Atlanta Restaurants Are Game-Table Ready for Fans During SEC Championship Game December 5

Football fans are gearing up for the SEC Championship at the Georgia Dome on December 5. Whether you’re rooting for the Florida Gators or your blood runs Crimson Tide, that game face needs to be fed. We have a playbook to put high-scoring dining destinations at your fingertips.

DOWN BY THE DOME

The indoor/outdoor beer garden at Der Biergarten comes through for your team with multiple flat-screen televisions, family style seating and a hefty roster of authentic German food and beer to sustain fans while the game clock counts down to zero and well beyond.

Take a time out at Glenn’s Kitchen in The Glenn Hotel for a casual, yet sophisticated, breakfast, lunch, dinner or relaxing drinks in the Living Room Lounge. Friday night lights (or Saturday afternoon) are one upped by the skyline view at SkyLounge atop The Glenn.

Before, during or after the football fracas, release pent-up energy playing arcade games at Game-X. Game-X presents more than 60 of today’s top games and a few blasts from the past. Catch the game at their two fully stocked bars with a supreme AV system to keep you connected.

Intercept a few pizzas and pitchers of beer at Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria.Whether choosing toppings from Max’s extensive list or slicing into a specialty pie, pizza always scores big points before or after a game. 

Take a quick walk to Ray’s in the City for a satisfying lunchor an evening fine dining experience. Enjoy hand-cut steaks, made-to-order sushi and seafood flown in daily from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Saturday night, live music from 6-10 p.m. soothes tears of defeat and pleases those calmly celebrating victory.

Join the STATS team for an SEC Championship Pre-game and Viewing Party from 12-6 p.m. on Saturday and catch every play on the 70 high-definition televisions at Atlanta’s ultimate sports bar. Your football crowd can party like the pros at beer tap tables seating up to eight guests. Drafting more players? Four suites offer semi-private space away from the crowds.Reserve special seating areas of beer tap tables, suites or super suites in advance for noon-3 p.m. or 3-6 p.m. seatings (includes reservation and food and beverage minimum for desired seating area). Cover charge of $5 per person applies during the party (included in special seating reservations).

Before or after the pigskin action in the Dome, barbecue lovers can dine at Twin Smokers BBQ on Marietta Street, a short walk from the game. Feast on smoked meats, fresh sides and imbibe craft beer and strong cocktails for inner warmth.

MINUTES AWAY IN MIDTOWN

Game “cluck” fans, Bantam + Biddy soars with Southern-inspired, farm-to-table main dishes and sides, as well as substantial sideline snacks of fried chicken tenders with wasabi honey or chicken Brunswick stew.

Hunker down over pretzels, cheese dip and tasty bites at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern where a spacious bar provides great game viewing, and complimentary valet parking gets you to the end zone fast. Pub fare and a comprehensive craft beer list including a mix of American and imported high-gravity beers -- draft and bottled -- totally dominate any concession stand options.

Marlow’s Tavern is the perfect spot to grab a drink and watch the big game. Atlanta’s favorite tavern has several flat-screen plasma TVs, booze and classic dishes to keep you going and rooting for your team. 

For a drink and entertainment, pop over to Ormsby’s. This Westside neighborhood tavern offers an extensive craft beer selection, a fresh pub menu and a wide range of traditional games.

“Meat” at Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar at the Loews Atlanta Hotel. Saltwood’s doors open at 6:30 a.m. for hearty and healthy breakfast fare, run long through lunchtime and provide a “fifth” quarter option for dinner and handcrafted cocktails. Executive chef Olivier Gaupin’s shareable small plates and house-made charcuterie keep everyone cheering.

BACK IN BUCKHEAD

Smokebelly BBQ wins the coin toss for terrific game watching and foot-stompin’ good times. Smoked meats, chef-crafted ‘cue, Southern fixin’s, cold brews and craft cocktails put a taste of the South in your mouth, whether “South” means Gators or a rolling Crimson Tide. 

Make a Splash at Aqua Vino 2015 on October 8

Socialites and sea life mix and mingle during Aqua Vino 2015 on Thursday, October 8, at the Georgia Aquarium. Hosted by television personality, chef and author Alton Brown, this 10^th annual benefit is the aquarium’s premier wine and food fundraiser featuring more than 200 wines from around the world, live and silent auctions and food tastings from more than 30 of the city’s leading restaurants including Article 14, Glenn’s Kitchen, Twin Smokers BBQ, Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar and Stem Wine Bar. Event runs 7-10 p.m. Purchase tickets online ($125-$150 grand tasting; $300-$325 VIP tasting). VIP tasting tickets net a 6 p.m. red carpet arrival, meet and greet with Alton Brown on the red carpet, complimentary valet parking, access to the exclusive VIP lounge with reserve wines and featured tastings and a VIP gift bag valued at $200. Proceeds benefit Georgia Aquarium’s southern sea otter conservation and research initiatives.

Savor the Savings of Prix Fixe Menus during Downtown Restaurant Week July 18-26

Centennial Olympic Park, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, College Football Hall of Fame, Georgia Aquarium...Atlanta boasts lots to see and do. And eat. From July 18-26, Downtown Restaurant Week zeroes in on the eats. Reservations are suggested for these popular dining destinations offering $15 and $25 prix fixe lunch and dinner deals.

The $25 lunch and dinner menu at Der Biergarten offers choices between two appetizers and three authentic German mains plus apple strudel with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Available for lunch only on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations: 404-521-2728.

Noon or night, the Game-X $25 special includes a $10 Game Play card along with a choice of chips-n-queso or Mexico City rolls; double burger stack, Buffalo wrap or vegetarian California wrap. Reservations: 404-525-0728.

Opt for a three-course lunch for $15 or a four-course dinnerfor $25 at Glenn’s Kitchen. Both begin with a farm-fresh deviled egg and a choice of Little Gem lettuce or Tuscan kale salad. Lunch adds grilled lemon-marinated chicken on ciabatta, GK organic grass-fed beef hamburger or grilled vegetable sandwich. Pecan-crusted Georgia trout or grilled flat-iron steak are followed by red velvet cake come dinnertime. Reservations: 404-469-0700.

A $25 lunch and dinner menu for two pans out at Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria and includes a choice of garden or Caesar salad; Margherita, classica, bianca or tradizionale 12-inch pizza and zeppoli for dessert. Reservations: 404-974-2941.

Visit Ray’s in the City to enjoy a lunchtime entrée and dessert for $15 or three-course dinner for $25. On the menu, look for entrées of a shrimp and lobster roll, Ray’s sushi combo and chopped steak at lunch; seafood pasta, steak Oscar, horseradish-crusted grouper or roasted half Prestige Farms chicken for dinner. Make reservations online.

Score three courses for $15 at lunch and $25 at dinner on STATS prix fixe menus. Both feature apps of Hail Mary hummus or Jorge Junior’s nachos and chocolate tres leches or lemon icebox pie for dessert. Grab today’s catch, Messi double stack or the Dirty Bird for lunch; the Angler, Fan Favorite or the Big Win for dinner. Reservations: 404-885-1472.
 
Twin Smokers BBQ cues up a $15 lunch and dinner menufeaturing sandwiches with Creekstone brisket, pulled Springer Mountain chicken or pulled Cheshire pork plus a chocolate chip cookie or Rice Krispies treat for dessert. Includes non-alcoholic beverage. Reservations: 404-698-4707.

Explore Georgia via Fork and Knife during Georgia Restaurant Week July 13-19

Find a new favorite or revisit an old friend during the inaugural Georgia Restaurant Week July 13-19. That’s seven days to take advantage of $15, $25 or $35 prix fixe menus at more than 90 restaurants. We can help you whittle down the list. Plan to dine at these Atlanta restaurants: Article 14, Der Biergarten, Game-X, Glenn’s Kitchen, Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria, Ray’s at Killer Creek, Seed Kitchen & Bar, STATS, Twin Smokers BBQ and Willy’s Mexicana Grill. Remember, reservations are a smart idea. 

Pastured Poultry Week Rules the Roost July 13-20

Pasture-raised birds exhibit a not-so-paltry list of virtues spanning human and flock health, environmental sustainability and flavor. During Pastured Poultry Week, July 13-20, restaurants in Georgia, South Carolina and New York will offer dishes featuring pastured poultry to raise awareness and afford guests opportunities to taste the merits of these birds over factory-farmed chicken. Whether you’re already a pastured poultry devotee or if someone’s henpecking you to try it, note that these Atlanta restaurants will each feature a special dish during Pastured Poultry Week: Aria, Article 14, Bantam + Biddy, Chick-a-Biddy,Glenn’s Kitchen, Gunshow, Seed Kitchen & Bar, Stem Wine Bar and The Southern Gentleman. Check out our blog for more details.

Matt Deckard of Glenn’s Kitchen Promises Fried Green Tomatoes at AmericasMart Southern Traditions Cooking Demo July 8

Along with nifty gift ideas and furnishing orders, buyers and merchandisers in town for the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market at AmericasMart will take home mouthwatering memories of shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes and other Southern favorites thanks to Matt Deckard, executive chef of Glenn’s Kitchen in downtown Atlanta. Deckard leads a Southern Traditions cooking demo on Wednesday, July 8 from 11 a.m. until noon in the Demonstration Kitchen (Building 2, Floor 8), and he promises those stopping by his demo won’t leave hungry!

Bantam + Biddy Party Kicks Off Pastured Poultry Week July 8

Pasture-raised birds exhibit a not-so-paltry list of virtues spanning human and flock health, environmental sustainability and flavor. During Pastured Poultry Week, July 13-20, restaurants in Georgia, South Carolina and New York will offer dishes featuring pastured poultry to raise awareness and afford guests opportunities to taste the merits of these birds over factory-farmed chicken. On board with pastured poultry since the get go, Shaun Doty and Bantam + Biddy are kicking off Pastured Poultry Week with a party for chefs from participating restaurants and supportive community members at the Lenox location on Wednesday, July 8 from 7-9 p.m. A limited number of spaces are available for the general public; contact Rebecca.Portman@ciwf.org.

Whether you’re already a pastured poultry devotee or if someone’s henpecking you to try it, note that these Atlanta restaurants will each feature a special dish during Pastured Poultry Week: Aria, Article 14, Bantam + Biddy, Chick-a-Biddy, Glenn’s Kitchen, Gunshow, Seed Kitchen & Bar, Stem Wine Bar and The Southern Gentleman.

Fork into Prix-Fixe Menu Deals during Atlanta Downtown Restaurant Week -- August 9-17

Save the dates and catch the bargains. Atlanta Downtown Restaurant Week is back for its 12th year August 9-17. Savor the deals of $15, $25 and $35 three-course prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus from some of Atlanta's signature dining establishments. A $25 menu at Der Biergarten encompasses lunch and dinner. Game-X plays up one $25 lunch and dinner menu while Glenn's Kitchen serves up a $15 lunch menu and $25 dinner menu. Hot out of the oven is a $25 lunch and dinner menu for two at Max's Coal Oven Pizzeria. Ray's in the City features seafood pasta, tender culotte steak, Salmon Oscar or roasted half chicken on its $25 menu and offers choices of a one-pound live Maine lobster, Steak Oscar or horseradish crusted grouper on its $35 dinner menu. STATS dishes out a $15 lunch and $25 dinner menu. Reign in the $25 menu at Ted's Montana Grill (downtown) to savor cedar plank salmon, braised bison short ribs or Ted's bison filet at lunch or dinner. Trader Vic's Atlanta's $35 dinner menu sails tempters such as Asian summer noodle salad, steamed bean curd roll, smoked oven sirloin and wok teriyaki chicken. Take advantage of special cash-back incentives by swiping your American Express card during Downtown Restaurant Week. (All prices are per person and exclude alcohol, tax and gratuity.) Make your reservations today! 

Whether You’re Into Beef or Not, Downtown Steak Week is a Meaty Proposition June 9-15

Carve out a lunch or dinner slot in your June 9-15 agenda to fork into Downtown Steak Week, presented by Central Atlanta Progress and Creative Loafing. Downtown restaurants will feature specialty steak dishes that showcase their talents and unique attributes. Glenn’s Kitchen will offer flat iron steak and smoked Gouda potato gratin and broccolini ($25) at both lunch and dinner. Enjoy dinner then venture up to SkyLounge atop the Glenn Hotel for a city view. Ray’s in the City is known for its seafood that’s flown in fresh daily, so they are serving up a seafood stuffed swordfish ($28), along with a Manhattan strip steak ($29), a 32-34-ounce tomahawk rib eye steak for two ($65) and stuffed Portobello mushroom appetizer ($12). Ted’s Montana Grill in downtown Atlanta’s Luckie Marietta District stakes claim to Ted’s bison filet ($32), bison Delmonico ($29) and bison Kansas City strip ($28). Available at lunch and dinner, Ted’s hand-cut bison steaks are gently seasoned and seared in olive oil then finished with lemon butter and a choice of vegetable and potato. Be sure to jump on this rare event.

Sample Bourbon and Bites from Article 14 and Glenn’s Kitchen at May Day at Serenbe on May 4

A sure-fire sign of spring is May Day at Serenbe. The celebration spreads over the Chattahoochee Hill Country community this Sunday, May 4 from 1-4 p.m. Take in all of the opportunities guests "May" do: hot air balloon rides, pony rides, live musical performances, artisan demonstrations, eats and sips from Atlanta restaurants and breweries in the tasting tent and, of course, dancing around the maypole. Now, about those tastings. Midtown’s Article 14 will pour bourbon and Glenn's Kitchen has delicious small bites that show off this Downtown Atlanta restaurant's talent.

Downtown Eateries Put the Icing on Ice Skating Fun at Centennial Olympic Park

Ice skating at Centennial Olympic Park's Ice Rink in downtown's Luckie Marietta District is already a beloved holiday tradition, but the adventure just isn't complete for us without a way to refuel all those calories we will burn gliding around the ice. Luckily, some of the city's best restaurants or nearby and ready to be pre- and post-skating destinations. For hearty German fare and beers, slide into Der Biergarten. Just getting warmed up? Keep the momentum going with games, beverages and American fast-casual fare at Game-X. Hot pizzas warm cold hands and fill hungry tummies at Max's Coal Oven Pizzeria while sporty STATS satisfies with classic American favorites and thirst-quenching brews. Date night deserves a visit to the Glenn Hotel where Glenn's Kitchen exudes sophisticated ambiance and drinks flow at SkyLounge, its rooftop hangout. Add south of the border Latin and Mexican flavors to your polar experience with a visit to Alma Cocina for roasted chicken mole Oaxaca, pork pibil tamale, beef brisket enchiladas and many other savory dishes, including bowls of hot tortilla soup. Or, go coastal at Ray's in the City where a wide variety of seafood selections dock alongside a classic cheddar cheeseburger, hand-cut steaks and other landlubber temptations. Can't fit them all in? These restaurants will welcome you even after the ice rink closes for the season on January 20.

Atlanta Restaurants Cook Up Delicious Dishes for U.S. Veterans on November 11

No amount of thanks will ever do our appreciation for the men and women of the U.S. Armed Services justice; those who selflessly provide protection and freedom every day so that we are able to live peacefully in this great nation. On Monday, November 11, Atlanta restaurants celebrate Veterans Day by cooking up small, but delicious, tokens of gratitude for these heroes. 

Those both retired and active are invited to the tables of Article 14, Der Biergarten, Game-X, Max's Coal Oven Pizzeria, STATS and Glenn's Kitchen or SkyLounge at The Glenn Hotel for half-off savings with a U.S. military ID. Marlow's Tavern in Midtown is also saluting these individuals by offering 50 percent off the price of an entrée with U.S. military ID. As for the rest of us? Continue the celebration by cheering veterans on when the Georgia Veterans Day Parade steps off from Peachtree Street near Ralph McGill at 11:11 a.m. on Saturday, November 9 and ends up in Centennial Olympic Park around lunchtime. If you can't make it to the parade, remember to thank a veteran with a few words of kindness whenever you see them, considering we wouldn't have the same prosperous lives without them. 

Chef Chris Blobaum Gets Fresh at Piedmont Park this Saturday, November 2

Begin your weekend with fresh local foods and fall flavors at the Piedmont Park Green Market, Saturday, November 2. Chris Blobaum of Legacy Restaurant Partners mans the chef demo booth on the Community Center patio from 11 a.m.-noon. Stop by and gather up some exciting new ways to serve up the season's harvest. Legacy Restaurants is parent to Article 14, Der Biergarten, Game-X, Glenn's Kitchen, Max's Coal Oven Pizzeria, Olmsted, SkyLounge, STATS and more!

Georgia Aquarium Hosts Eighth Annual Aqua Vino with Water, Wine and Atlanta's Best Restaurants on October 10

Swimsuit weather may be long gone by now, but that doesn't mean it's too late to have some aquatic fun. Just visit the eighth annual Aqua Vino at the Georgia Aquarium on October 10 to mingle with friends, family and your favorite sea creatures, all while sampling from more than 200 global wines and incredible tastes from Atlanta's premier restaurants such as Article 14 and Glenn's Kitchen. Upscale live and silent auctions round out the evening's entertainment for the over-21 crowd. The main event fills the Oceans Ballroom, and guests are free to venture out to view Georgia Aquarium exhibits. Grand Tasting is $150 per person; VIP Tasting is $325 per person and adds 6 p.m. admission, red carpet arrival and media splash photo op with hosts plus access to the VIP lounge with exclusive wines and behind-the-scenes tours. Proceeds benefit Georgia Aquarium's whale shark conservation and research initiatives. This event is ages 21 and up only.

Buy Your Tickets Today for Taste of Atlanta October 25-27

No need to list your credentials, Taste of Atlanta. We know all about the legendary festival featuring over 90 restaurants and four live cooking stages. We dream about the VIP food-wine-cocktail experience all year long, so we're eagerly awaiting the culinary sprawl to take over Tech Square Friday, October 25 through Sunday, October 27. We're looking forward to the barcraft competition, the Big Green Egg Grilling Experience, the Family Food Zone, workshops, cookbook signings, silent auction and so much more. We'll be on the lookout for some of our favorite chefs and mixologists from participating restaurants such as Alma Cocina, Article 14, Der Biergarten, Glenn's Kitchen, Gunshow, JCT. Kitchen & Bar, King + Duke, Lure, Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails, No. 246, The Optimist and Seven Lamps. A variety of ticket options are available online priced from $30 each on up. Buy now. Chances are there won't be leftovers.

Leave the Labor to Your Fave ATL Restaurants this Labor Day Weekend

 

You have to love the devoted chefs and wait staff at these Atlanta restaurants. They're laboring in hot kitchens on the last holiday weekend of summer, making sure all of those farm-fresh finds and cold brews find their way to your table. When you love what you do, it's not really work anyway.

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland will remain open late on Sunday, September 1 for pre-Labor Day enjoyment. The neighborhood favorite plans a special Labor Day brunch feature on Monday, September 2. Over on the Westside, Ormsby's almost pulls an all-nighter, staying open until 3 a.m. as Sunday becomes Monday, then naps through lunch before opening again at 5 p.m. on Labor Day evening.

If you're "chicken" to dine out because you just want something comfy and family friendly, head over to Bantam + Biddy in Ansley Mall for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Get it to go if you are envisioning a picnic or patio supper at your place. Fast and casualChick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station will be open for its usual weekend brunch menu and lunch and dinner. Both eateries offer regional, all-natural and pastured poultry dishes plus loads more down-home goodies and cold libations.

Inspired and wood-fired describe the pizzas at Hearth Pizza Tavern just outside the perimeter in Sandy Springs. Salads, sandwiches and burgers round out the menu while wine, draft and bottled beer, plus other beverages keep everyone hydrated and happy.

There are lots of reasons to head downtown, one of them being that with many offices closed for the holiday there will be less traffic! Located in the Glenn Hotel, Glenn's Kitchen is a casual-yet-sophisticated spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. SkyLounge, also at the Glenn, is a lovely place to coddle a cocktail while taking in a skyline view. With more than 60 games and lots of sports-viewing screens, Game-X is headquarters for an active and fun holiday. A full bar and lots of nourishing nosh options keep everyone's adrenalin pumping.

On this all-American holiday weekend, meet up with friends for a labor-less meal at an American classic, Marlow's Tavern. With 10 locations around Atlanta (and two in Florida), there's a Marlow's Tavern near your neighborhood.

Fifth Group Restaurants La Tavola Trattoria and The Original El Taco will be open in Virginia-Highland, and Ecco will please those heading to Midtown.

That beachy getaway is as close as the deck and seafood-laden menu at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Buckhead. Margaritas, cold brews, and eat-in or to-go cantina fare are all yours at Tin Lizzy's Cantina Buckhead, Grant Park and Perimeter locations.

Those craving sushi and cocktails will be glad to know that RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Midtown will be open on Labor Day.

If you've been meaning to try Ray's on the River, Ray's on the Creek or Ray's in the City (or if they're already your loves), take note that all three Ray's Restaurants will be open and offering 20 percent off meal checks on Labor Day, September 2.