Mexican Food on the West Side - Taqueria del Sol

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Location: West Midtown
Hours: Recommend checking their website as it varies
Price: $5 - $15
Type of Food: Mexican

Taqueria del Sol is an established favorite on the west side of Midtown, Atlanta's new booming hot spot for restaurants and interior design. Located off of Howell Mill near Georgia Tech, this Mexican restaurant rarely opens without a line of customers out the door. However, do not let this deter you as service is fast and seating is plentiful!

Front of the Restaurant

Once you make it indoors, grab a menu so you have plenty of time to choose a dish before you get to the counter. A few favorite are the fish or friend chicken tacos, and the brisket enchiladas. The restaurant also offers pitchers of margaritas and the option to build your own individual margarita.

An Assortment of Tacos w/Rice

Enchilada

While the food presentation is simple, the quality is excellent. My only recommendation would be making sure the restaurant is open before visiting as they are closed all day Sunday and Monday for dinner and their operating hours vary daily.

Mediterranean, Patios, and Wine - Terra Terroir (Terra Grille)

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Location: Brookhaven
Hours: Monday - Friday: 11:30 am - 4pm (Lunch) / 5:45 pm - 10 pm
           Saturday: 12 pm - 4 pm (Lunch) / 5:45 pm - 10 pm
Price: $15-$30
Food Type: Mediterranean

Hidden in a strip mall in Brookhaven off of Peachtree Street is Terra Terroir, formally known as Terra Grille. While the fascade of the building is much to be desired, the decor inside and the outdoor patio allow you to immediately forget where you parked your car and believe you are sitting in a stand alone five star restaurant in Midtown. 

Entrance to the Restaurant

Restaurant Patio

Whether you visit Terra Terroir in the Spring or Summer, I recommend grabbing a seat on the patio. A giant mosquito net covers the area, minimizing the number of bugs that bother you while you eat and the many fans keep the hot Atlanta night air cooler. There is also a relaxing waterfall feature that allows you to forget that you are dining in the city.

Terra Terroir prides itself on its wine selection. Each guest is given a wine menu alongside the dinner menu. There are also daily specials which should not be missed. While you enjoy your complimentary fresh bread and butter, take a while to read through the menu.

While I was there, I tried the lamb and mint burger with a side of roast potatoes and the scallops with a side of green beans and cheese grits. Both dishes were excellent - the lamb was juicy and infused with mint sauce while the scallops were smooth and melted in my mouth.

Lamb and Mint Sauce Burger w/Roasted Potatoes

Scallops

Cheese Grits

The only disappointment during my dinner at Terra Terroir was having not left enough room for dessert. This restaurant is a hidden gem that I definitely plan to visit again in the future.

Mole, Margaritas, and Mexican - Zapata

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Location: Norcross
Hours: Weekdays: 11 am - 10 pm
           Saturdays:  12 pm - 11 pm
           Sundays: 12 pm - 9 pm
Price: $10-$15
Food Type: Mexican

Located in the heart of downtown Norcross is Zapata, a more traditional Mexican restaurant with a friendly staff and cheerful atmosphere. If you walk in during lunch you will be greeted by the owner or one of his many staff members. At this time, the restaurant is usually filled with local business people out for lunch or groups of women or retirees catching up. When you ask to be seated, keep in mind that hidden in the back, just past the restrooms is a beautiful wooden porch full of outdoor seating - a great option in the Spring or Fall.

Once seated you will quickly be greeted by chips and salsa. If you prefer your salsa to be spicy, I recommend asking them for some extra jalapenos to mix in as it is very mild. Next, while you munch, peruse the menu. My favorite item is the enchiladas. They come with your choice of either mole or salsa verde for sauce. The mole is a chocolate based sauce and is richer, while the salsa verde is often more refreshing. Both dishes come with a side of rice and beans.

Enchiladas with Mole Sauce

Enchiladas with Salsa Verde Sauce

 

 

 

If enchiladas are not a dish you enjoy, then try the Sopapillas or any of the steak dishes that are offered on the menu. Overall this is an excellent Mexican restaurant with great food a relaxed atmosphere.

Hookah, Baklava, and Martinis - Divan

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Location: Buckhead
Hours: Sunday & Monday: 6:30 pm - 12 am
            Tuesday-Thursday: 6:30 pm - 1 am
            Friday & Saturday: 6:30 pm - 2 am
Price: $20 per person minimum if smoking hookah
Food Type: Middle Eastern

Pull up to a small two story house on Piedmont and prepare to be greeted by a valet who, on weekends, will ask if you have a reservation before he will park your car. As long as you answer yes, you will enter the two story house, give your name, and immediately be seated by a host or hostess. If you do not have reservation expect a minimum wait of 45 minutes on weekends.

When calling for a reservation there a couple of key things to keep in mind. First, you will need to decide if you want to have dinner or if you just plan to go for hookah and drinks. If you are eating dinner and have a party of 4 people or less I recommend asking for a table on the ground floor as you will have a little more room. If you have a larger party I would see if you can secure the private dining room upstairs. If your only desire is to smoke hookah, drink, and perhaps share an appetizer or desert ask to be seated in the blue room upstairs. This room seats four parties of 2-4 people and consists of padded benches riddled with comfortable cushions and small tables - the perfect lounging atmosphere.

Divan has an assortment of Middle Eastern food to choose from. One option is to start with an appetizer of hummus, add a main dish in the form of a lamb kabob and finish with pistachio-almond baklava. Another option is an appetizer of Crab Risotto Croquettes, a main dish of Basil-mint caramelized Scallops and an Italian Doughnut for dessert.

The restaurant/lounge also has a wide range of specialty cocktails to choose from - my favorite is the Pomegranate Martini. However, if you have fallen into the roll of designated driver for the evening, Divan offers Turkish Coffee and a variety of tea.

If you are looking for a chill night out on the town with friends or a great restaurant for a date give Divan a call and make a reservation.

Roast Duck, BBQ Pork, and Pigs Intestines - Ming's Bar B Que

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Location: Chamblee
Price: $8 - $15 (cash only!!!)
Food Type: Asian

Ming's Bar B Que is a Buford Highway staple and my family has been eating here for as long as I can remember. Whether you are looking for a relatively cheap quality meal or want delicious and fresh bbq pork or roast duck to add to a meal at home, Ming's is the place to go. Patrons know the meat served at Ming's is fresh because it is hanging in the entrance window for all to see upon entering. Step-up to the counter to order to go or go ahead and seat yourself in the small and informal restaurant. However, before you sit down make sure you read the list of specials - hand written and posted on the wall daily.

When looking at the menu be open to trying new things. Ming's serves authentic cuisine ranging from recognizable dishes such as Roast Duck and Beef Chow Mein to more adventurous dishes such as Pig's Blood Rice Congee or Fried Intestine. To get you started, I will let you know a few of my personal favorites.

On a cold winter day there is nothing better than a big heaping bowl of rice congee. For the less adventurous I recommend ordering Thousand Year Egg and Pork Rice Congee (if you don't like it you only lose $3.25 and the eggs are not actually 1,000 years old). For the more adventurous try the Abalone and Chicken Rice Congee. I would also recommend asking for the fried bread sticks to tear off and soak in your congee. The bread has a consistency similar to churros and adds a bit of crunch to the rice soup. Congee does not contain many vegetables so opting to add a side dish of green vegetables that you can toss into your congee is recommended - when doing this ask the waitress for a recommendation instead of ordering off the menu.

If you are not in the mood for congee, try one of their noodle dishes. The Chow Fun with Beef and Singapore Pan Fried Noodle are two of my all time favorites. Another option is to order a bowl of steamed rice and a combination plate of Ming's fresh roast bbq duck and bbq pork (a combination plate will cost you $8.50 and there is enough for two people to share).

Overall Ming's Bar B Que is an excellent and authentic Chinese restaurant. Be sure to swing by it the next time you are on Buford Highway.

A Doughnut Experience Unlike Any Other - Sublime Doughnuts

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Location: Midtown
Hours: Tuesday - Friday: 6 am - 6 pm
           Saturday: 7 am - 6 pm
           Sunday: 7 am - 3pm
Price: $2 - $5
Food Type: American

For the longest time I thought that no doughnut in Atlanta could match a fresh, warm, and gooey Krispy Kreme doughnut but, upon visiting Sublime Doughnuts, I was proven wrong. Located in Midtown Atlanta, up the street from Antico and across from Georgia Tech, Sublime Doughnuts gives specialty cupcake stores a run for their money.

Upon entering the store you will be greeted by the sweet smell of fresh doughnuts as well as a smiling employee. Behind the counter are rows of fresh doughnuts. It is best to go in the morning because by closing time very few doughnuts remain and once full trays will look like this:

Multiple visits to Sublime Doughnuts are highly encouraged as you will need a chance to try a variety of doughnuts. A few of my favorites are:

Strawberries 'N Cream Doughnut - a regular doughnut stuffed with fresh strawberries and creme
Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Doughnut - there are actual pieces of a Reese's cup on top!
Red Velvet Doughnut - red velvet cake in pick-up and eat doughnut form

It should come as no surprise that these doughnuts were so delicious I was unable to get a picture before they were demolished! Which means the next time your sweet tooth kicks in you should head to 10th street and check out Sublime Doughnuts and if you are a college student you can even get a discount with a student ID.

Doughnuts and Hamburgers Combined - Cypress Street Pint and Plate

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Location: Midtown (6th & Cypress St.)
Hours: Monday-Friday - 11 am - 2:20 am
           Saturday: 10 am - 2:20 am
           Sunday: 10 am - Midnight
Price: $10-$15
Food Type: American

Tucked away behind the Biltmore at the intersection of 6th Street and Cypress Street, Cypress Street Pint and Plate offers the area a friendly neighborhood bar frequented by residents and office workers alike. The bar has a spacious patio which includes a fire pit to keep patrons warm during the winter. Inside there is a spacious bar surrounded by high top tables as well as a side room which is great for large parties.

During my visit I found myself in the side room that overlooks the bar with a party of 20+ which mostly included aerospace engineers. Despite the large number of people our server was extremely accommodating and friendly bringing in extra chairs when more people arrived and giving us a second table in the room for overflow.

Cypress has a large selection of local, domestic, and imported beer. The bar also serves wine and mixed drinks. When it comes to food, the burgers are a must try. The most recommended burger is the Sublime Burger - two Sublime Doughnuts sandwiching a burger patty served with a side of french fries.

If doughnuts and hamburgers mixed together are not your cup of tea, there are many regular burgers to choose from. You can even request ciabatta bread instead of a regular bun.

If you do not enjoy eating hamburgers there are other options on the menu that are just as tasty. I highly recommend the chicken tenders and fries (usually there are more fries on the plate but I could not resist eating some before I took a picture).

One thing to keep in mind is that the venue is best in the warmer months when the patio can be used. However, the bar area does have the capacity to fit a decent sized crowd. Overall, Cypress Street is a great bar for happy hour, dinner with a large group, or a chill night of drinking. Just don't forget to try the Sublime Burger!

Italians, Celebrities, and Pizza - Antico

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Location: Midtown
Hours: Monday - Saturday - 11:30 a.m. - Until out of dough  (yes, their website really says that)
Price: $17-$20 per pizza
Food Type: Italian/Pizza

Antico has become a Midtown phenomenon. I had my first taste of it when a friend brought me a leftover slice. While the slice was not bad, I did not feel it was fair to judge the restaurant based on it. So, as part of an amazing day of going away celebration for this same friend, I decided to check it out. Located right in the middle of Homepark by Georgia Tech, Antico has no trouble keeping a steady flow of customers. In fact, the day I was there, the owner mentioned he had turned down a take-out order from a movie director as the restaurant would not have been able to accommodate its usual patrons and also fill the order.Antico is almost always packed with customers patiently waiting to share a long table with other patrons or choosing to stand in the back and eat standing up so their food does not go cold. That being said, if you feel uncomfortable eating around strangers or consider standing while eating to be improper, Antico does allow you to order their pizzas to-go.

Upon entering the building customers are greeted by the ordering counter which is cleverly lined with an array of Italian pastries and desserts anyone with a sweet tooth will have trouble just passing.

If the counter doesn't distract you, there is also the refrigerator filled with European style bottles of water to purchase with your meal and even more desserts.

Once you make your way past the desserts, you can pick-up a menu and order at the counter. The menu is very straight forward and when ordering, I highly recommend you split a pizza between 2-3 people as the slices are extremely large and each pizza has about 8 slices. 

At the restaurant our group of six people decided to split 2 different types of pizza. The first one we ordered was the Pomodorini, a pizza with fresh cherry tomatoes, bufala, garlic, and basil. The second pizza ordered was the Lasagna containing meatballs, ricotta, and romano. After ordering we went and stood in the large room where the chefs cook the pizza. We watched them hard at work preparing the pizzas to the tune of slightly corny Italian music as we waited for one of the long metal tables.

We were early enough to be able to secure a table before our pizza arrived on a giant metal tray with a pizza cutter.

Pomodorini

Lasagna

Out of the two pizzas, the Lasagna was the overall favorite. It had excellent flavor and we had no trouble demolishing it. The Pomodorini was well made, but not the best choice as the cherry tomatoes made it hard to eat and it did not have a distinct flavor.

Overall, I would highly recommend Antico, but be sure to go early in order to beat the dinner rush - unless you wish to take your order to-go...

Authentic Korean - Han Il Kwan

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Location: Chamblee
Price: $8 - $20
Food Type: Asian - Korean

Han Il Kwan is another treasure hidden along Buford Highway - the keeper of most authentic Asian cuisine. Housed in a traditional-looking Asian building, this Korean restaurant has a much nicer facade than many of its counterparts.

Upon entering the restaurant with a friend, we were quickly seated and served our drinks. There is a variety of tea or traditional Asian beer that can be ordered with your meal, but we opted to focus on the food. After ordering our main courses, we were greeted with a variety of free appetizers. These unique dishes ranged from traditional Kimchee to potatoes in a sweet sauce. 

Spicy Vegetable

 Sweet Potatoes

Lotus Root with a Sweet Sauce

Crunchy Green Vegetable

After munching on our appetizers for a bit, our main dishes arrived. The rice dish I had chosen came out on a sizzling platter while my friend's choice, a tofu hot pot, was served in a clay pot. 

The rice dish had a mixture of flavorful vegetables. The dish is also served with a runny fried egg. This allows the yolk to be broken and soak into the rice, adding flavor to the entire dish.

The hot pot was spicier than the dish I had chosen. It contained a mixture of tofu, vegetables, and meat. If you are looking for more flavor in your meal choice, I would definitely recommend the hot pot instead of the rice dish.

For those who enjoy Korean Barbecue, Han Il Kwan also serves it and while I did not try it myself, it smelled incredible! Barbecue can be ordered for one or for groups of people. It will also be served with an array of appetizers and side dishes.

All-in-all Han Il Kwan is an excellent experience all around. If you love Korean food or are feeling adventurous and want to try a new place this is where you need to go.

Dim Sum and Peking Duck - Royal China

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Location: Chamblee
Hours: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily
Price: $10-$20 per person
Food Type: Asian - Cantonese

Royal China is an authentic Chinese restaurant located in Chamblee between Buford Hwy and Peachtree Industrial on Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. The restaurant is frequented by Asians and Americans alike and is known for its Saturday and Sunday Dim Sum (think Tapas but with Asian food or a bunch of small appetizers that you get to order off of carts that come to your table). If you are planning on going to Royal China for Dim Sum, expect to wait up to 30 minutes for a table. To avoid the long lines, show up at 11 a.m. or risk less variety and show up after 1 p.m..

A less known fact about Royal China is that they serve an excellent Peking Duck. Peking Duck is a specialty where an entire duck is taken and turned into four to five dishes. I highly recommend trying it on a special occasion, just make sure you have 4-5 people with you. If you want to order the Peking Duck, do not just show up at the restaurant, instead call them first at 770-216-9933.

The process you will witness is as follows:

The chef shows up with all the ingredients on a cart and prepares your meal at the table. This ensures freshness and lets the customer know they are not being cheated.

The first dish is completed, a sweet doughy pancake wrapped around thinly sliced duck meat and vegetables and finished with a sweet plum sauce:

The next dish is another duck wrap, but this time it comes in a thin pancake:

Next, you will be served a noodle dish that the remainder of the duck meat is cooked into:

Finally, the duck carcass is used as flavor for a soup:

For those who enjoy more vegetables with dinner, I would recommend ordering a side of Bok Choy stir fried with garlic:

Overall, Royal China is an excellent Chinese restaurant. Dim Sum and Peking Duck are just two examples of the more traditional dishes served there. If you are adventurous or love Asian cuisine, this is the place to go in Atlanta!

A Spanish Villa, a Mural, and 99 cent Margaritas - Los Reyes

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Location: Kennesaw
Hours: Lunch & Dinner Time
Price: $5.00 - $10.00
Food Type: Mexican

Driving up to this restaurant you begin to think you are in a foreign country. On the outside Los Reyes looks like an giant Spanish villa with a fountain and patio out front and windows accented by shutters and colorful floral flower boxes. Upon entering the restaurant the first thing you will notice is the giant mural depicting an old Aztec myth. It is a beautiful piece of art that can be admired throughout your meal. 

Once you tire of staring at the wall, you can admire the starlit ceiling or the fact that customers are seated in what appears to be a courtyard.  

Unfortunately, while the atmosphere at Los Reyes is amazing, the food is only decent. Patrons are greeted with complimentary chips and salsa. For those who enjoy spice, the salsa has none, but if you enjoy mild salsa this is the place for you. For the main course I tried their enchilada and taco combo while a friend had their quesadilla rellena. Both were edible, but not extraordinary. While we did not order it, the dish that appeared to be the most popular and enjoyable throughout the restaurant was the Sizzling Fajitas.

Taco & Enchilada:

Quesadillas:

For those who enjoy a good alcoholic beverage with a meal, Los Reyes does have excellent margaritas. Once a week on either Tuesday or Thursday evenings they offer 99 cent margaritas. If drinking is not your cup of tea, but entertainment is there is a live mariachi band every Friday from 7 pm - 10 pm and Mexican dancers every Saturday from 7 pm - 9 pm. All in all, if you live near Los Reyes I would recommend trying it at least once, but if a commute is needed, venture to another Mexican restaurant.

Skulls, Crazy-eyes, and Burgers - The Vortex

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Location: Midtown
Hours: Mon.-Wed. 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.
            Thurs.-Sat. 11 a.m. - 3 a.m.
            Sun. 11 a.m. - Midnight
Price: $10-$15
Food Type: American

With 2 Atlanta locations - the original in Little Five Points and the other on Peachtree St. in Midtown - the Vortex has been serving burgers to customers in Atlanta for over a decade. Started in the eccentric part of town, Little Five Points, The Vortex quickly became known as the burger joint with a giant skull outside its doors. While the original location still has its memorable landmark, The Vortex's 2nd location has a tamer entry way to greet customers.

Long lines are common at The Vortex, particularly for larger parties and at dinner time Thursday - Sunday. It is highly recommended that you call in advance if you have a big group. I also recommend you read the restaurant's list of rules which covers everything from smoking and payment options to no whining and keeping the restaurant an idiot-free zone! For the full list check out the rules page of their website: http://www.thevortexbarandgrill.com/

If you are with a large group and waiting for a table, the bar is an excellent place to rest. The Vortex offers a wide range of beers including local favorites such as Sweetwater and Terrapin. For those in desire of something stronger, the bar does also serve liquor.

Once seated, take some time to read the menu cover-to-cover. You may want some extra time to go through their rules if it is your first time visiting the venue. When it comes to appetizers, the Mucho Mas Nachos are an excellent dish to share with the table. For the main course, you would be wise to order a burger.

Tasmanian Devil Burger

The Vortex is famous for their Elvis Burger, a burger patty covered with peanut butter, bacon, and fried bananas. It may not sound appetizing when you hear it, but it comes highly recommended. For the less adventurous folks, there is the Vortex Cheeseburger or the Big Blue Buffalo Burger. However, if you are really up for a challenge you can order the $25.95 Super-Stack Heart Attack Burger consisting of three grilled cheese sandwiches stuffed with 2 fried eggs, 2 half pound sirloin patties, 10 slices of bacon & 8 slices of American cheese and yes, you can get condiments to go with that as well.

Overall, The Vortex is an Atlanta restaurant you must experience at least once in your lifetime and its ambiance and atmosphere will certainly make it memorable.