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.
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This week Chick-fil-A is opening a new restaurant on North Decatur Road in Decatur and giving customers a chance to win free food for a year. The new location at 650 Decatur Village Way will bring about 90 jobs to the corridor and join a thriving food scene anchored by strong retail development just off Interstate 285.
To celebrate, all participating Atlanta-area Chick-fil-A restaurants are giving away a free chicken biscuit during breakfast hours up to 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 23. There is no purchase necessary, one per customer.
At the new Decatur location, the first 100 eligible adults in line when the doors open on Thursday, Jan. 25 will win free Chick-fil-A — 52 meals made up of a Chicken Sandwich, medium Waffle Potato Fries and a medium drink — for a whole year. The new eatery is the brainchild of franchise owner Rodney Johnson, who will also ask that patrons donate children’s books to a local youth organization during the festivities.
The location is expecting people to arrive a day or so in advance, so they are providing organized games, prizes, and a block party in the evening with lip sync battle and more activities.
The North Decatur Chick-fil-A restaurant is the last of four local locations to open in the first month o f 2018. On Jan. 11, the North Druid Hills restaurant reopened, along with Braselton’s first location and just last week on Jan. 18, a Vine City location opened near Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Combined, the four restaurants awarded to customers more than $120,000 in free food and have brought upwards of 400 new jobs to the metro area.
In February, a Northridge restaurant is going to reopen as well. The expansion is part of an effort to build 140 stand-alone Chick-fil-A restaurants around the United States.
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If you ever wanted to open up your own restaurant and bar, this one in the Smyrna Vinings Area comes with a patio. It’s a short drive away from the Atlanta Braves new stadium, SunTrust Park as well as Cumberland Market.
The listing says it is 3,600 square feet and has a “Stunning $850,000 Buildout with high ceilings.” The full-service kitchen is up to code and the dining room sits about 100 guests.
The spot is available for a long-term lease with options to renew at $8,200 all in per month. Sales from 2016, the most recent data available, shows that revenue hit nearly $2 million and paid management staff almost $150,000.
For more information check out Shumacher.com.
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If you’re looking for a new place to down some brews and spirits, City Tap Kitchen & Craft is set to open in Midtown on Sunday, Feb. 3 2019, AtlantaFi has learned.
The much-anticipated gastropub located in Midtown at 848 Peachtreet St NE will host a Super 53 watch party in collaboration with NFL Hall of Fame Players, and NFL Hall of Fame Players and NFL Legends will be there to mix, mingle and talk football with guests throughout the game.
Read more: 53 Atlanta events happening for Super Bowl 53
City Tap will open in the former space of Gordon Biersch, which closed in 2017. The address is 848 Peachtree St. NE.
City Tap brewery coming to Midtown Atlanta
City Tap is a national brand that sprang up in Philadelphia in 2010. Today City Tap has breweries in Philadelphia’s University City and Logan Square, Washington, D.C.’s Penn Quarter and Dupont developments, Boston’s Fort Point and Nashville’s Sobro location.
In addition to the new Atlanta location, a City Tap Kitchen & Craft is also slated for Chicago’s Fulton district in 2019.
“To properly represent the evolution of craft beer, we use our taps to show just how diverse craft beer can be, highlighting strong local brews, celebrating the success of long-standing regional partners, and enjoying centuries-old European traditions as well,” Andy Farrell, brand director at City Tap, said in a press release. “It’s fun to see the story of craft unfold across a dynamic beer list.”
Gettles to serve as executive chef at City Tap
Executive Chef Greg Gettles will helm City Tap, overseeing a food menu full of tempting dishes, like Elote “Street Corn” Dip with jalapeño, chili powder, cotija, cilantro, and chips; Ten-Spice Wings with blue cheese ranch and crisp vegetables; Corn and Crab Hushpuppies with citrus remoulade and honey-thyme butter.
City Tap’s formula for success lies in its wide, open bar, a huge selection of taps, a readable draft list and an unintimidating cuisine that appeals to local tastes.
When it comes to its brew list, City Tap says this: “Every beer is categorized by style and given a detailed flavor description so you know exactly what you’re drinking. We also provide you with the beer’s brewery of origin and proper pour size.”
Read more: The essential bars in Little 5 Points
Food & drink specials: How to eat for cheap in Atlanta EVERY DAY
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East Lake’s best new restaurant, Mary Hoopa’s House of Fried Chicken & Oysters, has launched a brunch menu as of Sunday, May 26. Heavily influenced by the Southern cuisine found in Southern Louisiana, Mary Hoopa will bring to the ATL such Cajun delights as classic Beignets, a variety of oysters,“Nashville” Hot Fried Oysters with b&b pickles and white bread.
Other faves you’ll want to try include th ePork Belly Hash with potato, calabrese chile and collard greens and Buttermilk Pancakes with bacon jam and topped with a fried egg.
Now Serving In East Atlanta: Mary Hoopa’s Brunch Menu
In the mood for a drink? You’ll love the boozy punch offered along with traditional Bloody Marys and Mimosas.
Mary Hoopa’s House of Fried Chicken & Oysters is the latest concept from Chef Robert Phalen, who helmed the kitchen at Atlanta’s One Eared Stag. The eatery’s namesake, Mary Hoopa, was the beloved family friend and caretaker of Phalen’s mother-in-law and known for her yard-to-table recipes.
Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 until 3:00 p.m. Mary Hoopa’s is located at 2371 Hosea L. Williams Dr. Building 1, Atlanta, GA, 30317
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.
Read more: Here are Atlanta’s best brunch spots
One of ATL’s best-kept secrets: M Bar has an R&B Brunch every Sunday
Here are some of the best new restaurants in Atlanta for 2019
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Hodgepodge Coffeehouse, a popular East Atlanta establishment, has announced plans to open a second location in the Summerhill neighborhood near downtown Atlanta.
The coffee shop will be located on Georgia Avenue near area landmarks such as the Atlanta Zoo and the Georgia State University stadium. The shop will also be a hub for community artists, it said in a press release.
“Along with serving coffee, one of the major focuses of Hodgepodge coffee is to promote local artists by providing them with a clean, well-lit space to display their work,” according to area developer Carter.
The Summerhill area is the site of intense development since Turner Field’s redevelopment, which has made way for a slew of GSU properties.
opening a concept at the Summerhill redevelopment called Wood’s Chapel BBQ. It’ll take 5,200 square feet in the 85 Georgia Avenue slot, with a goal of opening later this year.
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If you are looking to open a restaurant or bakery, a new listing in Woodstock may be the perfect spot! The store and bakery has a full kitchen and commissary in 1,650 square feet.
The rent is $1926 per month for the mint condition structure. The listing says, “Perfect for any food store or easily convert to a restaurant or use for food truck and catering.”
Priced at $65,000.
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If good barbeque at any time of the day is your thing, you’re going to love what Fox Bros. is cooking up. The popular Atlanta eatery’s “Que”-osk” (kiosk) will begin serving breakfast next month, according to the AJC.
Beginning on February 19, customers at the eatery’s standalone Amour Yards kiosk will be able to order breakfast fare from 7 a.m.. to 10 a.m. The outpost will close down for an hour before reopening for lunch at 11 a.m.. The “Que”-osk is a fast-casual counter service basically serving a pared down menu.
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Mexican restaurant Alma Cocina has become a happening place to eat in Midtown, so they’re bringing that Latin flavor to Buckhead.
Fifth Group Restaurants announced this week that the popular spot for Margaritas, burritos and taco dishes will break ground on a 7,000-square-foot spot in the Terminus development at the corner of Piedmont and Peachtree avenues.
Set to open in 2019, the new Alma Cocina will take the place of the former Bricktop eatery.
“Buckhead has been a major area of growth for Fifth Group in the past several years – we opened South City Kitchen Buckhead in 2016 and Ecco Buckhead is slated to open later this year,” Robby Kukler, a Fifth Group partner, said in a press release, according to What Now Atlanta.
“In our 25th year as a restaurant group, we’re excited to share our plans for an expanded presence further on Peachtree Street as we bring Alma Cocina’s energy and flair to the Buckhead neighborhood.”
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Atlanta is a tea town, make no mistake about it. Sweet tea rules the day in the city’s restaurants, but in the breakfast spots, coffee reign supreme. The city has quite a few spots to grab a cup of Joe so it’s only right that we go to the expert reviewers of TripAdvisor and get their take.
Here are the top spots to grab some coffee in ATL:
Java Lords Coffee House One reviewer said: “This is the coffee house attached to 7 Stages Theater, and the atmosphere is, well, theatrical. The barista who served me an iced latte was a hoot to talk to, offering up suggestions and one-liners at the same time. I sat on what was obviously once church pews and started up at numerous playbills and community flyers. Overall, it was a cool experience.”
Octane Coffee Bar & Lounge One reviewer said: “My life as a flight attendant challenges me to find the best coffee and breakfast in each city that I encounter.
This time I found this in Atlanta and might I say; granola with fresh strawberries on toast brought my taste sense to a whole new level that makes me wanna come back tomorrow before I have to make the flight back to Europe! Even the avocado on toast with eggs sunny side up made this breakfast/brunch the best start on this rainy Saturday. And don’t forget the latté vanilla that I had with this brekkie which completed this food sensation. Worth the drive.”Chattahoochee Coffee Company A reviewer said: “Being by the river here felt like you were far away from the greater Atlanta area. There is nice green space behind the shop and a short trail a long the river. Perfect spot to relax with your drink.”
Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee A reviewer said: “Medium size coffee was only 10 oz. Staff didn’t know prices until they rang it up. Understaffed and Slow… One toaster oven that they use was always full. Our sandwich was still cold when given to us. Turkey sandwich sold for later was soggy and had been in the box a while. Croissants are huge but have way too much butter in them. One customer complained his $5 drink after he drank it was cold and they told him they’d fix it next time.”
Aurora Coffee A reviewer said: “I absolutely adore the names of the coffee drinks, such as The Polar Bear. There is a large selection of tea drinks, both hot and cold to satisfy any taste. And the artwork on the walls adds to the coffeehouse atmosphere.”
Drip Coffee Shop: A reviewer said: “Very good coffee shop; love that it’s the same premium coffee roaster that Dancing Goats uses!!! I always stop in when in the Glenwood Park area. My daughter (13 yrs) had the Vanilla flavored frappe and loved it.”
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The Best. That’s a food you can find in Atlanta is in various places around the city. There are pork chops on the south side that are hard to beat. Steak in Buckhead is impeccable. Barbecue on the east side is No. 1.
But without a doubt, if you want to find an establishment that pretty much has it all: top-notch service, awesome food, great atmosphere and more, there are some staples that are hard to ignore.
Here are the top eateries in ATL, according to Trip Advisor.
#2 of 3,293 Restaurants in Atlanta. A reviewer says: “A wonderful place for fine dining in Atlanta. Having been several times it never disappoints with exceptional service and superior quality steaks. An ample wine list and classy atmosphere make it a perfect location to enjoy fine dining at its best.
Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
#3 of 3,293 Restaurants in Atlanta. A reviewer says: “This place is a lot better that other places with recognized names in town. The service is awesome! I’ve been here a few times and all the time has been great. Even the valet parking guys are very nice! This restaurant can be compared to Fogo di Ciao, but with more options. An unforgettable experience.”
#4 of 3,293 Restaurants in Atlanta. A reviewer says “Hands down the best Ethopian food we’ve ever had! Couldn’t decide what we wanted to order, so we went with the Vegetarian Platter and the Original Meat Lovers (we picked salmon, lamb, and filet mignon). Amaaaaazing! Every single bite was delicious!!! Highly recommended.”
#5 of 3,293 Restaurants in Atlanta. A reviewer says “Some businesses and companies achieve true greatness: Lexus with cars, Apple with computers. Jaeger LeCoultre with watches. This is one of those places. Truly exceptional. The bone-in filet and porcini-rubbed ribeye were simply first rate – better even than local specialists like Rathbun’s and Bone’s, or out-of-state legends like Peter Luger’s. These folks know what they’re doing. The ambiance and service are first rate as well. Come here when you want the best.”
#6 of 3,293 Restaurants in Atlanta. A reviewer says “I had heard so many good things about this place and was finally able to try it out with a friend on a Friday evening. It did not disappoint. I called on Thursday evening and was able to get a reservation for two on a Friday evening at 6:45 pm. We had on jeans and a nice shirt, but I would probably recommend at least khakis and a nice shirt as a minimum. Make sure you turn on your GPS, because it is a bit strange to find. But, we arrived on time and were promptly seated. The place is very rustic chic, but gorgeous and inviting. We were seated right by a window, but unfortunately, it was dark out, so we could not take in the spectacular views. We started with some Pino Noir and the fried oysters (special) and kangaroo as appetizers. Both were simply amazing. I had never tried kangaroo and I absolutely loved it. Also, they bring several bread options to the table and you have as much as you want. The sourdough was my favorite. For dinner, I had the swordfish, which was delicious. My friend had the monk fish, which was a special. His was delicious, as well. For dessert, I had the popcorn ice cream sundae with cracker jacks. It was beyond amazing and quite a sizable portion. My friend had the chocolate grotto, which was great, as well. The service was spot on the prices were reasonable. I would recommend this place for an intimate dinner or small group. Additionally, they have a small party room that would be great for a higher end work or personal function. This is now truly one of my favorite places in Atlanta and I plan on coming back, soon.”
Got any other top eats? Let us know in the comments