Celebrate Fat Tuesday in a Big Way at Atkins Park Virginia-Highland Feb. 13

Fat Tuesday is so big, Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland couldn’t squeeze the party into a few evening hours of revelry…so they’re filling the whole day with Mardi Gras glory. One dollar king cake slices lead the daylong procession of food and drink specials on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Lucky customers finding a tiny baby in their king cake slice will receive a $20 Atkins Park gift card. Eat, drink and be merry on Tuesday -- and bring your Valentine with you since Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday coincide the next day.

Rise Up to a Falcons Tailgate and Game Viewing at Atkins Park Va-Hi Oct. 22

Swoop into Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland for backyard tailgating during the Atlanta Falcons game on Oct. 22. Watch the Dirty Birds take on the New England Patriots on Atkins Park’s outdoor projector while devouring a fan-friendly low country boil. Kickoff is at 8:30 p.m., early birds welcome. Sit back in lawn chairs or keep throwing arms warm playing cornhole and Ping-Pong and hoisting the beers and cocktails that will be available for purchase. Plus, one lucky raffle winner gets two tickets to see the Falcons take on the Dallas Cowboys in November. $22 per person for low country boil.

Big Green Egg Smoked Wings and More Land on New Menu at Atkins Park Virginia-Highland

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland has summer fun in mind and on its new menu. Don’t panic, favorites are still there. But think how wonderful it will be to share “Always Available” dishes that shout “Summer!” such as Big Green Egg smoked wings ($11) and Guinness-dipped pretzels with pimento cheese and stout mustard ($6). Or, hoist a spicy Texas chicken sandwich or wrap ($11), salmon BLT with house-smoked bacon ($12), Big Green Egg pulled pork on a jalapeño bun ($9), smoked prime rib French dip ($13) or wild mushroom and spinach on toasted multigrain bread ($11). For lunch, try power-packed grilled salmon or steak salads ($12), beef short rib sliders with Vidalia onion jam ($7), “Flatbread of the South” ($12) or “The Local Vegetable Plate” ($12). Appetizers, entrées and small plates load up the dinner menu. Think meat and cheese board ($15), cornbread-crusted Georgia trout ($19), braised short ribs with sweet potato gnocchi ($20) or Louisiana BBQ shrimp lettuce wraps ($11). It’s easy to linger over weekend brunch to savor a fried chicken pancake sandwich ($12), Big Green Egg smoked wagyu beef brisket and eggs ($14) or a chorizo skillet ($10). Cocktails, beer, wine -- Atkins Park accessorizes perfectly with these liquid refreshers. 

Atkins Park Va-Hi New Dishes Satisfy Frisky Fall Appetites

Cooler weather has us craving the new fall dishes at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland. Lunchtime calls for crisp salads with chicken and apple or steak with grilled portabella mushrooms, fried onion, tomato and bleu cheese dressing ($11) or perhaps creature comforts like fried fish tacos and chicken and dumplings ($10-$11). Early darkness primes us for dinners that open with small plates of pork belly seared scallops, Georgia Johnny cakes with smoked pork and jalapeño-corn slaw or pan-fried crab cakes with arugula salad and whole grained mustard cream ($9-$14) before settling in on the 12-ounce ribeye steak with Parmesan potato gratin and creamed spinach, sweet potato gnocchi with roasted cauliflower and toasted walnuts or smoked salmon carbonara ($15-$25). Cornbread-crusted Georgia trout with mashed potatoes, green beans and bourbon brown butter apples or the seasonal local vegetable plate bearing butternut squash, wilted Swiss chard, fried Brussels sprouts, grilled wild mushroom, Parmesan potato gratin and cornbread are new midday and evening hits ($12-$19). Stick-with-you weekend brunch fare adds sizzling skillets full of chorizo, Cajun shrimp and andouille sausage, Southwestern grilled chicken with black beans, Philly steak or vegetarian with spinach, tomato and feta cheese, each served with crispy potatoes and topped with two sunny-side eggs ($9-$12). Other brunch specialties include avocado toast, fried chicken pancake sandwich and crab cake or country fried steak Benedict ($10-$12). Spinach and smoked Gouda sauce top house-made focaccia, which debuts as an appetizer at all three meals. It’s comforting to know those faithful “always available” favorites are still options (even after midnight) -- grilled chicken panini, smoked prime rib French dip sandwich and Atkins Park Totchos really hit the spot, whatever the season. Open Monday-Friday 11:30-3 a.m., Saturday 11-3 a.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.-midnight.

$1 Sundays are Just the Beginning at Hand in Hand

While you’re relaxing on Sunday afternoon over $1 PBR drafts, $1 fish tacos or a $5 trio of chicken, fish or pork tacos at Hand in Hand, look ahead and make note of these daily specials. All food is half off regular menu prices on Mondays. Tuesdays, burgers are $2 each. Wednesday’s $2 hot dogs are too good to pass up and fuel brains for 8:30 p.m. team trivia. DJ Jeremy Moon is happy to throw guest-provided records into his mix when he spins vinyl on Thursdays from 8 p.m. until closing. Fridays are jolly good days for $7 fish and chips.  

Go Kart Go! Atkins Park Mario Kart Tournament Crosses Finish Line June 20 and 27

Rev your retro engines for June’s Mario Kart Mondays at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland. Co-pilot with Yoshi, Luigi, Rosalina and crew while competing in head-to-head rounds on Mondays, June 20 and 27. Ensuring they’re well fueled for the virtual course, entrants must down a Wild Heaven Emergency Drinking Beer before their race ends. Racers score points with each advancement, and spectators can earn points by ordering a Drunken Toad, Browser’s Revenge, Stolen Peach or some of the other racy cocktails on the specialty drink menu. House cash goes to the weekly winner, and June’s top scorer wins two four-day passes to DragonCon. Registration begins at 9 p.m. for 10 p.m. race start time.

Appetizing Aperture: Atkins Park's Berkshire Chop

What’s for dinner at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland? How about a tender, juicy, herbed and marinated Berkshire chop? Spicy broccoli casserole and mashed potatoes round out the plate ($22). So good, you’ll want to hog every bite.

Atkins Park Virginia-Highland Customer Appreciation Party Treats Guests to a Cup of Cheer December 16

‘Tis the season to drop in and share holiday greetings, hugs and a cup or two of cheer with dear friends. When you’re Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland, Atlanta’s longest continuously operating tavern, you have many friends. The best way to show gratitude for each one is to do what comes naturally...throw a Holiday Customer Appreciation Party. Stop by for complimentary drinks and bites this Wednesday, December 16 from 6-7 p.m. Only a Grinch would skip out on this merry evening. 

Atkins Park Va-Hi Rings Bell for Midnight Monk Keg Tap and Pairings October 27

Brew-who-ers beware, the Holy Grail of beers appears this week at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland. On Tuesday, October 27, the Midnight Monk emerges from the cellared keg at the magical 5 p.m. tapping hour. Terrapin’s 9.8 percent ABV black Belgian IPA was retired in 2014 and has been hibernating, waiting for just the right moment to reappear. Come taste its goodness and keep the branded snifter with your beer purchase. A complementing à la carte appetizer, entrée and dessert selection will be offered for those wanting to break bread with their Monk. A midnight viewing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in the dining room tucks this spirited friar in for the evening. For information, call (404) 876-7249.

Shorter Cattle Drive for Javier Viera, Executive Chef at Braselton’s New Cotton Calf Kitchen

Javier Viera now rides herd on the culinary activity at Cotton Calf Kitchen, Braselton’s new classic American steakhouse opening soon. Viera, a Buford resident and former executive chef at Communitas Hospitality (G’s Midtown, 10th & Piedmont, HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern), is thrilled to spend less time idling in traffic and more time pouring his creative energy and experience into the Cotton Calf Kitchen menu of small plates, tapas and signature steaks. The son of a baker and pastry chef, Viera grew up passionate about cooking. He entered the hospitality highway as a busboy in Connecticut and moved forward into his first executive chef job at age 23. Backtracking from his time at Communitas Hospitality in Midtown, Viera served as executive chef of Divan Restaurant in Atlanta and Chart House in Dobbs Ferry, New York, was a corporate trainer at Morton’s Steakhouse in Manhattan and was director of operations for the opening parties of Trump Towers. 

Annual Warren Bruno Summerfest Celebration Bike Ride June 7

Get pumped! The Atkins Park Riders and Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland are setting wheels in motion for this year’s Warren Bruno Summerfest Celebration Ride and fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Societyon Sunday, June 7. Warren Bruno owned the flagship Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland and later opened Ormsby’s on Atlanta’s Westside. Bruno lived life with gusto, even during his eight-year battle against the cancer that eventually took his life in 2012. An avid cyclist, Bruno loved biking through his neighborhood and helped found Virginia-Highland Summerfest to share his love for “Va-Hi.” Each June, bicyclists saddle up to ride along some of his favorite streets and paths in New Highland Park, Little Five Points, the Old Fourth Ward, Piedmont Park, Ansley Park and along the Atlanta BeltLine. Summerfest, with its artist market, music, food and refreshments, waits at the end of the ride. The family friendly ride is organized for three cycling skill levels. Ride begins at 8:30 a.m. at the corner of North Highland and St. Charles avenues. BYOB -- as in bike, bottle for water and bike helmet. Sign up ($5 children under 18 years, $20 adults) before June 6 or make a donation online. All proceeds benefit Atkins Park Cycling Team as they raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Bruno’s honor.

FLIP burger and Atkins Park Reign at A Taste of the Highlands May 16

A Taste of the Highlands will be one mammoth, mouthwatering walk in the park; that’s John Howell Park in Virginia-Highland, on Saturday, May 16 from 2-5 p.m. FLIP burger boutique and Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar are two of more than 30 restaurants claiming spaces and doling out tastes of popular dishes at the 13th annual food fest. Music to munch by comes courtesy of Sweet Auburn Swing Band and Jambodia. All proceeds go to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The nonprofit hospital system marks 100 years of aiding children in 2015. General admission tickets are $50 each and include entry and your fill of food and drinks.

Atkins Park Virginia-Highland Hosts Fall Craft Beer Dinner on 11/13

Weather you love pilsner, stout or IPA, come together in hoppy harmony at this week's Fall Craft Beer Dinner at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland. Starting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, the dinner romps through four courses and craft beer pairings: togarashi-dusted diver scallops, rock shrimp and kimchi Brussels sprouts with Westbrook Brewing Co. White Thai; grilled Georgia quail and Asher blue cheese, frisée and warm bacon vinaigrette complemented by Three Taverns Prince of Pilsen; braised beef short rib and celery root purée, local greens and smoked sea salt with Stone Brewing Co. Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA; and a must-have dessert of cinnamon churros and Valrhona chocolate with Founders Breakfast stout. Call 404-876-7249 to save your spot! 

Three Cheers for the USA in World Cup Play at Atkins Park Virginia-Highland Party on June 16

Root for the home team at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland as USA goes up against Ghana on Monday, June 16 at 6 p.m. For a chance to win a raffle prize, make a Budweiser, Bud Light or Monday Night Brewing purchase and receive a raffle ticket during the first three USA games. There will be a drawing for prizes at the conclusion of each game. Watch, cheer and drink, and may the drawing be in your favor.

Cornhole ATL Summer League Play Starts June 17 at Atkins Park in Virginia-Highland

Cornhole ATL summer league is here. Toast that with a cold brew or two. Cornhole ATL summer play begins the week of June 16, and Tuesday night action belongs to Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland starting June 17. Register teams online before June 15 and gather kernels of knowledge at Cornhole ATL and Atkins Park Facebook pages. Peanuts and Cracker Jack? Nah. Atkins Park game sustenance fields Guinness-dipped pretzels, smoked wings or pulled pork barbecue cooked on the Big Green Egg, grass-fed beef specialty burgers, hearty sandwiches, a full bar and dinner menu plus plenty of liquid refreshment.

Let the Good Times Roll Across Atlanta Today for Mardi Gras

Today is Fat Tuesday, and we're not about to miss out on the opportunity to live it up on one of the greatest days of the year for foodies. Honor the occasion with all of the food, frivolity, sweets and spirit(s) of a NOLA native. These Atlanta establishments are doing just that!

Call it Mardi Gras or call it Fat Tuesday. Either way, the annual day of decadence before Lent has "all you can eat and drink" written all over it. 10^th & Piedmont is more than happy to oblige on Tuesday, March 4, beginning at 6:30 p.m. They're coupling an all-you-can-eat low country boil and an all-you-can-drink deal on select premium beers. Local singer/songwriter James Patrick Morgan performs. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door.  

The Fat Tuesday celebration at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland promises a full day of beads, beers (including Abita Restoration), hurricanes, oysters, gumbo, king cake and po'boys. Go ahead, parade down Highland Avenue with your krewe.

Mardi Gras knows (almost) no time constraints at Marlow's Tavern locations, where Bayou 'n Bourbon emphasizes New Orleans tastes through March 31. Fill up on "Mo' Betta" specials such as roasted chicken and shrimp gumbo, fiery spice lump crab cake, Honey Jack chicken and andouille flatbread, N'awlins-style po'boy, a Bayou burger packing andouille sausage and crispy crawdads, deconstructed jambalaya and Sweet Bourbon St. rib-eye steak ($6.50-$26). Jack Daniel's Honey douses the honey bourbon bread pudding ($7). Marlow's upholds Bourbon Street's beverage traditions and spins its own twists: the (not Pat's) Marlow's hurricane jazzes up Pat O'Brien's recipe with Bacardi Light rum and a floater of 151, and Ramos gin fizz, Bourbon St. lemonade and a Cajun cosmo are just as heady ($8-$9.50). Louisiana "home brew" Abita Restoration and malty Abita Amber pair perfectly with all things Cajun ($5.50); Sokol Blosser Evolution from Oregon keeps wine lovers in the loop ($11/$44).

Are your feet on Bourbon Street, NOLA or in Ray's in the City on Peachtree Street, ATL? Ray's in the City plants Mardi Gras merrymaking right into the heart of downtown Atlanta on Tuesday, March 4. From 5-8 p.m., Ray's in the City rocks the Mardi Gras vibe with fun drink specials, live music and Cajun-inspired appetizers. Bust out your gold, purple and green beads! It's time to party hearty, and there's no cover charge.

If clamoring that Cajun-French expression "Laissez les bons temps rouler" or "let the good times roll" sends visions of rich and round bonbons twirling through your head, roll right into Chocolate South. The artisan chocolate shop on Atlanta's Westside is crafting Mardi Gras sweets. Key lime balls are as colorful as Mardi Gras beads, and Kona coffee with Gran Marnier beauties look a bit like the fleur de lis worn by the New Orleans Saints, don't you think? These tasty baubles are a steal at $3 each.

Sign Up for a Wheel Adventure and Join Warren Bruno Memorial Ride Through In-Town Neighborhoods on June 2

Grab your bike, bring your friends, and get ready for the Warren Bruno Memorial Ride on Sunday, June 2 to kick off Virginia Highland Summerfest. Warren Bruno, founder of Virginia-Highland Summerfest, passed away recently after a long battle with cancer. Bruno was not only an avid cyclist, but also the owner of Ormsby's and Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar. What better way to celebrate his life than with a bike ride through Virginia Highland! Donations will be given to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and water and food will be provided along the route. 

Visit Both Atkins Park Tavern Locations for a Football Frenzy!

This NFL season, join Atkins Park Tavern Virginia Highland for Monday Night Football viewing and brewing. Throw back some $3.50 Fu Manbrew pints while keeping an eye on the big screen game views. You can also enter to win a VIP tour package for four to the new Monday Night Brewery.

Intercept the “Grid Iron Eats” menu at the Virginia Highland location for chewing with viewing on Sundays from 3-11:30 p.m. and on Monday nights from 5:30 p.m.-12 a.m. Strong arm some sweet chili-glazed smoked pork spareribs with fries (1/2 rack $12, full rack $20), smoked pork and roasted poblano quesadilla ($9), mushroom and meatball sliders with provolone and marinara ($6), pulled chicken taquitos with avocado salsa ($9) or green chili cheese fries with shredded beef brisket ($10). On Monday nights, add Fu Manbrew tempura-fried veggies with sesame citrus ponzu ($8) to the fuel food list.

Also, don't miss out on Pigapalooza as it plows through Atkins Park Tavern Smyrna this weekend. The LSU Tigers barrel down the field on Saturday, September 29 and the New Orleans Saints march toward the goal on Sunday, September 30. Way “two” much fun starting at 2 p.m. each day:  two pigs, $2 beer and two football teams. Bring a buddy and make it a twosome.

Summer Fun Begins Early At Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia Highland with Pong Wars & Summerfest

Short work weeks are something to celebrate, so make plans to do just that at Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia Highland this week with a spirited paddle battle! The restaurant is setting Pong Wars in motion starting on Wednesday, May 30 with single elimination rounds starting up at 10:30 p.m. Sam Adams sponsors the fast-paced event that leads to a Sam Adams tailgate grill and awesome cooler (each valued at $150) for first- and second-place winners. Be there early to get a seat and get in the lineup!

Also coming up in the neighborhood and celebrating 29 years of art, food and fun, Virginia Highland Summerfest 2012 will be taking over on June 2-3.  Visitors can shop for original art at the artist market, enjoy great food, run the 5K and listen to live music presented by 92.9 dave-fm. There’s also a KidsFest area in John Howell Park to keep the little ones entertained. Look for the Atkins Park Tavern food tent while you’re there. At this year’s festival, we remember our friend Warren Bruno, owner of Atkins Park and Ormsby’s, who passed away earlier this month. Warren was one of the original organizers of this popular summertime festival.

Atlanta Streets Alive - Where The Journey And Transportation Make The Destination

We’re sure you’ve heard the saying, “It’s about the journey, not the destination,” but have you considered the idea – “it’s about the journey and the transportation to get to the destination?” Many years ago, Bogota, Colombia, started a Ciclovía –which translates to “bike path.” Every Sunday in Bogota, 70 miles of streets are opened to people – and closed to automobile traffic. The idea behind this open streets project is to promote healthy lifestyles, active transportation and community space. On May 20, Atlanta creates its very own Ciclovía. So park your car and move with the Atlanta Streets Alive groove along two miles of North Highland Avenue from 2 - 6 p.m. Atlanta Streets Alive begins at North Highland and Virginia avenues and meanders through five Atlanta neighborhoods to end up at Highland Bakery. In order to join in on this fun opportunity you just have to remember a simple rule – no motorized vehicles, please. Participants can walk, bike, skip or even cartwheel along the route. There will be plenty of entertainment along the way; including the Great Atlanta Bicycle Parade, a walking play, aerobics, public art, laughter yoga, salsa, double dutch, boot camp, soccer, martial arts, cornhole, a bicycle rodeo and more. With all of the action attendees are bound to build up a thirst and an appetite. Good thing Atkins Park Tavern will be open and ready to party outdoors! Stop by the front patio to check out Cornhole ATL and try Big Green Egg recipes.