April Showers Bring Free Queso to Tin Lizzy’s Cantinas All Month Long​

Grab your rubber boots and umbrella and head over to your favorite Tin Lizzy’s Cantina location for free queso on rainy days during the month of April. Dip crisp tortilla chips into that luscious, gooey goodness…and order a couple of margaritas or cold brews to whet those whistles. Oh, queso, so there is some fine print: dine in only with $10 purchase, one per table and it has to be raining, not just cloudy with a threat of showers.

Leader Board Captures Champion Spots for Masters Golf Tournament Viewing and Specials

We “fore”-see a week of highly focused pros and incredible skills playing out at the Masters Tournament over the week of April 2-8. Perhaps you’re one of the lucky ones like Umi executive chef Fuyuhiko Ito cruising toward Augusta National Golf Club to follow golfers on practice or final rounds. If not, instead of puttering around in despair, pull on your golf shirt or cap and venture to Atlanta eateries teeing off Masters-themed specials and just-like-being-there viewing options.   
 
Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland encourages golfers and duffers to “witness a tradition unlike any other with a tavern unlike any other.” A Masters-themed food and drink menu drives the course April 5-8, flagging egg salad, pimento cheese, bar-b-que, chicken breast or turkey sandwiches ($5-$6); fries, sweet potato fries or field greens salad ($3); Miller or Stella Artois drafts ($4-$5.50) and golf-y cocktails including John Daly, Sand Wedge, Transfusion and Green Jacket ($6-$7). The Masters Tournament will play out on all televisions, volume on. To open tournament week, Atkins Park is tapping into a special Masters draft beer at 8 p.m. Monday, April 2.
 
All three Henri’s Bakery locations -- Westside, Buckhead and Sandy Springs -- are teeing up a $7.99 Masters special, available April 5-7. Grab the same kind of lunch items tournament attendees can claim at Augusta’s tradition-laced golf club: a pimento cheese or egg salad sandwich, Arnold Palmer drink and a green shortbread cookie.

Atlanta Restaurants Salute Memorial Day Weekend

Celebrate Memorial Day with ceremonies and salutes honoring our armed forces. Lighter traffic. Fewer lines. More brunch time. All-American restaurant specials, dance parties and live music abounding. Exploring Atlanta and nearby cities like Roswell over the Memorial Day weekend has its own set of perks. Remember to throw your flip-flops, sunscreen and dancing slippers in your car!

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland serves its mouthwatering brunch menu all weekend long and on Monday featuring all-American classics such as the fried chicken pancake sandwich, short rib and eggs, fried green tomato Benedict, numerous skillets and even avocado toast from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

It’s not every Monday you can enjoy a relaxing brunch, so why not go for it? HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern will offer its regular brunch menu on Saturday, Sunday AND Monday from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. HOBNOB also is one of the closest places to catch a bite when heading to the Atlanta Jazz Festival at Piedmont Park over Memorial Day weekend.

Johnny’s Hideaway boogies into the unofficial start of summer with a pre-Memorial Day party on Sunday, May 28. Dance to the music of the Cold Draft Beer band and DJ Spin. Want to stay out late? Johnny’s hours accommodate.

Celebrate Memorial Day weekend and National Burger Day (May 28) wiping burger juice off your chin -- the result of biting into the Royale with Cheese, a classic tavern burger, available at your favorite Marlow’s Tavern locations. Wagyu beef is seared perfectly and stacked with American cheese and dill pickle on a buttery sesame brioche bun. Open on Memorial Day. Check website for location hours.

There’s a whole lotta Whole Hog Hootenanny going on at Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails from 12-2 p.m. on Monday, May 29. Pile plates with pulled pork, ribs, smoked chicken, sides and sweets at this all-you-care-to-eat shindig going hog wild on Milton’s Acre along with a cash bar, live music and games to please all ages. Tickets are $30/adult and $15 ages 12 and under. Buy tickets and read details here.

Enjoy an all-American meal of steaks, seafood and signature dishes at all three Ray’s Restaurants over the holiday weekend. On Memorial Day, May 29, Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek will offer all veterans and active military a 20 percent discount.

Roswell Remembers Memorial Day, May 29 at the Roswell City Hall complex, reminds visitors why we cherish this special day honoring those who have served our nation in the armed forces. Visit ExploreRoswell.com to find out what’s going on in the historic city then plan a Roswell staycation over the holiday weekend or on down the road.

Smokebelly BBQ tickles ribs with four days of Red, White & Q festivities over the dates of May 26-29. Drink specials span the weekend, including $5 mules, $5 Tito’s drinks and $3 Bud Light and Miller drafts. Live music plays Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m.-midnight and Sunday from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Sunday brunch kicks things up a notch with a bloody mary bar and bottomless mimosas from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Smokebelly empowers Memorial Day gatherings with to-go packages. Dog-friendly patio! Call 404-848-9100 for more information. Open Memorial Day from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Atlanta’s closest beach is only a few miles away. The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill -- Buckhead or Canton Street -- primes for summer with live music, cold drinks and seafood dishes galore throughout the Memorial Day weekend. Stay cool on flip-flop-approved covered decks or within air-conditioned interiors. 

Drink Up Ray’s Rio Bravo Daily Margarita, Cocktail, Wine and Beer Specials, Add in $1.50 Tacos on Weekdays

Ray’s Rio Bravo fills glasses with an “olé” lot of daily drink specials. Each day pours out a new special available from open to close throughout the entire restaurant and bar. Monday, cheer for $3.50 12-ounce house margaritas, frozen or on the rocks. There’ll be no teetotaling on Tuesday, thanks to $5 Tito’s cocktails. Wednesday welcomes half-priced wine by the bottle and by the glass. Live in suspense to find out which tequila merits Thursday “tequila du jour” half-price status. Free up some time on Friday to tip back $7 12-ounce Texas margaritas, frozen or on the rocks. Weekends deal out $2 Dos Equis drafts on Saturday and Sunday. About those bargain tacos? Beef brisket, shredded chicken and fried grouper tacos are priced at $1.50 each from 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday in the bar area.  

The Big Ketch Buckhead Turns Six, Waves in a Week of $6 Specials September 19-25

The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Buckhead’s beachfront property, is always ready to party, especially when marking an anniversary. The restaurant coasts into its weeklong anniversary celebration on Monday, September 19 with $6 specials honoring six fun-loving years. Take advantage of $6 chef-crafted appetizers and $6 drink specials throughout the week. The party culminates with a big blowout from 1-9 p.m. on Sunday, September 25 featuring $6 Champagne and house wines, $6 specialty cocktails, beer specials, giveaways and live music from Jason Pomar (1-5 p.m.) and the Cothern Miracle Band (5-9 p.m.). Guests who dine at the Buckhead beach house during the anniversary week celebration will be entered to win a $500 gift card. Stick around for games, giveaways and the 6 p.m. Champagne toast and gift card drawing.

Catch Every Game at Atkins Park Va-Hi and Field DirecTV Sunday Ticket, Game day Cocktails, Beer Specials and Prizes

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland interrupts couch-bound college gridiron and NFL viewing schedules with an important announcement: all the games are on, cocktails are cold and may yield prizes, and draft beers are a bargain. For the record, all NFL games are viewing options thanks to DirecTV Sunday Ticket connections. SweetWater 420 and IPA are Atkins Park official house draft picks, filling pints for only $3 each every day of the week. Those with a team at their table may want to order pitchers of Bud Light, priced at $12 every day. Enter the weekly pick ‘em for a chance to win $50 house cash by completing the in-house pick ‘em sheets and submitting them before kickoff time of the Thursday night game. Saturdays, guests who purchase a game day cocktail from the special college game day drink menu will be entered into a raffle to win an “Ultimate Tailgate Package” valued at $500. Cheer like you mean it while sipping a Georgia Salty Dawg, Roll Tide, Tech Buzz, Hotty Toddy or Tiger Fizz ($6-$7 each). When the drawing is held the night of the National Championship (January 9, 2017), one lucky fan will score two tailgating chairs, a cornhole set and a Yeti Hopper. During Monday night football, the restaurant will offer cans of Monday Night Brewing beer for $5 and throw in a keeper of an Atkins Park/Monday Night Brewing koozie. No time to run home for a bite between office and game? Order winning football fare from Monday’s football menu.   

Ray’s Rio Bravo Salts Anniversary Month with Half-Price Margaritas and Mucho Menu Specials

For Ray’s Rio Bravo, a cupcake and candle don’t do justice to anniversary numero uno. Half-price house margaritas? Now you’re talking fiesta. Through August 31, Ray’s Rio Bravo guests can down 12-ounce house margaritas for $3.50 each – all day, every day. And how about some tacos to go with the toasting? Two-way tacos and a plate of three shredded chicken tacos, both priced at $9.95, top the list of anniversary menu specials. Chicken and steak sizzle in 2-way fajitas served over a bed of sautéed onions and peppers with lettuce, guac, pico, El Machino flour tortillas, rice and refried beans for $19.95. Those preferring Southern to Southwestern can delve into the Southern fried chicken and crispy salad fixings of the Church Lady fried chicken salad with cool buttermilk ranch dressing and a little fried jalapeño heat ($9.95) or gnaw on a half rack of baby back ribs, slow-smoked and glazed with house-made barbecue sauce and sided by rice and refried beans ($14.95). Bravo for this boatload of lunch and dinner specials, available in the dining room and bar – and let’s not forget those half-price house margaritas.

Atlanta Restaurants Salute Military Veterans with Veterans Day Specials November 11

Thank you Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. U.S. Armed Forces have served our nation and work hard to protect freedom. In appreciation, Atlanta restaurants are honored to serve our veterans and active-duty military with specials and promotions on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11. Be sure to bring your military ID.

Der Biergarten slices 50 percent off the tab on November 11 to all active and retired military with presentation of military ID.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern peels 20 percent off the lunch or dinner check for each veteran and his or her guest on November 11.

Show off dance floor maneuvers at Johnny’s Hideaway, where active and retired military will receive $11 off their bar tab. No minimum spending required.

Ray’s Restaurants marches out a 20 percent discount for all veterans and active duty military, plus one guest.

Head to Decatur where Revival trims 25 percent off the bill for all current and former military service members.

Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar will be offering 25 percent off for active military and veterans plus one guest on Veterans Day. Must show military ID or proof of military service to redeem.

Active and retired military can snag a complimentary appetizer at Smokebelly BBQ and The Big Ketch. Valid with purchase of an entrée and presentation of military ID.

Grab some FlexMex food at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina where all veterans will receive 50 percent off their food on Veterans Day.

White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Georgia pays respect to veterans and active military with a 15 percent discount for purchases.

Willy’s Mexicana Grill rolls a 50 percent discount off meals for veterans and active military and their families. Must show military ID to redeem. Details here.

Daffy Hour Springs Up at Nikolai’s Roof and Ray’s in the City

Daffodils are beaming, proclaiming springtime is near! More than 100,000 daffodils are blooming throughout downtown Atlanta, according to Central Atlanta Progress. During March, Daffy Hour promotions at Atlanta restaurants salute this flower’s sunny countenance. What about you? Are you an early or late bloomer, preferring to seek daffodils before Daffy Hour or after enjoying a nip or nosh? Nikolai’s Roof, on the 30th floor of the Hilton Atlanta, offers Daffy Hour specials Tuesdays through Saturdays: Moscow Mules for $10 each and house-made meatballs for two served with grain mustard tomato sauce and caperberries for $12. The flora might not be obvious from this perch, but a spectacular skyline view awaits. Going with the daffodil yellow theme, Ray’s in the City sows Frosty Lemon martinis and Lemon Liqueur Sunrise cocktails, $8 each for Daffy Hours on weekdays from 4-7 p.m. Ray’s also features select half-priced appetizers, $6 glasses of house wines, $8 Tito’s cocktails and $8 Savannah bourbon weekdays from 3-6 p.m. By the way, if you capture some gorgeous photos while you’re out daffodil-ing around, be sure to share them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #DowntownDaffodils.  

St. Patrick's Day Specials at Atlanta Restaurants on and Around March 17

Atlantans love reveling in St. Patrick’s Day festivities and so do area restaurants. What luck! Many eateries are Dublin’ down to carry their St. Pat’s-themed menus and drinks over the days encircling March 17.
 On Tuesday, March 17 Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland is shamrockin' with drink specials and an Irish chef's menu featuring corned beef and cabbage ($12), shepherd's pie ($14), bangers and mash ($14) and bread pudding ($5). Impatient? They’ll let you order off the chef’s menu on Saturday, March 14. Bantam + Biddy (Ansley, Crescent, Lenox Square, Avalon) sets Irish eyes a smiling over Guinness and shots of Jameson Irish Whiskey ($4 each) and Guinness with a Jameson Shorty ($6). Corned beef and cabbage sliders are $3 each. Enjoy this three-day Irish fling March 14-17.
The whole Communitas Hospitality clan o’ restaurants -- 10^th& Piedmont, G's Midtown and HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern-- goes a wee bit Irish March 13-17. Menu additions include green beer ($3), Irish Car Bombs ($6) and traditional corned beef and cabbage with sliced, slow-braised beef brisket and chopped cabbage served with golden potatoes and baby carrots, all roasted in Harp Irish Lager. FLIP burger boutique whips up a special St. Pat’s craft milkshake that’s only available March 16-22. The Lucky Charms Shake ($5) blends vanilla ice cream and Lucky Charms cereal and tops the works with vanilla foam and cereal pieces. Pick this rare-as-a-four-leaf-clover treat at all FLIP locations.

An Atlanta tradition since 1979, Johnny’s Hideaway in Buckhead pours on the St. Paddy’s charm with complimentary corned beef and cabbage and emerald green shooters from 6-7 p.m. on March 17. Leprechaun lore -- a couple of shooters does wonders for your Irish jig, and Johnny’s is open ‘til the wee hours to accommodate the fancy footwork.

Three’s the charm for lucky folks dining at Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails over March 13-17. Choose from a trio of Irish specials: beef, barley and Guinness soup; cornbread-crusted cod with buttermilk mashed potatoes and creamed bacon-braised cabbage; and brown ale-braised lamb shank with mushroom-barley risotto, roasted pearl onions and natural jus.


Be a lepRAchaun and rollick with day-long specials on March 17 at RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Midtown. St. Pat’s Day sippers include green hot sake ($2), Jameson shots ($4), Kirin and Kirin Light ($5) and multiple cocktail specials such as the Kuronama Car Bomb ($6) with Asahi Kuronama, Jameson Irish Whiskey and Bailey's Irish Cream; Midori margaritas ($5); and an Emerald Punch of vodka, Midori Melon liqueur, pineapple juice, lemon sour and orange juice garnished with orange slices and cherries ($14).


You are the lucky rainbow’s end when you order St. Patrick's Day necessities from Whole Foods Market and have Instacartdeliver to your door. Be it an Irish feast of prepared foods or libations and decorations for your shamrock shindig, Whole Foods covers all, delivers all.

Atlanta Restaurants Share the Love on Valentine's Day

When you were a kid, Valentine's Day whirled around cheesy little cards (for the whole class), message-emblazoned candies, heart-shaped cookies smeared with really red icing and maybe a box of chocolates. Adult life sure is a lot more complicated, whether you're smitten or not. Hugs to Atlanta restaurants for stepping in to save the date with delicious terms of endearment on Valentine's Day menus.

10th & Piedmont and G's Midtown double date -- both offer a romantic Valentine's Day prix fixe dinner for two from 5-11 p.m. For $79 plus tax and gratuity, couples will enjoy a four-course menu that includes grilled Belgian endive salad, a shareable chef's tasting of smoked salmon mousse cups and mini crabcake bites, as well as an entrée choice for each person, such as cumin-crusted duck breast, roasted lamb loin or a surf and turf with lobster tail and filet medallions. Spoon a swoon-worthy dessert, chocolate soufflé for two. Make reservations online or by phone: 10thP.com 404-602-5510 or GsMidtown.com 404-872-8012.

Roses are red, and Aqua blue is equally romantic this Valentine's weekend. From Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15, a Valentine's three-course prix fixe dinner is $50 per person (excluding tax or gratuity), and the à la carte menu also is available for those who already have a "love" on the menu. Reservations: 770-643-8886.

In the heart of Buckhead, a four-course dinner at Aria sets the stage for romance on Saturday, February 14. Chef Gerry Klaskala's avant-garde take on fine American cuisine woos and wows for $95 per person. Reservations: 404-233-7673.

Book a date at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland and embrace the delicious chef's menu February 13 and 14. À la carte selections include flash-fried oysters, pan-roasted black grouper, grilled lamb porterhouse and crispy sweet ricotta ravioli for dessert ($6-$28). Reservations: 404-876-7249.

You flipped over each other, now flip over the creative burgers at FLIP burger boutique, especially the special Valentine's lobster burger available February 13-15. The loaded lobster roll burger hugs a topping of Duke's mayo, crème fraîche, shallots, chives, parsley, avocado and pecan-smoked bacon, all on a toasted brioche bun for just $19.

Whether you're going duo or solo, there's a Valentine's special to love at Midtown's HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern. From 5-11 p.m., a couple's dinner featuring chef's specials plus the regular menu will be offered. From 10 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., the restaurant hosts a Broken Hearts Club singles party with all-you-can-eat pizza and all-you-can-drink beer and bubbly. Party tickets are $29 per person in advance; $39 at the door. Reservations: 404-968-2288.

Whisper a sweet "meet me at Marlow's" in your Valentine's ear (being sure you are both talking about the same Marlow's location). Each Marlow's Tavern will feature a special three-course prix fixe menu for $35 per person, as well as their beloved American tavern fare served in a refreshingly modern setting.

Lovebirds can roost at Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails in Historic Crabapple for executive chef Derek Dollar's special prix fixe dinner priced at $59 per person. Sip on specialty Valentine's Day cocktails while enjoying live music. Information and reservations: 770-817-0161.

Love is way up in the air on the 30th floor of Hilton Atlanta where an elegant dinner at Nikolai's Roof awaits weekend view seekers. Chef de cuisine Stephanie Alderete is offering a five-course prix fixe menu along with the regular menu on Friday, February 13. On Saturday, February 14, only the prix fixe option will be available. Featured dishes include jumbo lump crab terrine, seared foie gras, sautéed swordfish or braised short ribs, and a dark chocolate soufflé to finish. $110 per person, with a four-glass wine pairing for $55 or five glasses for $58. Go ahead and smooch a Strawberry Kiss cocktail ($10) before dinner. Reservations: 404-221-6362.

Your Valentine's a gem worthy of a multi-course meal at The Pig & The Pearl in Atlantic Station. Over February 13-14, both seafood and smoked meat lovers will adore the special three-course lunch and dinner menu. Fan the flames of desire with a shared appetizer course of smoked deviled eggs, poached shrimp and smoked salmon followed by a shared smoke stack of pork shoulder, brisket, wings, ribs, mustard greens, mac & cheese and Sea Island red pea "baked beans." Finish sweetly with flourless tuxedo chocolate cake served with bubbles. $80 per couple, plus tax and gratuity. Lovely additions: four seats will be available at the raw bar each night for a seven-course menu personally designed and prepared by chef Todd Richards and featuring the finest oysters, caviar, smoked meats and vegetables. $85 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations: 404-541-0930.

Ray's Restaurants comprise a romantic trio, and all three locations have special menus in their quivers for cupid's big day. Call the individual restaurants for menu information and reservations. Ray's in the City: 404-524-9224; Rays at Killer Creek: 770-649-0064; Ray's on the River: 770-955-1187.

Prince Charming? The Southern Gentleman, a new gastropub in the Buckhead Atlanta development, dazzles and delights guests with a three-course prix fixe menu rich with lobster and grits, black truffle-celery soup, flounder, petite filet of beef, chocolate buttermilk cake and strawberry cheesecake. Dinner is $65 per person. Reservations: 404-939-9845.

Aloha means love and Trader Vic's in the Hilton Atlanta invites you to bestow aloha on your Valentine this February 14. The Trader's special menu includes BBQ duck breast spring roll, Asian chicken breast salad, entrée choices of wok stir-fried strip loin or pan-seared yellowtail snapper and a sweet spot of white chocolate soufflé with passion fruit coulis for dessert. $60 per person (plus 20 percent gratuity and tax). Add two glasses of sparkling wine for $14.

Join The Shed to celebrate a romantic night out! There will be a three course meal served for $45 per person. There are four choices to start the night – shrimp and grits with chicken sausage, onions, peppers and baguette; tuna tartare served with ponzu gelee, cucumber, trout caviar, scallions and fried shallots; smoked beef brisket spring roll with baby corn, sweet potato, avocado puree, kung pao sauce  or Caesar salad. After that, indulge in a mouthwatering second course that includes options like pan seared bay scallops; NY strip; potato crusted flounder and Springer Mountain Farms chicken.  End this special night with a sweet treat like vanilla crème brulee, deconstructed ding dong, red velvet cheesecake or share the cheese plate for two that includes raisin toast, pecans and apple butter. 

Article 14 is the place to take your lover this Valentine’s Day. Abandon your normal routine and try the menu specifically created for this special night. Begin with a decadent appetizer of oysters and caviar, two choices of entrees: mouth watering diver scallop, asparagus and a petite herb salad priced at $29 or pan roasted filet of beef with cauliflower and hazelnuts for $34. Don’t forget to finish the night off with the $8 “Chocolate Love Affair” so amorous it may feel like cheating. 

Sneak away to Bluffton, Georgia for an idyllic Valentine's Day dinner at White Oak Pastures on February 14. Pavilion meal includes four courses for two, lining up an appetizer, salad, choice of entreé and dessert with a complimentary glass of Champagne for each guest. $85 per couple, $55 for singles, and those who partake in the dinner will receive 10 percent off lodging for the night. Reservations required: 229-641-2081.

Gotta love Willy's Mexicana Grill for this heartwarming special. On Valentine's Day, bring a homemade or store-bought Valentine's card to any Willy's location, and they will love you back with a special offer to use on a return visit.

Buy roses that make a difference this Valentine's Day: Whole Trade® Roses at Whole Foods Market help provide fair prices to producers, safe and healthy working conditions for farm workers and promote environmentally-friendly growing practices-plus each bunch provides a one percent donation to Whole Planet Foundation for poverty relief.

Grand Opening Week at Bar Meatball in Virginia-Highland is Rolling with Specials, May 12-17

Photo by Marco Alarcon

Bar Meatball has been quietly meeting the neighbors in its Virginia-Highland home over the past few weeks, and now the Italian eatery is rolling out a week of grand-opening specials. Monday, May 12 is free slider night. On Neighbor Night, Tuesday, May 13, 10 percent of the evening’s proceeds will go to the Morningside Lenox Park Association. Ten dollars buys a bottle of Vitiano sangiovese cabernet blend or Banfi Le Rime pinot grigio on Wednesday, May 14. Savor sangria and a slider for $6 on Thursday, May 15. Friday brings free zeppole (you know, those irresistible Italian donuts dusted with powdered sugar)! Kids under 12 years old eat free from noon-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. Stop by and see why Bar Meatball’s old-school traditions and flavors shine. For one thing, the place draws on family recipes, high quality ingredients, meats ground in-house daily and sourced locally whenever possible. An easily maneuverable wine and beer list make Bar Meatball a no-brainer for a simply delicious night out in the neighborhood.

Appetizing Aperture: RA Sushi Bar Restaurant

Spoon or hand? Soup or roll? Lunch, break or dinner? RA Sushi Bar Restaurant springs for three April specials on its menu: five kinds of spicy or crunchy hand rolls ($3 each), chicken udon soup ($5) or Zen tofu soup ($5). Might need to visit several times before April 30!