Where and what to eat in metro Atlanta | October 2023

ATLANTA - Here is the latest restaurant and dining news from around metro Atlanta. National Taco Day is on Oct. 4 and multiple restaurants will be offering specials. There are also several special dinners planned this month and many new menu items. 

EVENTS

ATL Taco Week is taking place from Oct. 2 to Oct. 8. Curated by Creative Loafing, the event promises a week-long giesta of extraordinary taco creations for just $10 per plate. More than 40 restaurants in the metro Atlanta area are participating and competing. Diners will be asked to vote in several categories such as Best Beef Taco, Best Vegan Taco and Most Creative Taco. A list of restaurants and more information can be found by clicking here. 

Moe's Southwest Grill is celebrating National Taco Day on Oct. 4 by offering customers a free, limited-edition Eggo Taco with any purchase (excluding gift cards and merchandise.). The new breakfast taco combines the bold flavors of Moe’s Southwest Grill with the crispy, fluffy goodness of the famous Eggo Homestyle Waffle. It will be offered at all 70 locations in the Atlanta area and must be purchased in the store. 

Surcheros Fresh Mex (several locations) is celebrating National Taco Day with a Buy One Entrée and Get One for 50% Off and earn 2X reward points deal on Oct. 4. The offer is valid at all Sucheros locations for rewards members. 

Tin Lizzy's Cantina is celebrating National Taco Day by offering a limited-time taco dubbed the McDowell Big Mack Smash, which pays dual homage to the ‘80s classic movie "Coming to America" and the TikTok-famous Big Mac smash burger taco. The viral sensation features a seasoned beef patty, special sauce, tomato, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a toasted tortilla ($5.75). Tin Lizzy’s also will have a Teremana margarita special. 

Chido & Padre's is celebrating National Taco Day on Oct. 4 with live music and extended happy hour prices all night with $8 margaritas. In addition to the regular menu, featured tacos include duck birria with hard-toasted corn tortillas, melted queso Oaxaca, avocado and birria consommé for dipping ($17); Baja cauliflower tempura with battered and fried cauliflower and chipotle slaw ($15); and coastal shrimp with light mango papaya slaw and grilled shrimp ($18).  

DBA Barbecue Virginia-Highland is celebrating National Taco Day during its Taco Happy Hour on Oct. 4. Their Taco Happy Hour, which takes place 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, features $3 pulled pork, brisket and carne asada tacos and $3 select beer bottles. 

Flight Club in West Midtown is celebrating National Taco Day from 4 to 11 p.m. Oct. 4. Indulge in wallet-friendly offerings including Mini Beef Barbacoa Tacos, Mini Poke Tacos and Mini Impossible Tacos perfect for sharing and nibbling on without interrupting gameplay at the tech-infused social darts destination. 

Talkin' Tacos, which is a food truck turned fast-casual Mexican eatery in Buckhgead Crossing Shopping Center, is celebrating National Taco Day with a special offer of 2 tacos, choice of a side and a drink for $15.99 or choice of entrée, 2 tacos, 2 drinks for $19.99 until 10pm at all locations. For those interested in taking their taco fiesta to the next level, Talkin' Tacos also has a Taco Party Box which includes 30 tacos of your choice - birria, chicken, steak, shrimp or mahi mahi. The Taco Box starts at $97.99 with pricing dependent on choice of proteins. Vegans can also join in on the fun with Talkin’ Tacos, the newest vegan taco featuring button mushrooms sauteed with onions and jalapenos. Topped with black bean, salsa and cilantro.

Wild Heaven Beer West End and El Tesoro are celebrating National Taco Day through Oct. 8. Taco lovers can enjoy a street style Baja fish taco that will take their tastebuds to the Mexican peninsula along with side of chips and salsa for just $10.

Sonny's BBQ! is celebrating National Pulled Pork Day on Oct. 12 with a huge discount on their Pulled Pork Big Deal. Guests will be able to purchase a pulled pork sandwich, one sidekick and one soft drink for only $5.50. 

Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails is hosting its annual Harvest & Vine Wine Dinner, served in the restaurant's onsite garden, from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 15. The Crabapple restaurant is partnering with highly-acclaimed DAOU Vineyards to create the perfect pairings for the four-course menu featuring carrot ginger soup, poached pear salad, Portuguese-style mussels, grilled sirloin and vanilla cheesecake. Milton’s is serving the dinner family-style to ensure a communal celebration of food, friendship and fall. Tickets for the four-course dinner are $150 per person plus tax (includes gratuity, excludes tax). 

The Blind Pig Parlour Bar is getting into the Halloween spirit with a special pop-up. The Buckhead speakeasy has been transformed into a hauntingly fun destination boasting spine-tingling decor and a mesmerizing vibe. Sippers and shots have names like Rosemary's Baby, I Put A Spell On You, Vampire's Kiss, and Adrenaline Shot. Halloween-themed light bites include Mummy Dogs, Spooky Deviled Eggs, Black Bean Hummus, CharCUTerie If You Dare and Pumpkin Cheesecake Jars. The Wicked Pig is open Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. until late until Nov. 4. 

The 26th annual EGGtoberfest is happening Oct. 7 at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville. The event is a celebration of live-fire cooking. Pro chefs from around the country and world and 450 amateur chefs will light up 250 eggs and cook for the crowd -- everything from picaña tacos to pizza to fresh salmon and lobster. Big Green Egg’s lineup of professional chefs, Team Green, will be grilling and smoking foods from our lineup of partners including DemKota Beef, Snake River Farms, Get Maine Lobster. There will also be craft beer tastings, a kid zone, a marching band and more. Tickets are $75 general admission. Up to two children (12 and under) are admitted free with each adult. 

Georgia Aquarium's Aqua Vino is happening Oct. 12. The event will feature wine, culinary delights, live music, an exciting auction, and animals, of course. Proceeds benefit global ocean conservation efforts. Tickets start at $122 for members and $135 for non-members. 

Hyatt Centric Buckhead is inviting football fans to cheer their favorite team on Mondays and Thursdays at Three Arches while enjoying 40% off well spirits and cocktails from 3 to 6 p.m. After the game, guests can head upstairs to Spaceman, the tallest rooftop bar and lounge in Atlanta, to keep the celebration going or just for a nightcap. 

Hopdoddy Burger Bar, which opened its first location in Texas, is celebrating its 13th anniversary on Friday the 13th. All four Atlanta-area Hopdoddy shops will be offering 1/2 off margaritas ALL DAY LONG to diners who show some Texas pride. So put on your cowboy hat, wear a Texas sports team t-shirt, or dress up as everyone’s favorite Texan movie star – alright, alright, alright! 

A new Pizza Hut location at 950 Herrington Road in Lawrenceville is celebrating its grand opening by giving away free pizza for a year to the first 25 customers in line during its grand opening ceremony on Oct. 13. Pizza Hut locations owned and operated by Flynn Restaurant Group nearby include Duluth, Lilburn and three existing locations in Lawrenceville. 

A Taste of Chamblee is happening Oct. 14 in downtown Chamblee from 3 to 9 p.m. This year's event will feature both food and craft vendors and there will be activities for the young and young at heart and the chance to watch your favorite college football teams on the big screens in the beer garden. 

Alpharetta Restaurant Week is happening again Oct. 15 through 21. More than 45 restaurants are participating. Restaurants will offer special dinner menus with multiple courses for $25 to $50 and many restaurants offer similar lunch menus for $20 to $50. Beverage, tax and gratuity is not included. 

Clayton County Restaurant Week is happening Oct. 16 through 22. Multiple restaurants in Clayton County will offer discounts, giveaways and more. Some of the participating restaurants include Big Dave's Cheesesteak, Da Royal Vegan, Di-Vine Plant Based Cuisine, Jamrock South, JR Crickets, Kingston Grill, Southern Fusion Bistro, Sweet Sadie May's and many more. 

Taste of Atlanta's Grand Tasting Midtown is happening 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 19 at Epicurean Hotel Atlanta. 25 of Midtown's best restaurants are participating. There will also be more than a dozen wine, beer and cocktail tastings. Additionally, there will be cooking demonstrations, live music by The Geek Squad and interactive experiences. Tickets start at $95 for general admission. 

A dozen chefs from metro Atlanta, Puerto Rico and elsewhere will be featured Oct. 21 at Ser Familia's 10th annual Saborea fundraising dinner. Featured chefs include Julio Delgado, Andre Gomez, Oscar Medivil, Nagib Sued, Francis Sosa, Patirica Rivera, Julio Viera, Mikiel Arnold, Michael Barraza, Jorge Izaguirre, Belen De La Cruz, and Hector Santiago. Ser Familia, based in Kennesaw, is one of the largest Latino organizations in Georgia. It has five offices in metro Atlanta and last year served people from 31 counties. The dinner will take place at the Omni Hotel at Centennial Park. Tickets are $250 per person.   

TWO urban licks is hosting a traditional Argentine Asado Dinner at 6 p.m. Oct. 24. Featuring a variety of finely cut and seasoned meats cooked to perfection, fresh vegetables and more, guests are invited to gather and break bread among new and old friends alike while sipping on hand-selected regional pairings from Mendoza to Patagonia. For ages 21 and a up, tickets to TWO’s Argentine Asado Dinner are $65 per guest. 

A wine & charcuterie tasting benefiting Giving Kitchen is scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at Epicurean Atlanta. The wine presentation and tasting will be led by Jeff Adler of Lux Wines. Tickets are $35 and include an educational tasting of 4 wines, charcuterie spread, and exclusive offers for winery-only selections. 

NEW MENU ITEMS

Dunkin's iconic Spider Donut is back for Halloween. Additionally, Dunkin' has unveiled a 6-foot-tall inflatable spider donut. This special edition donut brings a charming twist to the creepy-crawlies – consisting of a yeast donut with orange frosting, topped with a chocolate glazed MUNCHKINS® Donut Hole Treat that mimics a spider, complete with chocolate drizzle for spider legs and white drizzle forming the eyes. And for those who want to carry a touch of Halloween magic wherever it takes them this season, a limited-edition Spider Donut Keychain is available exclusively in-store at participating Dunkin’ restaurants. 

Wayback Burgers has created the Frankenburger in honor of Halloween. It will be available for one day only on Oct. 31. Inspired by Halloween horror icon, Frankenstein, the "Frankenburger" has been frankensteined to feature a single patty with American cheese, bacon, ½ a hot dog topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, jalapenos, ketchup, and mustard. Have no fear, the "Frankenburger" is available at Wayback Burgers restaurants nationwide for $10.31. 

Your 3rd Spot on Chattahoochee Row is launching a new menu of 12 zodiac-inspired cocktails on Oct. 4 with a party. Cocktails include the ATLemon Drop, Greenhouse Mule, Dr;ink, and Centenni'Ol Fashioned. The party will also feature zodiac-themed giveaways and treats. 

The Atlanta-born brand gusto! is launching "Air Nugs" or air-fried chicken nuggets on Oct. 3. The better-for-you alternative to Southern fried chicken, with less saturated fat and 70% less calories, will be available as a new protein for bowls and wraps at gusto! Peachtree for a limited time.  

Culver's has brought back the CurderBurger for a limited time. The CurderBurger began as an April Fool's Joke in 2021. It came back in 2022 for an extended encore and now it is available until Oct. 31. The CurderBurger features a crown of golden-fried cheese. Additionally, Culver's is celebrating National Cheese Curd Day on Oct. 15. 

Slutty Vegan, the Atlanta-based, nationally-acclaimed vegan burger joint, is introducing a vegan soup and grilled cheese sandwich combo just in time for the cooler weather. The Cheesy Heaux in a Hawt Tub features a classic grilled cheese sandwich using buttered Texas toast and soup made with puréed tomato and creamy coconut milk mixed with delicious African spices. The combo will be available at all locations except Truist Park starting Oct. 6. 

5Church Midtown has added its most popular brunch dishes to its weekday lunch menu, including chicken & waffles, Citrus Poundcake French Toast and more. 

Panera Bread has launched the Roman Empire menu based on the Roman Empire TikTok trend. Menu highlights include Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Caesar Salad, Toasted Frontega Chicken, Southwest Caesar Salad with Chicken, Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt and more. 

Shake Shack has teamed up with Uber Eats to celebrate its fiery new Hot Menu. Starting this week (Oct. 2) through Oct. 15, fans who buy one Hot Chicken or Spicy Shackmeister Burger from Shake Shack via the Uber Eats app will receive a second Hot Chicken or Spicy ShackMeister Burger FREE!  Other new menu items include Spicy Fries with Ranch Sauce and Spicy Cheese Fries with Ranch Sauce. 

SONIC Drive-In is offering an all-new Trick or Treat Blast made with HEATH, M&M’S® Minis and OREO® Cookie Pieces and choice of vanilla or chocolate soft serve until Dec. 31 while supplies last. 

True Food Kitchen has introduced a new brunch and cocktail menu along with seasonal fall dishes. The brunch menu features playful cocktails like an ode to childhood mornings with cereal featuring the Cinnamon Toastini and Berry Cerealtini and mouthwatering dishes such as the Brunch Tower piled high with savory and sweet bites, Huevos Rancheros, Hawaiian Fried Rice and more. Cocktail favorites include Smoke Show a smokey old-fashioned with extra pizazz and True Story a gin, aloe and cucumber beverage garnished with a snap pea. Lastly, the seasonal menu includes a Bruschetta Trio and Roasted Butternut Squash Pizza.

Whataburger has unveiled its newest limited-time offers. They include the Whataburger Chili Cheese Burger made with two juicy, all-beef patties topped with a rich and hearty chili and generous layer of cheese; Chili Cheese Fries; Whataburger Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuit; and Whataburger Chocolate Raspberry Shake. 

Whole Foods Market has rolled out new sushi offerings in its stores. The new menu features classic combinations harmonized with elevated flavors such as a Mango Yuzu California Roll and a Carrot Curry Kimchi Roll, as well as vegan offerings including, Plant-Based Spicy Tuna or Sno’ Crab Rolls prepared with Konscious, a plant-based sushi brand. 

NEW RESTAURANTS

Covington's first Whataburger is opening Oct. 16 at 11200 Town Center Drive. The eatery, the first of several restaurants to open in partnership with franchisee Made to Order Holdings, LLC, will be led by Operating Partner Jerry Santana and Area Coach Keith Mason, bringing more than 150 jobs to the community. Across the state, Georgians can find Whataburger Fancy Ketchup, Spicy Ketchup, Original Mustard, One-of-a-Kind Creamy Pepper Sauce and more at various Kroger, Walmart and Winn-Dixie grocery stores. 

Cityview Sports Bar & Bistro has opened in Austell. Their menu goes beyond typical sports bar food and includes lamb chops and snapper. They also offer a full bar with craft cocktails, fine wines, and a variety of beers. For those looking to unwind, there is hookah in a variety of flavors. Cityview is open late and offers takeout. 

Brass Tap Owner Samy Onsi is gearing up for another opening in Milton. Onsi is opening his second The Brass Tap, a Tampa-based craft beer bar, sometime this fall. The new concept will be located at 5310 Windward Pkwy and will provide new job opportunities to the Milton community. The Brass Tap is a Tampa-based craft beer bar and entertainment venue known for its extensive localized brewery offerings, specialty cocktails and premium wines paired perfectly with a select menu of upscale shareables. 

First Watch has expanded its breakfast, brunch and lunch concept in Kennesaw with a new restaurant on Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw. This is the 4th grand opening in the Atlanta suburbs over the past year alone. The 5,680-square-foot space seats 170 people and features and indoor brunch bar.  Some of its most ordered items include Avocado Toast, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and its signature Million Dollar Bacon. Five times a year, First Watch offers a revolving seasonal menu. 

Sammy's Pizzeria On The Green has opened at Alpharetta City Center. The restaurant was founded and owned by Scott "Sammy" Chrismer and his fiance Adriana. Located at 10 North Broad Street, Sammy’s is known for its thin crust, "Sammy Style" pizzas, the restaurant serves up artistically crafted dishes and specialty drinks. Additionally, local musical artists will be features every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. There's also 9 big-scree TVs throughout the space for sports fans. 

Great American Cookies is opening a store at 2750 Atlanta Road South East on Oct. 14. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is being held from noon to 3 p.m. The first 100 kids will receive a free sugar cookie to decorate. 

C&S Seafood and Oyster Bar is opening its 3rd location in Brookhaven on Oct. 24. Located in the Porter on Peachtree complex, the restaurant features over 3,900 square feet of seating, including a main dining area, bar, and patio. Executive Chef Zanali Malik will oversee the kitchen. The menu closely reflects the Sandy Springs location, as diners can expect C&S classics such as RC’s Chargrilled Oysters, Clam Chowder, Lobster Rolls and Prime NY Strip. For brunch, you can find the C&S Benedict, Shrimp & Waffles, Bananas Foster French Toast and Beignets on the menu.   

Eat My Biscuit has opened its first location in Eastpoint. The mid-century style restaurant is an all-day brunch expeirence.  Owner Vanetta Roy brings her Chicago style taste buds to the kitchen by collectively curating her menu with the help from brothers Chef Zerrod Wilks and Chef Zerrick-Rafael Solec.   

7 Brew, a drive-thru coffee stand offering over 20,000 unique drink combinations, is now open in Buford at 3700 Buford Drive. 

Portillo's, the fast-casual restaurant known for its menu of Chicago-style favorites, has announced that it is looking to enter Georgia, including the Atlanta market, for the first time. Currently, the company has 77 full-scale restaurants in 10 states. 

OTHER NEWS

Rreal Tacos has announced that its signed the lease for its newest location in Buckhead Tower Place. This expansion marks a significant accomplishment for the concept as owners Damien Otero and Miguel Hernandez are the only restaurateurs to open four restaurants in Atlanta in the last 12 months. Rreal strives to recreate the unique characteristics of tacos from various regions of Mexico such as asada from northeastern Monterrey, birria barbacoa from Guadalajara or taco al pastor, one of Mexico City's signature tacos.  

Award-winning and critically-acclaimed chef, author and TV personality G. Garvin has joined Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena as the Chief Culinary Officer to oversee the food experience throughout the venue. A native of Atlanta, Chef G. Garvin began his illustrious career at Old Vinings Inn at 13 years old before becoming the youngest line cook in the gourmet dining room of downtown Atlanta’s The Ritz-Carlton, at the age of 16. In 2001, he opened his first signature restaurant G. Garvin’s in Los Angeles. Garvin has also authored several books; had a hit TV show, "Turn Up the Heat with G. Gavin," on TV One; and another show, "Road Trip with G. Garvin," on The Food Network's Cooking Channel.  Chef G. Garvin’s One Bite at a Time Foundation changes lives through his G. Garvin Culinary Boot Camp, a seven-day camp that introduces carers in the culinary arts to young adults ages 16-19 from underrepresented communities in Atlanta. 

If you would like to submit information for this roundup or a future roundup, send an email with details to joyce.lupiani@fox.com.