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Chef Bella Jones is inspired about telling African-American history through food and the area’s Southern cuisine. The chef and food curator is poised to open a new Atlanta restaurant, Liz and Leon’s, in fall 2023.
When the doors open, the eatery hopes to become on of Atlanta’s best black-owned restaurants.
Chef Bella Jones Set To Open Liz & Leon’s In Downtown Atlanta
Jones, whose writings frequently matches the ancestral roots of today’s American palate to African ingredients, says her history in the kitchen is a birthright of sorts.
“I always knew that I wanted to be a Chef!” Jones wrote recently on Instagram. “I was 9 years old when Grandma let me help in the kitchen! I was so happy doing the little things grandma let me do, like pick the greens, mix the cake ingredients to her lemon cake with chocolate icing! I was overjoyed when I graduated to helping with seasoning the chicken! My heart sung when my mother taught me how to make my families Sweet Potato Recipe! I didn’t know it then, but everything my Grandmother taught me had generations of my grandmothers spirits wrapped in every recipe!”
Liz and Leon’s will be located along Hotel Row, a string of commercial buildings that served as the city’s original business district framed by developed by famed architects Samuel Inman and Walker P. Inman.
The structures’ history will only enhance the charm that Liz & Leon’s will bring to downtown. As for Jones, a natural born storyteller, we can look forward to her seasoned tails of family and food and most of all, how tastefully delicious it all is.
“From My Grandmothers Venus & Eliza on the Plantation to my kitchen today, food is what kept my family together,” Jones writes. “It’s how they survived the trials & tribulations of enslavement, what kept them when they left the horrid conditions of Mississippi & migrated to Chicago’s South Side, as they fought for their rights to better education, the right to vote & everything else we take for granted today! I don’t remember a moment in my life with my family that didn’t involve food & so this was ALWAYS MY DESTINY!”
Final Word
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.
The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a bar explosion in recent years.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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Some people love their coffee black, if you know what I mean, and that’s a good thing because black businesses need more support than ever right now.
This article is going to highlight the best black coffee shops in Atlanta and show you how to get there. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by for a latte, a laugh and some love.
Here Are The Best Black Coffee Shops In Atlanta
You may be wondering what makes a coffee shop the “best,” or “great.” It’s actually the customers that determine that. We’ve scoured through scores of reviews to pick ones that capture the sentiments of the majority of the people.
Like your coffee black? Le’ts get started….
Grant Park Coffeehouse
8 Park Pl NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 856-0433
Owner Rahel Tafari started Grant Park Coffeehouse in 2010, expanded then closed the original shop before opening it back up.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Grant Park Coffeehouse. “Loved their new location located in downtown Atlanta, tried their butter roll, caramel latte and a dessert that I demolished. The staff was friendly, music was smooth and the staff had my order out quickly. Loved sitting by the window working and people watching while I enjoyed my breakfast.”
Black Coffee Atlanta (Multiple Locations)
1800 Jonesboro RD. SE. Lakewood, GA 30315 | (404) 482-1098
Here’s what one customer says about Black Coffee ATL: “BEST coffee ever! Got an Almond milk latte with vanilla syrup. Highly recommend.”
Blendz Friendz
1699 Sylvan Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 | (678) 705-2059
Here’s what one reviewer says about Blendz Cafe: “Local Cafe with character. The owners are two women who are very attentive to customer needs. The coffee is great and the pastries even better.”
Brooklyn Tea
329 Nelson St SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 963-1897
Photo Credit: Brooklyn Tea It says tea, but they also sell coffee!
Here’s what one customer says about Brooklyn Tea: “I just love this place!!! Had a latte, tried several different kinds of tea and some delicious waffles! They have quite a yummy menu and their selection of teas is amazing! They offer tea samples and the staff is quite helpful. The shop itself is cute, I love the decor! I would not have known that the waffles were vegan! They have coffee too and we bought several kinds of teas to take home. But we will be back for sure!”
Community Grounds Cafe
1297 McDonough Blvd SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 | (404) 586-0692
Here’s what one reviewer says about Community Grounds Cafe: “I got a regular cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin. The muffin was good the coffee, light roast, tasty. I would definitely come back for coffee. The decor was wonderful loved the artwork and tables. There is also a small grocery store in the front of the coffee shop. Barista was nice and informed me about their free loyalty card.”
Jayida Ché Herbal Tea Spot
749 Moreland Ave SE suite a-101, Atlanta, GA 30316 | (404) 424-4069
Here’s what one reviewer says about Jayida Ché Herbal Tea Spot: “Every time I go to Jayida Che’, it is a wonderful and great experience. The spice it up latte is to die for. I get snooze button as a loose tea, and it definitely helps my children sleep soundly. I do not have enough wonderful things to say, except it is a must that you go and try for yourself.”
Just Add Honey Tea Company
209 Edgewood Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 850-6510
Here’s what one reviewer says about Just Add Honey Tea Company: “This place is amazing and black owned. The customer service was great and quality of the coffee was amazing! I had an oat milk iced coffee sd each beverage is served with a complimentary ginger snap! It’s a must if you’re in Atlanta and love coffee or tea!”
My Coffee Shop At Eastlake
2462 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30317 | (404) 377-2227
Here’s what one reviewer says about My Coffee Shop At Eastlake: “Lovely family oriented establishment serving various food items and coffee drinks. Their Basil lemonade is amazing! Great prices and a unique community oriented vibe. I especially appreciate the rope swings at the bar, very unique. The name is apt, this is your coffee shop!”
Rosie’s Cafe
- 2330 Sylvan Rd, Atlanta, GA 30344 | (404) 684-1111
- 48 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 331-7703
Here’s what one Google reviewer says about Rosie’s Cafe: “Down home feel, nice staff, very reasonable prices, and some foods are better than others. Really enjoyed the salmon patties with grits. The build-a-breakfast is a good deal given French Toast is an option like regular toast. Sometimes the wait can be a little long, but maybe patience is a daily thing we can bepractice. You have may have to work around diners yo get yo the sugar and creamer for your coffee. Not feeling that. Other than that, I would suggest a visit, would return, and looking forward to trying the 2nd location on Northside drive, near the new stadium.”
Village Coffee House
420 Seminole Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 688-3176
Here’s what one reviewer says about Village Coffee House: “I love this place! Good coffee and a great spot to people-watch. Every time I go to Little Five Points I stop in for an iced coffee and spend an hour.”
Urban Grind
962 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 724-0605
Here’s what one reviewer says about Urban Grind: “This coffee shop gives ALL the feels. I ordered a vanilla latte with almond milk and is was so smooth and rich. Love the location and the aesthetics of it all.”
Final Sip
Do you love you some black coffee? To be specific, do you enjoy black-owned coffee shops in Atlanta? We’ve got the tea.
You don’t have to go far to find other black-owned businesses in the Atlanta area. Below the jump, we’ve included the best ones:
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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If you want to get into the swing of things for Father’s Day in Atlanta, take Dad over to topgolf. There’s fun and food involved and the family can come, too.
Atlanta has two Topgolf locations:
- West Midtown — 1600 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
- Alpharetta — 10900 Westside Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Secure your Topgolf bay for up to 6 Guests. Have more than 6 Guests in your party? No problem! Select a quantity of 2 when registering to reserve two bays side-by-side.
One (1) Bay Reservation Includes:
- One (1) golf bay for two (2) hours of unlimited Topgolf play (1st and 3rd floor available)
- Up to six (6) total Guests can play with six (6) Guests maximum in your bay
- VIP check-in upon arrival
- Food and beverage is not included and must be purchased separately
Two (2) Bay Reservations Include:
- Two (2) side-by-side golf bays for two (2) hours of unlimited Topgolf play (1st and 3rd floor available)
- Up to twelve (12) total Guests can play with six (6) Guests maximum in each bay
- VIP check-in upon arrival
- Food and beverage is not included and must be purchased separately
Additional Details:- While you can select your seating preference when registering, we cannot guarantee you will receive the bay(s) with your preferred seating type
- Bay time cannot be extended beyond the two-hour time slot you reserve, as we want to be sure we can start all our Guest’s reservations on time
- Per state law, we are unable to serve alcohol prior to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday’s
You will receive a confirmation email with your tickets (1 ticket per bay). Bring your ticket(s) with you on Saturday, June 17 or Sunday, June 18, and show them to our Associates at the VIP check-in table in the lobby. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your reservation start time to check in.
Final Word
We love our fathers around here. We also love anybody who loves to go out on the town. Here are some cool events-related links to check out:
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There’s a new spot in Atlanta for Taco Tuesdays. Butaco, the street taco concept from Chef Timmee Rufino, opened its doors on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 in East Atlanta.
The eatery serves LA-inspired street tacos and more. Not to be confused with Buteco, which is the company’s coffee bar in Grant Park, Butaco will focus on the fare that Rufino enjoyed cooking in SoCal kitchens, namely Los Angles and San Diego.
What’s On The Menu At Botaco?
Photo credit: Butacoatlanta.com Guests can expect Southwestern goodies like the Butaco Bowl, which features birria rice, black beans, avacado and more. Additionally, you’ll enjoy the Al Pastor Tacos with pineapple salsa, Grilled Shrimp Tacos with guajillo red sauce and more.
Butaco will offer lunch, dinner and stay open late on Fridays and Saturdays. Here are Butaco’s operating hours:
- Monday 11am – 10pm
- Tuesday 11am – 10pm
- Wednesday 11am – 10pm
- Thursday 11am – 10pm
- Friday 11am – 3am
- Saturday 11am – 3am
- Sunday 11am – 10pm
Where Is Butaco Located?
Butaco is located at the Southern Feedstore: 1245 Glenwood Avenue SE Atlanta, GA 30316. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
The Atlanta restaurant scene is growing by the week across all cuisines. If you love specialty Mexican food, check out the best birria tacos in Atlanta.
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It’s time to “Eat Mor Chikin,” in the words of a famous Atlanta restaurant. The new Chick-fil-A on Ponce de Leon Avenue and Boulevard is set to open this week!
Construction began late last year at the busy intersection in Midtown Atlanta. The new Chick-fil-A’s address is 689 Boulevard NE & 513 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.
When Is The Chick-fil-A On Ponce Opening?
Photo credit: AtlantaFi.com The Chick-fil-A on Ponce and Boulevard is opening on Thursday, June 15, 2023.
Because of the restaurant’s delicious chicken sandwiches and more, you might not want to wait that long. If you want to know where a Chick-Fil-A is near you, here are some Chick-Fil-A restaurants in Atlanta.
Chick-Fil-A is the brainchild of Atlanta businessman and entrepreneur S. Truett Cathy, who opened a small eatery called the Dwarf Grille in Hapeville, Georgia back in 1946.
Since then millions have become loyal fans of the restaurant known for the bad-spelling cows singing how to “Eat More Chiken.”
See our map that shows other Chick fil As are around Atlanta.
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Delbar, the popular Middle Eastern restaurant, is opening in Buckhead, AtlantaFi.com has learned.
The new Atlanta restaurant will set up shop in the space formerly occupied by King + Duke, which is being shut down by local chef and restaurateur Ford Fry.
Delbar, which means “heart captured” in Farsi, specializes in Mediterranean fare and will easily be one of the best restaurants in Buckhead when it opens.
When Is Delbar Opening In Buckhead?
The new Delbar restaurant is set to open this winter, according to a press release.
The new location will be the third Delbar in metro Atlanta. The original restaurant opened in Inman Park in 2020. An outpost recently opened in Alpharetta.
What’s On The Menu At Delbar?
Delbar has several top-notch dishes of the Mediterranean variety, including ahdig & Basmati rice like this Sabzi Polo filled to the brim with a herbaceous basmati rice soaked in a buttery oil and topped with Tahdig, earthy dill and parsley, plus tangy fried onions.
Here’s a look at Delbar’s Dinner menu in Atlanta.
Where Is Delbar Located In Buckhead?
Delbar in Buckhead will be located at 3060 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
“Translating to ‘heart, captured’ in Farsi, Delbar is a love letter to the influential dishes that shaped my youth and the women in my life who instilled in me a deep appreciation for Middle Eastern cooking,” say owner Fares Kargar of Iran.
More Food Coverage:
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Atlanta restaurant “This Is It” is set to be honored by District 10 Council member Andrea L. Boone this weekend.
Boone’s tribute to the iconic soul food eatery, This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q, is in celebration of the restaurant being in business 40 years in the city of Atlanta.
Documentary Chronicles Atlanta Restaurant This Is It
The anniversary will begin with a red-carpet premiere of the documentary “This Is It! The Miracle of BBQ” on Sunday, June 11 at 6 p.m. at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street NE.
The first This Is It! store in the Atlanta area was located on Campbellton Road at the intersection of Campbellton Road and DeLowe Drive in the Campbellton Plaza. The store has served as an economic development engine in Atlanta by providing thousands of jobs, including in the midst of the pandemic.
The documentary captures the life and legacy of This Is It! BBQ’s founder and CEO Shelley “Butch” Anthony III. The documentary features Atlanta’s own Bruce Bruce, CeeLo, former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, and more. It is directed, written, and produced by award-winning filmmaker Tammy Williams and fuses the current success and expansion of the restaurant to more than ten stores within the 40-year history of the family-owned enterprise.
The free, family-friendly event will feature live performances from award-winning and nationally recognized recording artists.
Final Bite
This Is It is one of the best black restaurants in Atlanta, and there are plenty others. 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.The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a bar explosion in recent years.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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The Wine + Culture Festival is set to take place in Atlanta, Georgia, this summer. The event is one of Atlanta’s best festivals.
The Wine & Culture Festival, hosted by The Hue Society, is back with its 5th annual festival bringing wine enthusiasts and the Culture together to experience their theme, “Kingdom Come: Celebrating the Table We’ve Built,” during this epic weeklong event.
When Is The Wine & Culture Festival Being Held?
The Wine & Culture Festival will be held July 23 – 30, 2023. The event is the most inclusive wine festival dedicated to consumer education, brand awareness, industry advancement, and cultural experiences through the Black lens.
“We are excited to bring this Festival back to Atlanta for the fifth year! We receive amazing support from national and global brands for the Festival – this year we are really hoping to tap into the wonderful talent and top companies in Atlanta to join us. Our presence at the Underground Atlanta is significant,” says Tahiirah Habibi, the Festival’s Founder and a top celebrity sommelier. “This is a perfect venue to make the Festival both family-friendly and have adult fun at one of Atlanta’s most historical landmarks, both above ground and underground.”
The signature two-day event, “The Mansion Underground,” is a cultural movement where the historic Underground Atlanta will transform into creatively curated theme-activated rooms representing the Culture with vivid backdrops, selfie spots, fierce DJs, and of course wine and food tastings. The festival’s location re-imagines the resilience and power of Black, brown, and indigenous communities by celebrating the tables that they’ve built.
Just a few of our highly anticipated events during the week include:
- The Legacy Dinner, honoring those who have made a significant impact and contributions to the food, wine, and beverage industry.
- The Rosé Lounge culminates the phenomenal week of festivities with an abundance of Rosé and good vibes.
- Several of these events will take place at the festival’s host hotel, The Thompson Hotel Buckhead, a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Atlanta.
Attendees can stay at the host hotel to have direct access to many of the events and discounted room rates.
Final Word
Atlanta has a very lively and robust festival circuit that stretches year-round. If you want to stay up on all that’s happening in Atlanta, subscribe to our newsletter.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
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if you’ve ever been to Lazy Betty, you know that the neighborhood that surrounds it is as charming as the restaurant. Now it’s time for a change of scenery for the restaurant, which opened in Atlanta’s Candler Park neighborhood in 2019.
Lazy Betty owners Aaron Phillips and Ronald Hsu have decided to move the eatery into the space formerly occupied by Empire State South, which closed in March.
Lazy Betty Moving To Midtown
You can expect the same menu items and all the other stuff you love about Lazy Betty, according to a press release announcing the news. What will be new will be the bar menu along with some a la carte menu items.
“Empire State South saw some of the city’s best chefs pass through its kitchen, and we’re honored to carry the torch for such a great culinary space,” Hsu said in a written statement. “While our location will change, our ethos will continue to be the same. We’re excited to invite the community to come together, eat well and live unhurried in the heart of the city.”
The addition to Lazy Betty will give you one more thing to do in Midtown Atlanta.
Where Will Lazy Betty Be Located In Midtown Atlanta?
Lazy Betty is set to open at the location once known as Empire State South. The address is 999 Peachtree St NE Suite #140, Atlanta, GA 30309. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
While the news release didn’t give a specific time when Lazy Betty will open in Midtown, you can expect construction to take several months. In the meantime, we’ll continue to support Midtown Atlanta’s best restaurants.
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A new Latin restaurant is set to open in Midtown Atlanta on June 15, 2023, AtlantaFi.com has learned. Alta Toro comes to us from K5 Hospitality Group, the same company behind 5Church and Virtue Rooftop.
Here’s everything we know about Alta Toro, including what type of food to expect and where it’s located.
Alta Toro Opening This Month In Midtown Atlanta
On its social media, Alta Toro posted that it is ready to serve Atlanta residents with some authentic Latin food.
“We are SOOO excited to announce the opening of Alta Toro. Located at 33 Peachtree Place NE in Midtown, Alta Toro will transport you to the heart of Latin America with its modern cuisine, exciting art, and live music.
The name Alta Toro, which means “high bull” in Spanish, and the moniker is a nod to traditional Spanish-style bullfighting. “And just like the strong and powerful bull in the ring, we’re ready to dominate the Atlanta dining scene. Get ready to experience the explosion of modern Latin American flavors,” the restaurant said in the post.
The Alta Toro menu will specialize in “modern Latin fare,” according to its website. We can’t wait to try it.
Where Is Alta Toro Located?
Alta Toro is located at 33 Peachtree Place Atlanta, GA 30309. Here’s a map to help you find it.
The eatery’s deco features eye-popping fine art from Latin America and local Atlanta artists, illustrating the culture and flavors of the region.
Final Bite
If you want to check out some other romantic restaurants in Atlanta, these are hard to beat. 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
