Eat, Drink and Send Kids to Walt Disney World by Visiting Tin Lizzy’s Cantina during Bert’s Big Adventure Restaurant Week through Nov. 19

Happy taco munching, margarita sipping faces at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina translate into ecstatic smiles and wide eyes on children having a ball at the Magic Kingdom during the second annual Bert’s Big Adventure Restaurant Week. Through Saturday, Nov. 19, all of the fun-loving FlexMex cantina locations will donate 10 percent of all sales to Bert’s Big Adventure. This Atlanta-based nonprofit organization provides a magical, all-expenses paid, five-day journey to Walt Disney World for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families. To qualify for Bert’s Big Adventure, children must be between the ages of 5 and 12, live in “The Bert Show” radio listening area, prove financial need and have never been to Walt Disney World. Jiminy Cricket! Could there be a better excuse to slide out of the office and into the nearest Tin Lizzy’s for a tray of Stuffed Pig tacos (the taco of the month) and a pitcher of that magical tequila and lime nectar?  

Tin Lizzy’s Cantina Gifts Second Helpings Atlanta Way Before Holiday Gifting Season

No time like the present to get into the spirit of giving. Always scoping out ways to give back to the community, Tin Lizzy’s Cantina recently treated Second Helpings Atlanta to a sizable donation. Non-profit organization Second Helpings strives to eliminate hunger in the five-county metro Atlanta area by rescuing surplus food and delivering it to those in need. In its dedication to ending hunger in the Atlanta area, Tin Lizzy’s delivered a total of $40,000 worth of food to be distributed to those in need by eight Second Helpings partner agencies. Holy guacamole, that’s a lot of food! Zoom over to Sandy Springs for Second Helping’s Taste of the Trucks event with a kid zone, private VIP area, music, artist market and you guessed it, food trucks! Roll into the family fun from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door and VIP is $50. Want to help? Volunteers and donations are always needed.

Fill Up on Tin Lizzy’s FlexMex Platos – Great Deal, Limited Time

Turkey time is coming, but now’s the time to hit up Tin Lizzy’s Cantina for FlexMex platos …because these three platos are only around for a limited engagement. Choose grilled skirt steak with creamy chimichurri sauce ($12.99), grilled mahi mahi topped with jalapeño pineapple salsa ($13.29) or boneless pork chop with house-made mole sauce ($12.99). Seasoned rice, black beans and fried sweet plantains accompany all three of these affable amigos. Toast your new FlexMex friends with Tin Lizzy’s blood orange margarita, a colorful, potent blend of Casa Nobles Organic tequila and Napa blood orange juice ($9.50). Blood orange. Sounds spooky, tastes delish.

Proof the Stars have Aligned: Tin Lizzy’s $2 Tacos on Tuesday and National Taco Day Coincide on October 4

We’re seeing double, eyeing two terrific reasons to pop into your favorite Tin Lizzy’s Cantina today. October 4 (that would be today) is National Taco Day, and there’s no better way to celebrate than over baskets of $2 Tacos on Tuesdays after 2 p.m. at all Tin Lizzy’s locations. Mouthwatering $2 selections include grilled chicken, chicken con queso, fried chicken, Buffalo chicken, chicken club or fried fish. Propose toasts to tacos with pitchers of Blue Moon beer for only $14 each. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.

Field a Hall of Fame-Worthy Football Feast with Atlanta Restaurants on Your Team

Football season is here, and football parties rack up the first down on any game day. Atlanta restaurants are key players, taking the field with everything you need to host the perfect tailgate or home-front pigskin party.

For antipasti and panini platters and primi, secondi and dolci courses, Bellina Alimentari at Ponce City Market will definitely score points with discerning guests. Place orders at least 48 hours in advance; allow 72-hour notice for parties of 30 or more. For information and ordering, call 404-330-9933.
                                                          
Go for the gusto of the gourmet meat and cheese sandwich platter Ray’s in the City builds with domestic house-cut deli meats and artisanal cheeses, house-made pickles, vine-ripened tomatoes, Bibb lettuce and assorted breads. Two side displays (choose from whole fruit, artisan field greens salad, red bliss potato salad, Southern-style macaroni salad and house-made kettle chips) and one dessert display (graham cracker lemon squares, house-baked cookies, a seasonal fruit platter or chocolate fudge brownies) are included. Serves 12 for $80; $6.75 per additional person. To order, call 404-524-9224.
 
Smokebelly BBQ, Atlanta’s top destination for chef-crafted barbecue, offers three mouthwatering catering options complete with barbecue sauce and buns:  “The Baron of BBQ” ($14 per person) with pulled pork and two sides of your choosing; “The Duke of Smoke” ($17 per person) with choice of two meats and three sides; and “The King of ‘Cue” ($19 per person) with choice of three meats and three sides. To place an order, call 404-848-9100.

Yell a cheer and spell out your favorite team with custom letter-shaped doughnuts (select flavors only) from Sublime Doughnuts. Requires 24-hour advance notice; 404-897-1801.

Georgia pigskin calls for Southern-style barbecue from Kevin Gillespie. Terminus City is serving up an unbelievable whole hog barbecue cooked on-site by chef Andreas Müller with four sides, dessert and paper products. Requires a two-week lead time. Visit the Facebook page for more information, and place orders by emailing terminuscity@gunshowatl.com or calling 404-380-1886.

Let Tin Lizzy's Cantina turn your big-game bash into a spicy FlexMex fiesta with the stacked taco bar, which includes two soft flour tortillas per person, choice of grilled chicken, grilled steak or seasoned pork, and lettuce, rice, black beans, pico de gallo, jack cheese, grilled onions and peppers, sauce, guacamole, chips and salsa fresca for $11 per person. You also can’t go wrong with the ever-popular chicken finger platter ($4 per person), cantina salads, margarita mix (sorry, tequila not included) and other fiesta faves. Deliveries require a $100 minimum order; delivery fee applies outside 10-mile radius. Prices exclude taxes and gratuity, and 24-hour notice is appreciated. For more information, email catering@tinlizzyscantina.com or call 404-668-8757.

Sack those stale chips and dull dips and send in crowd-pleasing catering all-stars from Willy's Mexicana Grill: Willy’s build-your-own taco, fajita or nacho bars, cheese dip, guacamole, salsa, chips, burritos and more. Ten-person minimum on catering orders. Read the whole roster of Tex-Mex flavors on the menu at willys.com/catering-menu. Order online or call 404-422-7107.

Atlanta Restaurants Cater Holiday Feast-ivities

What, no kitchen elves on your shelves? Smart phones and Wi-Fi work just as well in relaying your holiday wish list to Atlanta restaurants for holiday party or house-full-of-family hosting needs. Deliciously done. Like that. Magic.

Chef Shaun Doty caters farm-to-plate-style comforts such as fried chicken and sides like macaroni and cheese, Brussels sprouts and collard greens at Bantam + Biddy (Avalon, Lenox Square, Crescent Ave., Ansley Mall). Pick up or have chow delivered. To order, email wecater@bantamandbiddy.com or call 404-725-5059. Sister restaurant Chick-a-Biddy offers a similar selection at Atlantic Station.
 
Bellina Alimentari at Ponce City Market caters off-site and in-house, offering antipasti bars, panini platters and primi, secondi and dolci courses. Place orders at least 48 hours in advance; allow a week leeway for parties of 30+. Seeking unique? Book Bellina’s private event space for memorable family style meals, cocktail events and guided tastings of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and wine. Info and reservations:events@bellina-alimentari.com or call 404-330-9933.
 
FLIP burger boutique plans remarkable holiday events -- in homes, offices or at one of its locations -- with sliders, burgers, chips, vegetables, custom menus and milkshake bars. Info: email stephanie.shaw@flipburgerboutique.com or call 901-355-9323.

Ho, ho, ho, land at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern in Midtown for pretzels with warm beer and cheese dip, wings and more substantial meals to share. Full catering menu jollies all, your place or theirs. More info: 404-968-2288.

Everyone loves barbecue, and Kevin Gillespie's Terminus City provides a Southern-style feast of smoked wonderment
sure to warm even the North Pole crew. Whole-hog
barbecue, country-fried steak and homemade sides like
fried okra, Brunswick stew and creamed corn will propel
you to top host for years to come. Place orders by emailingterminuscity@gunshowatl.com or calling 404-380-1886.
 
Tin Lizzy's Cantina delivers a spicy holiday fiesta of fajita fixings, grilled chicken, pulled pork, cantina salads and margarita mix (sorry, tequila not included). Deliveries require a $100 minimum order; $25 delivery fee within 10 miles. Prices exclude taxes and gratuity, and 24-hour notice is appreciated. Book your $500 or more holiday party now and receive a $100 Tin Lizzy's gift card to use for future purchases. More info: email cculbreth@tinlizzyscantina.comor call 404-668-8757.

Consider Twin Smokers BBQ’s catering menu for smoked brisket, pork ribs, chicken, sausage and pulled meat by the pound or half pound and sides like "Burnt Ends" chili, collards and potato salad. Several pricing options; drop-off catering is available with 48-hour notice for parties of 25 or more. Info and ordering: 404-698-4707.
 
Willy's Mexicana Grill provides cheese dip, guacamole, salsa, chips, burritos and crowd-pleasing catering menu options like build-your-own taco, fajita or nacho bars. Ten-person catering order minimum; order online or call 404-422-7107.

Atlanta-born Tin Lizzy’s Announces National Franchise Opportunities

We have to share. It’s the right thing to do. As native compadre Tin Lizzy’s Cantina enters its 11th year, Georgia’s wildly popular cantina has sights set on sharing its liveliness and creative FlexMex take on Tex-Mex with the rest of the nation. The Atlanta-based chain is actively seeking entrepreneurs across the country interested in growing the Tin Lizzy’s brand as franchisees. Unprecedented growth has seen the company-owned chain open 10 Georgia locations and cross the border into South Carolina with an October opening in Columbia and a 12th store entering the Greenville market in early 2016. CEO Tory Bartlett -- and co-founders John Piemonte, Mike Evertsen and Chris Hadermann -- see Tin Lizzy’s connecting with communities through social engagement, talented teams and the casual culture of the Tin Lizzy's brand (as well as the irresistible gourmet tacos). One way the cantina reaches out to the community is through its annual taco contest that gives customers a chance to see their own taco recipes win spots on the menu. Qualified multi-unit operators are invited to visittinlizzyscantina.com/franchise for details about available markets, application requirements and other information. 

Tin Lizzy’s Cantina is Spreading the Word. It’s Halfway to Cinco -- Celebrate November 5-7

Only six months from Thursday until Cinco de Mayo ’16. Tin Lizzy’s Cantina locations are laying on some lead time, throwing Halfway to Cinco celebrations with tequila touchdowns from Thursday, November 5 through Saturday, November 7. Live music and drink specials run long through the weekend including $4 Patron shots, $2 Corona Light drafts and buckets of Coronas for $15 at all locations. Befriend a few of Tin Lizzy’s infamous gourmet soft tacos, comforting skillets or generously loaded nachos while partying. Time trackers, visit tinlizzyscantina.com to eyeball the clock counting down to May 5, 2016. 

Loosen Those Ties, Tin Lizzy’s Cantina Opens in Downtown Atlanta

Tin Lizzy’s Cantina is open in The Mall at Peachtree Center, just a quick salsa away from the College Football Hall of Fame, the Georgia World Congress Center, convention hotels, marts and offices. Now downtown visitors can easily enjoy FlexMex favorites at the 10th location of Atlanta’s hometown cantina, and the extensive margarita list gives the starched shirt set an incentive to loosen up a bit. A menu boasting shareable dips, signature tacos, salads and sensational cast-iron skillets, as well as multiple TVs for sports viewing, keep everyone happy. The over-21 crowd will find clever cocktails and more than 30 beer selections to temper the heat of summer’s city streets. Tin Lizzy’s downtown is open daily for lunch, dinner and late-night dining. For information, call 404-671-9450 or visit the downtown cantina’s Facebook page.   

Feeling the Heat? Chill with Summery Fare at Atlanta Restaurants

Honor your summer appetite by noshing and dining on lighter fare at Atlanta restaurants. Ditch lunch and dinner doldrums with these tasty perks:

Senf schnitzel (mustard schnitzel) lands the coveted schnitzel of the month spot at Der Biergarten. Dijon mustard and a light breading coat a tender pork cutlet that’s gently fried and accompanied by a side for $23. Crisp Spaten lager, beer of the month, refreshes without overwhelming ($9/liter).

The raw tuna tartare burger at FLIP burger boutique foils summer heat with a cool and colorful topping of Asian pear, pine nuts, soy dressing, wasabi mayo, compressed veggies, mango sphere and avocado ($14).

The savory-spicy yin yang of kimchi, gochujang and scallions dress Korean pork sliders ($7) at Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub. Dwelling on half-priced appetizers 5-6 p.m. Monday through Friday -- and your cold beverage of choice -- saves a hot-under-the-collar kind of day. Slide in for sliders and check out Kaleidoscope’s new renovations and expansion when the restaurant reopens on July 18.

Marlow's Tavern mixes a watermelon and buffalo mozzarella salad that’s pure chill with European cucumber, radish, fresh mint, olive oil and balsamic glaze ($9). Available through August 3 as part of Marlow’s Midsummer Cocktail Party. (Not available at Waterford Lakes or Woodstock locations.) While there, snap a pic of your summer fun and upload it to Marlow’s Midsummer Cocktail Party photo contest for a chance to win dinner for four (#marlowsmidsummer).

Sized right for summer appetites, small plates of fried chicken and champagne meatballs with champagne gravy ($10) are always in season at MAX’s Wine Dive in Midtown.

All three Ray’s Restaurants bring the Maine coast to metro Atlanta through their summer lobster promotion. Select a 1.25-pound whole Maine lobster with a choice of salad and side, served with drawn butter for $24.95 at Ray’s at Killer Creek, Ray's on the River and Ray's in the City.

Seed Kitchen & Bar sears Maine scallops and serves them alongside poblano creamed corn and chanterelles with truffle vinaigrette.

At Tin Lizzy's Cantina, a skewer of seasoned grilled shrimp reclines on a bed of seasoned rice, grilled red peppers and onions, Monterey Jack cheese and crispy tortilla strips, all drizzled with creamy avocado sauce ($9.99). Ask for the shrimp fajita skillet, and while you’re at it, add a margarita or ice-cold beer. 

Stem Wine Bar has a sweet spot for Georgia peaches, pairing Marcona almond panna cotta with riesling-poached peaches from Pearson Farm.

The Southern Gentleman’s dessert menu chills with a strawberry financier ($8) with rhubarb, white chocolate ice cream and brown butter crumble and a blueberry upside-down cake ($8) topped with salted vanilla ice cream with Fruit Loop dust and cornmeal crumbs.

Sail into Tin Lizzy’s Parrothead Patio Parties May 28 for Chances to Win Tickets to the Jimmy Buffett Sold-Out Concert

“If life gives you limes, make margaritas,” advises Jimmy Buffett. Change your latitude and attitude to match his outlook on life at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina’s Parrothead patio parties on Thursday, May 28. “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere,” and these patio parties cruise from 5-8 p.m. at Tin Lizzy’s Emory Point, Perimeter and Buckhead locations. Tin Lizzy’s offers a house full of margaritas including Top of the House, Fall Off the House, Beach House, Skinny House, Desert Pear, Chipotle Pineapple, Thai and a whole grove of fruity ‘ritas including grapefruit, pomegranate, strawberry, raspberry, mango and sangria. Don’t spill your ‘rita of choice as you sway away to live music and jump on chances to win prizes and tickets to the sold-out Jimmy Buffett concert on June 2 at Gwinnett Arena. Parrothead attire is encouraged. “Come Monday,” you’ll be glad you went and besides, you must be present to win.  

Oh Me, Oh My Oh, Today is Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo salsas into today’s agenda wielding a banner of independence from Tuesday’s usual tame fare in deference to chips, guac, tacos, margaritas and cervezas. Oh queso, where are you going to go? Tin Lizzy’s Cantina locations, Atkin’s Park Restaurant & Bar and all three Ray’s Restaurants are quick picks -- see their specials on our blog. 

Enter to Win Tin Lizzy's Annual Taco Contest

Photo Credit: Jeremy Adamo

Caught you playing with your tacos again. Using that tortilla as a blank plate to capture Sriracha'ed shrimp and pineapple slaw, barbecued bison or roasted cauliflower and calamari. Now that's flexing your Mex-ination! Don't be taco shell-fish. Enter your "A" game ideas in the sixth-annual taco contest now underway at all eight metro-Atlanta Tin Lizzy's Cantina locations. Tin Lizzy's fans rave about this yearly opportunity to share their taco-coctions. Through February 27, customers can visit any Tin Lizzy's location and submit their creations online. By scanning the QR code on a Tin Lizzy's server's nametag, participants will be directed to the entry page. On February 28, Tin Lizzy's will select four finalists' tacos to debut on the March menu. The grand prize winner receives $500 cash and may even have his or her taco featured on the next menu. Second place wins $300 cash, third place takes home $150 cash and fourth place will be awarded a $75 Tin Lizzy's gift card.  Last year's winning taco, the Steak Out, corralled steak, crispy onions, lettuce and blue cheese crumbles drizzled with garlic aioli. Other winners have included the Southern Comfort taco and Big John's Low Country Boil taco.

Tin Lizzy's Cantina Names Tory Bartlett as Its First CEO

Hey amigos, Tin Lizzy's Cantina has its first chief executive officer. The Atlanta-based neighborhood taqueria and bar has promoted chief operating officer Tory Bartlett to CEO. Bartlett will spearhead strategic expansion throughout the Southeast including a 2015 opening in Greenville, South Carolina and three more Georgia locations in Duluth, Augusta and downtown Atlanta. Look for more FlexMex next year in Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia. Bartlett knows his dishes. He began his restaurant career as a dishwasher and cook at Hooters of America, Inc. Twenty years and several career moves later, he became Tin Lizzy's COO and led Tin Lizzy's to record performance. Now he'll "taco" the reins as CEO. Best wishes for years of success!

Toast Those Social Skills and Instagram Yourself into a $200 Party at Tin Lizzy's Cantina

Win a $200 party from Tin Lizzy's Cantina! All you have to do is follow Tin Lizzy’s Cantina on Instagram and post a pic of yourself with your favorite drink at Tin Lizzy’s. Then, tag the photo with “#tlcdrink” and your cantina location. It’s that simple! 

Pour it on for National Tequila Day at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina July 24

Yes, National Tequila Day is an actual thing and Tin Lizzy’s Cantina is celebrating with specials you can’t pass up. Whether you take it as a shot or as a margarita floater, on July 24 head to your nearest location and commemorate the day with one-ounce pours of 1800 Tequila for $2. Sip on house margaritas for $4 or try the Beach House made with 1800’s new coconut-infused tequila, orange liqueur and sour mix. Pour it on!

Tin Lizzy’s Cantina in Buckhead Takes June 2-3 Off for Makeover, Reveals New Look at June 5 Party

Tin Lizzy’s Cantina in Buckhead will close for a rejuvenating break June 2-3. During the makeover days, Tin Lizzy’s staff will be busy lending a hand with Habitat for Humanity to give an Atlanta family a new home and a fresh outlook. On Thursday, June 5 Tin Lizzy’s will show off its new self with a “Buckhead Part 2” party. Fill up on Buffalo chicken, grilled chicken, barbecue chicken, veggie or fried fish tacos priced at $2 each. Chips and salsa and Dos Equis XX lager are $2 as well. There will be “22 Jump Street” giveaways such as screening passes for the soon-to-be-released action-comedy film, shirts, koozies and more!

What’s Your Lunar Cycle? Tin Lizzy’s Cantina Sponsors June 13 Atlanta Moon Ride, Hosts Packet Pickup Party on June 12

Pedal through some of Atlanta’s most scenic neighborhoods in the second-annual Atlanta Moon Ride on Friday night, June 13. Tin Lizzy's Cantina in Buckhead is the official packet pickup location for this 6.5-mile night bike ride that benefits Bert’s Big Adventure. Brake at the Buckhead cantina to pick up your ride packet and join the party with drink specials on June 12. Ride sets off Friday night at 10 p.m. from Park Tavern bordering Piedmont Park. Thinking about signing up? Tin Lizzy’s lovers who register online can receive a $5 registration code by using the code "tinlizzys". 

Get Stoked for Barbecue: Smokebelly Opens in Buckhead May 21

When anyone asks Smokebelly executive chef Darrell Rice what he’s been smoking, he lays out a litany: pulled pork, sliced brisket, sliced turkey breast, sausage, baby back ribs and a rotation of specialty cuts like pork belly, leg of lamb, beef cheeks, smoked alligator and other wild game that are all within this dry-rub guru’s spectrum. Tantalizing smells and flavors are generated by low-heat smoking methods when Smokebelly, which is brought to you by the team behind The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails and Tin Lizzy’s Cantina and Trey Humphreys (the Fur Bus, A Social Mess and the Pool Hall), officially opens in Buckhead at 128 East Andrews Drive on Wednesday, May 21. Stalkers of smoky goodness can add fresh fish, vegetarian fare and “skinny fixins” like watermelon smoked feta salad and barbecue lettuce wraps to their repertoire. Smokebelly’s menu lays out upwards of 10 house-made sides plus Southern-rooted snacks, barbecue tapas, appetizers, sandwiches and salads. The bar has 20 craft beers on tap, artisanal liquors and handmade craft cocktails. Smokebelly’s own house band rocks on cue and welcomes other musicians to join in. A vintage feel extends through the dining room, bar and patio where guests can enjoy lunch and dinner daily. Guests also can spread out on “The Lawn,” a 1,500-square-foot patio with faux grass that seats an additional 160. Info: 404-848-9100.

Tin Lizzy’s Cantina Takes on Creative Loafing Margarita Wars on May 14

Photo by Jeremy Adamo

On Wednesday, May 14, 15 Atlanta bartenders will brandish lime juice, its tequila compadre and top-secret modus operandi to out maneuver one another in Creative Loafing Margarita Wars, presented by Stivers Subaru at Park Tavern from 7-11 p.m. Tin Lizzy’s Cantina wades right up in the lime-laden battle to prove its salt in Atlanta’s margarita market. Tin Lizzy’s fans, show up, taste and pass judgment with DJ tunes in the background. $20 tickets cover admission and six tasting tickets. Guests can buy more tickets as well as Bud Light Lime, Lime-a-Ritas and a light summer menu.