Atlanta :: For some it conjures recollections of the antebellum South. Others see it as the throbbing epicenter of the Georgia’s LGBT community. For foodies, Atlanta is a capital of world-class cuisine. Influenced by cultures both near & far, and supplied by a bounty of regional farmers & artisanal makers, no other American city sets a table quite like the Empire of the South. The 2015 David Atlanta Restaurant Guide gives only a tiny snapshot of our city’s eateries. Sink your teeth into Atlanta’s thriving restaurant scene. Your table’s waiting.
Casual Dining – Dinner with the Boys
A meal on-the-town shared amongst friends is one of life’s treasures. Atlanta’s offerings are endless. Gather your pals and enjoy a few hours at a welcoming table. Here are a few favorites.
Burkhart’s
With lots of quiet outside table vignettes served by a friendly wait staff, Burkhart’s is a wonderful gathering ground for a nice meal before hitting the town. Heck, you don’t even need to leave the bar to get the party started. There is something for everyone each night of the week, from drag shows to karaoke, to share with your pals.
Try one of their house ground steak burgers. Made daily from New York Strip and Ribeye cuts.
1492 Piedmont Ave. NE • burkharts.com • 404-872-4403
Johnny’s Pizza
If you’re looking for full-flavored Italian pizza without the European attitude, look no further. Johnny’s is a good deal any time of the week and its location is the perfect spot to meet up with your friends for a well-priced meal. If you’re feeling the need for greens, they also have an excellent house salad.
Try The Great White, a white sauced pizza with grilled chicken, sliced tomatoes, and spinach.
1810 Cheshire Bridge Rd. NE • johnnyspizza.com • 404-874-8304
Las Margaritas
This popular Mexican establishment brings you all the things that you like for getting together with friends and starting the party. From their extensive tequila bar and authentic margaritas, to their yummy cuisine and famous Sunday brunch, you will always find a fun time for you and your cohorts.
Try the Carnitas made with tender slow roasted pork doused with garlic and lemon sauce.
1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd. NE • lasmargaritasmidtown.com • 404-873-4464
Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill
The warmth of the tropics awaits you right here in Atlanta. Papi’s brings you all the most desirable dishes the islands have to offer (the island boys are a la carte). It’s a great place for an exotic getaway with your friends without packing any luggage.
Try Rey’s Cuban Sandwich. It has to be one of the best Cuban sandwiches in Atlanta.
216 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE • papisgrill.com • 404-607-1525
Roxx
A long-time favorite for Midtown, Roxx’s eclectic menu is always a great choice for catching up with your friends. Boasting daily specials, they’re always ready to tempt the senses and spare the pocket book. Roxx’s year ’round patio is the ideal setting for a casual get-together and employs some of the friendliest staff in town.
Get Thanksgiving any day with carved turkey breast and apple cornbread stuffing. It’s even served with cranberry relish and whipped mashed potatoes.
1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd. NE • roxxfanclub.com • 404-892-4541
Great Gatherings – Perfect for Large Parties
Birthdays, Weddings, Celebrations, Business Banquets: all of these events require a memorable venue able to accommodate a large group. These are choices that can make your function unforgettable.
Lips
For the ultimate in drag dining look no further than Atlanta’s rendition of this famous franchise. The long tables are perfect for a huge party no matter what the event. Your servers are actually the lovely queens in the show. Lips is where you can find established performers like Charlie Brown and Bubba D. Licious, but also where newer performers are perfecting their craft.
The Monica Van Pelt: It’s a pan seared ahi tuna dusted with sesame seeds accompanied by a tangy orange ponzu sauce.
3011 Buford Hwy NE • lipsatl.com • 404-315-7711
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
For over 70 years Mary Mac’s has set the standard for Southern cooking in Atlanta. They have several dining rooms that can accommodate parties from 20 to 200. Their focus on serving made-from-scratch true Southern fare served with genuine Georgia hospitality has made them a staple for generations.
If it’s your first visit to Mary Mac’s be sure to ask for your complimentary cup of pot likker. And, don’t miss their fried okra–a classic.
224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE • marymacs.com • 404-876-1800
No Mas
With a concept that combines The Cantina Restaurant serving classic Mexican favorites & house specialties, and the Hacienda Showroom with an amazing collection of artistic creations from Mexico, No Mas is muy bueno for large parties. They even have the Adios Café where you can get a big group together for breakfast.
You’ll love the Salmon Del Diablo. It’s been blackened and deeply seasoned arriving on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, grilled zucchini and squash.
180 Walker St SW • nomascantina.com • 404-574-5678
Thai Chili
Finding great Thai food in Atlanta was virtually impossible until Thai Chili came along 20 years ago. This Southeast Asian family-owned restaurant, has traditional Thai fare and offers floor seating as an option. If you’re into boldly flavored food you’re in luck here. Just make sure to order it “Thai spicy.” This venue can also host some pretty large-scale parties.
Try their super spicy Basil Scallops sautéed with peppers and onions in their signature “Thai Chili” basil sauce on top of romaine lettuce.
2169 Briarcliff Rd NE • thaichilicuisineatlanta.com • 404-315-6750
TWO Urban Licks
Boasting three areas for large parties of up to 75 people, the newest addition to TWO is the private dining space on the second floor, The Ballroom. Overlooking the main dining room’s bustling scene, it’s a special setting for any exclusive event. The restaurant features delectable wood-fired cuisine, rotating rotisseries, and a unique 26-foot wine-on-tap barrel wall–the very first in the country!
Try their Wood fired grilled flat iron steak with green beans, wild mushrooms, herb whipped potatoes and chimichurri.
820 Ralph Mcgill Blvd NE • twourbanlicks.com • 404-522-4622
Romantic Rendezvous – Great Date Places
Your special man deserves the finest our city has to offer. These selections are perfect for those evenings when the busy world seems to fade away, leaving just you two.
10th & Piedmont
The restaurant’s modern, open, and airy dining room with over-sized windows looking onto Midtown is a date-night destination. Better yet are their seasonally-inspired dishes portioned for sharing. On Tuesday evenings they offer excellent discounted dinners for two, plus an Absolut special.
Try their delectable braised short rib spring rolls stuffed with caramelized onions, spinach, provolone cheese, roasted red peppers. Then dip them into some of the best spicy chipotle aioli around.
991 Piedmont Ave. NE • communitashospitality.com/10th-and-piedmont • 404-602-5510
Bantam + Biddy
For great Southern fare specializing in local free-range and pastured chicken, you must try Bantam + Biddy. It’s one of those restaurants that has made it their focus to provide no-nonsense cuisine with an attention to gluten-free/vegetarian offerings, seasonal sides, and of course superior rotisserie chicken.
Try the fried chicken and cheddar waffles. It’s a slight spin on the southern classic. Upgrade to a bacon cheddar waffle, it will change your life.
1544 Piedmont Ave. Suite 301 (in Ansley Mall) • bantamandbiddy.com • 404-907-3469
Einstein’s
While many know this restaurant for its lovely patio, it also invites for a date-night, with quiet booths plus a romantic fireplace. Expect innovative cuisine with clever recreations of Southern comfort classics served by a superior & friendly staff.
Try Einstein’s Irish Créme Brülée made with Irish whiskey and served with espresso cookies as a treat for you and your date as the perfect end of the meal, but hopefully not the end of the night.
1077 Juniper St. NE • einsteinatlanta.com 404-876-7925
Genki Noodles
Sushi is an excellent food idea for date-nights. It’s beautiful to see, as well as consume. Sushi is known to have aphrodisiacal qualities as well. Salmon and mackerel are believed to help produce sex hormones with their omega-3 fatty acids. Besides all of that, Genki has soft lighting and high-backed booths that just beg a party for only two.
Try the Super Crunch roll made with salmon, avocado, and cream cheese then made crunchy with fried tempura and topped with spicy mayo.
1040 North Highland Ave. • genkiatl.com • 404-853-8319
Ribalta Pizza
When you think of true Neapolitan pizza it’s unlikely you imagine toppings of hot dogs, french fries, and mozzarella. Yet that is what you’ll find here. Take a walk on the hand-tossed wild side at the pizzeria that has taken Atlanta by storm. Ribalta not only knows their pies, but also excels at all Neapolitan cuisine.
Try the Zola Pizza in Pala Blanca (white sauce) made for two with radicchio, sweet Italian sausage, gorgonzola, mozzarella, and truffle oil.
1080 Peachtree street NE Suite # 9 • ribaltapizzarestaurant.com • 404-249-7019
Very Vino – Expansive Wine List
Fine wine is much more than a beverage; it is a lifestyle. Entire empires have been built thanks to the fruits of the vine. Here are some outstanding local restaurants with storied wine collections.
Apres Diem
Feeling like a classic European bistro, Apres Diem has been an Atlanta staple since their days as Café Diem in Little Five Points. Apres gives you a stellar dining experience paired with a well-priced and well-endowed wine list. Relax with a glass of vino or cup of espresso after watching an indie-film at the theater next door.
Try a glass of Sangiovese, Rubio for the full bodied flavor of this “Baby Brunello” from Italy. Because of the way it develops, you can smell the aromas of red cherries, violets and currants.
931 Monroe Dr. NE • apresdiem.com • 404-872-3333
Campagnolo
This establishment has quickly become a neighborhood favorite for dining and socializing. The seasonal menu offers Italian favorites with creative twists. Additionally, the expansive wine list includes very nice selections from Italy, Spain, and France that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Try a bottle of Castello di Bolgheri Varvara. The best aspect here is the balance the wine shows with bright cherry fruit and spice. Beyond those soft layers are more delicate aromas of herb and black pepper.
980 Piedmont Ave. • campagnoloatl.com • 404-343-2446
Fogo de Chao
An important element of Brazilian culture is Churrasco, the gaucho way of roasting meats over open fire for delicious barbecues. Fogo believes wine is an integral part of a gourmet meal. They have built an extensive wine collection, and are a recipient of the prestigious Wine Spectator Magazine Award of Excellence for eight consecutive years.
You must to try their cheese rolls called Pao de Queijo. They’re surprisingly gluten free because they are made with the tuber of the manioc plant. They are a soft, chewy roll with a pronounced cheese flavor.
3101 Piedmont Rd NE • fogodechao.com • 404-266-9988
ONE Midtown Kitchen
Featuring a 75-label award-winning wine list, and an impressive cocktail menu, ONE offers the “Bottomless Wine Glass” where the choices are priced in tiers. You’ll discover serene and understated décor with an incredible view of the Atlanta skyline, Piedmont Park, and the bustling Beltline.
Try the Domaine Serene pinot noir from Oregon’s most esteemed vineyard. If you’re looking for one of the region’s banner wines, this is the bottle for you.
559 Dutch Valley Rd. • onemidtownkitchen.com • 404-892-4111
The Spence
Helmed by the winner of Bravo’s Top Chef All-Stars, Chef Richard Blais, The Spence has some of the best food in the Atlanta. The wine list is broken into two quirky categories: “Tried and True”, and “Leap of Faith.” While the former can be more expensive, you will definitely recognize the names. With “Leap of Faith” you are in for an oenophilic adventure.
The menu at The Spence changes regularly according to what they are into at the moment, whether it’s an ingredient, band, chef or current event. Just go in prepared with open minds and empty stomachs.
Centergy, 75 5th St. NW • thespenceatl.com • 404-892-9111
Looky Loo – We Mean Eye Candy!
Excellent food paired with luscious eye-candy–what could be finer? These establishments play host to feasts for all the senses. “Waiter, I’ll have what he’s having!”
G’s Midtown
Known for its very exciting karaoke on Sundays, this American gastropub features a well thought out menu that delights all the senses. Additionally, its location and oversized windows lets you enjoy all the gorgeous creatures that walk or jog by. This may be the best spot for watching the Georgia Tech track team as they run past –you know who we’re talking about, don’t deny.
Try the Shrimp Po’Boy made with tempura shrimp, beefsteak tomatoes, and Creole mayo. It’s not terribly authentic, but it’s terribly good.
219 10th St. NE • communitashospitality.com/gs-midtown • 404-872-8012
Henry’s Midtown Tavern
Named after the owner’s dog, this establishment will have you howling at the moon for all the eye candy that walks by the patio. Henry’s is very well known for its delicious, chef-driven menu, as well as the beautiful people that frequent its sunny space. The Sunday brunch is the perfect time to sit back with some dark shades, and enjoy every jogging passerby.
Try one of their many Breakfast Tacos with scrambled eggs, salsa verde, and your choice of protein for brunch.
132 10th St. NE • henrysatl.com • 404-537-4477
Joe’s On Juniper
This Atlanta institution has been bringing out the boys for years. The patio alone is packed with bevies of beauties there specifically for the people watching. The wait staff is attractive & attentive, bringing reasonably priced food and drink. Things really get hopping on their famous trivia night.
Try the Sweet Tater Tots with marshmallow dipping sauce. However be mindful not to leave any of the dipping sauce on the side of your mouth.
1049 Juniper St. NE • joesonjuniper.com • 404-875-6634
Table at Ten
Sure Ten packs in the fellas at night, but before that Table at Ten is serving up made-from-scratch southern cuisine. The best time to go for the people watching is Sunday brunch. The patio is where people go to see and be seen in Midtown.
Try the delicious Hemmingway Benny with grilled salmon, poached egg, and hollandaise with crispy capers. It’s a protein packed meal that will give you the energy to check out the guys all Sunday long.
990 Piedmont Ave. NE • tableatten.com • 678-438-5533
Tap
Located at the base of Symphony Tower, Tap allows you to see the hustle & bustle of one of Midtown’s busiest crossroads. They have a simple and eclectic menu featuring bar snacks and items for sharing. Of course, they are also well known for nearly 40 beers & wines featured on tap.
Try their croque monsieur with smoked ham and Gruyere cheese on country toast.
1180 Peachtree St. NE • tapat1180.com • 404-347-2220
Chef-Driven Eats – Culinary experience just for you
The modern restaurant movement in America has been fueled by culinary masters bringing innovation and celebrity to their craft. In this, Atlanta does not disappoint. These choices feature star-spangled chefs and stellar cuisine.
Community Smith
Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Micah Willix has had the opportunity to cook at some of the most prestigious restaurants down south and here in Atlanta. He brings more than 20 years of experience and a unique perspective to his role as executive chef. A contemporary eatery with a neighborhood feel, Community Smith is the ideal place to relax over handcrafted cocktails and sharable plates.
Try the pin-wheel Porchetta created from slow-cooked pork belly and sweet pepper relish. You will never be the same.
866 West Peachtree St. NW • communitysmithatl.com • 678-412-2402
Goin’ Coastal
Touted as a “sustainable seafood joint,” Goin’ features only the highest quality seafood from sources, either fished or farmed that can exist over the long term without compromising species’ survival or the health of the ecosystem.
Try their Lobster Eggs Benedict at Sunday brunch. The lobster is delicately poached in butter. How’s that for decadent?
1021 Virginia Ave. NE • goincoastalseafood.com • 404-941-9117
JCT. Kitchen & Bar
In a part of the country where seasonal vegetables and deviled eggs are practically religion, Pennsylvania-native Executive Chef Brian Horn marries masterful technique with a simple approach to bold, balanced flavor. Regulars love JCT.’s refined comfort food, like fried chicken, house made bacon mac and cheese, and deviled eggs with country ham.
Try their famous Angry Mussels with house bacon, serrano chili, and onion toast.
Westside Urban Market, 1198 Howell Mill Road #18 • jctkitchen.com • 404-355-2252
Metro Fresh
With a menu that changes daily, owner Mitchell Anderson has been serving up seasonally inspired, super-fresh cuisine since the 2005 opening of Metro Fresh. Reading his daily blog has become a religion for followers of the restaurant who wish to be up-to-date on the ever-shifting offerings.
Sample the Lobster Tacos. They are the best in town.
931 Monroe Dr. NE • metrofreshatl.com • 404-724-0151
The Cockentrice
With on-site butchers preparing the finest pastured meats, and cheese mongers partnered with premium local dairies, Chef Kevin Ouzts presents a decisive table utilizing the preeminent ingredients for which he’s become known. Focused on pork and beef, the menu devotes a good bit of space to the slices and shavings that make up a charcuterie board.
Try the suckling pig grattons with whipped Jerusalem artichoke and brandied apricot gastrique.
99 Krog Street Suite V • thecockentrice.com • 470-428-2733
Tavern Tapas – Pub Fare
Tasty tidbits to whet your appetite while you wet your whistle. They’re not trying to be too fancy, but these bars and nightclubs know that to truly satisfy their customers edible offerings have let them go that extra mile.
Blake’s On The Park
For over 25 years Blake’s has been a hub for many Midtown denizens. Currently they are in the process of remodeling, but they are certainly always open for business. Serving a full menu from open to midnight they offer everything from burgers and fries, to pan sear salmon and chicken teriyaki.
Try the signature Blake’s Double Decker Club made with a double helping of ham, turkey, American and Swiss cheese on toasted rye bread with bacon, lettuce and tomato. Sure to hit the spot.
227 10th Street NE • blakesontheparkatlanta.com • 404-892-5786
BJ Roosters
While it’s certainly not a huge menu, it’s definitely concise. So while your enjoying all the sights of gorgeous go-go boys dancing around you can also grab a nice bite to nosh on. You gotta keep your strength up!
Try the Chicken Quesadilla, its warm and gooey in the center and crispy and brown on the outside. Kind of like their dancers.
2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd. NE • 404-634-5895
Amsterdam
This bar/club/restaurant complex has been serving up great pub fare for years. Amsterdam is a lot of things; a sports bar, a dance club, a place wear you can watch the latest music videos with your friends, and it’s a great place to hang out and eat Sunday brunch drinking bloody Mary’s.
If you’ve got a little group together grab an order of their Mile High Chicken Nachos. They’re made with house made tortilla chips and oven roasted chicken. Topped with spicy queso, guacamole and sour cream.
502-A Amsterdam Ave. NE • amsterdamatlanta.com • 404-892-2227
Jungle
Dining in the Jungle’s front room is a great way to enjoy popular shows such as “The Other Show” on Fridays and “Fantasy Girls” on Saturdays. Their full-fledged kitchen is open and ready to make everything perfect for your dining experience every night that Jungle is open.
Try the Edie Cheezburger. This “two-faced white American” grilled cheese is made with crispy bacon on thick Texas toast.
2115 Faulkner Rd. NE • jungleatl.com • 404-844-8800
Woof’s
As “Atlanta’s Sports Bar,” Woof’s knows how to keep their patrons happy; serve them ice-cold beers, strong and tasty cocktails, and fill their bellies with super tasty pub grub. You can hang all day/evening with your friends and never miss a moment of the game.
A tasty sandwich you’ll want to try is the Whole Hog. It’s super meaty with ham, sausage, salami, and Mozzarella cheese.
2425 Piedmont Rd. NE • woofsatlanta.com • 404-869 9422
Hidden Gems – Get off the beaten path
Sometimes you just feel like you’ve tried just about every restaurant in your area and need to get out of that rut for some culinary inspiration. Here’s a selections of restaurants that you might not have thought of.
La Hacienda
When you visit La Hacienda, you’re in for a treat. Experience all of their mouthwatering dishes. Their chefs are renowned for their creative combinations of spices and sauces. We can’t wait for it to warm up so we can make use of their rooftop patio.
Try the Mole Poblano made from shredded pork cooked in a brown chocolate sauce.
900 Monroe Dr. NE • lahaciendamidtown.com • 404-941-7890
Mama’s Cocina Latina
Located near the intersection of Cheshire Bridge and Piedmont Avenue, Mama’s brings you well price simple Mexican/American fare at any time of the day or night. It’s a great place to get both your taco fix and your frozen margarita fix.
Try their Fish Tacos. They are lightly fried and have a creamy, tangy sauce.
1895 Piedmont Ave. NE • No Website • 404-242-8226
Radial Café
This farm-to-table restaurant focuses on a vegan and vegetarian-friendly menu that even skews into the gluten free options. They are also the only 3-star certified green restaurants around.
Try the Gouda Scramble assembled with pork sausage or veggie sausage scrambled with cage-free eggs, caramelized onions, tomato, Gouda and fresh basil.
Candler Park Connection, 1530 DeKalb Ave. NE • radial.us • 404-659-6594
Ru Sans
Now under new ownership & management and with an updated menu, Ru Sans is ready to prove itself once again to Midtown. The cuisine has expanded to exceptionally cover not only sushi, but other Asian food staples like Yakitori meat skewers. Plus they have an awesome lunch buffet for a healthy quick meal on weekdays.
Try the dumplings in ponzu sauce called Gyoza. We like the once stuffed with shrimp the best.
1529 Piedmont Ave. NE • rusansatlanta.com • 404-875-7042
The Pig & The Pint
With an ever-changing menu that focuses on meats and seasonal ingredients, The Pig & The Pint is a great place to enjoy a simple but stellar meal. They have a wonderful beer list, many of which are locally brewed in Georgia.
Try the super tender Braised Lamb Shank with seasonal confit vegetables.
1583 Virginia Ave. • thepigandthepintatl.com • 404-549-2416
Staff Picks – From the David Staff
Top Spice – William Duffe-Braun, Sales and Development Director
The contemporary but relaxed atmosphere mixed with authentic Thai and Malaysian cuisine makes Top Spice one of my favorite and very frequent eateries in Atlanta. More and more Thai options are opening around the city but none showcase the abundance of aromatic and flavorful spices of Southeast Asia like Top Spice.
If you’ve ever eaten here you already know about the Chicken Coconut Soup. While it isn’t a main entree it is certainly the best thing on the menu. The coconut milk, chicken, galangal, lime juice, and kaffir lime leaves make for a very unique flavor combination. Follow it up with the Masaman Curry. So. Much. Yum.
1529 Piedmont Ave NE • topspiceansleypark.com • 404-685-9333
Joe – Bone Garden Cantina
The Iberian Pig – Jonathan Bugg, Editorial Director
Discovering this modern Spanish restaurant while I was there for a birthday party changed my entire perspective on Decatur. Their menu focuses on all my favorite things; traditional cured meats and Spanish cheeses –I love a good tableau. The Iberian Pig honors traditional Spanish flavor combinations, but also is pushing boundaries with modern techniques and culinary creativity. Their bar is also a treat with hand-sawed ice cubes for signature cocktails.
I fell in love with burgers all over again when I tried The Iberian Burger made from American Wagyu beef on a toasted brioche bun, bacon-onion relish (yum), and Mahón cheese. The most original thing accompanies it: crispy eggplant fries.
121 Sycamore St. • theiberianpigatl.com • 404-371-8800
Trader Vics – David Thompson, Publisher
While attending Dragon Con in 2009, I found this gem of a Polynesian restaurant by chance and made it my home while at the conference each year thereafter. I’ve met a ton of celebrities while dining there; Larry Hagman (JR Ewing/Major Nelson), Ernest Borgnine, and John de Lancie (Q from Star Trek Next Gen) just to name a few. However the island-style cuisine is what brings me back.
Their Won Ton Soup is like no other, made with shrimp and pork dumplings, asian greens, fragrant chicken broth. I also love the Macadamia crusted Mahi Mahi that has this crazy mild green curry sauce.
255 Courtland St. • tradervicsatl.com • 404-221-6339
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