Nom nom nom- Restaurant Edition

I love eating. If there were an AA for carb addicts, I'd be a card carrying member for sure. One of the biggest things I miss about living in Chicago is having "my" places. My pizza place, my go-to lunch spots, gastropubs for after work drinks, outdoor patios for big groups; I could go on and on. If a new restaurant opened, I was there in the first month. The food scene in Chicago is something I know quite well. That could be embarrassing, but I have embraced my inner fat kid. So it's only natural that, in my efforts to make Atlanta "my" city, I've made it a misson to discover some favorite eateries.

I am a member of Social Fabric, a community of bloggers managed by marketers Collective Bias. They came up with the great idea for a Blog Hop, and asked members in different cities to report on their favorite restaurants in that area.  In a later post, we'll link to bloggers in neighboring cities and check out some of their favorite spots.

So without further adieu- here it is: A Newbie Atlantan's Fave Food spots. I should point out that my assignment was to focus on restaurants for Adults, which I did- but I'd say these are more "young adult" focused. Writing this post made me realize I go to a lot of classy, classy bars. I'm 25 so...whatever.

 1. Fat Kid Guilty Pleasure- Checkers. You think I'm joking, but I'm not. I know that Checkers can be found in a lot of cities, mostly southern (read: not in Idaho or Chicago) and it is my go to when I've had, ahem, a rough night. Checkers french fries are God's gift to society. 

2. Brunch Basics- The Flying Biscuit is an Atlanta institution. There are several locations, but I always visit the Midtown spot. They have the most amazing grits! Every Saturday, without fail, a group of people lines up around the corner. Be warned- don't go too hungry because you will definitely be waiting at least 30 minutes. 

3. Must Have Burgers- The Vortex is another famous Atlanta spot- it's my favorite place to take out of town visitors, like my friend G in the photo above. It's definitely dive bar esque, but don't be fooled. They have some of the most absurd burgers you can possibly imagine. On my last visit, morbid curiosity got to me and I ordered the Elvis burger: a beef patty topped with bacon, peanut butter, and fried banana. I still can't decide if it was disgusting or incredible. I probably need to go round two on this. And in case you're not convinced, here's the description of their most famous burger, The Coronary Bypass: 

Our big half-pound sirloin patty topped with a fried egg, three slices of American cheese, and four slices of bacon. We’ll provide plenty of mayo for this burger, which we highly recommend you use. And yes, it comes with a side item too.

4. Date Night Spot- ONE Midtown Kitchen has become a staple for BF and I. The ambience, the atmosphere, and the drinks are all amazing, and perfect for a romantic evening. Look at that gorgeous bar! The menu has some really original dishes and drinks like bone marrow (surprisingly good!) and beet vodka (kind of funky, but delicious) and the best calamari around. If there is one restaurant that I recommend not missing, it's ONE. 

5. Best Mexican- Since moving to Atlanta, I have truly learned the importance of a good queso blanco. My former roommate, L, would be so proud to know this. El Taco's queso does NOT disappoint. Last time BF and I were there, I basically accosted the poor busboy for trying to take away the chip remains that I was desperately using to scrape out the last bits of cheese dip. I might have a problem. Oh yeah, and the enchiladas, tacos, and margaritas are delicious, too.

6. Seafood Specials- Don't you just crave crab legs whenever you see a graveyard? No? Well I do, thanks to Six Feet Under. I took this picture from the rooftop patio a few weeks ago while BF and I were enjoying some crab cakes and beer. I like to consider myself an oyster aficionado (you can check with my parents, I slurped my first one down when I was three) and they have some delish Blue Points. Their homemade potato chips and dill dip are not to be missed, either. 

 7. Cuban Kitchens- Papi's is right around the corner from our apartment (great, now you know where I live) and has some of the most incredible cuban sandwiches I've ever had- and I spent the first five years of my life in Florida, so I'm no stranger to a cuban. My former roommate, that I am apparently obsessed with in this post, is my little cuban sassypants, and she can, and has, vouched for the authenticity of this place. I've never seen Papi's without a solid crowd inside.

8. Southern Charm- BF and I went to JCT Kitchen for my birthday last year, and to this day it was one of the best meals I've had in Atlanta. The restaurant is set up in an old cottage, with reclaimed wood floors, soft lighting, and tons of cozy southern elements. It feels like you're visiting friends and family when you step inside.  There's also a rooftop bar that is perfect for small gatherings- birthdays, engagement parties (ahem), group dinners, etc. Their Shrimp and Grits is the best I've ever had.

 

9. The Big Chicken- Ok, this one is a total lie. I've never actually eaten here, but I HAVE been inside. The Big Chicken is in Marietta, just outside the Atlanta perimeter (OTP, as we Atlantans say). It's possibly the most terrifying thing I've ever seen. The eye moves around in a circle, and the beak opens and closes. But the best part? THE LEGS ARE INSIDE. Let's be honest- it's a KFC, so it can't be that good, but if you're ever in Marietta, you might as well hit up the Big Chicken, if only so you can see this thing in your nightmares, like I do.

Honorable Mentions:

Proof & Provision

South City Kitchen

Holeman & Finch

Einstein's

Publik

Buckhead Diner

Cypress Pint & Plate

 So there you have it! In all of it's fried, fattening, carby glory- my list of must eats in Atlanta. What are ya'lls favorite spots to eat in the city? And don't even tell me the Varsity, because no. Happy last day of 25 to me!