Category Archives: Atlanta

Restaurants in Atlanta

Swallow at the Hallow

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Swallow at the Hallow, Roswell GA

Ribs are great. If I was writing this post as a younger version of myself I would probably say ribs are a food group and eating them a couple of times a week is a good thing. However, I now know eating ribs multiple times a week isn’t all that good so I now choose to eat them when I know they are going to be good. I heard about Swallow at the Hallow on two different occasions from two different people and both recommended the ribs and both said the drive would be worth it. Since there wasn’t much discrepancy on one rainy Saturday my friend Joel & I drove out of the city, into the burbs, and ordered enough food for a family of four. We first shared the Fried Green Tomatoes and Corn Bread. The tomatoes had an equal breading ratio to tomato thickness so neither covered the other, which I was a big of! The corn bread wasn’t actually on the menu but I asked for it regardless. The server said they did at their other restaurant but didn’t mind running over to get it. I tried telling him not to go through the trouble but I just wasted my breath since it ended up at our table just moments later, southern hospitality at it’s finest! I ordered the Half Rack Baby Back Ribs with Three Bean Baked Beans and the Mac & Cheese. Joel ordered the Chopped Pork with Collards and the Mac & Cheese. Now there was seriously no room at the table. The ribs, which came with the red BBQ sauce were tender and not at all dry. The chopped pork was good and mixing the red and spicy vinegar was a tasty combination!  The mac & cheese was also wonderful and it was very creamy. After eating as much as we could we slowly exited promising to return again.

Timone’s

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Timone’s, Morningside

The chef from Rosebud & The Lost Dog bring Morningside a local pizza joint and while I love the concept I wasn’t too impressed with the eats. To be fair I didn’t order pizza but rather the Garlic Knots and Meatballs. The garlic knots were okay and I was digging the whole gloves of garlic but as a whole they didn’t really knock it home for me. And the meatballs were pretty bland, however, the sauce was nice and tomato-y. One cool thing is that they do have four wine varieties on tap so you can order a glass or a full carafe. This restaurant is still relatively new and since I didn’t try their pizza I won’t completely turn away from the this place but after enjoying many dishes at both Rosebud & The Lost Dog I was pretty disappointed.

Yum Bunz

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Yum Bunz, The Westside

I didn’t think fast and fresh dim sum that is awesome was possible but lo and behold my expectations have been surpassed. I was driving past but rather hungry when I decided to stop. It’s menu is kind of eclectic including popular dim sum dishes, Pho and other Asian favorites. When I first walked in I noticed how clean the restaurant was saw their mission statement front & center. They’re focused on crafting good food with natural meat, local vegetables, and steam– the key ingredient to a lot of their food. On my recent trip I ordered one BBQ Pork Bao (steamed bun) and six steamed Pork Dumplings. I only wish I had more time to devour my food so I could really enjoy it. Often times after Chinese I feel tired but not after this meal! Clearly they really do stand by their mission and use fresh ingredients and healthy oils. There were a couple different Bao options but holding true to my traditional dim sum up bringing I stuck to the classic, however, the other choices looked good particularly the yellow curry chicken.  When I go next I will definitely check out a bowl (you choose the sauce, protein, and base)! While I was hesitant at first about fast food dim sim I stand corrected.

The Pie Shop

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The Pie Shop, Buckhead

If you love pie (as all the best people do) The Pie Shop is not a place to be missed. Although fair warning if you do not know Buckhead well it might be hard to find as it is in the back off a building and the driveway is not so obvious. However, once you do find it and enter the ever so quaint location you will know the scavenger hunt was well worth it. All pies and crusts are baked fresh every day and if you choose a pie with whipped cream they make it fresh for you. Their menu includes sweet & savory pies and have a pie happy hour (January – October 6:30-8) which is BYOB, it might possibly be the happiest of happy hours. Additionally their menu changes every two months to harmonize with the seasons. I’ve tried Rhubarb in the spring, Peach in the summer, and Chocolate Ganache not so long ago.  The ganache pie is probably what they are most known for and if you want an hour of chocolate indulgence this is the pie to order. It’s very rich but super satisfying. The two other pies that I’ve had were also excellent because this shops knows that fillings don’t have to be complicated– a single fruit can be all that you need since it won’t get lost with anything else. This could be because I’m a pie purist at heart but so be it. Next I suspect I’ll opt for a savory pie, since winter is coming up they will be hard to resist.

Kevin Rathbun Steak

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Kevin Rathbun Steak, Inman Park

It’s always a good day when I go to a Rathbun restaurant but it’s always a better day when I choose to go to Rathbun Steak. From the quality of food to service I could not ask for a better dining experience. I had no occasion to splurge on except wanting to applaud good food and in honor of this night I started out with a dirty Martini. In addition I ordered the 10 oz Ribeye, the Mac & Cheese Tart with truffle crumbs, the Apple Crisp with ginger ice cream, and finally a Manhattan. When you compare their menu to other steakhouses in Atlanta it’s not all that different but it’s their quality that stands far above the rest. My steak was pan seared and then perfectly juicy on the inside. The mac & cheese while comforting like home is not comparable to anything you would find at an average kitchen table. The apple crisp was a true ode to fall and the ginger ice cream was out of this world, just a fantastic pairing . And of course both the martini and Manhattan were exceptional. I cannot say enough good things to persuade people that Rathbun Steak is wonderful whether you have an affair to celebrate or just feel you deserve a terrific meal.

The Family Dog

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The Family Dog, Morningside

A solid gem of a restaurant that not only serves good food but has many beers to please the palate. On Thursdays they have local drafts for $3, along with many others to choose from! Good for a snack or full meal I have had nothing that would hinder my love for this place. My Favorites are the Nachos which are topped with beef shortrib, Vidalia onions, jalapeños, and American cheese. Smoked Duck Quesadilla with pickled vegetables, goat cheese, and cilantro. The Wings which are smoked and then fried are topped with an orange-curry glaze and on the side comes an avocado ranch sauce, the best ranch I’ve had with wings! The Pimento Cheese & Spicy Saltines are rather addicting. And any of the burgers are tasty too, especially The Other Burger which is topped with a bacon-blue cheese fondue. This place has a lively kitchen that is never afraid to have fun with typical pub grub. On most weekend nights it has live music; I’ve heard bluegrass, rock, and jazz so don’t count anything out. Whether you’re eating, drinking, or listening The Family Dog always has me wanting more after I leave.

George’s

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George’s, Virginia-Highlands

This bar & restaurant is a staple in the Highlands having been there for over 50 years. It’s gotten multiple praises from best burger in Atlanta to best lunch spot. This legend- wait for it -ary establishment has fed people like Mickey Mantle, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Carter, & most recently me. I ordered the 8 oz Burger with cheddar cheese and a side of fries.  It came with onion, lettuce, & tomato on the side but when no one is looking I tend to leave them off. So I was able enjoy this burger with just mustard, ketchup, & cheese–the way it should be and it was wonderful. This is a no frills kind of place and I loved it.

“Makin’ your way in the world sometimes takes everything you got, sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name”

Yes, if you’re picturing Norm posted on a bar stool in Cheers you’re painting a picture similar to George’s. While I first went for the burger I will surely be back for the warmth this bar so easily radiates.

Alon’s Bakery & Market

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Alon’s Bakery & Market, Morningside

I heard about this bakery and market long before I came across it. In fact I was looking for the dry cleaners next to it and not a haven for desserts or prepared foods. I have a love/hate relationship with Alon’s, while I love all things it offers—fresh bread, pastries, cheese, wine, & prepared foods I don’t necessarily need everything I buy. I could say this is my target, I walk in to buy one thing and walk out with a bag full of deliciousness. There could be worse things but just because it’s Thursday and the week is almost over doesn’t mean I need to buy a piece of the Chocolate Truffle Cake or an individual Tiramisu cup  or an individual Chocolate Raspberry Mousse or a piece of the Opera Cake (chances are if it’s chocolate I have tried it) plus a bottle of some red wine I have inevitably never heard of. The cheese selection is standard for a specialty store, my notable picks have been the Point Reyes Blue, a couple Pecorinos, and an earthy Taleggio which I obviously needed a French Baguette to go with it but don’t worry Alon’s sell those too! And lastly the prepared food section, which is half of the store… It can be daunting but I’ve managed over the visits to have two preferences either the Calamari Salad or Risotto Cakes. This list could really go on though. The woman who mentioned this store to me in Nordstrom’s when I first moved here put it perfectly, “I  am now fifteen pounds heavier since living near Alon’s.” While I haven’t gained the ‘Alon’s Fifteen’ it certainly can be a dangerous place in which you’re either in an indulgence purgatory or a decadent nirvana.

Bell Street Burritos

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Bell Street Burritos, Midtown/ South Buckhead

My parents moved from California in 2010 and I haven’t eaten a burrito since. Not to say I’ve had bad Mexican food it’s just that when you grow up in Northern California you become a burrito snob. In my option there are three distinct reasons why. One, they don’t over do it with rice, a little goes a long way! Second, they place all ingredients properly so you don’t only get a bite of pinto beans. And third, they wrap them in tin foil so one can properly eat it. Needless to say I got excited when I heard that Bell Street was named one of 10 great burritos in America. The Pork & Green Chili Burrito is what gets all the accolades so that is what I ordered! All three criteria were met, and I was most pleased about the generosity of the pork.  It was tender and the green chili’s had the right amount of spice. I can’t say anything about the chips other than that they are available but the green salsa was excellent if you don’t mind making your burrito even more messy! While my heart is still with Aguililla Market in Redwood City this place does a pretty darn good job.

Buttermilk Kitchen

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Buttermilk Kitchen, Buckhead

I love breakfast I actually think it is the most important meal of the day and often like having what I call “Australia day” which is where I have breakfast, preferably pancakes, for dinner. Buttermilk Kitchen was what I needed last Sunday– a full and satisfying breakfast. It also helped that a table for three meant a 40 minute wait. Nevertheless their hot Coffee kept me and my friends happy until we were able to be seated. We started with the Georgia Apple Muffins with oatmeal streusel topping and they were good, not overly sweet and rather hardy. Their menu looked great but I went with a daily special since it is fall and felt like being more festival than usual. I ordered the Sourdough Waffles with sweet potato butter cream and toasted pecans and a side of Bacon. Before I talk about the waffles I must admit I typically do not like them but the sourdough part had me tempted to stray away from my usual pancakes. With the sweet potato cream and real maple syrup they were amazing. A true fall delight. The bacon was also unreal. I’m not sure why bacon always tastes better out but it does, it wasn’t flaky or rubbery. The restaurant is refurbished in an old house and it makes you kind of feel you’re in someone’s home, which only makes the breakfast better. The chef prides herself on being farm to table, using sustainable ingredients, and not letting anything go to waste. If you don’t want to feel guilty about eating out but still want to enjoy your meal look no further than Buttermilk Kitchen.