Where and what to eat in metro Atlanta, including Christmas dinners | December 2023

ATLANTA - Here is a roundup of the latest restaurant news from around metro Atlanta, including a list of restaurants offering special meals for Christmas.

EVENTS

Hop City's West End location is hosting a holiday wine tasting with heavy hors d'oeuvres at its shop at 6 p.m. Dec. 5. They will also do it at the Krog District location on Dec. 14. Tickets are $40 per person. 

Bask Steakhouse on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell is offering a guided bourbon tasting paired with light bites at 5 p.m. Dec. 6. The tasting will include 4 bourbons from Kentucky distillery, Castle & Key. Tickets are $65 per person. 

Bella Cucina on Buckhead Avenue is hosting a antipasti board assembly class with Caroline Boone from CC Boone at 6 p.m. Dec. 7. The $125 ticket will include an olive wood cheese board and knife for attendees to take home, as well as light bites and champagne.

SweetWater Brewing on Ottley Drive NE is hosting its Pines and Pints fundraiser for the Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides emergency support for food service workers, on Dec. 9 and 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature a pop-up Christmas Tree Lot from Big John's Christmas Trees, as well as holiday beers and live music.

Marcus Bar & Grille in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood is hosting a block-style party from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10. There will be specialty cocktails, hot chocolate, a cider bar and barbecue by Chef Marcus Samuelsson. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Boogie Love. Kids' coats are being collected for Atlanta Mission. 

Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe in Alpharetta is celebrating a decade of serving modern Mediterranean fare to the Alpharetta community by offering $5 grilled chicken gyro meals all day. he brand is also celebrating 25 years of serving vibrant, Mediterranean food including shareable dips, salads, gyros, and build-your-own options with a choice of a protein, side, and salad. 

Kona Grill in Alpharetta is hosting their Holiday Cheer Social Series to kick off the holiday season from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 13. There will be complimentary beverages and bites and holiday cocktails, including Santa' Egg Nogg, The Holiday Martini and more. 

The Veranda in Buckhead Village is offering a four-course winter wine tasting and desserts at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Led by Saint Germain Bakery founder Mathieu Jourdan-Gassin. Tickets are $65 per person. 

Bellina Alimentari at Ponce City Market is offering Introduction to Amaro 101 on Dec. 20. Guests will taste 8 different amaris during the 80-minute class while learning about its history and flavors. Tickets are $45 per person. 

CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY DINNERS

Amore e Amore in the heart of Inman Park has transformed their restaurant into a winter wonderland, adorning every corner with festive decorations and seasonal delights, making every visit merry and bright. Along with a special prix fixe menu, themed cocktails, and the full a la carte dinner menu, guests will have the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus as they spread holiday cheer to guests of all ages on November 28, 29, and 30; and December 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, and 23, 2023, between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Young revelers are invited to write and mail a letter to Santa while enjoying Amore e Amore’s kid-friendly menu of pizza bites, meatballs, and child-sized portions of fan favorite entrees including fettuccine alfredo, cheese ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs for $20.  

Atlanta Fish Market has a new holiday catering menu. Christmastime orders are available throughout the month of December. Picks include assorted sushi rolls, mini crab cakes, shellfish platters, and more. 

Brassica, the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead’s signature French-brasserie style restaurant, is offering Christmas Eve and Day dinner. On Dec. 24 and Dec. 25, their culinary team is curating a 3-course pre-fixe experience with menu highlights like Lobster Bisque, Duck Confit Cocotte or Heirloom Tomato and Eggplant Terrine, and main courses like Oven-Roasted Herb-Crusted Prime Rib, Seared Halibut with Forbidden Rice or Butternut Squash Ravioli. As a holiday dinner finale, guests can choose between a Chocolate Buttercream Yule Log or a Pistachio and Raspberry Macaron Tree. On Christmas Eve, two seatings are available at 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. and four seatings are available on Christmas Day at 12, 2:30, 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost ($150/person) with 18% gratuity included and can be purchased via OpenTable. Beverages are available at an additional cost. Brassica is also hosting Christmas Weekend brunch from 11 AM-3 PM on Saturday, December 23 and Sunday, December 24 featuring holiday twists on their already exquisite brunch menu. 

C&S Restaurant Group is celebrating Christmas Eve with Feast of the Seven Fishes. Happening at all four of their Metro Atlanta eateries – C&S Seafood and Oyster Bar Sandy Springs, Vinings and Brookhaven, and Hugo’s Oyster Bar in Roswell — Feast of the Seven Fishes pays homage to the Roman Catholic practice of abstaining from eating meat on the eve of a feast day. Menu highlights include clams casino, seafood linguine, Brazino Livornese, Lobster Fra Diavolo and Tiramisu. Prices/offerings may vary slightly by location. Reservations strongly encouraged.   

Cinnaholic's holiday menu items include Santa's Milk and Cookies featuring Cinnaholic’s gooey chocolate chip cookies with fresh vanilla frosting topped with "oreos," chocolate chip cookie bites, powdered sugar with red and white sprinkles; Gingerbread House Roll featuring the original cinnamon roll with gingerbread frosting topped with cinnadoodle cookie bites, graham cookies, and multicolored sprinkles; and chocolate peppermint cookies. Multiple locations. 

Atlanta-born brand, gusto!, is launching a new, seasonal holiday menu on Dec. 5.  Perfect for last minute holiday parties, the take-home items include Pecan Rosemary Chicken Salad, Apple Crisp Caramel Cookie, Spiced Apple Cider and more. The seasonal menu will be available at all 12 gusto! locations until Feb. 26, 2024.  

Double Zero: Now through Christmas Eve, feast on the 7 fishes every Sunday.  Whether you want to try it all ($150) or order à la carte, celebrate this season with a seafood menu, inspired by the Italian tradition. Highlights include: pizza bianca con mollusco made with clams, fior de latte, alfredo, bacon & chives; a whole branzino & more! 

Cooks & Soldiers: Reserve your table to enjoy specialty à la carte items including: pato, a grilled duck breast, confit duck leg & crispy duck wing served parsnip puree, spiced carrots & a sherry glaze; torrijas, a Basque French toast served with olive oil ice cream & orange marmalade + more! 

Gypsy Kitchen has transformed its rooftop patio into a holiday hideout. Guests can gather in this cozy retreat for happy hour every Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. Happy hour specials include assorted flatbreads—hummus, labneh and grilled chicken ($6-$10); patatas bravas and croquetas de pollo ($4); Grey Goose Essence spritzes ($10); seasonal Highclere Castle gin spritz ($11); and a selection of wines by the glass ($8-$10).   

The Iberian Pig Decatur: Sip on some holiday cheer with specialty cocktails: cranberry christmas (yu gin, cranberry juice, allspice dram, lemon juice, & topped with poema cava) & candy cane lane (brandy, rumple minze, cynar, velvet falernum with a crushed candy cane rim) alongside specialty tapas including tarta de santiago (a spiced almond cake). 

La Tavola: At this Virginia-Highland neighborhood eatery, make a reservation for the whole family to dine-on a 4-course prix-fixe menu ($95 per person ++) featuring: hamachi crudo, cresto di gallo with black perigord truffles, saltimbocca, tiramisu & much more. 

Lucy's Market is offering a hassle-free holiday meal. Residents can order from their online menu or by phone (404-869-9222) or by visiting their Andrew's Square storefront on Dec. 10. Pickup days are Dec. 22 and 23. 

Lure: This Christmas Eve, Midtown’s beloved bungalow will be offering a 3-course prix-fixe menu ($105 per person) – perfect for the seafood lover. 

Marcus Bar & Grille: Marcus Bar & Grille will serve a Christmas Eve dinner buffet from 1 to 8 p.m., with a DJ spinning festive tunes and all. 

Ecco: At both its Midtown & Buckhead locations, reserve a table to celebrate with a 4-course prix-fixe menu ($115 per person; optional $30 add-on of fresh black perigord truffles) offering fan-favorite bites like fried goat cheese and stuffed piquillo peppers alongside holiday specials such as short rib presse & more!

South City Kitchen: Reserve a spot at Buckhead, Vinings & Midtown locations to enjoy a 3-course prix-fixe menu ($75 for adults/$35 for kids). Highlights include a mix of South City classics such as fried green tomatoes & smoky grilled pork chops alongside specialty items like beef cheek, chocolate pecan pie & more. 

Star Provisions: Next door & sister to MICHELIN-starred Bacchanalia, this market & cafe offers everything you may need for a gift basket, party platter & more this holiday season. They offer meats, cheeses, cookies, pastries and bread. 

Sugo: From 4 to 10 p.m at this Johns Creek staple, dine-in or order-to-go from their holiday menu. Highlights will include Sugo fan-favorites such as: bacon wrapped dates, arancini, Aunt Lena’s chicken, braised veal & much more. 

Foundation Social Eatery: This Alpharetta spot will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Make your reservation to celebrate with caviar service, spicy lamb gnocchetti, classic duck confit & more! 

5Church Midtown invites guests for a festive brunch on Christmas Eve. The restaurant will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Those looking for evening socializing can check out Virtue Rooftop's Holiday Bar. It will be open for drinks only starting at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. 5Church Midtown will be closed Dec. 25-27. Reservations can be made online. 

Splashy and festive AltaToro in Midtown is offering brunch from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Christmas Eve with its Modern Latin menu featuring imaginative dishes from Peru, Mexico, Brazil and more. The restaurant will be closed Dec. 25-27. Reservations can be made online. 

5Church Buckhead invites guests for a festive brunch on Christmas Eve. The restaurant will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 5Church Buckhead will be closed Dec. 25-27. Reservations can be made online. 

For an elegant evening out, diners can head to Aria on Dec. 24. The Buckhead fine dining restaurant, which is normally closed on Sundays, is opening especially for Christmas Eve and will be serving a tasting menu and an a la carte menu starting at 4:30 p.m. Aria will be closed Dec. 25-26. 

Chido & Padre’s kicks off Christmas Eve with brunch from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Features include breakfast tacos, French toast, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros and avocado toast. 

Guests can set sail for a Christmas Eve beach getaway to The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill. The Buckhead restaurant will be open on Dec. 24 serving its menu of coastal-inspired cuisine. Seasonal cocktails include rum-spiked mulled cider, smoky mint hot chocolate and Seaside Fashioned, a new twist on the classic Old Fashioned made with either Lunazul Anejo or Angel’s Envy port barrel-aged bourbon.Reservations can be made online. 

The Blind Pig Parlour Bar, which has temporarily transformed into a magical gathering spot with over-the-top décor and twinkling lights, boasts a variety of warm and chilly holiday-themed drinks, candy cane shots, beer, wine and bubbles to ensure a spirited mood. Among the festive bites are a Snowcuterie tray with pickled veggies, a selection of cured meats, tomato jam and artisanal cheeses, reindeer chips and dip, mini beef wellys and egg nog crème brûlée. The Blind Elf is open from 12-5 p.m. on Dec. 24. 

The Southern Gentleman celebrates Christmas Eve with brunch starting at 11 a.m. and dinner from 3-7 p.m. Features include deviled crab fritters with caper remoulade and prime rib with Yukon gold potato puree, grilled asparagus and carrots, and red wine jus. The Buckhead eatery gets in the spirit with special holiday cocktails such as Apple Pie Oldie with Maker’s Mark, apple liquor and cinnamon syrup and Winter Wonderland with Grey Goose vodka, white cranberry, Grand Marnier and lime. Reservations can be made online. The Southern Gentleman will be closed on Christmas Day. 

Cattle Shed Wine & Steak Bar in Alpharetta is open on Christmas Eve serving its regular menu of seasonal, chef-driven dishes for brunch, lunch and dinner along with several featured specials. Specials include a crab-stuffed shrimp appetizer ($19); steak special for two with a 32-ounce USDA-certified Black Angus beef tomahawk ribeye and 16-ounce grilled lobster ($195); and cinnamon crème brûlée ($13) for dessert. Make reservations online. 

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails will be open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. serving its menu of contemporary New Southern Cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. Guests can enjoy a three-course prix-fixe menu from executive chef Dean Wenzel. The price is $65 per person for adults and $32.50 for children (excluding tax and gratuity). Those looking to celebrate Christmas at home can releax and let’s Milton’s do the cooking with holiday meals to-go featuring applewood smoked turkeys, spiral ham, smoked and spiced prime rib and a sides package. Orders can be placed online, while supplies last, for pickup on Saturday. Dec. 23. 

Sankranti Fine Dining in Johns Creek will be open during normal hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Guests are invited to relish in the holidays over Sankranti’s irresistible menu of Indian cuisine. 

Your 3rd Spot is the perfect meet-up spot on Christmas Eve for food, drinks and games. The technology-driven dining and gaming concept blends the elements of a restaurant, bar, beer garden and social club along with 75 activities and a 50-foot bar. Your 3rd Spot will be open on Dec. 24 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and closed Christmas Day. 

All locations of HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern—Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Halcyon, Vinings and Atlantic Station—are open on Christmas Eve serving regular menus for brunch and dinner. Reservations can be made online. HOBNOB also is having a Christmas party at Halcyon and Atlantic Station. Details to come. All HOBNOB locations are closed on Christmas Day. 

O'Charley's has announced deals and specials for the season. The O'mazing $20 family-style meal bundle is available Dec. 21 through Jan. 1. Guests can add a whole pie, a gallon beverage, and an appetizer (spinach dip or pimento cheese dip) for just $20. And from Dec. 28 to Jan. 1, O’Charley’s will take 23% off all online orders. Guests should use code NEWYEAR at checkout. 

Guests can eat, drink and gear up for the festivities ahead at Postino WineCafe. Both locations—Buckhead and West Midtown— will be open until 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve day serving a full menu of wine and cocktails along with light bites such as meatballs and goat cheese, crispy cauliflower and smoked salmon. Both locations will be closed on Christmas Day. For last-minute shoppers, Postino will host "Gift On The Go" pop-ups with staffed tables selling gift cards and Wine Cult memberships. Pop-up dates and hours are Friday, Dec. 22 from 4-7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 23 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 24 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Ray's Restaurants sets the perfect mood all year for special events, holidays and romance with top-quality seafood, hand-cut steaks and exquisite wine cellar selections. On Christmas Eve, Ray's at Killer Creek will serve brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. followed by a special holiday menu for dinner from 4-9 p.m. Ray's on the River, with its iconic backdrop of the Chattahoochee River, will serve Christmas Eve brunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and dinner 3-9 p.m. Stylish Ray's in the City will have regular hours on Dec. 24. All three restaurants will be closed Christmas Day. 

Wood's Chappel BBQ in Summerhill is offering Christmas catering including whole smoked turkeys, maple-glazed ham, sides, desserts and more. Orders must be placed online by Dec. 15 for pickup on Saturday, Dec. 23. Wood’s Chapel BBQ gift cards are perfect for even the pickiest on Santa’s list. All $100 gift cards purchased by Jan. 1, 2024 receive a $20 bonus. 

NEW MENU ITEMS

Twisted Kitchen is now offering several new family meals. The new meals serve four people and feature four individually packaged Caesar or garden salads and four individually packaged entrées for $39.99 and $29.99 for vegetarian options. Entree choices include cheese lasagna, beef lasagna, vegetarian classic, meatball classic, fettuccini alfredo, chicken fettucini alfredo, and shrimp fetuccini alfredo. Through Dec. 31, they are also offering cheese ravioli, chicken enchilada soup, tiramisu cups, Reese's Peanut Butter Chunk Cookies, and apple caramel crisp cookies. 

Jeremiah's Italian Ice (multiple locations) has introduced 3 new menu flavors for the month of December. The flavors are Peppermint Cookie, Peppermint Bark and Peppermint Mocha. Available at all locations. 

JINYA Ramen Bar has announced two exclusive limited-time chef specials available through Feb. 29. The Red Garnet features thick noodles in a creamy vegan broth with spicy garlic sauce, and a medley of toppings including pork chasu, green onion, kikurage, chopped onion, and spinach. The Curry Nikuman Bun is a steamed bun filled with flavorful pork soboro, served with JINYA's signature curry dipping sauce. 

Taffer's Tavern in Alpharetta has brought back the Pepperminiti for the holiday season. This festive cocktail is made with Peppermint schnapps and white chocolate combined with vodka and cream with a candy cane and chocolate rim. It will be available through Dec. 31.  

Taco Mac's Beer of the Month for December is from Hapeville's Arches Brewing. In the lineup of featured beers are Lloyd’s Light lager, Mexican Empire Vienna lager, Sirène French-style pilsner and Moment in Time Hazy IPA. Thursday pint nights begin at 5 p.m. with the following giveaways (one item per customer, while supplies last): an Arches koozie on Dec. 7; coasters on Dec. 14; Lloyd’s Light magnet on Dec. 21; and stickers on Dec. 28.  

Duck Donuts has launched the brands first-ever jelly donut. The all new, limited-time raspberry jelly topping can be added to any donut combination or enjoyed in the seasonal featured Holiday Assortment. 

Panda Express has teamed up with Hot Ones to introduce a new limited-time dish -- Blazing Bourbon Chicken. Available until January 2, 2024, this exclusive dish is a delicious spin on the Southern classic – bourbon chicken. The dish contains crispy boneless chicken bites and fresh veggies all wok-tossed in a spicy and sweet bourbon sauce alongside the signature Hot Ones™ Last Dab Apollo hot sauce, and is topped with sesame seeds. Available at 50 select locations nationwide, including 6 in metro Atlanta.  

Culver's is now offering the Frozen Cocoa Concrete Mixer and a new Frozen Cocoa Shake. Both are available through Feb. 4 at Culver's locations nationwide. The treats are a perfect blend of Vanilla Fresh Frozen Custard and hot cocoa mix, topped with real whipped cream. The Concrete Mixer is a thick and creamy mixture best enjoyed with a spoon, while the Shake combines Fresh Frozen custard with farm fresh milk for a smooth, drinkable delight.  

NEW RESTAURANTS

Ryan Cameron and chef and restaurant chain owner Erica Barrett will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of Dough Boy Pizza Co. at South DeKalb Mall at 11 a.m. Dec. 15. Dough Boy Pizza will offer authentic Neapolitan pizza with crust imported from Italy. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be attended by local dignitaries, influencers, and members of the community. Guests will have the opportunity to sample the unique pizza varieties that Cameron and his team have crafted. Cameron is a two-time Emmy Award Winner and member of the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame and the National Black Radio Hall of Fame.

Rush Bowls is opening its third Atlanta location in Midtown Atlanta at 855 Peachtree Street NE on Dec. 16. Rush Bowls serves blended fruit/veggie bowls and smoothies, grab-and-go protein bites, and specialty products for pups. The 932-square-foot location boasts the signature monochromatic interiors, accented with bright, bold photography and decor and indoor bench seating.  

The plant-based restaurant group, PLANTA, is opening their second location on Dec. 22 in Buckhead Village. The first location is at Krog Street Market. New menu highlights will include the sushi burrito made with chick'n fried mushrooms, ahi watermelon, avocado, baby gem, cucumber and ginger; a poke bowl made with chick'n fried mushrooms, pickled cucumber, mushroom bacon, gonae, avocado, ahi watermelon, spicy mayo and unagi' and a scallion pancake egg wrap. PLANTA Queen Buckhead's decor will remind customers of elegant traditional Chinese courtyards and architectural gems found throughout Asia. 

Chipotle Mexican Grill is opening 3 new locations in the metro Atlanta rea including Grayson Chipotle at 1860 Grayson Highway, Sandtown Chipotle at 5823 Cambellton Road, and Lilburn Chipotle at 4805 Lawrenceville Highway in Lilburn. The first 2 locations opened Dec. 12. The Lilburn location will open within the next month. Chipotle is hiring for all three locations. 

Urban Wings is opening a 3rd location in Atlanta in East Atlanta. A grand opening celebration was held Dec. 10. The new location is at 489 Moreland Ave. SE. 

The Painted Pickle on Ottley Drive is scheduled to open in December. Painted Pickle will be a high-end hybrid concept combining pickleball with other socially active entertainment options, games, and amenities. The full-service kitchen will boast a menu featuring sushi, signature charcuterie, cheese and pickle boards, salads, bowls, sandwiches, and share plates. The bar will highlight signature and classic craft cocktails, local and craft beer, and a vast offering of wines by the glass. The 32,500-square-foot space will house eight indoor boutique pickleball courts that can be enjoyed year-round without the impact of the elements. Painted Pickle will have an expansive front and rear patio directly adjacent to the Atlanta Beltline. 

Zarate at Dailies is now open at Pullman Yards. The restaurant and tiki bar is inspired by modern Filipino cuisine and family traditions from brothers Marcus and Michael Fernandez. Following a successful one-night pop-up during one of the venue’s monthly Asian Night Markets (taking place every fourth Friday of the month), the Zarate Kitchen and Pullman Yards teams joined forces. Extending the Dailies & Sides patio and seating, Zarate at Dailies features Zarate’s signature menu favorites from "pulutan" small bites and islander tacos to "balikbayan" combo boxes – a grab + go experience great for those enjoying AlcoHall, a game of pickleball, Jurassic World: The Exhibition or the new Empire Strips Back show. Dailies & Sides remains open and serves its own menu, too. Zarate is open Wednesday through Sundays and takes over the kitchen on Mondays and Tuesdays. Seating is available on the patieo and inside Dailies & Sides. 

Dos Burros is now open at the Ford Factory Lofts in the Old Fourth Ward. The new restaurant is owned by Fishmonger owners Nhan Le and Skip Engelbrecht and Hopstix owner Andy Tan. Domingo Galardo, who has worked previously at So Ba and Octopus Bar, will lead the kitchen. The colorful restaurant serves simple Mexican taqueria food that is easy to eat on the go. 

Whataburger has opened a new location at 1436 Scenic Highway in Snellville. Opening with drive-thru-only service to start, the eatery brings 140 jobs to the community to staff the dual-lane drive-thru open 24/7. In the coming weeks, dine-in service, plus curbside and delivery online and through the Whataburger App, will become available, allowing even more ways to enjoy your Whataburger favorites. 

Mad Dads Philly's Authentic Cheesesteaks and Hoagies is now open at 2628 Piedmont Road NE for pickup and delivery. They offer cheesesteaks, hoagies and wings. Menu items include the North Philly Broad Street Special with chopped certified Angus ribeye steak; a vegan chicken cheesesteak; salmon cheesesteak; the Black Mamba hoagie; garden hoagie; turkey hoagie; lemon pepper wings; teriyaki wings; Buffalo hot wings; salads; and more.   

Lobster Banh Mi, the Duluth restaurant known for its Vietnamese sandwiches and soups, has opened a new location in the Healey Building at 57 Forsyth Street NW. Menu highlights include lobster banh mi, crab or shrimp banh mi, curry chicken banh mi and more. 

Chipotle has opened a new location at 1475 Pleasant Hill Road in Lawrenceville. This is the third restaurant in Lawrenceville and the first with a Chipotlane. The new restaurant is reportedly still hiring. 

Rwyb from the team behind Bon Ton and the Waiting Room has opened in the former the Lawrence space on Juniper Street in Midtown Atlanta. Chef Murad Ghashim is in charge of the kitchen. Menu highlights include roasted acorn squash confit, steamed mussels, steak tartare, seasonal dishes, shaved Brussels salad, grilled quarter chicken, Rwby burger, Flemish beef cheek stew and more. 

Taco Mac has opened a new location at 5433 Bowman Roadd off Interstate 75 and the high-traffic Bass Road exit in Macon. Taco Mac Macon serves a mouthwatering menu featuring world-class starters, burgers, salads and sandwiches, all anchored by its award-winning fresh, never-frozen Buffalo wings. The eatery also boasts a vast, rotating selection of beers from beloved national brands to a variety of regional and national craft brews and imports. The restaurant also has a 165-inch direct-view LED wall and 40 65-inch televisions. 

Cocodak Asian Restaurant is now open on North Decatur Road. It serves a variety of Korean, Chinese and Thai dishes. Menu highlights include Korean traditional fried chicken; Korean corn dogs; egg rolls; pot stickers; spring rolls; dumplings; soups; fried rice; lo mein; and much more. 

Message in a Bottle from the Dash Hospitality Group is now open in Village Dunwoody. The restaurant serves "superior seafood and sailor spirits." Menu highlights include blue crab louis, shrimp cocktail, oysters, steamed mussles, fried fish, seafood pasta, and Maine lobster pot pie. As for the spirits, they offer lighter red wines and seafood-friendly white wines and themed cocktails. 

Owens and Hull from the owners of Grand Champion BBQ and Secret Pint BBQ is now open in what was the Smyrna location of Grand Champion BBQ. Owens and Hull merges Texas- and Carolina-style barbecue smoked over Georgia Oak. Open Thursdays through Sundays with a specific menu each day. Menu highlights include pulled pork, prime beef brisket, smoked turkey, spare ribs, house-made sausages, smoked burger, turkey & swiss melt, chopped brisket sami, jalapeno & cheddar sausage, black pepper & garlic Texas sausage, coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, green beans, collard greens, mac n cheese, cheese grits, banana pudding, chocolate French silk, bread pudding and more. 

Grits and Eggs Breakfast Kitchen is now open on Windy Hill Road in Marietta. Menu highlights include beignets, Carribbean Jerk Shrimp & Grits, chicken and waffles, fried red snapper and grits, Ms. G's coconut pancakes, lobster tail and grits, fried catfish and grits, southern style egg benedict, Maryland crab cake benedict, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, French toast and eggs, chicken wings, lamb chops, ribeye, salmon and more. 

Roswell Junction, a food hall concept featuring chef-driving dining options and a diverse mix of amenities and experiences, is expect to open in June of 2024. The food hall is located on the site of the former Atlanta Street Baptist Church. Located at the entrance to historic Roswell, the Roswell Junction experience begins with a free, expansive private parking lot. The 12,000-square-foot hall will host 8 different food concepts, 3 bars, a covered patio with vintage arcade, big screen TVs, outdoor games, children's play area, and even a fenced dog park.  

Politan Row at Ashford Lane in northern metro Atlanta has announced that Okay Anny's will be opening inside the new food hall, which is scheduled to open in January 2024. As a sequel to Politan’s original project, Jojo’s Beloved, this cocktail bar will transport guests 10 years into the future channeling 1989 as the year of the blockbuster sequels to films including Back to The Future 2, Ghostbusters 2, and Lethal Weapon 2. Okay Anny’s will combine the feel of a classic 80s fern bar vibe with a bright, bombastic 90s color palette — where guests should expect mirror blinds, vapor wave, and lots of colored acrylic. Alongside music playlists from the same era will be a specialized drink menu underscoring the martini craze of the 90s with appropriately reimagined cocktails such as Kamikazes, Colorado Bulldogs, and more Cosmo riffs than a TGI Fridays in 1991.   

OTHER NEWS

Hopdoddy's December Burger of the Month is the Three Wise Men Burger, which features 3 Force of Nature Regenerative Beef patties with fontina cheese and garlic mayo on a toasted onion bun. The Shake of the MOnth is Caramel Pecan Cake Shake made with house-baked butter pecan cake and Brother's Bond Bourbon caramel Sauce. Both are available through Dec. 2. Multiple locations. 

Ray's Restaurants -- Ray's on the River, Ray's at Killer Creek and Ray's in the City -- is offering several dining promotions during the month of December. One-litter bottles of Caymus wines are just $135 through Dec. 31. From Dec. 18 through Jan. 14, 2023, two guests can dine on a 3-course chef's menu and one-litter bottle of Caymus wine for $220 plus. Menus vary by lcation. From Dec. 26 through Jan. 14. 2024, Ray's Dining Club cardholders will receive a 20% discount off their total bill, excluding New Year's Eve and private events. 

The 2023 Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards winners were announced Nov. 30 at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. The big winners were: Robby Kukler, Lifetime Achievement; EPIC Restaurant, Restaurant of the Year; MAD Hospitality, Restaurateur Rookie of the Year; Cafe Intermezz, Hospitality Hero of the Year; United Distributors, Industry Partner of the Year; Taqueria Tsunami/Fork U Concepts, Favorite Neighorhood Hangout; Monday Night Brewing, Favorite Born-And-Raise Beverage; The Painted Pin and The Painted Duck (Painted Hospitality), Favorite Entertainment Experience; Local Three Kitchen & Bar, Unsukay, Uniquely Georgia Restaurant; Brian Steiper, Restaurant Manager of the Year; Matt Bryant, Restaurant Employee of the Year; Chef James Bryant, Georgia Pro Start Teacher of the Year; Haja Kabba, Georgia Pro Start Student of the Year; and Tony Conway, Anna Hsu and Ray Schoenbaum, Hall of Fame. The GRACE Awards are peer-nominated, and winners are selected by the GRACE Academy made up of past honorees, the GRA Board of Directors and GRA Advisory Board. GRACE winners are presented with crystal works of art created by renowned local artist Hans Godo Fräbel. Also presented at the event was the 2023 GRA Chairman’s Award to Georgia Restaurant Association’s President + CEO Karen Bremer, CAE.

Goldberg's Fine Foods is celebrating its 30th anniversary by offering guests 30% off their entire check if they say "Happy Anniversary" at checkout. The offer is good Dec. 4 through 6 at all in-store locations excluding the airport. 

Four Melting Pot restaurants in metro Atlanta are now under new ownership. Layla Haddad Gunn, a Jacksonville, Florida native who has lived in Atlanta since 1996, was an original 50% owner of the Kennesaw and Midtown Atlanta locations when they opened in 2002 and 2007, respectively. Today, she is the sole owner of the Melting Pot locations in Midtown Atlanta, Duluth, Kennesaw and Roswell. As the new owner, Gunn announced plans to renovate all four restaurants as part of the Melting Pot Evolution, a companywide initiative upgrading dining rooms, bars, and other areas to improve the guest experience. 

Damian Otero and Miguel Hernandez, owners of Rreal Tacos, have acquired a majority stake in the beloved, traditional Mexican restaurant Zócalo in Midtown Atlanta. Zócalo, which has been in Midtown Atlanta since 1995, is known for serving Mexican cuisine made with fresh, top-quality ingredients. The location was originally a gas station that the family converted into one of the area’s first spots to serve traditional Mexican cuisine. Otero and Hernandez say they are not planning drastic changes. They will be bringing back some of the original recipes and iconic dishes from Zócalo’s earlier days and maybe add a margarita or two but want to celebrate the legacy of Zócalo and honor its almost 30-year history. 

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