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Waffle House has closed 419 of its restaurants across the nation, the eatery said this week. The Atlanta-based restaurant has not said why it took the actions, but it could be due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has closed large swaths of the U.S. economy.
Many restaurants, including Waffle House, have had to go to takeout orders only as the virus continues to spread across the nation.
On the Waffle House official Twitter account, the eatery posted a map that showed where the closings took place. Here’s where the restaurants stand so far:
- 365 Waffle Houses closed
- 1,627 Waffle Houses still open
In the Atlanta area, it’s a good idea to call your local Waffle House to see if it’s open.
#WaffleHouseIndexRed: 365 Waffle House restaurants closed. 1,627 open. pic.twitter.com/DhPtcI0Byd
— Waffle House (@WaffleHouse) March 24, 2020
The Federal Emergency Management Agency uses Waffle House to gauge how bad a natural disaster has affected the area.
What Is The Waffle House Index?
It’s been called the “Waffle House Index.”
A FEMA official was quoted in the Wall Street Journal as saying that if the local Waffle House is closed, you know “it’s bad.”
Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. Here are some helpful links:
- Pandemic-Proof Pantry: Things To Buy Online Right Now
- Quarantine Drinks: What To Make While Self-Isolating
- Here Are Publix’s New Hours Due To Coronavirus
- Here Are Walmart’s New Hours Amid Coronavirus
- Delta Cuts Capacity Due To Coronavirus Pandemic
- SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDE: How To Do It
- Is A Domestic Travel Ban Next? Here’s What To Know
- FREE DOWNLOAD: Print Out This Pantry List
- Trump: Nation Could Be Under COVID-19 Rules Til ‘July, August’
- Entire Georgia Legislature Self-Quarantine For 14 Days
- City of Atlanta Limits Restaurants, Closes Bars
- Self-Isolating? Here’s Where To Watch FREE Movies Online
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Atlanta / Restaurants3 Min Read
As the coronavirus pandemic, continues to spread around the metro area, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms called for the shut down restaurants and other businesses that congregate people.
The order means that local eateries will remain open, but customers will only be allowed to pick up carryout food. You’ll need to call or go online to place orders.
These Atlanta Restaurants Have Delicious Takeout Food Right Now
Atlanta Limits Restaurants, Closes Bars, Gyms
“I have signed an Executive Order, effective at midnight, limiting restaurants to take out service, closing bars, gyms, etc.” Lance Bottoms tweeted Thursday. “The fate of cities across the globe will be upon soon if we do not follow recommendations on ways to slow the spread of the Coronavirus.”
I have signed an Executive Order, effective at midnight, limiting restaurants to take out service, closing bars, gyms, etc. The fate of cities across the globe will be upon soon if we do not follow recommendations on ways to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/WkO507PKIL
— Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) March 19, 2020
Atlanta officials have had to respond with strict measures as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb in Georgia.
One city — South Fulton — has instituted a 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew to keep people off the streets.
Meanwhile in Atlanta, the mayor also stopped tow companies from penalizing vehicles outside restaurants.
“To help assist restaurants with providing take out take service, I have signed an Executive Order suspending towing and booting of vehicles in the City’s right of way,” she said on social media.
As for those Atlantans who love beer, wine and liquor, Lance Bottoms said she was exploring ways to legalize takeout orders, but it was unlikely.
“If there is a provision in State law that empowers me to waive alcohol take out, I’ll gladly sign it. I’ve just not seen it yet,”she wrote.COVID-19 has dramatically changed life for millions of Atlantans. How has your life changed? Let us know in the comments.Latest News On The Coronavirus Pandemic
Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. Here are some helpful links:
- Pandemic-Proof Pantry: Things To Buy Online Right Now
- Here Are Publix’s New Hours Due To Coronavirus
- Here Are Walmart’s New Hours Amid Coronavirus
- Delta Cuts Capacity Due To Coronavirus Pandemic
- SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDE: How To Do It
- Is A Domestic Travel Ban Next? Here’s What To Know
- FREE DOWNLOAD: Print Out This Pantry List
- Trump: Nation Could Be Under COVID-19 Rules Til ‘July, August’
- Entire Georgia Legislature Self-Quarantine For 14 Days
- Atlanta Lifts Restrictions On Alcohol Sales With Takeout
- City of Atlanta Limits Restaurants, Closes Bars
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As you well know, the coronavirus pandemic has changed society as we know it. the illness has made “social distancing” a reality for millions of Americans.
If you’re going to do this social distancing thing, you’ll need to stock up on some items (not toilet paper).
Checklist: Your Pantry List For Home Preparedness
We’re going to show you a list of what you need to buy for your pantry. At the bottom, get your FREE printable pantry list from Atlantafi.com.
- Baby Formula
- Baby Food
- Baking Soda
- Baking Powder
- Canned Tuna
- Canned Chicken
- Vienna Sausage
- Canned Turkey
- Canned Chili (Vegetarian)
- Canned Fruit Cocktail
- Canned Mixed Greens (Seasoned)
- Canned Green Beans
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Evaporated Milk
- Granola
- Kind Bars, Peanut Butter Chocolate
- Noodles and Beef
- Nuts, Pine
- Nuts, Mixed & Salted
- Trail Mix
Emergency Supplies: Other Products You Need
- Paper Towels
- Trash Bags
- Hand Sanitizer
- Pet food, cat litter
- Disposable diapers
- Feminine supplies (sanitary napkins)
- Flashlight
- Portable radio
- Batteries for flashlights, radios, games, thermometers
- Manual can opener
- Plastic garbage bags
- Tissues and toilet paper
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PRINTABLE PANTRY LIST HERE
(The pantry list will be in PDF form, which you can download).
f you’re a health nut and want more local healthy food choices, perhaps you’ll be interested in our Guide to Local Farmers Markets.
We also have special coverage of Black Farmers In Atlanta as well as How To Keto In Atlanta.
More Food Coverage:
- How To Apply For Atlanta’s Senior Food Program
- Where To Eat In Atlanta
- Best Restaurants On The Atlanta Beltline Right Now
Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic. Here are some helpful links:
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Casi Cielo, the Sandy Springs restaurant inspired by Oaxacan roots, will now be open for brunch on Sundays.
The eatery will search brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. starting on March 15, 2020.
Casi Cielo Opening For Brunch Starting In March 2020
Casi Cielo brunch will continue with Chef Juan Ruiz’s elevated dishes paired with seasonal cocktails.
During the week, the restaurant will continue to serve such hits as sous-vide and charcoal baked octopus and lobster, charcoal rice, Mexican foie-gras meatballs with tenderloin tartar.
Where Is Casi Cielo Located?
Casi Cielo is located at 6125 Roswell Rd #200, Atlanta, GA 30328. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Is brunch your thing? Here are some of the best brunches restaurants in Atlanta.
Up Next: Best Brunch Restaurants In Atlanta
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?
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Slim and Husky’s pizza is opening its second metro Atlanta restaurant, this time in Adair Park, Atlantafi.com has learned. The Nashville-based chain is having a grand opening celebration on March 21 from 12 to 4 p.m., the eatery announced.
The eatery opened its first Atlanta location (Howell Mill Road) in 2019.
What’s On The Menu At Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria?
Where is Slim & Husky’s In Adair Park?
The Adair Park location of Slim & Husky’s is at 581 Metropolitan Pkwy SW Atlanta, GA 30310. Here’s a map to help you find it.
The best restaurants on the Beltline all have excellent customer service and food. What separates them from many of the other spots is that they’re on the urban playground called the Beltline.
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.
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Entertainment / Events / Restaurants2 Min ReadThe Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is set to return to the city on May 28-31. This year the event will be celebrating its 10th anniversary.
On tap will be a smorgasbord of activities paying homage to the very best of the Southern palette.
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival 2020: Everything You Want To Know
If you’re a foodie or are just a person interested in the culinary arts, this is a must-attend event! Attendees will be able to enjoy immersive Learning Experiences, Tasting Tents, curated dinners and more.
The festival this year will feature some of the best chefs, sommeliers and mixologists in the South, including Atlanta restaurateurs Chris Wilkins (Root Baking Co.) and Ron Hsu (Lazy Betty) and other James Beard Foundation Semifinalists.
Also on hand will be:- Sara Bradley (Kentucky)
- Brad Deboy (DC)
- Paul Taylor (DC)
- Matt Tunstall (SC)
- Brian Noyes (VA)
- Neal Bodenheimer (LA)
- Todd Thrasher (DC)
- Eric Crane, CWE (GA)
- Kevin Ouzts (GA)
- Chris Lilly (AL)
- Matt Lee and Ted Lee (SC)
- Mark Abernathy (AR)
- Todd Richards (GA)
- Miles Macquarrie (GA)
- Steven Satterfield (GA)
- David Guas (VA)
When Is The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival 2020?
The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is Thursday, May 28 to Sunday, 31, 2020.
The festival is being produced by co-founder Elizabeth Feichter along with Agency 21 Consulting.
“Ten years is quite a landmark year for us. We want to honor and include themes from previous years while also looking forward to the culinary trends of the future. As always, we love to explore new flavors, dishes, and ingredients from unexpected places across the region, and this year will be no different,” says Feichter. “This year’s celebration offers a refreshed structure for the Festival itself, shifting away from an Advisory Council and offering even more ways for all talent to contribute and be celebrated than ever before.”
How To Get Tickets
Tickets can be purchased at atlantafoodandwinefestival.com.
At this point, Atlanta cuisine has become indispensable to the South. The largest city in Georgia’s food festivals and culinary events set the tone for the entire Southeast.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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Cremalosa, a gelato shop, recently opened in Decatur. The shop comes to us from acclaimed Atlanta food writer Meridith Ford.
Cremalosa offers made-from-scratch gelato curated from locally sourced ingredients honed in age-old Italian techniques.
Cremalosa Gelato Opens In Decatur
Customers can expect a dozen flavors of gelato made from a Cattabriga gelato machine imported from Italy.
They’ll also serve layer cakes and popsicles, Cremalosa will also serve boozy shakes (like “The Elvis,” with banana pudding gelato, peanut butter, bourbon whiskey, vanilla wafers, whipped cream and bacon), adult affogatos, canned beer and wine by the glass or bottle.
The Decatur shop also sells to restaurants, grocers and other vendors around the state.
Where Is Cremalosa Located?
Cremalosa has opened shop at 2657 E. College Avenue in Decatur. Here’s a map to help you find it.
You can find the shop on the plaza level of Cortland Decatur East, a new mixed-use development on East College Avenue.
“Cremalosa is the culmination of many years of big dreams, gelato-making research, practice and lots of love,” says Ford. “I’m thrilled to share a new take on gelato with our neighbors in Decatur.”
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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Midtown Atlanta just got another fun restaurant in the heart of Ansley Park. Lazy Llama recently opened for business and is serving margaritas and tacos, among other things.
If you want some good Tex-Mex and strong drinks in Midtown Atlanta, the Lazy Llama is the place to go.
Adjusting for the coronavirus pandemic, the eatery is open for seated dining Monday through Friday from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 10:30 a.m.- 9 p.m.(weekend brunch).
If you want takeout, Lazy Llama offers customer pickup and delivery via various delivery partners.
Currently, they’re offering this:
Lazy Llama To-Go Only Special – $69
- 12 tacos (chicken or pork )+ Queso + Chips + salsa + guacamole
- 4 beers of our choice.
- Feeds 6-8 people
The new Atlanta restaurant, which opened on Feb. 26, joins a stable of new food concepts opening in 2020.
Lazy Llama is housed in the space formerly occupied by Hobnob Neighborhood Tavern. The restaurant is actually owned by the same people.
What’s On The Menu At Lazy Llama Cantina?
Consulting in the kitchen is veteran Atlanta chef Jeffrey Gardner, who has spiced up the menu with top-notch tacos and other Mexican specialties.
Foodies can also order brunch dishes like huevos divorciados and horchata French toast.
Drinkers can look forward to a premium beverage program stocked with Grade A tequilas, plus a variety of weekly food and drink specials.
Where Is Lazy Llama Located In Atlanta?
Lazy Llama is located near the corner of Piedmont and Monroe avenues in Midtown Atlanta. The address is 1551 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324. Here is a map to help you find it.
Read more: 15+ essential soul food spots in Atlanta
The city has some good restaurants in each quadrant of the city: East, West, North, South. All you need to do is think about what you have a taste for. Italian? Soul food? Tex-Mex? Atlanta has it all.
For the latest in metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, stay with Atlantafi.com.
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Yet another new Atlanta restaurant is set to expand the area’s dining options. Carson Kitchen is opening Thursday, February 13 in Alpharetta City Center.
The new restaurant concept comes to Georgia thanks to Woodstock-born chef/restaurateur Cory Harwell, partner in the Simon Hospitality Group.
Carson Kitchen To Open In Alpharetta City Center
With an extensive culinary background, Harwell first opened a Carson Kitchen in Las Vegas in 2014 with chef Kerry Simon.
Now it’s metro Atlanta’s turn to taste the goodness.
What’s On The Carson Kitchen Menu?
Patrons can expect Harwell’s reimagined comfort food classics. The menu is heavily inspired by the dishes Harwell’s grandmother made when he was a child.
You can expect such favorites as black rice and oxtail risotto with Parmesan cream and glazed donut bread pudding with triple rum caramel and a vanilla crème anglaise.
For the latest in metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, stay with Atlantafi.com.
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We all know Atlanta is a decidedly romantic place. I mean, on any given night we can enjoy a rooftop terrace meal amid the lit-up skyline. But it’s good to be nationally recognized for your dining scene.
OpenTable just released its annual list of the 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America. The list features seven Atlanta restaurants that locals and tourists already have on their must-eat list.
But first, here are some of our favorite spots to take your significant other:
Now here are 7 Restaurants That Made OpenTable’s Most Romantic List:
Babette’s Cafe
573 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 523-9121

Here’s what one Google reviewer says about Babette’s: “I go to this unique place often as I like the special air that is characterizes this place. The crew is extraordianrillyremarkably helpful and well trained. The service is absolutely quick. Most important, the food they cook is outstanding. I visited often and I was always satisfied. The expense is decent. I suggest this restaurant to to all.”
Blue Ridge Grill
1261 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 | (404) 233-5030

Here’s what one Google reviewer says about Blue Ridge Grill: “Absolutely love this place. Busy, bustling, friendly – awesome food, equally awesome staff and service (thank you Angelica, our wonderful server). Everything is great, including a wonderful wine list.”
Bones
3130 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 237-2663

Here’s what one reviewer says about Bones: “Always a great meal and a go to steak house when in the area! Staff always does a great ob and the service is top notch. Steaks are cooked to proper temperature and very high grade of meat. Sides are like any nice steakhouse they are sharable and very good. We have eaten here on several occasions and always had a fantastic meal and excellent service. I would say this is a must do if in the area. If you want to eat at a great steakhouse book this place you will not be disappointed.”
Chops Lobster Bar
70 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 262-2675

Here’s what one Google reviewer says of Chops: “Impeccable service! Amazing. My wife and I celebrated our one year anniversary here. I mentioned this via Open Table and we had no less than 4 staff members stop at our table to congratulate us, all using our names. It was an incredibly thoughtful touch that really made our evening. Of course, the food here is wonderful and the atmosphere warm and inviting. When we are able to go, we are always so pleased at how welcome we feel.”
LaGrotta Ristorante
2637 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 231-1368

Here’s what one reviewer says about LaGrotta: “This is a hidden gem in Atlanta. Located in the basement of an extremely unassuming condominium tower, La Grotta is a very authentic and tasty Italian restaurant. Everything in the menu seems to be well prepared and extremely tasty.”
Marcel
1170 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 665-4555

Here’s what one reviewer says about Marcel: “What an incredible experience for a joint celebration dinner. Our waiter and an amazing voice and sang happy birthday to my sister. The food was cooked perfect. It was a wonderful ambience. 11/10 will go back.”
The Optimist
914 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 477-6260

Here’s what one Google reviewer says about The Optimist: “Took my wife to dinner for date night and we had an excellent first experience. In short, everything was perfect. The service was outstanding, our waitress was personable and thorough. We had the calamari appetizer which was fantastic.”
Here is OpenTable’s full list of the 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America
100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America For 2020
- Aba – Chicago, IL
- Allora – Sacramento, CA
- Altius – Pittsburgh, PA
- Annie Gunn’s – Chesterfield, MO
- Arethusa al Tavolo – Bantam, CT
- Auberge du Soleil – Rutherford, CA
- Babette’s Cafe – Atlanta, GA
- Barclay Prime – Philadelphia, PA
- Barolo Grill – Denver, CO
- Blue Ridge Grill – Atlanta, GA
- BOCA – Cincinnati, OH
- Boka – Chicago, IL
- Bones – Atlanta, GA
- Bouchard Restaurant and Inn – Newport, RI
- Boulevard – San Francisco, CA
- Brewery Bhavana – Raleigh, NC
- Bull & Bear Steakhouse – Orlando, FL
- Butcher & Singer – Philadelphia, PA
- Ca Del Sole – North Hollywood, CA
- Café Ba-Ba-Reeba – Chicago, IL
- Cafe Juanita – Kirkland, WA
- Cafe Monarch – Scottsdale, AZ
- Cafe Provence – Prairie Village, KS
- The Capital Grille – Multiple Locations
- Carlo & Johnny – Cincinnati, OH
- Chef’s Table at the Edgewater – Winter Garden, FL
- Chez Billy Sud – Washington, DC
- Chimney Park – Windsor, CO
- Chops Lobster Bar – Atlanta, GA
- Collage Restaurant – St. Augustine, FL
- Crawford & Son – Raleigh, NC
- Daniel – New York, NY
- Dominick’s Steakhouse – Scottsdale, AZ
- Double Knot – Philadelphia, PA
- Eddie V’s – Multiple Locations
- Estiatorio Milos Midtown – New York, NY
- Fat Canary – Williamsburg, VA
- Fiola Mare – Washington, DC
- Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar – Memphis, TN
- Geronimo – Santa Fe, NM
- Gibsons Italia – Chicago, IL
- Girl & the Goat – Chicago, IL
- GW Fins – New Orleans, LA
- Highlands Bar & Grill – Birmingham, AL
- J-Prime Steakhouse – San Antonio, TX
- Jacques’ Brasserie at L’Auberge Chez Francois – Great Falls, VA
- Joan’s in the Park – Saint Paul, MN
- Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab – Multiple Locations
- Kokkari Estiatorio – San Francisco, CA
- L’Auberge Chez Francois – Great Falls, VA
- La Grenouille – New York, NY
- La Grotta – Atlanta, GA
- La Mer at Halekulani – Honolulu, HI
- Lahaina Grill – Lahaina, HI
- Le Colonial – Chicago, IL
- Le Diplomate – Washington, DC
- Le Yaca – Virginia Beach, VA
- Lewnes’ SteakHouse – Annapolis, MD
- Lon’s at The Hermosa – Paradise Valley, AZ
- The Love – Philadelphia, PA
- M Sushi – Durham, NC
- Mama’s Fish House – Paia, HI
- Mamma Maria – Boston, MA
- Maple & Ash – Chicago, IL
- Marcel – Atlanta, GA
- Marché Moderne – Newport Beach, CA
- Miro’s Restaurant – Palm Springs, CA
- Montalcino Ristorante Italiano – Issaquah, WA
- Ocean 44 – Scottsdale, AZ
- Ocean Prime – Tampa, FL
- The Optimist – Atlanta, GA
- Pappas Bros. Steakhouse – Houston, TX
- Parc – Philadelphia, PA
- Peninsula Grill – Charleston, SC
- Peter Shields Inn – Cape May, NJ
- Restaurant IRON – Pensacola, FL
- RL Restaurant – Chicago, IL
- Rosmarino Osteria Italiana – Newberg, OR
- RPM Italian – Chicago, IL
- RPM Steak – Chicago, IL
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Baton Rouge, LA
- The Saddle River Inn – Saddle River, NJ
- Salt at The Ritz-Carlton – Amelia Island, FL
- SINATRA – Encore at Wynn Las Vegas – Las Vegas, NV
- Sorellina – Boston, MA
- Sotto – Cincinnati, OH
- Southern Social – Germantown, TN
- St. Anselm – Washington, DC
- Steak 44 – Phoenix, AZ
- Steak 48 – Chicago, IL
- Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay – Margate, NJ
- Talula’s Garden – Philadelphia, PA
- Tar & Roses – Santa Monica, CA
- Tony’s of Indianapolis – Indianapolis, IN
- Truluck’s Seafood, Steak and Crab House – Multiple Locations
- Uchi – Multiple Locations
- Uchiko – Austin, TX
- Via Reál – Irving, TX
- The Victor Cafe – Philadelphia, PA
- Virtu Honest Craft – Scottsdale, AZ
The city has some good restaurants in each quadrant of the city: East, West, North, South. All you need to do is think about what you have a taste for. Italian? Soul food? Tex-Mex? Atlanta has it all.
For the latest in metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, stay with Atlantafi.com.