS OFF THE BEATEN PATH

12 Bones Smokehouse

5 Riverside Drive
Asheville, NC 28814
(828) 253-4499
www.12bones.com

Recommended by: Justin Burdett
Recommended:

Hogzilla

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The Admiral

400 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 252-2541
www.theadmiralnc.com

When Chef Ivan Candido took the reins of The Admiral from legend of the Asheville restaurant scene, Chef Elliot Moss, he was doing more than just taking over a kitchen—he ascended to the helm of a beloved institution. Candido, who is originally from Mexico City, is carrying on The Admiral’s tradition of creativity and also blurring the lines between casual and fine-dining food. Look for delicious treatments of duck, sweetbreads, and bone marrow.

Recommended by: Justin Burdett

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Antico Pizza Napoletana

1093 Hemphill Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30318
(40) 724-2333
www.anticopizza.it

Recommended by: Chris Hall

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Brick Store Pub

125 East Court Square
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 687-0900
www.brickstorepub.com

Recommended by: Chris Hall

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Bone Garden Cantina

1425 Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard, Suite 6
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 418-9072
www.bonegardencantina.com

Recommended by: Chris Hall
Recommended:

Taco el Pastro

Cactus Salad

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Co'm Vietnamese Grill

4005 Buford Highway NE
Atlanta, GA 30345

www.comgrill.com

Recommended by: Pamela Moxley

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Comm Grill

5486 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road
Atlanta, GA 30338
(770) 512-7410
www.comgrill.com

Recommended by: Jared Lee Pyles

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Community Q BBQ

1361 Clairmont Road
Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 633-2080
www.communityqbbq.com

Recommended by: Linton Hopkins
Recommended:

Beef Tongue Tacos, Octopus

Bulgogi, Korean Tacos

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Cucina24

24 Wall Street
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 254-6170
www.cucina24restaurant.com

Brian Canipelli’s food is decadent and deliciously dirty, like the rock n’ roll music that inspires him. (His beef carpaccio, bone marrow béarnaise and puffed beef shin tendon was instigated by Led Zeppelin’s, “Achilles Last Stand.”) Canipelli’s gastronomic groove is drop-dead center between luxury and humility and his equilibrium of elegance and innovative edge characterizes the cuisine at Cucina24 in Asheville, North Carolina. It’s the only place in the world where you can get potato skin brodo, a technique that Canipelli invented that transforms the normally trashed peel into a singular treasure—especially when poured over a bowl of Vietnamese pho or springy gnocchi. Canipelli’s preternatural ability to marry the sublime with the scrappy, escorts your taste buds up the savory stairway to heaven.

Recommended by: Justin Burdett
Recommended:

Potato Gnocchi in Baked Potato Brodo with Chives, and Olive Oil

Beef Carpaccio, Bone Marrow Béarnaise, and Puffed Beef Shin Tendon

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Desta Ethiopian Kitchen

3086 Briarcliff Road
Atlanta, GA 30329
(404) 929-0011
www.destaethiopiankitchen.com

Recommended by: Pamela Moxley
Recommended:

Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Stilton Blue Cheese

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Dutch Monkey Doughnuts

3075 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Suite 502
Cumming, GA 30041
(404) 432-5130
www.dutchmonkeydoughnuts.com

Recommended by: Pamela Moxley
Recommended:

Onion Masala Dosa and Palak Paneer

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The Euclid Avenue Yacht

1136 Euclid Avenue NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 688-2582
www.theeayc.com

Recommended by: Drew Van Leuvan

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Figo Pasta

1170 Collier Road
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 351-9667
www.figopasta.com

Recommended by: Linton Hopkins
Recommended:

Cheesesteak

Milkshakes

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Fritti

309 North Highland Avenue NE
Atlanta, GA 30307

Recommended by: Hugh Acheson
Recommended:

Duck Grape Leaf Rolls

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Golden House

1600 Pleasant Hill Road
Lawrenceville, GA 30044
(678) 985-3620

Recommended by: Stuart White
Recommended:

Dim Sum, Duck, Chicken Feet, Tripe, and Shrimp Dumplings

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Hankook Taqueria

1341 Collier Road
Atlanta, GA 30318

Recommended by: Shaun Doty
Recommended:

Fruit Salad with Lime and Guajillo pepper

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571 Memorial Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 223-9279
mibarrioatlanta.com

Recommended by: Ford Fry
Recommended:

Pizza

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Ming's BBQ

5150 Buford Highway NE
Atlanta, GA 30340
(770) 451-6985

Recommended by: Ford Fry
Recommended:

Roasted Pork

Chinese Broccoli

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3927 Covington Highway
Decatur, GA 30032
(404) 286-2749

Recommended by: Drew Belline

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The Porter Beer Bar

1156 Euclid Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 223-0393
www.theporterbeerbar.com

Recommended by: Hector Santiago
Recommended:

Jerk Chicken

Pigeon Pies

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Ria's Bluebird

421 Memorial Drive
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 521-3737
www.riasbluebird.com

Recommended by: Dave Larkworthy

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Shoya Izakaya

6035 Peachtree Road A-101
Atlanta, GA 30360
(770) 457-5555
www.shoyaatlanta.com

Recommended by: Dave Larkworthy

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Saravanaa Bhavan

2179 Lawrenceville Highway
Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 636-4400
www.saravanabhavan.com

Recommended by: Pamela Moxley
Recommended:

Apple Cider Doughnuts and Maple-glazed Yeast

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So Ba

560 Gresham Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30316
(404) 627-9911
www.soba-eav.com

Recommended by: Hector Santiago

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Sublime Doughnuts

535 Tenth Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 897-1801
www.sublimedoughnuts.com

Recommended by: Antoinette Bruno

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Super Pan Latino Sandwich Shop

1057 Blue Ridge Avenue Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 477-0379
www.superpanlatinosandwichshop.com

Recommended by: Antoinette Bruno

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Table 1280

1280 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 897-1280
www.woodruffcenter.org

Recommended by: Hector Santiago

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Taqueria La Oaxaqueña

605 Mount Zion Road
Jonesboro, GA 30236
(770) 960-3010
www.taquerialaoaxaquena.com

Recommended by: Pamela Moxley
Recommended:

Huaraches and Oaxaca Tlayude

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1100 Howell Mill Road
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 872-3973
www.westeggcafe.com

Recommended by: Robert Phalen

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Woody's Cheesesteaks

981 Monroe Drive Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 872-3973
www.woodyscheesesteaks.com

Recommended by: Robert Phalen

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zyka

1677 Scott Blvd
Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 728-4444
www.zyka.com

Recommended by: Stuart White
Recommended:

Spicy Tandori Meats

Yogurt Vegetable Dishes

Soft Breads

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Good Ol’ Southern Food (and Drink) in ATL

EAT

DRINK

STAY

CHEFS' FAVORITE SPOTS OFF THE BEATEN PATH

EAT

Holy Taco

Latitude

Star Provisions

DRINK

Jittery Joe's Coffee Roasting Co.

STAY

CHEFS' FAVORITE SPOTS OFF THE BEATEN PATH

12 Bones Smokehouse

The Admiral

Antico Pizza Napoletana

Brick Store Pub

Bone Garden Cantina

Co'm Vietnamese Grill

Comm Grill

Community Q BBQ

Cucina24

Desta Ethiopian Kitchen

Dutch Monkey Doughnuts

The Euclid Avenue Yacht

Figo Pasta

Fritti

Golden House

Hankook Taqueria

Hong Kong Harbour Restaurant

Lee's Bakery

Little Bangkok

Lotta Frutta

Mi Barrio Restaurant

Ming's BBQ

Morelli's Ice Cream

Nick's Food to Go

Nuevo Laredo

Ocean's Jamaican

The Porter Beer Bar

Ria's Bluebird

Shoya Izakaya

Saravanaa Bhavan

So Ba

Sublime Doughnuts

Super Pan Latino Sandwich Shop

Table 1280

Taqueria La Oaxaqueña

Taqueria Los Rayos

Tomato Cucina Latina

Tuk Tuk

West Egg Cafe

Woody's Cheesesteaks

zyka

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