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If you ever want to catch up on some local women’s sports on flat-screen TVs, Jolene Jolene is the place to be. The the culinary pop-up inside of Brick and Mortar recently opened at Pullman Yards on Atlanta’s eastside.
Since its July 4 opening, Jolene Jolene has been featuring sport-themed drinks like the Sporty Spice Margarita and bar fare including smashburgers and dumplings, with a focus on women’s games.
The pop-up comes from sports bar by Chelsea Fishman, a restaurateur looking to shake up Atlanta’s dining scene. We’re guessing she’s a Dolly Parton fan from the pop-up’s name.
What’s On the Menu at Jolene Jolene?
Although Brick and Mortar’s menu focuses on Asian fusion, Fishman teamed up with the staff to craft cocktails and introduce new sports bar items like burgers and wings.
The eatery’s hours are:
- Wed-Fri: 5PM-close
- Sat-Sun: 11AM-close
Where Is Jolene Jolene Located?
Jolene Jolene is located in the Kirkwood neighborhood on Atlanta’s eastside at 225 Rogers St NE #11, Atlanta, Georgia 30317. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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Emmy Squared, the award-winning Detroit-style pizza chain, and Dos Hombres, the premium mezcal brand founded by Breaking Bad stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, are bringing a series of exclusive tasting experiences to four U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Georgia. Yay!
“This is not your average pizza collab,” said Sergio Perez, SVP, Head of Marketing at Emmy Squared Pizza. “When we say we’re doing something big, we mean it. We worked closely with the Dos Hombres crew and our friends at Spirits of Alchemy to create a menu that goes beyond what you expect from a pizza place. It’s bold, it’s delicious, and it’s built for people who love great food and a night out.”
The four cities with tasting experiences include:
- New York City
- Philadelphia
- Nashville
- Atlanta
The limited-time menu celebrates bold flavor, craft, and good company, featuring four custom-crafted cocktails with Dos Hombres Mezcal, along with two new food items. The good news? They’re now available at all Emmy Squared Pizza locations nationwide.
The Menu: Mezcal-Inspired, Pizza-Loving
Developed by the Emmy Squared Pizza culinary team, the limited-time Emmy x Dos Hombres menu takes inspiration from the bold, smoky character of mezcal to bring something entirely new to the table. Each dish is packed with flavor, built to stand on its own, and plays well with the new cocktail lineup:- El Jefe Detroit-Style Pizza – A bold Detroit-style creation worthy of its name. Featuring a vibrant house-made tomatillo sauce, mezcal-marinated chicken, bell peppers, our signature cheese blend, and pecorino. All finished with a cilantro lime crema, fresh cilantro, and queso fresco. Crafted with smoky spirit and Mexican soul.
- Dos Hombres© Dipped – Inspired by the corner street stands of Mexico City, this elote experience features roasted corn tossed in butter, sour cream, cream cheese, and lime. Topped with cilantro and queso fresco. Served with tortilla chips. A bold, buttery ode to street food heritage.
Signature Cocktails: Smooth, Smokey and Ready to Sip
Four cocktails featuring Dos Hombres Mezcal complement the Emmy Squared Pizza menu, highlighting the spirit’s smooth, layered complexity:- Dos Fashioned: A smoky and bold twist on a classic, featuring Dos Hombres Mezcal, Lunazul Tequila Reposado, agave, and Angostura bitters. Smooth, slightly sweet, and full of depth.
- Oaxacan Sour: Dos Hombres Mezcal paired with our house-made tamarind syrup, bright lemon juice, aromatic Lillet Blanc, and a subtle dash of bitters. A sophisticated cocktail that balances smoky depth with tangy elegance, a tribute to the heart of Oaxaca.
- Smoke & Soul: A tropical escape with a smoky edge. Dos Hombres Mezcal and Captain Morgan blend with Spirits of Alchemy’s pineapple-forward Cast Away mixer and fresh lime juice. Smooth and made for golden-hour sipping.
- Mezcaloma: A bold and zesty evolution of the Paloma. Featuring Dos Hombres Mezcal, Lunazul Tequila Blanco, fresh grapefruit and lime juices, agave sweetness, and pickled jalapeños, topped with sparkling club soda. Spicy and endlessly drinkable. A nod to brotherhood and bold flavor.
Final Word
“This collaboration represents everything we believe in at Dos Hombres – bringing people together over exceptional food and mezcal,” said JB Woodworth, Co-CEO of Dos Hombres. “Emmy Squared Pizza’s innovative approach to culinary experiences perfectly aligns with our mission.”
More Food Coverage from AtlantaFi.com:
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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Shake Shack, one of the most popular burger joints in Atlanta, recently opened at The Battery Atlanta and it has a full-service bar.
The eatery’s June 30, 2025 opening makes it the first Shake Shack concept with full-service alcoholic beverage options, according to company officials.
New Shake Shack Concept Opens At The Battery Atlanta
The restaurant opened at the site of the recently closed Wahlburgers at Heritage Court and Battery Avenue, and it will be the first Shake Shack in the U.S. with a bar, according to a press release.
This marks the eighth Shake Shack in Georgia, though the exact opening date has yet to be set. The new spot offers a double-sided bar with exterior seating and a window for serving beer and cocktails, making it a standout location for fans of Shake Shack’s elevated American classics.
“The addition of Shake Shack perfectly aligns with our mission to create exceptional experiences for our guests,” said Jeremy Strife, Executive Vice President of Development for The Braves Development Company. “With their high-quality food, commitment to community, and brand integrity, Shake Shack will undoubtedly become a favorite for fans across Braves Country for years to come.”
In addition to the bar, there will be plenty of dining space, a patio, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for fans to gather, especially on game days.
“We want this Shack to be a place where the community can come together, watch a Braves game, and enjoy a great meal,” Andrew McCaughan, Shake Shack’s Chief Development Officer, told the publication.
What Can We Expect From Shake Shake’s Menu?
Shake Shack’s menu will continue to offer its high-quality burgers, crispy chicken, hand-spun shakes, house-made lemonades, and an assortment of beer and wine. The company has built a loyal following with its commitment to premium ingredients, outstanding service, and a strong connection to local communities.
The drink menu includes signature and classic cocktails, local craft beers, wine, and unique offerings like the Georgia-inspired Peaches and Cream Bourbon Shake, Lemon Fizz (with Tito’s Vodka and elderflower liqueur), Gin Slam, Bourbon Peach Fifty/Fifty, and the Shackarita.
On Braves game days, a hot dog cart provides grab-and-go options, and a walk-up drink window is available for quick beverage orders.
Final Word
Shake Shake burst onto the scene in 2004 in Madison Square Park in New York City. Now there are more than 350 locations in 32+ states. At The Battery, Shake Shack’s new outpost will undoubtedly add to the area’s appeal, with officials confident it will create lasting memories for fans of all ages.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
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Our girl Beyoncé has been tearing it up on stage in Atlanta. The Cowboy Carter tour is still going on and you’ve got tickets — but you’ll also be hungry.
In this article, I’ll show you some great places to eat in downtown Atlanta before (or after) the Beyoncé concert. I’ll keep my locations in the vicinity of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, so you can walk there, if you so please.
Where To Eat in Downtown Atlanta for the Beyoncé Concert
There are quite a few options for those who Uber down to the CNN Center, which is what I recommend. But just a short walk away, you can dine in some great establishments. Here’s my list.
Ted’s Montana Grill
133 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 521-9796
Ted’s Montana Grill (American, $$): Founded by Ted Turner, this spot serves classic American fare with a focus on bison dishes, alongside steaks and burgers. It’s a solid choice for a hearty, casual meal.
Ray’s in the City
240 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 524-9224
Ray’s in the City (Seafood, $$$): It’s a longer walk away from the stadium, but for top-notch fare, you can’t go wrong. A go-to for Southern seafood, offering fresh catches like swordfish or halibut. It’s a favorite for business travelers and locals alike, with a polished yet approachable vibe.
Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria
300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 974-2941
I love Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria. If you want pizza downtown, there’s no other place. Known for their pizza, Max’s has some of the best chicken wings in Atlanta as well.
Here’s what one customer says about Max’s Coal pizza. “This pizza was an absolute standout—simple, balanced, and executed perfectly. The tomato sauce was rich, tangy, and clearly made from high-quality tomatoes. The mozzarella was fresh and creamy, melted nicely on the pie and added just the right amount of saltiness and texture. The crust deserves special praise.”
Hard Rock Cafe
215 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 688-7625
Located in the heart of downtown on Peachtree, the Hard Rock Cafe offers a hearty meal and a prime place to people-watch. Check out Hard Rock Cafe’s menu.
Alma Cocina
191 Peachtree Street Northeast; Atlanta, Ga. 30303
Photo credit: Alma Cocina / Facebook You’ll be able to enjoy the excellent cuisine that Alma Cocina has become known for including street tacos, tasty varieties of Guacamole and salsa and much more.
- Roasted Chicken Mole mashed plantains, grilled green beans, mole negro
- Masa Dumplings grilled asparagus, corn, mushroom, smoked tomatoes, pasilla mixe, cashew crema, masa jus
- Mole Rubed 12 oz New York Strip yucca “tater tot“, salsa cruda, watercress
Read more about Alma Cocina in downtown Atlanta.
Baraka Shawarma Mediterranean
68 Walton St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 230-9232
Here’s what one reviewer says about Baraka Shawarma Mediterranean. “The friendliest service anywhere, great food and affordable prices. The falafel is well seasoned, it’s just not out of this world amazing and portion size I thought was small for a “jumbo” size. Though the taste was good and I would return if again in the downtown area.”
Ritz-Carlton
181 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 659-0400
Here’s what one reviewer says about the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Atlanta. “Came in for drinks at the bar, was given great service by the young ladies working. Very friendly. The look and feel of the AG bar is also quite elegant.”
Final Word
If you want to explore Atlanta’s cultural palate a bit, a short ride to East Point offers some great places to eat! If you like that part of town, don’t sleep on College Park either.
If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.
As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.
More Food Coverage from AtlantaFi.com:
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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There’s something about a scoop (or two) of ice cream that goes great with summer. Right on time, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream just opened its scoop shop at Ponce City Market.
The ice cream shop opened to customers on July 11 and it continues the strong Van Leeuwen Ice Cream brand — featuring popular dairy and vegan flavors.
“We’re thrilled to bring Van Leeuwen to Atlanta, a city we’ve long wanted to be part of,” Ben Van Leeuwen, co-founder and CEO, said in a statement. “Our ice cream is crafted with the finest ingredients, and we’re excited to share our passion with Atlantans.”
Customers who visited for the grand opening got $1 scoops and a free tote bag. — but the fun’s still going on.
The shop also introduced a special collaboration sundae with Bomb Biscuit Co., featuring a scoop of Van Leeuwen Honeycomb ice cream, half a Bomb Biscuit chocolate chip biscuit, salted caramel, and whipped cream. Mmm-Yummy!
Where Is Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Located?
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is located at 619 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Suite B109, Atlanta, GA 30308. Here is a map to help you get there.
Final Word
Ice cream is the word of the day, folks. Try you some this weekend at Van Leeuwen.
Georgia’s largest city is full of sweet treats. Have you seen the donut shops in Atlanta? But there’s more: Our Ice Cream Guide will put a few calories on you.
Wondering what’s new? Check Out Our New Atlanta Restaurant Guide.
More from AtlantaFi.com:
- Where To Eat in Midtown Atlanta
- The Best Pizza Spots Across the City.
- Some Of the Wonderful Things To Do in Buckhead
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Buckhead continues to be a dining mecca for Atlanta as the village’s eateries are a cut above every city in the state. Looking for a place to dine in Buckhead? Read on.
This article is going to show you where all the top restaurants in Buckhead are located as well as real-life reviews of the dining experience.
Here Are The Best Restaurants In Buckhead
The good thing about Buckhead restaurants is that many of them are upscale, so if you’re trying to make a statement with a date or celebrate a life event, these are the best restaurants to go to:
Zakia
3699 Lenox Rd NE Ste 3, Atlanta, GA 30305 | 404-433-2180
Photo credit: Zakia Zakia is an upscale Mediterranean restaurant that leans into its Lebanese roots with nicely sized portions and a great atmosphere.
Here’s what one customer says about Zakia. “Beautiful restaurant from the design to the food, service, and overall atmosphere. I only have a few interior design/decor pictures to show, but the plating was just as perfect. Every detail was thought of for Zakia. Cant wait to be back soon.”
Mortons Bar & Grill
3330 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (470) 289-3657
New restaurant alert: Burton’s Bar and Grill opened in November 2024 in Buckhead.
The new restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia is now open in Buckhead (at the former Disco Kroger Plaza). The 5,740 square-foot space features 268 interior seats.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Mortons. “We came to Atlanta as a mini trip and had datenight <3 we both had the steak Fritz, which was phenomenal. I kept talking about it the rest of the trip. The place itself is really cute. I love when restaurants have any greenery. And to put the cherry on top, there was free parking.”
Delbar
3060 Peachtree Rd Suite R-160, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 738-9302
Although it opened in 2024, Delbar’s Buckhead location feels like it’s been there much longer.
Here’s what one customer says about Delbar in Buckhead: We went to Delbar for brunch on the weekend. The service was REALLY good. I love it when the servers show genuine care and knowledge. Our server explained the whole menu, and she recommended many things. We ended up setting on the breakfast platter and some hummus.
The breakfast platter was nice, and it had a lot of things such as cheese, labneh, jam, and many other things. The plate was good but we thought it would be more varied, but overall it was fresh and it tasted good! The hummus was not our favorite as it had an interesting taste. The complimentary bread was excellent as well!
Bistro Niko
3344 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 | (404) 261-6456
Here’s what one reviewer says about Bistro Niko: “The ambiance was phenomenal. It felt upscale and casual at the same time. Our server wasn’t very attentive, but he was cordial. The food was good, but not good enough to justify the price. I was a little underwhelmed, but it was still an enjoyable time overall. The portion sizes are fairly small (the appetizers are just as big). The descriptions on the menu are a bit misleading.”
Bone’s Restaurant
3130 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 237-2663
If you come for the king, you best not miss. This Buckhead institution is the defacto king of the city. With its succulent prime beef and seafood, it’s hard to beat. But you’d better get a reservation.
Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft
1745 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (678) 539-6181
Here’s what one reviewer says about Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft: “Beautiful view with excellent food. We spent Christmas Eve here and weren’t disappointed with anything. The service was beyond great and the cocktails well made (Lychee Martini pictures).”
Peach Cobbler Cafe
2221 Peachtree Rd NW Suite G, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 351-0450
For some soul food, there’s only one spot in Buckhead: Peach Cobbler Cafe.
Here’s what one reviewer says about the Peach Cobbler Cafe. “1st time customer because of the radio commercial. I am completely satisfied! The food was EXCELLENT! Customer service good and ample parking in good location. We got the fried salmon OMG!…Fried shrimp NEVER had them that good, meatloaf I NEVER eat others meatloaf, and son got 1/2 slab rib. The mac&cheese, collards, and corn muffin was better than mine. Thank you, it feels good to spend my money on good food obviously made with love. Oh, the peach cobbler and red velvet cake was really good and not that sweet.”
Love soul food? Check out our Atlanta Soul Food Guide.
Aviva by Kameel Buckhead
Aviva by Kameel is one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in Atlanta and its Buckhead location is top-notch.
The menu consists of hormone-free, butter-free food items, along with halal meat and classic salads and vegetables that have been locally sourced.
Here’s what one customer says about Aviva by Kameel Buckhead:
Food here is amazing and fresh! I ordered the rosemary chicken plate with a side of veggies and roasted potato. My food wasn’t ready when I arrived, so I was offered a cup of soup while I waited. I didn’t take the soup, but will try it next time! Everything my order was good, but my favorite was the potatoes and the garlic sauce that they give you with your order. Definitely a great value for $20. I will be back.
At Aviva by Kameel, you’ll love the Chicken Shawarma, Salmon and Rosemary Chicken. Read more.26 Thai Kitchen & Bar
541 Main St NE F170, Atlanta, GA 30324 | (404) 400-5995
26 Thai Kitchen & Bar is classic upscale thai restaurant located at Lindbergh Station in Buckhead.
Here’s what one reviewer says about 26 Thai Kitchen: “The green curry was superb. This dish was not as spicy as I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised as It had a well balance of flavor. The service was very professional and my server Rika was knowledgeable about the menu. The restaurant had an upscale vibe which was an excellent touch. I would highly recommend dinning here for a tremendous Thai experience.”
Louisiana Bistreaux Seafood Kitchen
3312 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | 404) 941-9545
Here’s what one reviewer says about Louisiana Bistreaux: “I’ve been to the East Point location before, however this is my new favorite! The shrimp and grits and maple bourbon chicken are excellent. The shrimp and grits has a nice kick and the chicken is sweet and salty. Fresh. Our server was attentive and the place is spotless. Will return.”
Chops Lobster Bar
70 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 262-2675
If Bones is the king, then Chops is the president: confident, immaculate and sure in its power. Don’t be surprised to see a who’s who of old-school Atlanta in this classic chophouse.
A Yelper says: “We had the calamari as our appetizer and for the meal I had the prim rib dip with au jus on the side along with a variety salad.” Address: 70 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305.
Southern Gentleman
3035 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 939-9845
Located at The Shops at Buckhead, Southern Gentleman restaurant offers the elegance of fine dining combined with the best of Southern cooking.
For brunch, the Monte Cristo, which I’ve personally tried, is like no other.
Here’s what one Google reviewer says about the Southern Gentleman: “bsolutely excellent service!! An ideal of Southern hospitality! Great atmosphere, including the background music and the perfect outdoors patio. Highly recommended for brunch, especially if you have a bigger group (i.e. 6 or more people).”
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
3101 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 266-9988
If you want to gorge on flavorful meat, this venerable spot has an all-you-can-eat option that makes it a city favorite. A Yelper says: “”Averages around $60 per person but none disagrees that the experience is well worth the higher cost.” Address: 3101 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305.
Atlas
88 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 600-6471
Atlas is an upscale restaurant located in the St. Regis hotel in Buckhead.
Here’s what one reviewer says about upscale restaurant Atlas: “service that the hotel is known for. Loved the ambiance of the Garden Room Restaurant. Walked in to what seemed to be a beautiful atrium connected to a grand home, just with a bar. Decor well thought-out with beautiful plants, artificial and live.”
Final Word
If you want to experience the best of fine dining in Atlanta, the place to go is Buckhead. The city’s wealthiest ZIP codes have diverse options when it comes to restaurants.
Only in Atlanta can the casual observer find specialty food shops, off-the-beaten-path restaurants, farmers’ markets and farm stands all at an affordable price point.
But Atlanta also has trendy restaurants, pop-ups and time-tested landmarks that continue to draw big crowds.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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When it comes to plant-based eats, you’ll have to search Atlanta really hard to find something you love. Not anymore.
Mission Burger Co. just opened in West Midtown Atlanta — and it’s serving delish plant-based burgers.
Mission Burger Co., was founded by Isaac Mogannam and Michael Limongelli, who both see it as a mission to serve ethical, delicious, and satisfying vegan food that benefits both the palate and the planet.
What’s On The Menu At Mission Burger Co.?
Mission Burger’s fully vegan menu reimagines American classics without compromising on flavor, earning them a strong reputation in their startup city— Austin, Texas — where they’ve won “Best of Austin” accolades.
Now, Mission Burger Co. has expanded to Atlanta’s Upper Westside neighborhood, bringing its innovative vegan concept to a new audience.
The restaurant’s grand opening, attended by notable guests, including Mayor Andre Dickens, marked the start of its journey in Atlanta.
Where Is Mission Burger Co. Located?
Mission Burger Co. is located at 2065 Defoors Ferry Rd, Atlanta, Ga. 30318.
Final Bite
Atlanta is much more than great burger joints. If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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The second week of July will be Thai time in a huge way as a new Atlanta restaurant opens its doors. Pink Lotus, from the owners of 26 Thai Kitchen, is set to open on July 8, 2025.
Pink Lotus Set To Open in West Midtown
The restaurant is located in the former Donetto space at the Stockyards in West Midtown. This eatery will serve a variety of Thai dishes, complemented by cocktails, beer, and wine.
Pink Lotus Thai Restaurant showcases the lesser-known facets of Thai cuisine with a menu highlighting regional specialties rarely found in American Thai restaurants. Judging from its pedigree, it’s already sure to be one of the best Thai restaurants in Atlanta.
What’s On the Menu at Pink Lotus?
Expect dishes like Mieng Kum (Betel leaves stuffed with coconut, peanuts, lime, ginger, and sweet palm sugar sauce from central Thailand), Kaeng Rawan (a bold, coconut-rich southern Thai curry with beef short rib and vibrant spices), and Pla Pao (charcoal-grilled, salt-crusted whole fish).
Presented in a shareable, tapas-style format, Pink Lotus offers Atlanta a traditional yet innovative Thai dining experience.
Where Is Pink Lotus Located?
Pink Lotus is located at 976 Brady Avenue NW STE 110 Atlanta, GA 30318. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
West Midtown boasts a range of restaurants offering everything from high-end omakase to casual, budget-friendly eats. Establishments like Antico, known for its perfect Neapolitan pizza crust, and Forza Storico, with its Roman-inspired dishes, showcase the area’s ability to blend authenticity with creativity.
Pink Lotus Thai Restaurant adds to this by introducing lesser-known Thai regional specialties like Mieng Kum and Kaeng Rawan in a shareable, tapas-style format, bringing a fresh twist to Atlanta’s Thai dining scene.
Want to know what food is poppin’ right now? Read our West Midtown Eating Guide.
The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
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Back in 2008, a weather phenomenon took place that was so powerful and so rare that it made history: A tornado hit downtown Atlanta.
On March 14, 2008, an EF2 tornado struck Downtown Atlanta, Georgia, causing significant damage and marking the first recorded tornado to hit the city’s core.
The tornado was part of a broader outbreak across the Southeastern United States on March 14–15, 2008. Here are the key details:
2008 Atlanta Tornado: How It Happened
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning at 9:26 p.m., about eight minutes before the tornado hit, but no tornado watches were in effect due to a low 2% tornado risk forecast. The supercell’s southeast trajectory and the lack of optimal tornado conditions made the event unexpected.
The tornado, spawned by an isolated supercell thunderstorm, touched down around 9:38 p.m. EDT in the Vine City neighborhood, just west of Downtown Atlanta.
It carved a 6.25-mile path, moving southeast, which was unusual as most supercells in the region have a northward component.
The tornado was approximately 200 yards wide with maximum winds estimated at 130 mph.
Many people don’t think tornadoes and Atlanta go together, but that’s no longer the case.
“It is an area that gets more tornadoes than many people think,” Craig Croskery, P.h.D., founder of FindYourTornadoShelterOwner.com, told AtlantaFi.com.
Croskery said evacuating a tornado is not as straightforward as it sounds in a large metropolitan area like Atlanta.
“There are some complications when you’re dealing with a big city,” he said. “One of them is traffic. You don’t want to get caught in a car during a tornado.”
Here is footage of the 2008 tornado from CNN:
Landmarks Affected
The tornado caused widespread damage to iconic Atlanta structures, including the Georgia World Congress Center, CNN Center, Georgia Dome, Philips Arena, and the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel.
The Omni
The Omni Hotel lost 476 windows, and the CNN Center had over 1,600 windows shattered. Centennial Olympic Park saw two large light towers toppled, and historic Oakland Cemetery was damaged.
Georgia Dome Incident
The tornado struck during an SEC men’s basketball tournament game between Alabama and Mississippi State at the Georgia Dome.
The game had gone into overtime due to a clutch three-pointer by Alabama’s Mykal Riley, which likely kept thousands of fans inside, potentially saving lives as they avoided being outside during the tornado’s passage.
The storm tore a panel from the Dome’s roof, causing debris to fall and briefly halting play.
Atlanta’s Eastside
The tornado continued east, damaging the Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill Lofts, Cabbagetown, and East Atlanta neighborhoods.
A warehouse near I-20 and the Cotton Mill Lofts saw significant structural damage, with parts of the roof and upper floors collapsing.
Cost and Damage
The Georgia insurance commissioner estimated damages at $250 million statewide, with $100 million at the Georgia World Congress Center alone, making it one of the most expensive tornadoes in U.S. history at the time
In raw U.S. dollars, it was the costliest tornado in Atlanta’s history, totaling about half a billion dollars.
- Casualties: One person was killed near Downtown Atlanta due to a building collapse, and at least 30 others were injured, mostly from flying glass and debris. On March 15, two additional deaths occurred in northwest Georgia (Polk and Floyd Counties) from a second wave of tornadoes.
- Response and Recovery: Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin declared a state of emergency on March 15, and Governor Sonny Perdue issued a state emergency declaration, enabling federal aid from FEMA. President Bush declared a major disaster on March 20.
- Emergency assistance: Help came from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), Highway Emergency Response Operators (HEROs), and surrounding counties.
- Events like the Atlanta Home Show and St. Patrick’s Day parade were canceled, and the SEC tournament was relocated to Georgia Tech’s smaller stadium.
- Aftermath and Resilience: Despite the devastation, Atlanta’s recovery was swift. The Georgia Dome reopened within 10 days for an Easter service, and the Georgia World Congress Center was fully operational within 42 days. Centennial Olympic Park and other landmarks have since flourished, with few physical reminders of the tornado remaining.
- Personal Accounts: Residents and meteorologists recalled the storm’s intensity, with some noting ground flashes from power lines as a key indicator of the tornado’s path at night. The event left a lasting impression, with many citing the overtime basketball game as a fortunate factor in reducing potential casualties.
Tornadoes: How To Stay Safe
Croskery, mentioned earlier, did part of a dissertation project on tornadoes after experiencing one in Mississippi during the COVID pandemic. The photo he took went viral.
His website FindYourTornadoShelterOwner.com helps communities stay safe by building tornado shelters in the event of a tornado.
“If you’re trying to build a tornado shelter on your own home, there are some pre-fab ones you can get. If it’s one for your community, or school, you’d have to build a giant dome or box,” he said. “There are materials out there that can withstand even the strongest tornadoes.”
“If a community wants to start a tornado shelter program, a fire station would be a great place to start,” he said.
The tornado was a rare and significant event for Atlanta, highlighting the city’s vulnerability to urban tornadoes and its resilience in rebuilding.
Final Word
All in all, the 2008 Atlanta tornado tore a historic hole in the city. Cleanup involved 1,100 trade workers logging 270,000 hours to repair 370,000 square feet of ceiling tiles, 725,000 square feet of roofing, and 100,000 square feet of building structure at the Georgia World Congress Center.
More recently, Atlanta has been hit by severe weather and the threat of possible tornadoes.
“Tornadoes can happen anytime of year,” Croskery said. “The most common times of year would be in the spring. The next common would be late in the fall, but they do happen pretty much at any time of year.”
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Atlanta’s inaugural halal food festival is set to ignite the city’s summer vibe on Saturday, July 19 at Atlantic Station.
Hosted by the Atlanta Muslim Festival Collective (AMFC), the Atlanta Summer Halal Food Festival will be a vibrant celebration of halal cuisine, culture, and community, welcoming everyone to join in.
What Is Halal Cuisine?
Halal cuisine refers to food and drinks prepared and consumed in accordance with Islamic dietary laws, as outlined in the Quran and Sunnah. The term “halal” means “permissible” in Arabic, and these guidelines ensure food Gomukeshwar Templefood is ethically sourced, properly slaughtered, and free from forbidden ingredients like pork or alcohol.
Key aspects of halal cuisine include:
- Meat: Must come from animals like cattle, sheep, or poultry slaughtered by a Muslim with a specific ritual cut to the throat, ensuring quick and humane death, and the meat must be drained of blood.
- Prohibited items: Pork, blood, alcohol, and intoxicants are not allowed.
- Cross-contamination: Halal food must not come into contact with non-halal substances or utensils used for non-halal foods.
- Preparation: Food must be handled with care to maintain purity and integrity, similar to kosher or vegan standards.
Expect over 50 Southeast vendors dishing out diverse, halal-compliant flavors—from sizzling kabobs and gourmet burgers to decadent desserts and refreshing drinks. Halal cuisine, crafted with care and respect for dietary values, is approachable for all, much like kosher or plant-based dishes. Educational signage and videos will highlight what halal means, ensuring everyone feels included while exploring bold, global flavors.
“We’re thrilled to bring Atlanta its first halal food festival,” said Hasnain Lakhani, Festival Co-Founder and local restaurateur. “As a metro Atlanta native, I’ve always been passionate about this community. This festival unites Muslims and non-Muslims to celebrate our city’s diversity through incredible food, small business vendors, and unique experiences.”
Beyond food, enjoy free water, live Atlanta performances, cultural acts, family-friendly games, a petting zoo, a kids’ area, and an artisan market with local handmade goods. Capture memories at a scenic photo booth, with part of the proceeds supporting local charities.
Final Word
We love the kids! That’s why we’re showing you all the good things happening in the city this weekend. But there’s more: Check out what’s going on in downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. Downtown Atlanta or Midtown often has something cool going on! While it’s warm, take advantage of the outdoors. Don’t miss these awesome festivals.
