The Porter Beer Bar

The Porter Beer Bar, Little 5 Points

Ahh The Porter yet another establishment where you can easily order your food before your beer because the beer menu is just that daunting. At first glance you would think the seating was limited to the bar but the restaurant does go back so don’t be fooled new comers on a busy night it won’t take three hours to get a seat just a casual hour, I’m not kidding this place is loved and most are willing to wait.  If you like The Wrecking Bar Brewpub or The Brick Store Pub chances are you have already been to The Porter and like it as well. Whether you fancy a  pale ale or a stout this place has you covered. While I like trying something I haven’t had before I typically stick to the pale ale/IPA category as I haven’t fully mastered how to appreciate a porter. To my knowledge, although limited, I can’t say that a region or country is left out; even if you just graze at the menu you can see that it goes on for pages, I hear the number of beers is up to 800 now! On my last visit I drank a Pale Ale from Stone Brewing Co. in San Diego and ordered the Mussels along with the Belgium Fries. While the beer was new the mussels and fries were not in fact I had been craving the duo for weeks and finally caved. I’ve been here multiple times and the food never disappoints but the menu also doesn’t change. Remember this is a beer bar with food. They know what they do well and stick to it. This beer bar was my first in Atlanta and I have appreciated it in all its glory even if it means taking twenty minutes to park and a long(er) wait.

Savage Pizza

Savage Pizza, Little 5 Points

I feel bad for pizza sometimes it’s often an after thought or something that people choose to order then they don’t have any time. And while I did get delivery from Savage Pizza I did plan this and got very excited for the specialty pie I picked. I ordered The Bolognese, which came with marinara sauce, italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, red onions, mushrooms, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. While I missed out on the charm of the restaurant and headache of parking in Little 5 Points on a Friday I didn’t miss any of the flavor! My one complaint would be that the sausage be hot italian nevertheless I enjoyed it the way they intended. I’ve tried a couple of places within delivery distance and think this will now be my joint of choice!

Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand

Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand, East Atlanta

Delia’s is an East Atlanta local favorite. It’s open 24 hours on the weekend, which is a brilliant idea so whether you need to eat at 4 in the morning or 4 in the afternoon Delia has you covered. I first heard of Delia’s for their Frozen Sweet Tea. After having enough people tell me that I will like it even though I don’t like normal sweet tea I decided to venture pass I-20 one Saturday to find out for myself. I also got The Shredder which comes with coleslaw, fire pepper mustard, and “the comeback” sauce and a side of Wedgies (thick cut fries) with a side of cheese sauce. The chicken sausage is handmade in small batches and all organic. The rolls are all hoagie buns from Holeman & Finch, we’re talking high-class ingredients here folks! They have  a window for late night and a few covered picnic benches to sit outside. Most slingers come fully loaded so be prepared to eat when your food is ready but trust me you won’t be disappointed in being a part of the clean plate club here as the food is delicious. Although it sounds like fast food it doesn’t have all the grease to really way you down. And now I can finally say that after two years of living in the South I am now a lover of sweat tea when frozen.

 

Wright’s Gourmet Sandwich Shoppe

Wright’s Gourmet Sandwich Shoppe, Dunwoody

It’s been a while since I had a solid sandwich for lunch and this place doesn’t mess around. They serve sandwiches, chips, a few side salad options, a couple of different desserts but that’s it. They’re open for lunch and cater. I like places that know what they do well and stick to it. I ordered The Club, a side of Potato Salad, and a piece of Chocolate Cake. The bacon was perfect for a sandwich and the bread incredibility fresh. My friend Taylor and I shared the potato salad and chocolate cake and I’m happy we did since it was a lot of food. The cake was what I hoped for: moist and had super rich icing. Wright’s can get very crowded but I would absolutely say it’s worth the wait; after trying one of their sandwiches another club just won’t do. The hard question is when I go back do I try something new or stick to what I know will be flippin’ good?

 

 

Home Grown

Home Grown, Reynoldstown

Holy hangover I have found a cure and it involved some fried chicken. I’ve heard of the Comfy Chicken Biscuit but since I’m not a huge gravy person I was a little skeptical. However, after now having engorged in the biscuit, fried chicken, and sausage gravy in all its glory I am whistling a different tune! This gem of a place is crowded on the weekends, in a run down building and has horrible parking but that’s part of the charm just like so many other Atlanta establishments. All menu items fall under the southern home cooking category so I don’t think you can go wrong. My friend got the Fried Bologna Sandwich served on Texas Toast and was actually quite delicious. I’m pretty sure the last time I had Bologna I was 5. The Fried Green Tomatoes were awesome– I think the best I’ve had in a while. The slices were thick and the batter didn’t fall off. If you’re sensing a “fried” theme you’d be spot on and while I’m sure you could order a salad why would you want to at a place like this?

 

YEAH! Burger

YEAH! Burger, Virginia-Highlands

I have been here countless times so it is about time I blogged about it. This place is my go to when I need lunch or dinner in my neighborhood and I don’t want to think about it. They have an assortment of burger patty options and countless toppings to choose from. There is a huge focus on sustainability, local ingredients, and feeling good about your food. In the front of the store they list all the things they get locally and where they’re from. They also have a compost & recycle…. you really can’t feel bad about eating here. Even if you’re gluten-free they have many options for you. I prefer either their Triple B or Fig & Goat Cheese. The triple b is a bison burger with bacon jam, blue cheese and caramelized onions. The fig & goat cheese is a double stack of beef patties with arugula, fig jam, caramelized onions and goat cheese. If you’re not looking to be totally overwhelmed the The All American is a solid choice as well, this creation includes a double stack of beef patties with ketchup, mustard, pickles, onions and american cheese. If you want something besides fries or onion rings, although they’re both delicious options go for the Crispy Brussels Sprouts with goat cheese. As for libations they serve beer and all the local suspects are present but their milkshakes are top-notch and if you need a midday pick me up look no further. This place is casual and is great no matter the time of day or the company you’re with.

4th & Swift

4th & Swift, Old Fourth Ward

New American + Farm to Table. This is a common theme in Atlanta and many are done well. I really wanted to like 4th & Swift it’s mentioned all the time on Atlanta Eats but I just wasn’t that enamored with it since nothing really brought it home for me. While the food and service were both good there wasn’t one thing truly special. I went with my friend Kiffy one evening and we were able to sit outside since it was still so nice out. We ordered the Farmstead Cheese Plate which had five selections. I will say it was presented very well but nothing I couldn’t get at Whole Foods. I ordered the Veal Chop that came with polenta, charred baby bulb Vidalias, rapini, and baby beets. Kiffy got the Hand Rolled Gnocchi with pearl onions, swiss chard, oyster mushrooms, asparagus, and tomato confit. Both dishes were decent and again beautifully plated but still nothing that had me wanting to come back. The wine we got went well with both plates and was satisfying so I would like to thank our waiter for suggesting it! I wouldn’t mind coming here again since I would like to see what they do in another season, there menu does change daily, but I think I have a few other spots that I many try first before I give this place a second shot.