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ATLANTA
CULINARY EXPLORATION IN GEORGIA
ATLANTA = SOUL OF A CITY
My time in Atlanta was focused on soul food and fried chicken. I was searching out what real soul food meant, what type of sides dishes, what the restaurant felt like, but maybe more importantly, what the true flavor of the south was. I explored over 40 different joints, and I learned that soul food isn't about being the fanciest or most expensive restaurant, but rather it is about cooking from the heart and amazing flavor. Now, when I think of soul food my thoughts turn to southern fried chicken, slow cooked grits, collard greens and sweet tea. For me any trip to A-town just wouldn't be complete without a visit to one of the many soul food joints that the city is famous for. Want to know who I think is putting out some of the best food the big A has to offer, than just scroll down for a peek at my top picks.
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The Pig
H&F BURGERS
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: WORLD CLASS BURGERS
WHEN: You're jonesing for the best burger in town.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Cheeseburger
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Fries
WHY: This started out as a nightly special at Holeman and Finch Public House, where at 10pm they made only 24 burgers, and they were only available at the bar. They became so popular that they opened up a burger only restaurant. And yes they are that good.
PIG'S PICKS
Where to feed your soul and find finger lickin' fried chicken in Atlanta
MARY MAC'S TEA ROOM
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: COMFORT SOUTHERN
WHEN: You want to eat the gold standard of Southern cuisine.
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Fried Chicken
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Shrimp & grits
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Salmon Croquettes
WHY: Mary Mac's is the Queen of soul food. This is an Atlanta landmark and is serving some of the best comfort food in the country.
BUTTERMILK KITCHEN
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: SOUTHERN BREAKFAST
WHEN: You a breakfast to stick to your ribs and your memory.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Chicken Biscuit
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Pimento Omelet
WHY: These guys take southern breakfast to a whole new level. The Bacon is sinful and the pepper jelly turns a simple breakfast sandwich it to something magical. Don't plan on running in and out, they get busy, but know it is worth it.
HEIRLOOM BBQ
PIG SCORE: 3.95 / 4.0
WHAT: ASIAN FUSION BBQ
WHEN: You want BBQ, but can't decide between Korean or Texas.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Brisket
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Korean Pulled Pork
WHY: What do you get when you combine Texas brisket and Korean BBQ? You get delicious. The most creative twist of fusion BBQ I have seen in the country.
MATTHEW'S CAFETERIA
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: SOUTHERN CAFATERIA
WHEN: You want Southern cooking at down home prices.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The BBQ Ribs
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Butter Beans
WHY: 50's soul food cafeteria style, complete with plastic gingham table cloths, red vinyl chairs, and slow moving ceiling fans. Grab a tray and take a trip back in time while talking to the locals. In my opinion, Matthew's is an American classic, and sadly the kind that is slowly disappearing from the our culinary landscape. This place needs to be cherished for what it is a nod to simpler times.
HOMEGROWN KITCHEN
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: SOUTHERN BREAKFAST
WHEN: You want a casual breakfast in a bohemian setting.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Comfy Chicken
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Pancakes
WHY: A Bohemian style diner serving locally sourced stick to your ribs food. The pancakes are bigger than your brother's fat old face, and the comfy chicken will settle your stomach complaints from the night before. Belly up to the counter if your lucky enough to find an empty seat.
BUSY BEE CAFE
PIG SCORE: 3.85 / 4.0
WHAT: OLD SOUL FOOD
WHEN: You want a piece of soul history.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
810 M.L.K. Jr Dr NW
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Ox tail
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Fried Chicken
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Amazing sides
WHY: A walk in history, this restaurant just doesn't look old, it is old. Eat at a cafe that Martin Luther king jr. ate at. Sit in a booth or plop yourself at the counter and enjoy the whole experience that is the Busy Bee Cafe.
THE SILVER SKILLET
PIG SCORE: 3.8 / 4.0
WHAT: SOUTHERN DINER
WHEN: You want to be able to brag about having the best biscuit ever.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Southern Breakfast
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Biscuits
WHY: The place is a vintage 50's American diner with counter service and hand painted special signs. The biscuits are so good, that I claim them the best in America, and I thought of moving here just for them.
FAT MATT'S RIB SHACK
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: BLUES & BBQ
WHEN: You feel like live music with great BBQ.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Ribs
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Mac & Cheese
WHY: Great BBQ with live blues. The ribs were so tender that they barley stayed on the bones. Want a really good meal with live music? Fat Matt's is your place. It's not just the awesome food, it's the experience.
SUBLIME DOUGHNUTS
PIG SCORE: 3.6 / 4.0
WHAT: GOURMET DOUGHNUTS
WHEN: You need a dozen that will impress.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
WHAT TO ORDER:
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Strawberry & Cream
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S'Mores
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Caramel Apple Fritter
WHY: Some doughnuts are well made, others are creatively topped, these are both! Slow down, grab a cup of joe and treat yourself. Sublime isn't just the name, it is the best description of the doughnuts as well.
KING OF POPS
PIG SCORE: 3.4 / 4.0
WHAT: PROLIFIC POPSICLES
WHEN: You want a little sweet treat.
PRICE: $
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT: (multiple locations)
186 Andrew Young International Blvd NW,
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Iced Coffee
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Cookies & Cream
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Pineapple Habanero
WHY: They started off at farmers markets and have grown into an Atlanta locals favorite. Handcrafted all-natural Popsicle. They use local ingredients to make high quality frozen desserts. From fresh Georgia peaches to locally roasted coffee. A great treat for a hot day.
MONDAY NIGHT BREWING
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHAT: MICRO-BREWERY
WHEN: Any week night, weekends are over rated.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Slap Fight
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Nerd Alert
WHY: Some fantastic beer in a casual setting at a great price.
PITTYPAT'S PORCH
PIG SCORE: 3.4 / 4.0
WHAT: SOUTHERN COMFORT
WHEN: You're stuck in the city and want good soul food.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Fried green tomatoes
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Shrimp & Grits
WHY: You're in the middle of downtown Atlanta with all the hustle and bustle of the city. You walk through the doors and are magically transported to a old southern country house, with rocking chairs, and a porch. You'll forget where you are until you walk out the door and are abruptly greeted by the city once again.
THE COLONNADE RESTAURANT
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHAT: SOUTHERN SUPPER-CLUB
WHEN: You want to relax southern style.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Fried Chicken
WHY: Superclubs are almost a thing of the past, and this one is still around for a reason, great fried chicken.
