Red Robin $10 Gourmet Cheeseburger
ATLANTA - September in Atlanta is packed with exciting events, from food festivals and culinary showcases to new restaurant openings and special deals.
EVENTS
Ann Byrn and special guests will discuss Southern baking from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 7 at the Midtown campus of the Atlanta History Center. The event will feature a panel discussion of Byrn's newest cookbook. She will be joined by author and editor Jim Auchmutey and Chef Sonya Jones, founder of Sweet Auburn Bread Company. The discussion will be moderated by longtime Atlanta food writer Susan Puckett. The cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. More details here.
The Atlanta Seafood & Caribbean Music Festival is happening from 12 to 10 p.m. on Sept. 7 at Morris Brown College, 643 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive NW. The event will feature a variety of seafood and Caribbean dishes, live music, and DJs. Tickets start at $35. More details here.
Cobb Foodie Week is happening Sept. 7 through 14. Participating restaurants will offer deals and discounts during the week. These include 1738 Restaurant & Bar, Silla del Toro, Sushiology, Round Trip Brewing Company, Cinco Mexican Cantina, Forno Vero, and Bikes & Barrels. More details here.
Bikes & Barrel
Pontoon Brewing Company in Dunwoody is hosting a Luau Party with oysters, local art, live music, fire dancing, and 15+ beers on tap, starting at noon on Sept. 7. All ages and pups are welcome. More details here.
The Mill Kitchen & Bar in Roswell is bringing back the popular Town Square Dinners starting at 6 p.m. on Sept. 8. Chef Derek Dollar will showcase his culinary expertise in a four-course outdoor dining experience on select evenings in September and October. The cost is $140 per person. More details here.
Hollywood star Jason Momoa is bringing his Meili Vodka to Roaring Social Alpharetta on Sept. 11. The vodka, co-created with Blaine Halvorson, uses "living water" from a 300-million-year-old aquifer and fresh grains from Montana. There will also be two bottle-signing events at Mega Package Store and at Tower, Beer, Wine & Spirits. Jason's newly formed band, The OOF TATATAs, will perform on Sept. 12 at Terminal West. More details here.
The 2024 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is happening Sept. 12-15 at Historic Fourth Ward Park. The festival will feature more than 50 tasting stations in the Tasting Tents presented by Goya, along with live entertainment, craft cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits. Tickets are $135 for general admission and $185 for VIP tickets. For a more intimate experience, the Intimate Dinner Series will feature Food Network talent Scott Conant at The Americano, a dinner at Chai Pani with Sahar Siddiqi, Mia Orino, and Henna Bakshi, a dinner at Atrium with Trevor Shibuya and Jared Hucks, and Cayman Jack's Sip & Savor Brunch hosted by Kardea Brown. More details here.
Atlanta's biggest late-night foodie festival, Midnight Market, is returning on Sept. 13 and 15 at Atlantic Station's Pinnacle Lot. All menu items are capped at $8, and each vendor offers a $5 Midnight Market special. Cocktails and live DJs will also be featured. Must be 21 to attend. Tickets start at $25. More details here.
The Vegan Social, hosted by vegan rapper and influencer Grey, happens every Wednesday night from 5 to 10 p.m. at Westside Motor Lounge, 725 Echo Street NW. Dive into a haven of plant-based delights from the city's finest vegan vendors. Revel in all things vegan, from delectable cuisine to innovative products. More details here.
Les Bon II is happening on Sept. 14 in Parson's Alley in downtown Duluth. The event begins at 1 p.m. and will feature Saison-style beers paired with oysters. Tickets are sold a la carte on the day of the event, with each ticket priced at $4, which gets you either a 4oz pour or 2 shucked oysters. Les Bon will feature almost 20 breweries, 3 oyster farmers, a makers market, and music from DJ Fernando and Penelope Road. More details here.
The Grilled Food, Firework & Coolers Festival is happening from 3 to 10 p.m. on Sept. 14 at Bonfire ATL, 1080 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW. There will be food trucks, vendors, live DJs, and more. Free grilled food will be available until 4 p.m. for everyone. Lawn chairs and personal coolers are welcome. Fireworks will close out the event. Tickets start at $10. More details here.
Indulge, a three-night dinner series featuring several of Atlanta's most celebrated chefs, is happening Sept. 22-24 at 103 West. Chefs include Deborah VanTrece (Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours), Duane Nutter (Southern National), Terry Koval (The Deer & The Dove), Arnaldo Castillo (Tio Lucho's), Mia Orino (Kamayan), and Jared Hucks (The Alden). Tickets are now available for $150 per person for each evening on Atlanta magazine’s website. The dinner series will be held at 103 West, located at 103 W. Paces Ferry Road NW, from 6 to 9 p.m. each evening. More details here.
Bitzel's Chocolate is celebrating several upcoming special days, including National White Chocolate Day on Sept. 22 with Blitzel's White Chocolate Blueberries; National Chocolate Day on Oct. 28 with Bitzel's Caramel Assortments and Salted Caramels; National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day on Nov. 8 with Bitzel's Bark Bites; National Chocolates Day on Nov. 29 with Bitzel's Double-Dipped Truffles and Cherries and Orange Peels; National Chocolate-Covered-Anything Day on Dec. 16 with Bitzel's Schnappers and Chocolate-Covered Blueberries; and National Box of Chocolate Day on Dec. 28 with Bitzel's BonBons and Chocolate Towers. The 7,000-square-foot Willy Wonka-style chocolate factory is located in Suwanee. More details here.
The 14th annual Veggie Taste is happening from 12 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 21 at Morris Brown College. It is the largest outdoor vegan/plant-based festival in Atlanta, featuring food trucks, nutritional speakers, an artisan marketplace, live music, product samples, and more. More details here.
Chateau Elan is hosting a chef and winemaker dinner, "Harvest at Chateau Elan," from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Sept. 22. Guests will navigate through a culinary journey during this multi-course dinner set against the stunning backdrop of the resort’s rose vineyards. Menu highlights include pastry-wrapped cranberry baked brie, bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with cheese, bruleed butternut squash soup, feta and muscadine focaccia, roasted beet salad, smoked herb-crusted tenderloin, and pumpkin mousse. The cost is $215 per person plus tax.
The Atlanta Dessert Festival is happening from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 28 at Grant Park, 840 Cherokee Ave. SE. The festival will feature food trucks and sweet vendors. Admission is free. More details here.
HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern is celebrating Oktoberfest and its 15th anniversary from Sept. 30 through Oct. 6. Guests can enjoy $7 Weihenstephan and Monday Night Brewing Oktoberfest beers alongside festive food specials like the Bavarian pretzel with beer cheese for $8 and Brats & Buns served with sauerkraut, spicy mustard, and German potato salad for $12.95. Other anniversary specials include the Americana burger and soda for $15 during lunch and two HOBNOB tacos with a house lager for $15 at dinner. More details here.
NATIONAL CHEESEBURGER DAY (9/18)
Hopdoddy Burger Bar is celebrating National Cheeseburger Day on Sept. 18 with an exciting Golden Ticket Giveaway. Guests will have a chance to win free cheeseburgers for a year, along with other prizes. On Sept. 18, head to any Hopdoddy location, dine in, and order the Okie Dokie Smash. With your order, you’ll receive a golden ticket scratch-off that could reveal an incredible prize. Scratch-offs are limited to 50 per location, so be sure to get there early to grab your chance to win! Full details and official rules can be found on the Hopdoddy website at Hopdoddy.com/TasteTheGold starting Sept. 17.
Wayback Burgers is celebrating National Cheeseburger Day with a BOGO deal. For one day only, guests can cash in on an unbelievable Buy One, Get One Free Classic Burger* offer. Wayback Burgers’ Classic Burger features two beef patties made-to-order, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions, topped with ketchup and mustard. Guests can redeem this BOGO offer in-restaurant or by ordering through the Wayback Rewards program (online, in-restaurant, or through the Wayback Burgers app).
Red Robin is offering a deal for National Cheeseburger Day. From Sept. 17-19, guests can enjoy a $10 gourmet cheeseburger with a bottomless side (normally $14.99) at participating locations.
NATIONAL QUESO DAY (9/20)
Dave & Buster's is celebrating National Queso Day on Sept. 20 with $5 queso bites, fries, and $5 beers. They are also celebrating National Pizza Day on Sept. 20 with cheese flatbread bites for $5 or $7 with pepperoni, and $5 beers. New and current members will also receive 5 free games when they buy a $20+ power card.
FUNDRAISERS
Chicken Salad Chick has unveiled its annual Cookies for a CURE promotion in partnership with CURE Childhood Cancer. All proceeds from sales of the Lemon Burst Buttercream Cookies will go directly to CURE Childhood Cancer throughout the month of September, also known as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Now in its third September of the fundraiser, Chicken Salad Chick expects to have raised more than $125,000 for childhood cancer research from proceeds of Cookies for a CURE. More details here.
Bad Daddy's CURE Fundraiser is happening on Sept. 5 at all five of their locations. Fifteen percent of all sales will be donated to CURE Childhood Cancer Atlanta. Dine at any of the Bad Daddy's Atlanta area locations. More details here.
Open Hand Atlanta's 21st annual Party in the Kitchen fundraiser is happening on Sept. 26 at The Foundry at Puritan Mill. The event will feature 20 of the city’s top chefs, including Peter Kaiser and Kevin Rathbun, celebrating culinary excellence and community spirit. Guests can enjoy an evening of creative cuisine, innovative mixology, live music from The American Flyers, and exciting auctions. There will also be a VIP Patron reception held at the new Community Nutrition Campus on Sept. 12, offering an exclusive preview and special live auction. Tickets are $350 for the main event and $1,000 for the VIP reception, with proceeds benefiting Open Hand’s vital programs. More details here.
The Fresh and Raw Tour is back at Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar in Cumming on Sept. 26. This year, the tour will feature legendary songwriter Dave Gibson, the genius behind hits like Alabama's "Jukebox In My Mind" and Montgomery Gentry's "Lonely and Gone." He'll be joined by Nashville's rising star, Charlie Argo, whose soulful voice and high-energy performances are sure to impress. Enjoy a mix of classic '90s country and today’s hits, all while supporting an important cause—every dollar raised goes to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The 2024 Fresh & Raw Tour will visit 16 cities across the country from Sept. 7 to Oct. 12, with all shows free to attend. This year, Shuckin’ Shack is looking to smash its yearly record by raising $100,000 to benefit LLS. More details here.
Zunzi’s + Zunzibar, the Savannah-based sister brands with locations in Savannah, Tybee Island, Atlanta, and Hilton Head Island, are launching fundraising for ZUNZIFEST! The fundraising period runs from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30. During this time, 1% of all sales from the four stores will benefit CURE Childhood Cancer. More details here. | More details here.
NEW MENU ITEMS/DEALS
Checkers & Rally's are offering a 5 for $5 meal deal, which includes a choice of cheese double burger or spicy chicken sandwich, 8 chicken bites, a small order of their famous seasoned fries, a 16 oz. cold soft drink, and an apple pie. Available through Sept. 11. More details here.
Rusty Taco, located in Summerhill, is rolling out its first-ever burrito offering for a limited time. Through Oct. 6, guests can enjoy The Sunrise Slammer Burrito, packed with seasoned tater tots, breakfast aioli, and a filling blend of bacon, chorizo, and diced jalapeño sausage, topped with both American cheese and queso fresco. It also features four ounces of fluffy scrambled eggs, all folded up and lightly browned on the flat top. More details here.
Del Taco (multiple locations) has teamed up with Danny Trejo to offer Trejo's Tacos. The new limited-time-only menu will also feature loaded fries, epic burritos, and cheddar quesadillas, all made with roasted pork al pastor. More details here.
Dunkin' has introduced a $6 meal deal featuring a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, hash browns, and a medium coffee for a limited time. Dunkin' has also unveiled the Dunkalatte, the brand's first-ever coffee milk latte. Alongside these new offerings, the brand celebrates the return of beloved fall favorites, including the Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte, Pumpkin Donut, Apple Cider Donut, Loaded Hash Browns, Maple Sugar Seasoned Bacon, and more. Other offers include $2 Green Goddess wraps with beverage purchase through Sept. 12, $1 muffins from Sept. 10-16, $3 Dunkalatte from Sept. 17-23, $1 chocolate chunk cookies with beverage purchase from Sept. 19-Oct. 2, $1 off a half dozen donuts or 25 Munchkins donut hole treats from Sept. 24-30, and more. More details here.
La Madeleine (multiple locations) is offering several new items for fall, including a caramel apple crumble cheesecake for $4.79, an apple turnover for $3.99, sugar cookies for $2.99, and pumpkin streusel muffins for $2.99. Available through Dec. 4. More details here.
DQ restaurants (multiple locations) are welcoming fall with the new Fall Blizzard Treat Menu and the return of the beloved seasonal Pumpkin Pie Blizzard. From Sept. 9 through Sept. 22, fans can enjoy a BOGO deal on Blizzard Treats through the mobile app. More details here.
JINYA Ramen Bar is offering two new items to welcome the fall season. The Tangy Shrimp Cilantro Ramen features pork broth infused with shrimp flavor, with toppings that include shrimp tempura, mushrooms, cilantro, a spicy sauce, a hint of lime, and a sprinkle of Korean chili flake. The Chicken Wings with Sweet Soy Glaze are garnished with white pepper and sesame seeds. More details here.
Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q (multiple locations) is launching its "11 Under $11" menu on Sept. 3 in select cities. The menu includes The Pork BBQ Salad ($10.99), Not So Naked Potato ($6.99), Brisket Chili & Salad ($8.99), Loaded Baker with Pork ($10.99), Loaded Mac with Pork ($10.49), Pulled Pork Sandwich with One Trimming ($10.99), Chicken Sandwich with One Trimming ($10.99), Turkey Sandwich with One Trimming ($10.99), Original Burger ($8.49), Double Burger ($10.99), and Buttermilk Chicken Tenders ($10.99). The menu will be available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rome and Statesboro locations and in Foley, Alabama. More details here.
The Main Event (multiple locations) has introduced the Family Kitchen Menu. Highlights include shareable starters like fried mozzarella cheese dippers, fried pickles, Parmesan Brussels bites, and smashed burger slider trios; southwest smashed taco, chicken Caesar flatbread foldover, Cali chargrilled chicken sandwiches, sunny-side-up burgers, and buffalo ranch chicken sandwiches; hot honey pepperoni flatbread, perfect cheese-stuffed crust pizza, Italian supreme flatbread, and pizza pick-up sticks; and funnel cake fries, confetti cake shake, and Oreo brownie shake. More details here.
Beloved Decatur institution No. 246 began offering Blue Plate specials on Sept. 9. Reminiscent of the iconic mob-style destinations of the late '70s, each day of the week, diners can look forward to a rotating selection of classic Italian dishes, specially crafted to evoke the warmth and comfort of traditional home-cooked meals. The lineup includes clam bucatini on Monday ($28), fettuccine Alfredo on Tuesday ($36), Riggies alla Carbonara on Wednesday ($36), Rotolo di Bolognese on Thursday ($32), Veal Milanese on Friday ($68), Lobster Fra Diavolo on Saturday ($55), and Risotto Frutti di Mare on Sunday ($32). More details here.
Panda Express has introduced Blazing Bourbon Chicken to its menu for a limited time. It will be available starting Sept. 4. The dish contains crispy boneless chicken bites and fresh veggies, wok-tossed in a spicy and sweet bourbon sauce fused with the signature Hot Ones™ Last Dab Apollo hot sauce—all topped with sesame seeds. More details here.
Scooter's Coffee (multiple locations) is celebrating National Coffee Day on Sept. 29 with nearly a month of $1 any-sized iced or hot brewed coffee redeemable using their mobile app. Score any size iced or hot brewed coffee, even the new XL Super Scooter. Additional Scooter’s Coffee Month surprises will be announced ahead of National Coffee Day on Sept. 29 to close out the month. More details here.
Shake Shack launched the Black Truffle Menu on Sept. 10. The new menu features the Black Truffle Burger made with a Gruyere cheeseburger topped with black truffle sauce made with real black truffle oil and crispy sweet onions on a toasted potato bun; the Black Truffle 'Shroom, a crisp-fried portobello mushroom filled with melted muenster and cheddar cheeses and topped with black truffle sauce; and Black Truffle Parmesan Fries. Available at participating locations nationwide. More details here.
Snooze A.M. Eatery (multiple locations) has introduced a new fall menu featuring pumpkin lattes, pumpkin martinis, and pumpkin pecan pie pancakes with cream cheese filling, topped with caramel sauce, candied pecans, and a sweet cream drizzle. More details here.
Mezcal Week at Superica (multiple locations) is happening Sept. 8-15. There will be mezcal flights, special menu pairings, and cocktails, including the Mezcal Margarita, Under the Volcano, The Tempest, The Highwaymen, Mezcal Mule, and The Friday. More details here.
Willy's Mexicana Grill (multiple locations) is offering 20% off taco boxes during the month of September. Must order online using the code TACO20. Willy’s Taco Boxes feed four to six people and include a choice of two proteins, lettuce, Monterey Jack cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, a choice of one salsa, 16 hard or soft shells, rice, chips, and a choice of black or pinto beans. Cheese dip, guacamole, and chocolate chip cookies can be added for an additional cost. More details here.
OPENINGS/CLOSINGS
Pizza Jeans has opened its second location at Citizens Market Food Hall at Phipps Plaza. The popular pizza hangout is known for serving "mall-size" slices of pizza, whole pies, calzones, and sandwiches made from local, high-quality ingredients. Pizza Jeans, a New York-inspired pizzeria, is based in Atlanta and owned by Jeremy Gatto. More details here.
Cluck-N-Mooh in Marietta is having a grand re-opening celebration at 12 p.m. on Sept. 6. Fifteen percent of all sales from 5:30 to 8 p.m. will benefit the Northwest Family YMCA. Face painting and a balloon artist will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. The first 100 guests starting at 12 p.m. will receive a free hand-spun vanilla or chocolate milkshake. More details here.
JINYA Ramen Bar is opening its 8th Georgia location in Kennesaw at 440 Ernest Barrett Parkway. It will be their first location in Kennesaw. JINYA offers ramen with a thick, rich broth, flavorful noodles, and a wide array of authentic toppings. JINYA's menu also features tapas and craft beer. More details here.
Pom Court, which puts a Southern spin on Spanish fare, is now open at Hotel Granada in Midtown Atlanta. Menu highlights include pimento cheese, deviled eggs, corn fritters and a smash burger. More details here.
Nan Thai, from the family who introduced Thai fine dining to Atlanta with Nan's on Spring Street and 17th, is scheduled to open this October in Buckhead. Chai Yo Modern Thai Executive Chef and Owner DeeDee Niyomkul, the daughter of pioneering Atlanta restaurateurs Nan and the late Charlie Niyomkul, is poised to transform her popular space located at 3050 Peachtree Road into Nan Thai Buckhead. An opening date has not been announced. More details here.
Rio's Italian Ice has opened its third location at Conyers Plaza. Rio's is a local favorite offering a delicious and refreshing escape with its wide variety of Italian ice flavors. The new location can be found at 1360 Dogwood Drive SE, Conyers. More details here.
Sheauxthyme Kitchen & Lounge is now open at 4727 N. Henry Boulevard, Stockbridge. The restaurant’s atmosphere is a unique blend of Caribbean, Louisiana, and contemporary fusion, offering a relaxed yet vibrant setting for diners of all ages. With live R&B and jazz performances scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights, Sheauxthyme Kitchen & Lounge promises to become a go-to spot for both food lovers and music enthusiasts. More details here.
Torchy's Tacos is now open on Howell Mill Road. Menu highlights include breakfast tacos, burritos, salads, green chile queso and chips, street corn, tots with queso and bacon, a variety of tacos, kids' meals and more. More details here.
FOOTBALL SPECIALS
Dave & Buster's (multiple locations) will be offering game day deals during football season. These include AYCE wings and game play deals on Mondays and Thursdays, and half-priced games on Wednesdays. More details here.
Taffer's Tavern Alpharetta will be offering Game Day favorites all season long, including a hot tavern pretzel served with spicy queso and Guinness mustard; Taffer's Tavern wings; crispy chicken tenders; spinach artichoke dip; jalapeño poppers; and all-American cheeseburgers. Taffer's Tavern is also offering weekday "Appy Hour" specials with 50% off all starters in the bar and lounge from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. More details here.
OTHER
Sonny's BBQ has a new mobile app and app-exclusive rewards program designed to make enjoying Sonny’s BBQ feast easy and affordable. Users will earn 10 points for every dollar spent to cash in on deals like a free Pick 2 Combo, BBQ Pork Egg Rolls, and more. New users receive $5 off their first entrée purchased through the app with sign-up. Deals available through the end of the month include free banana pudding through Sept. 22 and BOGO BBQ pork, chicken, and turkey sandwiches from Sept. 23-30. More details here.
Dr. Scofflaw at The Works in West Midtown Atlanta is now offering a new experience: The Bourbon Blending Experience. Guests can sample, blend, and bottle their own Kentucky whiskey. The Bourbon Blending Experience is available by appointment during the week and during open hours on the weekend. Pricing is determined by the whiskey chosen. GA Daily Bottle Limit applies. More details here.
The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead has announced the appointment of Chef Bermyson as Executive Chef, overseeing all aspects of the luxury property’s culinary offerings. Alongside Chef Bermyson’s arrival, the property has also welcomed Chef Keith Hyche, who will serve as Chef de Cuisine of the property’s signature brasserie-style restaurant, Brassica. Chef Bermyson will oversee all aspects of culinary operations as Chef Hyche works in tandem to introduce the new chapter of culinary offerings at Brassica. More details here.
Wayback Burgers is celebrating September's status as the most popular birth month by awarding one year of free burgers to parents of September babies. Throughout the month, 30 parents will be chosen—one for each day of September—via a giveaway to receive this year-long reward. From Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, new parents can enter for a chance to win free Wayback Burgers for a year at WaybackBurgers.com/Bundle-of-Joy/. All entrants will be entered into a raffle, with 30 winners chosen through a random drawing. Winners will be notified by Wayback Burgers via email by Oct. 7 and will receive one free Classic Burger on the first day of each month for a year. Restrictions may apply. More details here.
If you would like to submit an item for this roundup or a future Atlanta Bites list, send an email with details and photos to joyce.lupiani@fox.com.