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Business / Restaurants3 Min Read
A new Atlanta restaurant is coming to fruition thanks to a nearly decade-long friendship that has turned into a culinary partnership. Renown chef Craig Richards and restaurateur Billy Streck are opening Lyla Lila in Midtown Atlanta on Friday, Dec. 6.
Lyla Lila will offer patrons a taste of elegance with a menu that focuses on southern European cuisine.
New Atlanta restaurant Lyla Lila opening in Midtown Dec. 6
Lyla Lila will initially open for dinner service seven nights a week. Here is the schedule:
- Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m.
- Friday through Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m.
There are also plans to extend meal services to lunch and brunch in 2020. Reservations can be made via Resy. In addition to valet parking, guests are encouraged to use rideshare car services.
Richards and Streck have ties interwoven with Atlanta’s dining scene: Streck owns Inman Park’s Hampton & Hudson, where Richards oversees the menu.
Richards also helms the kitchens at La Tavola, Ecco, and St. Cecilia, among other culinary adventures.
But nothing solidified the concept that would become Lyla Lila greater than when Richards and Streck found out that their daughters shared the same name.
“My daughter’s name is Lyla and Billy’s daughter’s middle name is Lila. It’s an interesting connection that we share, and by using both names it felt like a personal expression of ourselves and our families to the restaurant,” Richards says in a written statement.
Thus, Lyla Lila was born.
Here’s a rendering of the new Atlanta restaurant Lyla Lila.
What will be on the menu at Lyla Lila?
Given the strong reputations of Richards and Streck, customers can expect outstanding selections on the menu.
The dishes will be inspired by southern Italy and Spain. You can also expect Richards’ signature style of pastas.
Entrees will have their share of wood-fired meat and seafood along with as well as seasonally driven vegetables and salads.
As for the beverage program, Lyla Lila will concentrate on cocktails with seasonal ingredients and Old World wine selections that emphasize sparkling varietals.
Where is Lyla Lila located?
Lyla Lila is located at 693 Peachtree St. NE on the ground level of the 24-story lilli Midtown boutique apartment residence on the corner of 3rd Street and Peachtree. Here is a map to help you find it.
Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
Fast-casual is also the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta restaurants. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience. Food in Atlanta is also adapting to the various tastes of the migrants that come here to live.
Read more: 10+ essential soul food spots in Atlanta
Patrons typically order off a menu board like they would at a burger joint, but the convenience of sitting down to leisurely enjoy their food has made the segment a popular one with the restaurant industry.
The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a fast-caz explosion in recent years.
Check out some of AtlantaFi.com’s best Atlanta restaurant stories
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Entertainment / Restaurants / Things To Do2 Min Read
The final installment of Night Market at The Home Depot Backyard is taking place on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 6-10 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Night Market, an artisan food and beverage experience, features some of the best food you can find in Atlanta and more.
Night Market at the Home Depot Backyard: What’s in store Dec. 7
The market offers attendees live music, bites from top Atlanta chefs in the city.
Restaurants that will be represented include American Cut, Brezza Cucina, Fox Bros Bar-B-Q, Hattie B’s, Hawkers Asian Street Fare, Holmes, Honeysuckle Gelato, Kyma, Shake Shack, Spotted Trotter, Sweet Auburn BBQ, Watchman’s and Wheelies Tiny Donuts.
There will also be beverages from local experts and an artisan market curated by Indie Craft Experience.
Food and beverage tickets are $25 in advance, $40 onsite. Get tickets here.
Where is the Home Depot Backyard located?
The Home Depot Backyard is located at 1 Backyard Way, Atlanta, GA 30313. Here is a map to help you find it.
Must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Parking is available and taking MARTA or ridesharing is encouraged. For more information about the Night Market series, please visit: www.thehomedepotbackyard.com/
night-market .Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
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Seafood restaurants are definitely on the upswing in the city. The latest is The Boiler Seafood and Crab Boil Atlanta.
The Boiler Seafood and Crab Boil Atlanta is having their grand opening December 5 weekend. The new Atlanta restaurant will occupy the space formerly Woofs Sports Bar.
The Boiler Seafood and Crab Boil Atlanta To Open
The soft opening will include some late hours, at least in the beginning. The eatery’s Facebook page says it is open from noon to 2 a.m.The Boiler Seafood is one of many changes that are set to happen in Lindbergh. MARTA officials are contemplating plans for a hotel, stores and some apartments in the area.But let’s talk food! What’s going to be on the menu at The Boiler Seafood?
What’s On The Menu?
Customers can expect all the trappings of a New Orleans restaurant, including dishes such as lobster, crab, shrimp and a full-service drink menu.
Here are some photos of some of the great food you can get.
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Where is The Boiler Seafood and Crab Boil Atlanta located?
The The Boiler Seafood and Crab Boil Atlanta is located at 2425 Piedmont Road NE Atlanta, Georgia 30324. Here is a map to help you find it.
We told you the city’s seafood craze isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Here are some of the best seafood restaurants in Atlanta.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
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If you want to travel from Atlanta to the Louisiana Cajun Bayou, you can fly or you can take the drive from Interstate 85 south to I-65 to Interstate 10. Either way, good eatin’ awaits.
Much has been said about the delights of New Orleans food, but there are other parts of Louisiana that don’t get the national recognition, but are just as good if not better. One such place is Lafourche Parish.
Want to know what’s cooking in Nawlins? Here’s more locally flavored news.
Cajun Bayou: What’s Cookin’ in Lafourche Parish?
Lafourche is in the southern part of the state, about 7.2 hours from Atlanta, Georgia. Louisiana is shaped like a boot — and in those terms, Lafourche would be considered one of the toes. But when it comes to great food, the parish may be head and shoulders in the state.
Atlantafi.com got to talk to a main proponent of Pelican State cuisine, Timothy Bush, president/CEO of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou tourism.
Cajun Bayou is the convention and visitors bureau for Lafourche Parish. Here is an edited transcript of our email interview.
Where are you from?
I grew up in West Monroe, Louisiana. My appreciation for Louisiana food is rooted in my upbringing. My mama cooked and still cooks gumbo, which is one of my favorite meals to this day! The food throughout Louisiana is so amazing. It’s flavorful and its soulful at the same time because Louisiana food is rooted in our culture and all the folks that settled here many generations ago.
Can you tell me a little about “Cajun Bayou,” what it is and what’s the message behind it?
Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou is the brand of Lafourche Parish. It promotes the parish as a community that is rich, natural and unapologetically Cajun in every way. Lafourche Parish sits along Bayou Lafourche and stretches 106 miles from north to south. The message that our brand pushes is that if you want to come to a place with authentic Cajun culture and experiences, then Lafourche Parish is that place because of our food, festivals and outdoor experiences. We aren’t the most polish of communities and we don’t strive to be. Here, what you see is what you get and the folks who live around the bayou are proud to share and showcase their culture to visitors.
How would you distinguish Southern Louisiana cuisine from, say, seafood from some of the other major port areas in the U.S. (San Francisco, Maryland, Boston, etc.)?
Food has always been a way of life down here. When people came down to settle in the area, they made their living off the land and the bounties it provides. Southern Louisiana and more specifically Cajun food, is full of flavor and culture. Seafood is used in so many different ways from gumbos and stews to boils and poboys. The way Cajun food is prepared is rooted deep in tradition and passed down from generation to generation, making our food such a big part of the story here.
What is the difference, in your opinion between Cajun and Creole, when it comes to food?
Creole food originated in New Orleans hundreds of years ago and really came about because of the city’s access to the port that brought in imported spices. It also has an influence from the African culture because slaves were also being brought in through the port. Creole tends to be a bit more spicy and usually starts with a tomato base in dishes. Cajun is a little simpler and more robust in flavor from things like onions and vegetables and herbs as the base. These are foods that were more accessible to rural areas outside the city and grown by farmers.
Now the big question: Where are some of the best places to eat in Lafourche Parish?
Here Are The Best Places To Eat In Lafourche Parish?
Thibodaux, Kajun Twist, etc.: Best Lafourche Restaurants
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Jinya Ramen Bar is set to open November 11 in Alpharetta City Center. The restaurant is widely thought of as having the best ramen in whatever city they’re in.
The eatery recently received a shoutout from Chrissy Teigen, who posted online about her favorite Jinya Ramen Bar dish.
“My pick is the spicy tonkotsu ramen,” she said. “It’s rich and tingly but not crazy-hot; the fire builds slowly with every slurp. Round out your meal with their buns, crispy chicken, and gyoza – if your kids don’t want ramen, they’ll destroy all of these and ask for seconds.”
For its Alpharetta debut, Jinya Ramen Bar is offering freebies as well. The first 50 people at 11 am. and 6 p.m. will receive a free ramen bowl.
The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a fast-caz explosion in recent years.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
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Taffer’s Tavern, a new Atlanta restaurant, from businessman Jon Taffer, is set to open in downtown Atlanta in summer 2020.
The tavern is part of a multi-unit franchise agreement that will result in five locations opening in Georgia.
Taffer’s Tavern Atlanta: What you need to know
Taffer’s Tavern is a restaurant concept that features what is called a hoodless kitchen. The format is based on using technology to cook food of the highest quality without the need for a commercial kitchen.
The first of five Taffer’s Taverns in the state will be built in Atlanta, with construction to start soon.
Taffer’s franchise partner is Five Guys Taverns LLC, and hopes to capitalize on the fast-casual trend in the restaurant industry.
“We were immediately drawn to the idea of ‘tavern dining’ and creating a gathering place for people that provides unique, superior menu items at an affordable price,” said Hemant Suri, Taffer’s Tavern franchisee, according to franchising.com. “Jon has managed to engineer a restaurant concept that streamlines operations without compromising the food quality, and we are thrilled to be the first franchisees for this break-out brand.”
The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a fast-caz explosion in recent years.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
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Business / Restaurants3 Min Read
The Popeyes Chicken Sandwich is making record sales once again across the nation. Go to nearly any Popeyes location and you’ll see long lines. You also may see customers berating Popeyes workers — and that has to stop.
There are other ways to handle your frustration besides making working conditions nearly unbearable for Popeyes employees trying to serve you.
5 Things to do besides yelling at a Popeyes employee over a chicken sandwich
Because the scenes have been so ugly, we wanted to show you some productive ways to handle your temper when problems or delays arrive due to the demands of the popular Popeyes Chicken Sandwich. Here’s what you can do:
1. Take a deep breath
If you think a chicken sandwich is worth your reputation, think again. Before you say something you regret, take a deep breath and think about it.
Seriously, take a chill pill and relax. It’s going to be OK.
2. Put things in perspective
Similarly, you’ll want to really consider some perspective: You’re acting out (or about it) over a Popeyes fried chicken sandwich. Then ask yourself the following…
3. Is it worth it?
If you ask yourself that question, you’ll begin to recognize that the relative worth of what you could lose if you blow up at a Popeyes worker, isn’t worth it. Not by a long shot.
It’s not worth being banned from the restaurant over something stupid. It’s not worth a visit from a security guard or a police officer who has been called because of you. It’s just not worth it.
4. Order online
If you feel yourself losing your composure because of the long line, consider ordering online. Not only can you skip a lot of people, but you can actually go to any location.
All you have to do to order online is download the Popeyes app for Android or iOS.
5. Politely ask to speak to the manager
Instead of going back and forth with a Popeyes worker, politely ask to speak to the manager about the situation. You’re more likely to get some resolution if you escalate it through the proper channels.
Oftentimes, trying to humiliate a worker is not going to go well for her or the food you’ve ordered.
Folks, remember, the Popeyes Chicken Sandwich is great, but it’s not worth the disrespect being shown to employees of the restaurant.
Those employees are people, too. And you never know when what you say may tip someone over the edge. So chill out and “love that chicken from Popeyes.”
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A second Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q is coming to Atlanta, this time to the Upper Westside project called The Works. The new Atlanta restaurant is set to open in summer 2020.
Twin brothers and owners Jonathan and Justin Fox have turned the Fox Bros. brand into the premiere barbecue restaurants in Atlanta. The Fort Worth, Texas natives opened the original eatery on DeKalb Avenue 12 years ago.
New Fox Bros. Restaurant Coming to Atlanta in 2020
The new Fox Bros. will be in The Works, an 80-acre mixed-use development being built by Selig Development.
“We spent nearly four years finding the perfect space and we knew immediately that The Works would work for us,” says co-owner and pitmaster Jonathan Fox. “We are thrilled to be a part of the project’s community of creative makers and are excited for our guests to enjoy a full experience, from retail to dining and more, while visiting us.”
The new location will be double the size of the first Fox Bros and will come complete with a smokehouse and gaming area.
Here are other features of the new Fox Bros. restaurant:
- More than 9,300 square feet of space
- An estimated 325 seats
- Two covered patios
- The Spur, a 970-foot linear park that runs along a former rail spur at The Works
- Large smokehouse
- Gaming area
Where Will The New Fox Bros. Be Located?
The new Fox Bros. will be in The Works development, which is roughly located at 1295 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. Here’s a map so you can see the area:
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You don’t have to be from the Caribbean islands to enjoy West Indian food locally. The best jerk chicken in Atlanta can be found in and around the city’s midsection.
One reason Atlanta has so many good Caribbean restaurants is because so many people from the islands have relocated here.
As a result, Midtown and downtown Atlanta both have some good jerk chicken restaurants in Atlanta and we’re going to show you them.
Best Jerk Chicken Restaurants in Atlanta
So you can see how real people feel about the jerk chicken, we’ve added reviews from customers….
Dat Fire Jerk
226 Northside Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 254-4494
Dat Fire Jerk is one of those downhome places that don’t look like much on the outside, but on the grill, it’s legit.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Dat Fire Jerk: “I’ve had Jamaican food all around my hometown NY/NJ, but this place is by far my favorite. They can do no wrong…from the curry chicken patties to the best Jerk chicken my taste buds have ever had the privilege of tasting. If you like Jamaican food this is the place to go.”
Caribbean Delights
576 Lee St SW B, Atlanta, GA 30310
Caribbean Delights is small counter-serve restaurant that packs a powerful punch when it comes to its culinary might. The restaurant serves Caribbean eats & vegetarian options.
One Google reviewer says aout Caribbean Delights: “I love the head woman in charge been living in the area almost 4 years and I prefer to go when she’s there and miss her when I don’t see her. And her patties, jerk chicken, plantains, macaroni, and greens my my my…. she knows I’ll come in just for her greens!”
Conch Heaven
6035 Peachtree Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30341
Conch Heaven in the Peachtree Pavilion Shopping Center has some of the most loyal customers in the area when it comes to Caribbean food.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Conch Heaven: “The food there is so so so good, their the best, NUMBER #1 they also have different locations the food is so good.they have one in Miami that’s where I’m from the food there is all so good keep up the good work guys👍👍👍👍🙌🙌🙌🙌👌👌”
Scotch Bonnett Jamaican Restaurant
4454 Campbellton Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30331
Scotch Bonnett is well known for its fire jerk chicken on the south side of Atlanta. The restaurant gives you a nice portion, too.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Scotch Bonnett: “Great, authentic Caribbean food. The smell of well seasoned meat cooking on the grill, let’s you know you’re in the right spot! The staff is great… down to earth, and willing to help. At time the line can look out of control, but stick around as they move quick and more so WORTH THE WAIT!”
Eats
600 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
One of Eats’ main dishes is the jerk chicken, which is saying something because this Midtown Atlanta restaurant has the best jerk in the area and is pretty cheap.
Here’s what a reviewer says about Eats: “Excellent quick meal. There are 2 lines. The one on the left serves pastas and the one straight ahead serves meats. I always get the jerk chicken which is always moist and flavorful. Very good value for the amount of food and great quality. Seats are first come first serve. There us a medium sized parking lot.”
Eleventh Street Pub
Eleventh Street Pub is located at the Residence Inn at Marriott on the Georgia Tech campus. College kids love the jerk chicken wings.Here’s what a Google reviewer says about Eleventh Street Pub: “Always great wings! My absolute favorite is the Jerk dry rub. Unfortunately, no matter how many times I ask for extra jerk, they give me a miniscule amount…”Foxx Original Jamaican Restaurant
378 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
One of the more popular spots to grab some Caribbean food near downtown Atlanta is at Foxx Original Jamaican Restaurant on Edgewood Avenue. The eatery has all the Jamaican staples like plantains, stew, jerk & curry to goat, fish & tofu.
Here’s what one Google reviewer says about Foxx Original Jamaican Restaurant: “The curry goat that my husband got was great! I got a veggie plate of rice and peas with cabbage, collard greens and candied yams. It was good, but it tasted more “southern” than Caribbean due to the well-done cabbage and overall sweetness of the vegetables.”
Jerk Wingz N Thingz
3024 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30311
Jerk Wingz N Thingz in the West Ridge Shopping Center is a great place to pick up a plate of jerk wings.
Here is what a reviewer says about Jerk Wingz N Thingz: “I had been searching for a great jerk spot near my home and I found this little jewel. Great customer service and wonderful food the atmosphere is authentically soulful. I will most definitely be back. BEST JERK in ATL!”
Kingston Grill
1105 Main St Suite 701, Forest Park, GA 30297
Kingston Grill in Forest Park has a loyal following for people looking for jerk chicken south of Atlanta.
Here’s what a Google reviewer says about Kingston Grill: “I really enjoyed myself here. The oxtail dinner as well as the Jerk chicken spring rolls were amazing! I also enjoyed sitting out on the deck. I do hope they add sweet tea to the menu.”
Situated in the on North Avenue in Midtown Atlanta, Negril Village is a well-known Caribbean restaurant that caters to intown city dwellers who crave island fare. Negril Village Atlanta is owned by Sim Walker, the mastermind behind Ms. Icey’s Kitchen & Bar in Decatur.Negril Village is located in a renovated 1907 firehouse. The eatery offers a full bar & Sunday brunch.Taste of Tropical
530 Joseph E Lowery Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA
aste of Tropical is a fast-serve Atlanta restaurant located at Oak At Ashby Street Shopping Center. The eatery serves decent oxtail, curry chicken and saltfish to boot.
Here is what one Google reviewer says about the place: “Best Jamaican Restaurant in town also with Tofu on the menu. I’ve been coming to this place for over 15 years. Won’t catch me anywhere else but here. Introduced my friends from Philly/NJ to this place…. they’ve been loyal customers ever since.”
This Jamaican restaurant encompasses everything we love about Caribbean cuisine: flavorful dishes, warm and inviting hospitality along with authentic Jamrock roots, mon! The counter-serve restaurant is small on dining space, but you can still get you a carryout of Jamaican jerk chicken, curry goat & other favorites.Owing to its popularity, Jamrock Jamaican restaurant has three Atlanta locations: 111 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, 381 Moreland Ave SE and 1232 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30310.Irie Mon Cafe
1800 Peachtree St NW Ste 103, Atlanta, GA 30309
Irie Mon Cafe is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta and is a favorite place for professionals working in the city’s center to find Jamaican food and other Caribbean staples.
Here’s what one reviewer says of Irie Mon Cafe. “Excellent stewed fish, very authentic. Customer service is excellent too, representative assisted with choices and made sure we were eating well.”
Island Takeaway & Dining
Island Takeaway & Dining has a loyal following because of its Jerk Chicken Tacos, Stuffed Crab and Jerk Chicken Plate. Located in southwest Atlanta, Island Takeaway is affordable and has quick service.Here’s what a Google reviewer says about Island Takeaway & Dining: “Great Food, Atmosphere and Service! Good Vibes Escovitch Fish Red Snapper. Fresh cooked to order. Price is excellent. Just tried the Jerk chicken Tacos with a great sauce to put on them. Homemade Fruit Punch is all natural and homemade Pineapple Ginger has a kick!!! Try everything on the menu!”
Located in downtown Atlanta, Jerk Chicken Grill is a modest place that goes big on the flavor. This place is known for its sauce: Peach Bourbon, Honey Lime Sriracha and Festival, among others.Here’s what one reviewer says about Jerk Chicken Grill: “This place is the best! I ordered Uber eats from here several times before actually going in. The food is amazing. The jerk chicken wrap is my go to! The food always tastes fresh and their sauces are delicious. Check it out if you’re in the east Atlanta area.”Jughead’s Jamaican Party Shop
50 Lower Alabama Street, Atlanta, GA 30303
Jughead’s calls itself a party store, but its freshly prepared Jamaican food, including jerk chicken, makes it one of the best Atlanta restaurants for good Caribbean food.Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill
Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill is very successful at what they do, which is why there are five of these restaurants around metro Atlanta. Their jerk chicken sandwich is also one of the most popular items on the menu.Here’s what one reviewer says about Papi’s: “Had the chicken/beef empanada as an appetizer. Very good and spicy. Jerk chicken in a bowl was flavorful, but would have been better with the thigh instead of the chicken breast, because it was tough and dry. Skinny margarita was wonderful.”
Rodney’s Jamaican Soul Food
2453 Cobb Pkwy SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
Rodney’s Jamaican Soul Food in Cumberland Square North is a go-to spot for jerk chicken in lower Cobb County.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Rodney’s: “Went here for lunch with my husband, and we were pleasantly surprised. We ordered the jerk chicken and it was super tender. Our food was fresh and hot. Service was great. Everyone was friendly and welcoming.”
Mango’s Caribbean Restaurant
180 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA, 404-698-3992
Matthew “True” Nelson was well known around Atlanta as a famed reggae club promoter. These days, Nelson, known in musical circles as Krushmore, is making culinary hits these days. He owns Mangos Caribbean Restaurant on Auburn Avenue next to the Royal Peacock, which he controls as well. As Mango’s jerk chicken grows in popularity, Nelson’s food empire is expanding to the West End.The Spice House
2247 Cascade Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30311
The Spice House is one of the best Caribbean restaurants in southwest Atlanta. Here you get Jamaican fare, Haitian food and dishes such as jerk chicken and more expertly prepared.Here’s what one reviewer says about The Spice House: “The Spice House is an awesome location with a cozy, jazzy, modern feel to it. I haven found an item on the menu yet that I didn’t enjoy. I usually don’t eat jerk chicken unless I cook it but they hit the nail on the head. It was like cooking for myself and using less scotch bonnets. Well done!”
Vickery’s
933 Garrett St #101, Atlanta, GA 30316
Vickery’s is Glenwood Park is one of the most versatile eateries in Atlanta. Not only do they have burgers, seafood and a brunch menu, but their spicy grilled jerk chicken breast is one of the best.Here’s what one Google reviewer says about Vickery’s: “Vickery’s is the best place to eat at. They have some of the most welcoming waiters and waitresses you will ever have. Their food is so good. It’s mouthwatering. The food is well priced for what one is getting. There should be no complaints about the time because they work quick but keep in mind that the food is delicious!”Jerk is not the only game in town. Atlanta chicken is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.