Where and what to eat in metro Atlanta | September 2023

ATLANTA - This is the latest roundup of restaurant news from around the metro Atlanta area. If you'd like to submit an item for this list or a future list, send an email to joyce.lupiani@fox.com. 

EVENTS

Taco Mac and Scofflaw Brewing are teaming up for the month of September to raise money for Camp Twin Lakes, a nonprofit organization that provides life-changing camp experiences for children with serious illnesses, disabilities, and other challenges. For the entire month, $1 from every Scofflaw beer sold at Taco Mac will be donated to the nonprofit. As part of the promotion, beer lovers can try Scofflaw's new CTL Lakeside Lager, which was brewed exclusively for Taco Mac to support the nonprofit. The promotion runs through Sept. 30 at all Taco Mac locations except Pelham, Alabama.   

Sept. 1 is National Gyro Day and Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe (multiple locations) is offering a special $7 chicken gyro meal. The meal includes grilled chicken gyro, chips and a side. Taziki’s Grilled Chicken Gyro features a warm pita bread wrap filled with grilled chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, grilled onions and Taziki sauce. Taziki’s offers a variety of additional Gyro protein options including Spicy Harissa Chicken, Grilled Beef and Grilled Lamb. The $7 gyro meal offer is available in-store and online. The offer is only available on Sept. 1, while supplies last with no substitutions. This offer is not available through third-party delivery apps. 

MOD Pizza (multiple locations) is celebrating National Pizza Day on Sept. 5. MOD is offering the fan favorite pizza, the "Maddy", for $7 when purchased on-line or in the MOD app. 

Chicken Salad Chick (multiple locations) has launched its annual Cookies for a CURE promotion. Throughout September, Chicken Salad Chick will offer its limited-time Lemon Burst Buttercream Cookies at all Atlanta locations, with a portion of proceeds donated directly to its partner organization, CURE Childhood Cancer. The limited-edition Lemon Burst Buttercream Cookies are topped with a natural lemon zest buttercream frosting, symbolizing the gold ribbon which serves as the international symbol for Childhood Cancer. 

Bad Daddy's (multiple locations) is raising money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital during the month of September. Throughout the month of September, Atlanta residents can support a good cause by indulging in the mouthwatering Bistro Burger at the popular gourmet burger bar. Made with Gouda cheese, applewood smoked bacon, grilled onions, arugula and chipotle avocado crema, $1 from every Bistro Burger sold will go to St. Jude. Additionally, Bad Daddy’s will double its donation for every Bistro Burger purchased each Saturday of the month.  

Monday Night Brewing is taking over the taps at Taco Mac's during the month of September. Featured beers from the Atlanta-based brewery include Dr. Robot berry lemon sour, Oktoberfest German-style märzen, Death Raptor killer IPA, and Royal Raptor imperial IPA. Thursday pint night starts at 5 p.m. with free Monday Night swag (one item per person while supplies last): Monday Night headband on Sept. 7, Oktoberfest stein glass on Sept. 14, Raptor glass on Sept. 21 and a Monday Night golf towel on Sept. 28.

Cherry Street Brewpub at Halcyon is hosting it's first Pepperfest from 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 9. There will be craft beers, culinary arts and horticulture, sponsored by Troncalli Subaru! Guests will be treated to an incredible lineup of top tier breweries, including Cherry Street Brewpub, New Realm Brewing Company, Monday Night Brewing, Bold Monk Brewing Co. and many more. Indulge in a variety of spicy foods that perfectly complement the award-winning craft brews with a live music backdrop. Participating in the delightful festival are local culinary, farm and art vendors who will share their passions. Plus, a pepper plant swap to take home and grow your own. This is a family-friendly event and designated drivers have free entry. For more information or to purchase VIP tickets, visit the Halcyon Facebook event page.  

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day at CT Cantina & Taqueria at Halcyon from 3 to 11 p.m. Sept. 16. Enjoy an evening of exciting festivities and entertainment, including stilt walkers, energetic tunes spun by a DJ, a talented Latin dance performance, face painting for the kids and exciting prizes and giveaways. Indulge in the delicious food specials from the CT food truck and sip on tasty margaritas from the margarita tent. This is a free, family-friendly event. For more information, visit the event page.  

Scofflaw Brewing Co. in Atlanta is celebrating its 7th anniversary on Sept. 16. There will be tons of great food, including a pig roast, pizza, and oysters;  a limited-release anniversary IPA; goats to pet from Little Red Barn Mobile Farm; college football and Atlanta United on the jumbotron; live music; local artists; and more. 

The Wurst Beer Hall's Oktoberfest is taking place Sept. 16 through Oct. 3. The Poncey-Highland beer hall is cranking up the oompah and invites guests to raise a stein during its multi-week celebration featuring authentic German food, beers, spirits and more.  Guests are encouraged to join The Wurst Stein Club to receive a personalized stein stored at The Wurst, invitations to Stein Club-only events and a host of other perks. On Sept. 28, there will be a special wine dinner with Elemental Spirits. The dinner will feature sausage, bacon, kraut, pretzels and bottles of German wine for $95 per person. 

Sept. 18 is National Cheeseburger Day and Wayback Burgers (multiple locations) is celebrating byu offering an Un - Burger - leviable BOGO deal for its Classic Burger. 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, by ordering online, or through the Wayback Burgers app.

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Westside Motor Lounge is hosting the Los Manos dinner, featuring Atlanta's finest Latinx chefs, from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 18. The $180 tickets includes cocktails, a five-course feast, wine pairing, online auction and one-of-a-kind experiences. Participating chefs include Palo Santo’s Santiago Gomez, Westside Motor Lounge’s George Lopez, Taqueria del Sol’s Eddie Hernandez, Miller Union’s Claudia Martinez, Carmel’s Enrique Saucedo, Kimball House’s Arturo Justo, Tío Lucho’s Manny Sosa, Alma Roja’s Christian Perez-Mocket, Porch Light and Jose Sucio’s Andre Gomez and The Companion’s Andy Gonzales. The Latino Community Fund of Georgia and Casa Alterna are the beneficiaries of the Los Manos dinner. 

Insomnia Cookies is welcoming students in Atlanta back to college by throwing its first-ever global PJ part at 9 p.m. ET Sept. 19. Insomniacs who show up to the late-night cookie celebration wearing their PJs will receive 1 FREE classic cookie. There will also be giveaways of exclusive swag and other treats. 

Bonefish Grill (multiple locations) is offering its Harvest Season Wine Dinner on Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Menu highlights include Apple Harvest Spinach Salad, Linguine & Clams, Apple Chutney Pork Tenderloin & Swordfish with Pumpkin Ravioli, and Pumpkin Spice Lava Cake. Food will be paired with select varietals from Duckhorn Vineyards, one of North America’s premier producers of Napa Valley wines. 

Moe's Southwest Grill is celebrating National Queso Day on Sept. 20 by offering all rewards members a free cup of queso (no purchase necessary) at participating locations. Also, Moe's is offering a queso gift card promo through Oct. 1.  Guests that buy $20 in gift cards will receive an eReward for a free cup of queso to be redeemed in the app through 10/15. 

The Southern Gentleman is hosting the Stellum Cask Strength Bourbon Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 27. Representatives from popular distilleries around the country will present their very best offerings. Executive chef Banks White is curating three- to five-course menus tailored to the specific flavor profiles of select bourbons, whiskeys, and ryes. Distillery representatives will guide guests through each of the courses and pairings. The featured spirit for the Sept. 27 dinner will be Stellum Bourbon Single Barrel "Perseus A7."  Tickets are $66 plus tax. Upcoming bourbon dinners will be Oct. 19, highlighting Woodford, and Nov. 16, highlighting Whistle Pig. Monthly dinner prices will vary.  

Sugo in Johns Creek is celebrating its 20th anniversary during the month of September. They are offering a $20 prix-fixe menu every Thursday (available for dine in & take out) with a choice of a first course, rotating Sugo fan-favorite entrees & dessert. There will also be a big 20th anniversary party from 2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 1. Tickets include unlimited food ($50 for GA; $70 for VIP includes unlimited beverages). 

Pokeworks is celebrating National Poke Day Sept. 25 through Oct. 1 with a limited time BOGO offer. Buy one entree and get the 2nd one at 50% off. Applies to regular and large entrees. Offer valid only in-store, in-app or online. To redeem the offer make sure to use the promo code 

Tickets are now on sale for Southern Exchange Ballrooms and WUSSY Magazine's "The Big SASHA COLBY PRIDE Drag Brunch" (Part 3). The Sasha Colby drag brunch on Oct. 15 will feature the one and only Sasha Colby. Brigitte Bidet, Drew Friday, JayBella Banks, Michael Robinson and Stella Pearl Fontaine. DJ NeonHorror, will be playing all the best tracks.  

Bellwood Coffee and Topo Chico is celebrating National Coffee Day on Sept. 29. Guests can stop by during Happy Hour from noon to 2 p.m. to enjoy their specialty mocktail dubbed "The Gardener," which features strawberries, lemon, basil and iced coffee, topped with Topo Chico. Bellwood Coffee is located at 1336 Glenwood Ave. SE. 

Halcyon's annual Oktoberfest celebration kicks off Sept. 30.  The day will begin with a Concours d’Elegance Classic Mercedes Car Show from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by traditional Oktoberfest festivities featuring The Wurstbrats, a live eight-piece German Polka band, free pretzel necklace-making station, yard games and new this year, a keg rolling contest. Sit picnic style on Village Green treating your taste buds to hot pretzels, brats, other German delicacies, beer, beer and more beer. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Halcyon Facebook event page.  

HOBNOB at Halcyon is hosting an Oktoberfest celebration from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sept. 30. Enjoy delicious German beers and classics like pretzels with beer cheese, brats, sauerkraut and Reuben. Wear your best German-themed outfit for a chance to win a $50 gift card to HOBNOB. For more information, visit the event page. 

DBA Barbecue in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood is now offering a Taco Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Indulge in $3 pulled pork, brisket and carne asada tacos and unwind with $3 select beer bottles for the perfect midweek escape. Other promotions include Wing Wednesdays, Trivia Thursdays and Music Bingo Fridays. 

NFA Burger has a new donation burger. The once-called "Smashed, Scattered, Smothered and Covered Burger" – in honor of you-know-who’s perfectly crisp + indulgent hashbrowns, is smashed in NFA’s signature double style, covered in cheese, smothered in beef tallow grilled onions and topped with scattered tater tots. There are a limited number of burgers available each day, served with a side of tots for $20 per person. Proceeds from the burger will be donated to a different charity each month for the foreseeable future. This month's charity is Dunwoody Rotary Club. 

NEW MENU ITEMS

There's a new flavor at Atlanta-born brand gusto! They are now offering Lemon Pepper Ranch flavor at its 12 locations throughout the metro area. gusto!’s executive chef, Shawn Grodensky, visited several Atlanta institutions – from Magic City to JR Crickets – to taste test Lemon Pepper profiles. After months of experimenting in the brand's test kitchen, he landed on a butter-free version of the recipe that upholds the brand’s commitment to providing healthful, fresh fast food. The flavor option – or gusto! – can be paired with any wrap or bowl, base and protein. 

Nothing Bundt Cakes (multiple locations) is featuring the following seasonal flavors for fall: pumpkin spice, Snickerdoodle, carrot, and Churro Dulce de Leche. The first 3 flavors will be available through Nov. 26. The churro flavor will only be available for two weeks -- Sept. 25 to Oct. 8. 

Chipotle has brought back Carne Asada for the third time in the U.S. and Canada. And, for the first time ever, fans can get Carne Adada in Chipotle’s customizable Hand-Crafted Quesadilla. Chipotle’s Carne Asada is marinated, then seasoned on the grill with a blend of signature spices like cumin, coriander, and oregano, and finished with fresh squeezed lime, hand-chopped cilantro. Available for a limited time.  

Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, is now offering The Chick Melt. The sandwich features each guest’s choice of one of Chicken Salad Chick’s 12+ chicken salad flavors paired with provolone cheese, all atop a toasted, buttery croissant. Guests may also select pimento cheese in place of chicken salad for their Chick Melt, all of which are served as a meal with a choice of a fresh side, soup or scoop plus a pickle and a cookie. Available at all locations.    

MOD Pizza (multiple locations) has brought back customer favorite Pumpkin Spice No Name Cake for fall. The sweet pumpkin cake has a fluffy spiced cream filling and is covered in white chocolate. It will be be available Sept. 25 through Nov. 12 across the U.S. and Canada, while supplies last. 

Westside Motor Lounge is launching a zero-proof cocktail menu for those who wish to consume spirit-free beverages. Cocktails such as The Blood Rose, Black Sails, Echo Cooler and OTC plus five packaged beverages are all available for those who wish to consume spirit-free beverages. Westside Motor Lounge sources the non-alcoholic beverages from The Zero Proof shop, to ensure they are sourcing the best-in-class zero-proof products in the market. In addition to its zero-proof options, Westside Motor Lounge has robust custom cocktail menus in the Main Bar and cocktail lounge and listening room, the West Bar.  

Andy's Frozen Custard (multiple locations) is now offering hand-dipped caramel apples in celebration of fall. There are 3 types -- Double Caramel Dip, Reese's Pieces and Roasted Pecan -- at participating locations nationwide. Other fall treats include Andy's Pumpkin Pie Concrete and the S'mores Jackhammer. 

Your Pie Atlanta (multiple locations) is offering a brand-new, limited-time-only Philly Cheese Steak Pizza. Additionally, they are serving up cold scoops of Pumpkin Pie Gelato and Cookie Butter Chocolate Crunch Gelato for a limited time. 

Daiya, which offers plant-based food items, has announced the return of its most popular limited-time offering, Pumpkin Spice Cheezecake. The brand has announced that the seasonal favorite will also now be a permanent staple in Kroger stores across the U.S. from this September, alongside a limited fall-run in select grocery and convenience stores across the country. 

 

Shake Shack (multiple locations) is bringing back the Hot Chicken sandwich for the 4th time. In addition to the fan favorite, which is back by popular demand, Shake Shack is releasing a fiery new Spicy Shackmeister Burger, Spicy Fries with Ranch Sauce and Spicy Cheese Fries with Ranch Sauce. Each item is dusted with Shake Shack’s signature spice blend to bring the heat and the flavor. 

NEW RESTAURANTS

Coastal Bar & Grill is now open in Roswell in the space formerly occupied by the legendary Houck's Grille. Menu highlights include baked goat cheese dip, a Texas version of the Reuben, thinly-sliced fried catfish, bonesless beef short ribs, shrimp and grits and Bananas Foster banana pudding. For loyal fans of Houck's, Coastal will feature a medley of dishes they have loved for the past 35 years. 

Three Peaches Gelato + Coffee, a cafe and bakery serving dairy-free, low-sugar superfood gelato, shakes, frappes, certified-organic coffee, teas, and vegan baked goods, is opening its 2nd location on the Atlanta BeltLine on Sept. 13 at 985 Monroe Drive, Suite B. Three Peaches’ products are made with local fruits, milk alternatives, natural sweeteners, prebiotic fibers, and super-food ingredients–turmeric, mushroom extracts, oils, collagen, ginger and more–that provide healthy, gluten-free, low-sugar options. The original restaurant is located at 209 Edgewood Ave. SE in downtown Atlanta.

Dave's Hot Chicken, the brand that started as a parking lot pop-up in L.A. and is now backed by Drake, is reportedly coming to East Atlanta with 8 new locations opening over the next few years. The 8 locations, including one in Athens, are under the ownership of the original franchisees, Deryl Pangelinan, Tim Velleca, Andrew Feghali and Lawrence Kourie.  

Jack's Family Restaurants, which has 230 locations across Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi, has announced it will opens its 22nd Georgia Location on Main Street in Cedartown in mid-September. The Cedartown Jack’s will feature the Jack’s Southern Charm architectural design, featuring an open-style dining room equipped with a large seating area for dine-in customers, a large window to allow dine-in guests to watch their biscuits being made from scratch and large porch seating areas outside. A drive-thru will also highlight the location.  To celebrate another successful opening of a Georgia-based Jack’s, the Jack’s app will offer online-exclusive giveaways, prizes and promotions. Additionally, Jack’s is opening with Limited-Time Offers the whole family will love, like the customer favorite Mushroom & Swiss Burger. The burger includes two all-beef patties and is topped with grilled mushrooms and onions, melted Swiss cheese and savory gravy. 

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is opening their first scoop shop in Athens on Sept. 28. They will be serving FREE scoops all night long (7 to 11 p.m.). The first 50 people in line will also get extra Jeni's goodies. They'll be scooping all the classics the customers love, including Brambleberry Crisp and Salty Caramel.  Plus, we'll also have our seasonal favorites on the menu, including Sweet Potato Marshmallow Brûlée, Green Mint Chip, Boston Cream Pie, Cookies in Cream, and Skillet Cinnamon Roll.  

OTHER NEWS

The Georgia Restaurant Association has appointed Stephanie Fischer as the association’s new president and chief executive officer (CEO). Fischer will succeed longtime president and CEO Karen Bremer, who recently announced her retirement.  Fischer has spent her entire career in the hospitality industry, beginning at KFC during high school and culminating in her most recent role as the vice president of corporate operations of Paradies Lagardère Travel Retail Dining Division, where she led strategic planning and support of dining operations with a focus on new store openings, food safety, back-office systems, and the guest experience for more than 80 brands across 170 locations in 43 airports. Fischer’s career experience also includes time with Dunkin’ Brands leading its training center in Orlando, FL where she was responsible for training new franchisees on store operations. Previously, she spent 13 years with the Walt Disney World Company, where she led learning and development for food and beverage and retail at Epcot, including the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.