Tag Archives: Burger

American Food & Beverage

Posted in Atlanta by

American Food & Beverage, Buckhead

Creative Loafing has yet to steer me wrong. It reviewed American Food & Beverage back in the Spring and it has since been on my short list. Tom & I went one Saturday night with another couple that also loves food (what are the odds?). The décor is clean and bar the main attraction. The cocktails were delicious I had the gin gimlet and the old-fashioned coke-tale. The menu was not extensive but nothing sounded or looked bad. Our table ordered the burger, the turkey sandwich, braised pork shoulder with grits, and fried chicken with collards and a biscuit with apple butter. The burger was the clear winner. Holman & Finch can move over as there is a new burger in Buckhead. I can’t really put my finger on it but the burger was saltier all the while not killing you with sodium overload. The desserts were also surprising. They make their own ice cream and no I’m not just talking about strawberry or chocolate. The flavors that night were corn with chocolate ganache, Sauvignon blanc with citrus  marmalade, and watermelon with tomato compote and a basil base. We also ordered the peach profiteroles which were like the month on July in cloud form. The whole night was great until it took forty-five minutes to get the check and then walking up to my car to find not one but two boots on my car. Who did they think I was MacGyver? Two boots were really unnecessary. Before the night I was super excited about the prospects for a fun new restaurant in Buckhead but it may take a while for the sting of waiting for the check and two boots to wane.

George’s

Posted in Atlanta by

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.

Holman & Finch Public House

Posted in Atlanta by

Holman & Finch Public House, Buckhead

If you go, go with a group. I went with three others who were all down to share and it was perfect! I think in total we ordered eleven dishes. The restaurant is small and doesn’t take reservations so we had to wait a while but they did a good job of making sure we had drinks, thank heavens! The cocktail list was fun and nothing run of the mill but since I was still on a high from my Manhattan the other night I didn’t stray away.

Once we sat down and asked if there were any more burgers (they had 1 left!) we got down to business. First up was the Soft Pretzel and Deviled Eggs Three Ways next we tossed & turned about which wine; we ended up going with a bottle of Château d’Oupia Les Hérétiques which was a pleasant wine to drink with food since it didn’t detract from what we were eating, over all pretty enjoyable but not remarkable. The out-of-towner got The Burger since the rest of us had all previously enjoyed one. I would say our table was lucky too since we asked around 9:15 and burger time is promptly at 10.

Then for the next forty minutes our table became an awesome turn table for food. The Hot Dog which could seem out-of-place was dang good, they put these pickled jalapeños on it that made it more exciting than your average ol’ dog. The Potato Dumplings were a fantastic delicate combination of potato and squash! The Steak Tartare was mixed with a farm egg and creole mustard, which did not disappoint. It was topped with shoestring potatoes and they through us all for a loop, they didn’t taste like anything but the airy crunchy texture kept you wanting more. Red Beans & Rice on its own did not sound like much but with the addition of pickled pigs foot I would say this dish was the most surprising. The Fish & Chips and Wild Catfish were the last to come out. Never having catfish before I was curious but half of the table was not feeling it. My friend who has had it before was actually surprised at how good it was normally mushy this was nice and firm. The grits and gravy didn’t hurt the dish either.

Last but not least the table gave into examining a couple of desserts, the Bacon Carmel Popcorn and the Sticky Toffee Pudding. This popcorn didn’t just have a spirit of bacon but rather a hearty dosage. If you like sweet and salty all in the same mouthful this would be your jam. The toffee pudding was warm and sweet a good counter to the popcorn.

While all the food was “American” if you’re looking for traditional fixings I would advise against going here. But if you’re up for whatever spin the kitchen wants to put on food you’ve found the right place.