Embrace Atlanta Restaurants for Sweet Valentine’s Day Eatings

Zing! Our blog targets Atlanta’s delicious Valentine’s Day hot spots from elegant to casual to quick carry outs perfect for those cuddling up over dinner on that comfy couch at home. And, if you can’t be with the one you love on Valentine’s Day, well, these Atlanta restaurants are also quite lovely places to sit down together the rest of the year.

Tasty Stuffed Stocking Idea: “Culinary Atlanta” Book Toasts Top Restaurants

Choosing a dine-out spot in the ATL can be daunting due to the sheer number of restaurants. Of course we hope you find The Atlanta Dish a useful resource! ”Culinary Atlanta,” the new release from food writer Malika Bowling serves a curated buffet of Atlanta restaurants and breweries, including many of those featured in The Dish. Bowling conveniently divides her palatable paperback into 13 chapters covering geographic areas such as Decatur, Sandy Springs/Dunwoody and Buford Highway. Other chapters explore local chains, “Not Starbucks” java joints, iconic landmarks, plus food specialty markets, fests and tours/chefs. Bowling invites readers to partake: “anyone who signs up for my email list (there's a pop up on my site), gets the first chapter of the book on Buckhead for free.”

Santa’s Booked, but Atlanta Restaurants Have Seats Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Santa sightings, Christmas tree forests springing up on corners and mega mall jams (reason to shop small) are sure signs that Christmas is drawing near. No doubt you’re a little like Santa, checking lists twice for gifts to procure, not-to-miss holiday happenings and finding a place to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas with a special dinner. Santa helpers that we are, we’re here with a list of Atlanta restaurants open on Saturday, Dec. 24 and Sunday, Dec. 25.

Enjoy an elegant Christmas Eve dinner at Aria in Buckhead before heading out to a candlelight service or to view Christmas lights. Gerry Klaskala’s acclaimed restaurant opens at 5 p.m. Dec. 24.
 
Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland stays open late Christmas Eve night for those waiting up for Santa (or frustrated by DIY assembly directions). Coals glowing in the Big Green Egg will rival the lights on your big green tree when the neighborhood gathering spot opens at 4 p.m. on Christmas Day. The special prix fix dinner menu stars BGE smoked turkey breast with caramelized apple and sage stuffing and cider gravy; bourbon glazed ham and roasted root vegetables; a crispy onion and roasted mushroom-decked green bean casserole; roasted garlic mashed potatoes; cranberry Grand Marnier compote; sweet potato biscuits; and sugarplum choices of peppermint cheesecake or Southern pecan pie for dessert. Reservations recommended, call 404-876-7249. Priced at $28 for adults, $18 for young adults and $10 for the under 10 set.

Down the street in Poncey-Highland, Rize Artisan Pizza + Salads will be open Christmas Eve and serving from its regular menu of artisan pizzas, healthy salads and global American fare from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
 
5Church Atlanta in Midtown will be open Christmas Eve and serving from their regular menu. Closing time will be determined by the amount of merriment filling its dining room and bar.

Your Christmas cheer headquarters is Ormsby’s. The Westside restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve and serving as usual, although closing time is flexible. Ormsby’s will be closed on Christmas Day.

After a Christmas Eve stroll in Piedmont Park or taking in Garden Lights Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, stop by HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern in Midtown and warm up with favorite dishes and drinks from the regular menu. Park the sleigh at HOBNOB on Christmas Day to celebrate the holiday from 3-9 p.m.

During Christmas Week Dec. 18-24, enjoy a special three-course holiday dinner at Aqua blue.  The $39 per person prix fixe menu includes seafood gumbo or house salad; grilled ahi tuna with scallops and shrimp or grilled New York strip with coconut shrimp; and warm chocolate cake or New York-style chocolate cheesecake. Call 770-643-8886 for reservations.

Take a break from last minute holiday shopping at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta and head to Gypsy Kitchen, which will be operating during regular hours on Christmas Eve.

Across the Chattahoochee River in East Cobb, sister restaurants Seed Kitchen & Bar and Stem Wine Bar on Johnson Ferry Road and Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar at The Avenue Marietta will all be open as usual and offering their regular menus on Christmas Eve.
 
Secreto Southern Kitchen & Bar in Alpharetta will be open and featuring a prix fix menu on Dec. 24. The staff is taking Christmas Day off and hopes you’ll be enjoying the day with friends and family as well.

Those hitting the road to visit friends and family in Winston Salem, North Carolina, can treat the bunch to brunch with Santa at The Katharine Brasserie + Bar on Thursday, Dec. 22, Friday, Dec. 23 or Saturday, Dec. 24 from 8-11 a.m. 

Give Thanks for a Cornucopia of Dine In or Out Thanksgiving Options

Could be you’re working, working, working 24/7 and really want to sit down in a beautiful dining room and let out a sigh of relief that chefs are planning and preparing the Thanksgiving menu. Or, perhaps dining out on Thanksgiving is your family tradition. On the other hand, maybe the crew is descending on your house to gather round the fully expanded dining table or touch down on the sofa for marathon football viewing and a casual gobble and gridiron spread. Turn to our blog to see how Atlanta restaurants accommodate whatever works for you – dining out or taking away. So deliciously blessed. So gratefully full.

Gotta Get Out of the City for an Afternoon in the Country November 6

Goodbye city slick, hello country casual. Atlanta chefs are heading out of town for an Afternoon in the Country on Sunday, November 6 from 1-4 p.m. The culinary corps includes chefs from Bellina Alimentari, Chicken and the Egg, Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar, Marlow’s Tavern, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails, Ormsby’s and Seed Kitchen & Bar who will join other top chefs, caterers and local farmers (including White Oak Pastures and Milton’s Acre) to present enticing fare in a tasting format along with fine wines and premium micro-brews. The 16^th annual event, hosted by Atlanta Les Dames d’Escoffier International, unfolds under the big-top tents on the expansive lawns of Foxhall Resort & Sporting Club in Douglasville. Lots of space and lots of entertainment: live music, one-of-a-kind cake raffle stocked by top pastry chefs and a silent auction flying high with exclusive dining and travel packages and food and wine merchandise. (Note: no children’s activities planned this year.) Buy tickets online, $125 for adults 21 and over; free parking.

Going Gluten-Free Never Tasted So Good

Loving leaving gluten behind? No longer is that a tale of woe. You know, “Whoa! That tastes like cardboard. What else can I eat -- enjoyably?” Atlanta chefs are taking advantage of naturally gluten-free foods and the ever-growing list of gluten-free, sowing their wildly appealing “GF” oats to create dishes full of flavor yet devoid of gluten. Menus clearly designate gluten-free and modifiable options so playing the do/don’t guesswork game is a thing of the past. This list of area restaurants offering gluten-free menu items (along with yummy selections) is definitely a keeper.

Start with a toast to new dining opportunities. Revival in Decatur offers Angry Orchard Stone Dry cider, which like all Angry Orchard ciders is naturally gluten-free. Cheers!

The menus at all Bantam + Biddy locations clearly designate gluten-free options, and there’s a whole flock of dishes scattered across all menu categories, starters through dessert. Entrées such as fried chicken tenders, meatloaf, oven-roasted chicken and the Southern Breakfast (served all day) are a few tempters. Covet Bantam + Biddy’s popular jalapeño cornbread? Score. The golden, gluten-free bread accompanies all entrées and is available as a side. When only a sandwich will do, the kitchen will swap in gluten-free bread. Good to remember when dining in Midtown (Ansley Mall or Crescent Avenue), Lenox Square or Avalon.
 
Chick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station also identifies gluten-free items on its lunch/dinner and weekend brunch menus. Flip over almond pancakes with ginger apples ($10) or a protein scramble ($12.50) at brunch as well as onion rings ($6), a chicken tender basket ($13.50) and Cobb, Club Med and Power House salads ($10).

Lunch, dinner or in between, Ormsby’s shrimp and grits is an all-around favorite, rocking palates with succulent shrimp, red peppers, caramelized onions and cream sherry ($16). Ask servers about more gluten-free menu options.

At Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar, a plethora of gluten-free options await. You can’t go wrong with the pan-roasted lamb sausage with creamy grits and smoked Gouda, charred okra and harissa jus ($10) or the Southern paella with Carolina gold rice, pan-seared red snapper, mussels, scallops, smoked andouille and shrimp ($21).

In Midtown, 10th & Piedmont harmonizes sweet, salty and savory for gluten-free and paleo devotees in its bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin with roasted apples, currants and cane syrup crème ($6.95)

At the magic hour of 5 p.m. every evening, HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern starts serving its fall-apart tender pot roast. Midtowners can’t get enough of the comforting short ribs sided by buttermilk mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables and red wine gravy ($14.50).
 
Seed Kitchen & Bar generously peppers its lunch, dinner and brunch menus with gluten-free options. Smoked chicken tacos with pimento grits, chipotle-lime crema and piquillo peppers ($8.95); deviled eggs served with short smoked salmon, jalapeño cream, pickled onion and capers ($7.95); and Georges Bank sea scallops with butternut squash-Parmesan risotto, apple and pancetta ($26.95) are a few of the palate-rewarding selections at this East Cobb restaurant.

Thankfully, most wines get the go ahead. Small plates at Stem Wine Bar in East Cobb also get the green light. Everyone’s happy to share “Deviled Eggs Three Ways” -- Spanish, French and Italian ($6); shaved Brussels sprouts with warm bacon vinaigrette, apple, pine nuts and Parmesan ($9); Spanish octopus “A la Plancha” slow braised in red wine and accompanied by fingerling potatoes, chorizo and salsa verde ($14); and garlic chicken wings with preserved lemon, black pepper, Calabrian chiles and parsley ($10).

There’s a Reason It’s Called a Gobbler -- Atlanta Restaurants Swoop in with Thanksgiving Feasts and Take-Aways

Though the other 364 days of the year may be crazy busy, Thanksgiving Day interjects a pleasing pause in the mayhem to express gratitude for blessings and the tasty feast on the table. Find out which Atlanta restaurants are setting elegant dining tables, bountiful buffet tables and offering take-away traditions for your home table on our blog.

Gypsy Kitchen Caravans to Buckhead Theatre for Taste of Buckhead September 24

Chefs from Gypsy Kitchen and other hot Atlanta restaurants will wow guests with signature dishes and bites at the 11th annual Taste of Buckhead converging on the Buckhead Theatre Thursday, September 24 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Along with amazing morsels, guests will have the opportunity to sample more than 50 wine, beer and spirit tastings and browse vendor products. General admission tickets ($50 each) allow access to unlimited food, beer, wine and spirit tastings. VIP tickets ($75 each, only 100 tickets available) stack on a VIP reception with celebrity chef demos, VIP gift bag and exclusive tastings and specialty cocktails. Limited to ages 21 and over. Gas South presents this year’s event at Buckhead’s landmark theatre.

Oh, Boy! Atlanta Restaurants Cover Labor Day Eating

Labor Day marks the last weekend for the boys of summer. The “Oh, boy. I forgot to marinate the chicken, buy the charcoal, fill in the blank.” The “Oh, boy. I’m too wiped out to cook after that long drive back from...” No worries. Atlanta restaurants are ready to send those boys packing on good terms by providing dine-in and take-home meal options for smooth sailing over the Labor Day holiday. Oh, boy! Our informative blog link has the details. 

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.

Atlanta Restaurants Have Your Back for Super Bowl Action and Home Viewing Parties

Now that we know the teams competing in NFL Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday, February 1, the next tackle involves the real "bowl" game -- as in what's going to be on the game-day table for the 6 p.m. showdown and Katy Perry/Lenny Kravitz halftime glitz. Atlanta restaurants are kicking off a slew of game-night carryout options, so delish your guests will go running back to the table for seconds. Those drawn to a big fan base will find a full roster of viewing screens, cold drinks, appetizers and hearty eats right here in the ATL.

Draft a Super Bowl platter to carry out from Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland. Key players include Atkins Park jumbo chicken wings, two dozen either smoked on the Big Green Egg or confit with your choice of sweet chili, spicy BBQ or Atkins Park wing sauce and backed by veggies and ranch and blue cheese dressings ($30); two full slabs of Big Green Egg pork spare ribs with tomato BBQ sauce ($35); one dozen bacon cheeseburger sliders ($12); house-made guacamole, salsa and tortilla chips ($25); and a veggie crudité platter with ranch dressing ($25). Call 404-876-7249 to place your order before Thursday, January 29.

Go big and go home. The Sunday Big Game Package, available at all four Bantam + Biddy locations and Chick-A-Biddy in Atlantic Station, feeds 10 people for $95. Package brings on Sunday night fried chicken (a mix of gluten-free white and dark meat), 50 buffalo wings with blue cheese and celery; mac n' cheese, a dozen pieces of gluten-free jalapeño-cheddar cornbread and a quart each of hummus and pimento cheese with oven-baked pita wedges. Place your order at wecater@bantamandbiddy.com before 9 p.m. on Saturday, January 31 and pick up at the location of your choice on Sunday, February 1 by 2:30 p.m. Jump on this -- limited availability. 

Super Bowl XLIX will run on all TV screens and the big projection screens at G's Midtown and 10th & Piedmont. Game-day highlights at the two Midtown gathering places involve $2 sliders, $2 shorty cans of beer and $10 pitchers of Miller draft. 

It's wings between the uprights at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern, i.e. wings are half-price all day for guests dining in the Midtown restaurant -- whether you're watching the game on their big screen or just want a wing-it Sunday. Team those wings up with $15 SweetWater pitchers and $2 shorties for an all-star experience. Home screening parties, HOBNOB's full menu also is up for grabs as to-go or catering options. For information, call 404-968-2288. 

Terminus City is offering chef Kevin Gillespie's award-winning Southern fare for game day grazing. The menu of traditional barbecue pork and chicken ($15 per pound), sandwiches ($8), Brunswick stew ($7) and sides ($5) will be available, as well as the restaurant's Lunch Boxes ($12 per box), which include choice of sandwich, one side and a sweet treat. All orders must be placed by Wednesday, January 28. For more information, please contact Gunshow at 404-380-1886 or email terminuscity@gunshowatl.com to place an order.

Catch the action from the ­50-yard line at your neighborhood Marlow's Tavern. Watch every pass (or fumble) on bar-area screens while filling up on game-day specials. Marlow's menu wins points for satisfying appetites, sweet petite to linebacker size, and for keeping a steady stream of cold brews and cocktails moving down the sidelines.

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Midtown is in for the long haul, offering happy hour sushi and appetizer specials all day long to cover pre-game, kickoff and post-game conversations. Sushi platters to go score extra points for home teams and include salmon, yellowtail, tuna, and shrimp nigiri as well as a wide range of sushi rolls and vegetarian delights. Customized platters are available, and all platters are served with a full roster of wasabi, soy sauce, ginger and chopsticks. Orders must be placed at least 24 hours before pick up. For more information, call 404-267-0114.

Smokebelly in Buckhead fires up a Super Bowl to-go package that pits pulled pork lovers against smoked wing fans. Or maybe they'll compromise and share the two pounds of pulled pork (substitute turkey or brisket for an additional cost), 25 smoked wings (all flats or all drums add $3), three quarts of sides, 12 signature sandwich rolls and two pints of barbecue sauce ($99, serves seven to eight people). Call 404-848-9100 to place an order.

Pigskin action prep begins with a meaty lineup of Game Day and Family packages at The Pig & The Pearl in Atlantic Station. Game Day packages feed 10 fans and include two bags of pork skins with sauces. The Slider Pack ($65) features two quarts of pork, pulled smoked chicken or Sloppy Joe and 10 cookies. The Rib Pack ($90) lines up two full racks of St. Louis-style ribs, two quarts vinegar slaw and a half pan of mac and cheese. Smoked chicken pack ($75) has two and a half chickens, quartered, plus two quarts vinegar slaw and 12 deviled eggs. Wing Pack ($75) loads up 50 wings and two quarts each of vinegar slaw and Sea Island red pea "baked beans." Family packages are training table ready (24-hour notice, please) to feed four to six folks with four family style sides, cornbread and choice of meat. Choose whole smoked pork butt (5-7 lbs., $130), whole smoked brisket (11-13 lbs., $180) or whole smoked turkey breast (5 lbs., $140). Call 404-541-0930 to place your order.

Twin Smokers BBQ is providing double coverage for game-day get-togethers. The barbeque restaurant's call-ahead catering system is available for mouthwatering meats such as brisket, pulled pork or pork ribs, satisfying sides and delectable desserts. Guests who take advantage of call-ahead ordering (24-hour notice required) will receive $10 off every $100 spent - SCORE! Call 404-698-4707 to place an order.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Atlanta Restaurants

This Thanksgiving, our gratitude jar overflows with grace notes. Among them, the names of restaurants and stores where chefs and their teams are cooking up Thanksgiving Day dinners abounding with good eats. Which leads us to add notes to our jar for free time enjoying friends and family and no dishpan hands. 10th & Piedmont and G's Midtown are both hosting Thanksgiving buffets boasting traditional favorites from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Scope out the carving station with herb and butter roasted turkey breast and prime rib; hot items such as dressing, roasted jalapeño mac and cheese, creamy Parmesan mashed potatoes, garlic green beans and roasted sweet potato; and cold sides including cranberry sauce, Southern-style potato salad and a selection of fresh fruit and cheeses. A pilgrimage to the dessert buffet finds cheesecake bites, chocolate lava cake, pumpkin pie, pecan pie and more. $34.95 per adult and $13.95 for children 10 years old and younger. Details here. Call the respective restaurant to make reservations. Join Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 27, served from 5-11 p.m. Choose Big Green Egg-smoked turkey breast or braised pork shoulder with sides of green bean casserole, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry Grand Marnier compote and sweet potato biscuits. Dessert options include pumpkin cheesecake or Southern pecan pie. $28 for adults, $18 for ages 11-16 and $10 for children 10 and under (tax and gratuity not included). Reservations recommended, 404-876-7249. Call on Bantam + Biddy to cater your Thanksgiving dinner (Crescent location only) and feed 10-12 people for $180.Meal includes one 12-15 lb. roasted Amish turkey, classic mashed potatoes, braised collard greens, cornbread, sage and wild rice stuffing, homemade giblet gravy, a quart of spicy cranberry sauce and a North Georgia apple pie. Place orders by 9 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25 and pick up food Wednesday, November 26 from 5 p.m. to close. Phone 404-835-6450 or email wecater@bantamandbiddy.com.  In historic Crabapple, Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails is fixing Thanksgiving turkeys and a boatload of sides to-go. Pre-order a brined, smoked turkey weighing between 12-14 lbs. and priced at $75. Each turkey serves 6-8 guests and comes with sage-corn spoon bread. Additional side items are available for pre-order purchase. Order turkeys here by Friday, November 21 for pick-up on Tuesday, November 25 and Wednesday, November 26 at the restaurant. Hosting dinner is a cinch thanks to The Pig & the Pearl in Atlantic Station and its full Thanksgiving feast to-go. À la carte ordering lists everything from the 12-14 lb. fresh, whole smoked turkey with gravy for $65 each to additional sides such as cheddar mac and cheese, smoked sweet potatoes, sweet potato pie and a cranberry-apple streusel pie. Each side item is portioned to feed four to six people. Orders must be placed by November 24. Gather details and pre-order your dinner here. Go over the river, by the woods or downtown to partake ofRay's Restaurants' Thanksgiving buffets abundant with Turkey Day and signature recipes. Phone individual restaurants for preferred seating. Ray's on the River will serve dinner from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. priced at $42.95 per adult and $21.95 per child ages 5-10; 770-955-1187. Feast atRay's at Killer Creek between 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. for $34.95 per adult and $17.95 per child ages 5-10; 770-649-0064. Ray's in the City's Thanksgiving buffet will be offered from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. priced at $34.95 per adult and $17.95 per child; regular dinner menu offered at 5 p.m. with à la carte pricing and extra Thanksgiving specials; 404-524-9224. Head to The Shed at Glenwood for a Thanksgiving buffetresplendent with savory meats including Gum Creek Farms ham, salmon croquettes and fried Springer Mountain chicken plus sides of sweet potato soufflé, mac and cheese gratin, B.L.T. sliders, beet salad and zucchini and squash casseroles. Dessert table joy: decadent oatmeal and cranberry whoopie pies, red velvet cupcakes, bourbon-roasted banana pudding, chocolate mousse tart and more. $50 per adult, $20 for children ages 4-10. Served from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Reserve your table online. Be the host with the most free time for family and friends. Let Whole Foods Market handle the menu with fresh pre-order/pick-up offerings prepared especially for Thanksgiving. Be it for a large or small gathering, shop Whole Foods Market for Turkey Dinner Packages stuffed with a pre-cooked turkey rubbed with savory herbs plus side options of green bean casserole, cranberry-orange relish and homestyle mashed potatoes, à la carte shrimp, cheese platters, oysters and more. This is your "dessert island" destination for gorgeous and decadent classic, vegan and gluten-free baked goods. Whole Foods offers a convenient online ordering formand timesaving Instacart delivery service. Gobble Turkey Day menu details here. Just want to talk turkey? Buy White Oak Pastures free-roaming turkeys at Whole Foods Markets. These birds live the life, going from pasture to slaughter without leaving the farm. Taste the difference by choosing these over traditional grocery store birds. Select a Broad Breasted Bronze, Auburn or Black turkey breed in small, medium and large varieties. $5.99 per pound at all Atlanta-area Whole Foods Markets. Supplies are limited.

Get Patriotic with Festive Food and Cool Cocktails

There’s no need to sit in hours of holiday traffic because Atlanta restaurants and bars are making it worthwhile to ditch the car jams and stay in the city this Independence Day.

10^th & Piedmont is opening early on the Fourth of July to serve their regular brunch menu. Starting at 8 a.m., diners can enjoy favorites like the 10P chicken and waffles. The restaurant will be open with regular dinner hours. For more information, visit communitashospitality.com.

Time this right and you can run the Peachtree Road Race, clean up and be at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland when doors open at 11 a.m. on July 4. After that morning sprint, you’ll be ready to refuel at the neighborhood tavern’s seventh annual Go Whole Hog or Go Home barbecue. Chef Andrew Smith chooses the whole hog route. He’s smoking a Riverview Farms whole hog in the restaurant’s backyard pit. Ante up $15 for a meat, three sides and three barbecue sauces for your holiday lunch or dinner. Backyard Beer Olympics begin at 3 p.m. See which teams will dominate Ping-Pong, ladder toss, cornhole and darts to win a portion of more than $500 in prizes. Register your team at 404-876-7249. The party flows into Saturday, closing up at 3 a.m. on July 5.

A Southern Fourth of July picnic conjures up visions of fried chicken spreads and chins dripping barbecue sauce. Thanks to Bantam + Biddy, you can have both and declare independence from the heated preliminaries of frying, smoking and cleaning up your mess. Given 48-hour notice, both the Crescent Avenue and Ansley Mall Bantam + Biddy locations will pack up a Picnic-to-Go to feed four, including a whole smoked or fried chicken, fingerling potato salad with grainy mustard, watermelon and feta salad, black-eyed peas and tomato salad, cornbread and lemon bars, all for $48. If friends and family squeal over chopped pork barbecue, the Ansley Mall restaurant is smoking up a pig and will offer chopped barbecue pork sandwiches and a side for $6 each on July 4 from noon-4 p.m., while supplies last. Goodbye picnic basket – hello, holiday!

You earned it, now carb-load on the backside of the race at Hearth Pizza Tavern on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. Show off your Peachtree Road Race number and receive a complimentary eight-inch pizza (maximum value $8) on Friday, July 4. Running with a crowd or cheering section? Hearth Pizza Tavern’s menu is packed with signature and build-your-own pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, salads and plenty of thirst-quenching brews and cocktails, wines, waters, teas and Abita bottled root beer. Regular hours rule the day, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

To honor their loyal regulars, Marlow’s Tavern is sending an email to insiders with an offer of a free bison burger (one per table, per email, with a minimum purchase of $10) at their locations. To sign up for the Insider’s Club newsletter and giveaways like this, visit marlowstavern.com.

One night, so many fireworks displays. So many people! Command a calm view of metro Atlanta’s holiday illuminations by dining or enjoying drinks at Nikolai’s Roof. Think of it. A brilliant menu, sparkling drinks, 24 years with the coveted AAA Four-Diamond award, air-conditioned comfort…and no crowds or parking issues. Just a few little reminders that Roman candles and bottle rockets aren’t the only things lighting up the sky on this holiday! Open regular hours, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Make reservations via OpenTable or call 404-221-6362.

Located on Ponce de Leon in downtown Decatur, No. 246 is sidewalk close to the city’s Fourth of July Pied Piper Parade, concert and fireworks on and near the square. The restaurant will open at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 4 for a backyard cookout. Duck into the thoughtfully planned backyard complete with shaded areas, deck seating, Ping-Pong and a patriotic menu of barbecued meats, baked beans, potato salad and mac ‘n’ cheese until 9 p.m. Parade bound first? Cruise through afterward when the restaurant’s popular $6 all-you-can-eat pizza special kicks in from 9-11 p.m. The bar remains open throughout to slake thirsts.

What a catch! A whole Maine lobster is only $19.95 per person at all three Ray’s Restaurants beginning today, July 1 for a limited time. Each 1¼ pound lobster buddies up with a pool of drawn butter and your choice of side dish. And, on Friday, July 4, all three Ray’s Restaurants will be open, and you’ll shell out even less for lobster because the price sinks down to $16.95 per person. Tax and gratuity are not included in either price point. Grab this special by the tail at Ray’s in the City, Ray’s at Killer Creek and Ray’s on the River, and hurry before the tide changes and the price goes up.

Smokebelly in Buckhead is celebrating Independence Day with live music, $5 craft cocktails and $2 PBR cans. The regular menu will be offered. For more information, visit smokebellybbq.com or call 404-848-9100.

Even though Kevin Gillespie is keeping the meaty details of Terminus City when and where-abouts tucked under the bun, he’s eager for Atlantans to go ahead and sneak in a taste of what’s to come. And, since barbecue is as American as the Fourth of July, Gillespie is rolling out this special menu (instead of the regular menu) at Gunshow, his Glenwood Park flagship restaurant, on Friday and Saturday, July 4-5. Chomp into chopped barbecue, chicken-fried steak or a vegetarian entrée. Heaping helpings of sides will be offered (and replenished) via Gunshow’s rolling carts. Dine-in seating is first-come, first-served. Takeout is available à la carte with barbecued meats, slaw, Brunswick stew, cornbread, sandwiches and fried pies. Dine-in items may differ from to-go items. Visit the Facebook page or call 404-380-1886 for more information.

Make a beeline to Whole Foods Market locations for savings during the July 4 holiday. From July 3-6, Whole Foods makes cookouts a breeze with the Fourth of July Bundle. For $20, take home eight house-made Italian sausages (traditional Italian or spicy), eight hot dog buns (white or wheat) and two pounds of farmer’s potato salad. Not in the mood to cook? Whole Foods has you covered with $6.99 chicken. Choose from fried, grilled or barbecued and receive two breasts, two thighs, two drumsticks and two wings. Toast the holiday with a Whole Foods Market Wine deal. All stores (except TN) are offering 20 percent off cases of wine (mix or match) from July 3-6.

After crossing the finish line at the Peachtree Road Race, get in line at Willy’s Mexicana Grill for a deal to refuel hungry runners. On Friday, July 4, wear the coveted Peachtree Road Race t-shirt to any Atlanta Willy’s location and purchase $5 burritos all day long. Burrito extras not included. For more information, restaurant locations and July 4 holiday closings, visit willys.com.

Tin Lizzy's Cantina will offer the regular menu to Independence Day celebrators until 5 p.m. at all locations. The Mall of Georgia location will be open normal hours and is the perfect spot to grab dinner before the Mall of Georgia's 12th Annual Fabulous Fourth.