Atlanta Bites: Special events, openings & deals at area restaurants | Sept. 2025

ATLANTA - Here is the latest roundup of restaurant & dining news from around the metro Atlanta area:

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Mill Kitchen & Bar in Roswell is bringing back its Town Square Community Dinner Series on Sunday, Sept. 7, with a four-course menu featuring dishes like Green Tomato Carpaccio with poached shrimp, Smoked Chicken Leg Confit with applewood bacon creamed corn, Coffee-Cured Beef Tenderloin with blue cheese sweet potatoes, and a Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake for dessert. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a welcome reception, followed by dinner with wine pairings. Tickets are $130 per person (plus tax and gratuity), with proceeds benefiting Friends of Roswell.

Meals On Wheels Atlanta has teamed up with Arrivato Imports for Caviar for a Cause, running now through Sept. 13 at select Atlanta restaurants including Umi, Lazy Betty, Avize and Bar Avize, Iberian Pig Buckhead, Hamp & Harry’s, Gunshow, and Kyma. Guests can enjoy luxurious caviar dishes while knowing a portion of each order supports Meals On Wheels Atlanta’s mission to provide meals and essential services to local seniors in need.

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival returns Sept. 11–14, 2025, at its new home in The Home Depot Backyard next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, bringing together more than 200 chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, and culinary insiders to showcase the best of the South. This year’s lineup features local favorites like the Woodall, Marlow’s Tavern, Buena Vida Tapas Bar, Chichería Mexican Kitchen, Wylie & Rum, Gypsy Kitchen, Your 3rd Spot, Vino Venue, and more, with guests invited to enjoy tastings, curated dinners, chef-led events, and the festival’s signature tasting tents. 

TWO urban licks is hosting Mini Mixology on Sept. 16 from 6:30–8 p.m., a hands-on cocktail class paired with chef-driven bites from Executive Chef Chad Clevenger. Guests will shake, stir, and sip through three craft cocktails with seasonal pairings, starting with a sparkling welcome drink and ending with recipe cards to take home. Tickets are $75 per person plus tax, fees, and gratuity, with VIP upgrades available for an additional $50 that include a bonus demo, extra bites, a bartender Q&A, and a Take Home Bar Kit. A Bar Kit Only option is also offered for $30. Space is limited, and early reservations are encouraged at 404.500.8731.

Pricci will host its 3rd annual Festa Dell’uva on Sept. 28, inviting guests to celebrate Italy’s grape harvest with an evening of entertainment, fine Italian wines and spirits, and abundant food stations with heavy hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $89 per person and can be purchased through OpenTable.

Suwanee vs. Sugar Hill: Community Food Fight, Round 3 — The tiebreaker is on Sept. 20–Oct. 19 as Suwanee and Sugar Hill face off to benefit the North Gwinnett Co-Op with food and monetary donations; bins are available at Suwanee City Hall (300 Town Center Ave.) and the Suwanee Police Department (373 U.S.-23), with additional locations and online giving accepted. After Sugar Hill took Round 1 and Suwanee answered in Round 2, help decide the "heavyweight" champ—Suwanee alone collected 14,025 pounds of food and $2,195 last year.

NEW MENU ITEMS

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, recently ranked #6 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers, is rolling out new limited-time menu items in Atlanta from Sept. 3 through Nov. 11. Fans can try the fiery Spicy Jawn, house-made Crib Chips, and a Strawberry Dragonfruit Tractor Beverage, plus the debut of the Truffle Shuffle, a cheesesteak layered with seasoned halal steak, sautéed onions and mushrooms, Cooper Sharp and Provolone, and black truffle mayo. Known for its halal Philly cheesesteaks, cheesesteak egg rolls, and community-first mission, Big Dave’s is adding inventive twists that blend Philly tradition with Southern flair.

Dairy Queen is kicking off fall with its new Fall Treat Collection, available now and featuring the Caramel Toffee Cookie Blizzard, Pumpkin Pie Blizzard, and Maple Cookie Shake. As part of DQ’s 85th birthday celebration, fans can also score a small Blizzard for just 85 cents from Sept. 8–21 through the DQ Mobile App for Rewards members with any purchase of $1 or more, making it the perfect time to enjoy these seasonal favorites.

JINYA Ramen Bar is kicking off comfort food season with the debut of its Ciao Ramen, created in collaboration with QCP ("It’s QCP"). This hearty, Italian-inspired bowl combines tomato-basil broth, thick noodles, pork chashu, and parmesan for a cozy fusion of pasta night and ramen. Timed with the first day of fall and ahead of National Pasta Month in October, it’s the perfect transitional dish — and an ideal study fuel for college students looking to warm up with something crave-worthy.

Krystal is spicing up football season with its Ranch Blasted menu and a new sweepstakes running Sept. 29–Nov. 9. Guests who buy a Dr Pepper while logged into their Club Krystal account are automatically entered to win an Ultimate Tailgating Pack, featuring prizes like a YETI cooler, Blackstone griddle, Solo Stove, 55" TCL TV, and more. With fan-favorite bundles like 8 Krystals for $9.99 and the revamped Club Krystal rewards program, the chain is giving fans plenty of reasons to celebrate game day.

Lazy Betty is debuting two sweet new offerings starting Sept. 9. Pastry Chef Lindsey Davis returns with the restaurant’s first-ever Dessert Tasting Menu, a four-course experience served nightly in the Bar Lounge for up to 12 guests, featuring rotating creations like Crisp Apple, Sweet Potato Sable, Vanilla Noisette, and a Cookies & Cream Bar, with optional beverage pairings. Davis is also launching a new in-house cake program for guests celebrating special occasions, offering custom entremet and traditional cakes in a variety of flavors and styles, available by advance order at least five days before a reservation.

Moe’s Southwest Grill is spicing up late summer with the return of its fan-favorite Tequila Lime Chicken, now available with a bold Tajín® twist starting Aug. 26. The limited-time protein features white meat chicken tossed in agave sauce with lime, jalapeño, and garlic, finished with optional chile-lime seasoning at no extra cost. Also back is the Queso Crunch Taco—this time stuffed with Tequila Lime Chicken and Tajín—while guests can add the seasoning to any entrée, queso, guac, or chips for extra flavor. Moe Rewards members can score a free Queso Crunch Taco with any purchase through Sept. 7, but fans are encouraged to act fast as last year’s drop sold out in just two weeks.

MENU DEALS & SPECIAL OFFERINGS

Baraonda Ristorante in Sandy Springs is debuting a fall special called Pastatini, offering guests a mix-and-match pasta and martini combo for $25. Available Thursdays only, the deal features five pasta options (penne pesto, linguinie & shrimp, baked zit, lili-shaped pasta and brocolini, lasagna) paired with five martini selections, giving diners a customizable way to enjoy an Italian classic with a cocktail twist.

BurgerFi is rolling out bold fall flavors with the Steak Hangover burger and S’mores Shake, available now through Oct. 31 at Atlanta-area locations in Alpharetta, Peachtree Corners, and Lawrenceville. The indulgent burger layers shaved steak, bacon, caramelized onions, cheese, a runny egg, and Boom Boom Sauce on a potato bun, while the campfire-inspired shake blends vanilla custard with chocolate, graham crackers, marshmallows, and drizzle for the perfect sweet finish.

Brasserie Margot has launched a new Pre-Theatre Dinner Menu, available Tuesday–Saturday from 5–7 p.m., offering a refined yet efficient dining experience rooted in modern French cuisine. Guests can enjoy two courses for $38 or three for $45, with starters like Soupe à l’Oignon or Burrata with Fig and Pecan Gastrique, mains such as Mushroom Risotto, Steelhead Trout with citrus gremolata, or Garlic-Glazed Chicken Paillard, and desserts by Pastry Chef Eric Snow including Peach and Chamomile Crème Brûlée or 72% Araguani Mousse au Chocolat. Designed as the perfect prelude to an evening out, the menu is timed to complement plans at the Fox Theatre, Atlanta Botanical Garden, or Woodruff Arts Center.

California Pizza Kitchen is rolling out $10 Pizza Days, offering four of its best-selling pies—The Original BBQ Chicken, Pepperoni, Five Cheese + Fresh Tomato, and Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage—for just $10 each on Mondays and Tuesdays. Perfect for back-to-school and Labor Day deals, the promotion is available for dine-in, takeout, or delivery (excluding Hawaii) with a $20 minimum purchase, and guests can also opt for "Take & Bake" style on pick-up and delivery orders. To redeem, simply mention "$10 Pizza Days" to your server or use promo code CPKPizza when ordering online or through the CPK app.

CT Cantina & Taqueria has launched a new Mini Hour menu at all locations, Monday–Friday from 2–5 p.m., featuring half-priced small pours like $6 margaritas, mini palomas, beers, and wine, alongside fun-size bites including $2 mini street tacos and $4 mini tostadas. Guests can also check out the brand’s newest Dunwoody location on Sundays for an Authentic Mexican Brunch Buffet ($40 per person), serving more than a dozen traditional dishes from pozole and tamales to chilaquiles, nopales, and fresh conchas.

Little Rey is spicing up its menu with five secret ways to order tacos: Rico Style with queso and smoked jalapeños, Costra Style with a crispy cheese layer, Gringo Style with American cheese, lettuce, and ranchero salsa on a grilled tortilla, California Style packed with fries, cheese, and pico de gallo, and Ranchero Style topped with a fried egg, ranchero salsa, and cotija cheese.

Marcus Bar & Grille is serving up weekend vibes with its "For the Love of Brunch" buffet every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring beats from August resident DJ Exeqtive ($45 adults, $18 kids 6–13, free for 5 and under). On Sundays from 5–10 p.m., the restaurant hosts Sunday Supper Club, a family-style prix-fixe dinner accompanied by music from DJ KillaK ($49 adults, $25 kids 6–13, free for 5 and under).

Moe’s Southwest Grill has launched the new Moe Value Meal, offering a junior burrito, queso, fountain drink, and the brand’s signature chips, salsa, and sauces for $9.95. To celebrate, Moe’s is rolling out a nostalgic game show-style experience at MoeValueMeal.com through Oct. 5, where players can win prizes including a year of free Moe Value Meals. Now available at all 580 Moe’s locations nationwide.

At NFA Burger’s Avalon location, guests can reserve the exclusive "Giving Kitchen Table" through Tock for up to four people, with full service included. A $100 donation to Giving Kitchen secures the table (food, drinks, and gratuity are extra), available Monday–Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 12 p.m.

Overstory Rooftop & Bar has launched its refined Afternoon Tea service, now running Fridays and Saturdays from 12–2:30 p.m. on the patio overlooking the Gas South District. Sip exclusive J’Enwey Tea Co. blends alongside scones with clotted cream and seasonal jams, savory bites like Southern Spice egg salad and Caviar & Citrus smoked salmon, and Parisian-style sweets. Three tiers are offered—Skyline Soirée ($65), Cloudline Experience with champagne ($75), and Overstory Prestige with caviar and champagne ($115)—with an optional Royal Caviar add-on ($45), plus live music and discounted valet; 21+ only, upscale-casual dress, reservations via OpenTable.

Perkins National Pancake Day — On Friday, Sept. 26, guests can celebrate by taking "Pancake Time Off" at participating Perkins locations. Anyone who dines in wearing pajamas and mentions National Pancake Day will receive a free small stack of buttermilk pancakes with any purchase, available all day long.

Rock N’ Roll Sushi is cranking up the volume with Lobsterpalooza, a limited-time lineup available through Nov. 9 at participating locations nationwide. The promotion features the new Atlantic Lobster Roll, packed with spicy lobster claw salad, jalapeños, and a tempura-fried kanikama stick, alongside the fan-favorite Rocked Lobster Roll layered with avocado, sriracha, tobiko, and house-made ginger sauce.

SONIC is giving pumpkins a break this fall with two new seasonal treats—the Salted Caramel Toffee Iced Coffee and Salted Caramel Croissant Bites—available exclusively nationwide Sept. 1. The iced coffee ($2.99 for 20 oz.) layers cold brew with salted caramel, buttery toffee, cold foam, and crunchy toffee pieces, while the croissant bites ($1.99 for 4 pieces) feature flaky pastry dusted with caramel sugar, perfect for dunking or sharing. To mark the launch, SONIC is rolling out a playful "Save a Pumpkin" campaign and donating $15,000 to Agricity’s Pumpkins for the People program to help rescue edible pumpkins, compost jack-o-lanterns, and raise awareness about food waste.

Surcheros is celebrating National Queso Day on Sept. 20 by offering free regular queso with the purchase of any regular entrée. Guests can enjoy the deal with burritos, tacos, bowls, or salads—all they need to do is be a member of the Surcheros Rewards Program to redeem.

Vesper in Glenwood Park is carrying its Paws on the Patio series into fall, welcoming pups and their humans every Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. Guests can expect dog-friendly treats and "pup-tails," plus shareable bites and 60s-inspired cocktails that make for the yappiest of hours on the BeltLine.

OPENINGS

Chipotle has opened two new metro Atlanta restaurants featuring its signature Chipotlane drive-thru pickup lanes — one in Marietta at 1298 Powers Ferry Road SE and another in Monroe at 1001 Pavilion Parkway. Both locations opened this month and are serving the brand’s limited-time Carne Asada, alongside new options like "Build-Your-Own Chipotle" family meals. College students can also take advantage of the new Chipotle U Rewards program, offering 1,000 bonus points at sign-up and extra rewards on every purchase.

Krispy Krunchy Chicken celebrated its grand reopening at EZ Trip in Smyrna on Sept. 2 with a free fried chicken feast for the community. Local operators Mohand and Diego said they are excited to bring back one of America’s fastest-growing fried chicken brands. Located at 3100 Highlands Pkwy SE.

Mason’s Super Dogs is now open at 850 Willoughby Way along the Atlanta BeltLine, bringing its superhero-themed gourmet hot dogs and bold flavors to one of the city’s busiest dining corridors. Founded by 19-year-old Mason Wright—Georgia’s youngest restaurant owner—the new location marks his second brick-and-mortar and continues his inspiring journey from hot dog cart to multi-location entrepreneur.

Whataburger opened its first Canton location on Aug. 28 at 6021 Hickory Flat Highway, featuring a double drive-thru, spacious dining room, digital menu boards, and a custom mural showcasing Georgia and Canton pride.

Whataburger has officially opened its first Duluth location at 1695 Pleasant Hill Road, bringing its iconic orange-and-white-striped style, fresh customizable burgers, and signature Fancy and Spicy Ketchup to Gwinnett. The new restaurant features a double drive-thru, spacious dining room, digital menu boards, and a custom mural highlighting Georgia and Duluth pride, with Operating Partner Kenyetta Ellerbe leading a team of 85 local employees.

NATIONAL CHEESEBURGER DAY (SEPT. 18)

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar National Cheeseburger Day Deal (Sept. 18, participating locations) — Double Classic Smash Burger with choice of fries, sweet potato fries, tots, or housemade chips for $10; valid dine-in or through Bad Daddy’s website/app.

BurgerFi National Cheeseburger Day Deal (participating Atlanta-area BurgerFi locations) — Buy one BurgerFi Single Cheeseburger and get a second for $1; limit two redemptions per customer, in-store only.

Jefferson’s National Cheeseburger Day BOGO (Sept. 18, all Jefferson’s locations) — Buy one classic cheeseburger and get one free, includes choice of main side; valid dine-in or online with code ANGUSBEEF.

Huddle House National Cheeseburger Day Deal (Sept. 18–25, participating locations) — Huddle Rewards members get one free Single Smashburger Deluxe; offer redeemable once during the promotion week.

Logan’s Roadhouse National Cheeseburger Day Deal (Sept. 18, participating locations) — 20% off the All American Cheeseburger for Rewards members through the Logan’s Rewards App; one-day-only offer.

McDonald’s National Cheeseburger Day Deal (Sept. 18, participating locations) — Double Cheeseburger for $0.50 when ordered through the McDonald’s App.

Ruby Tuesday National Cheeseburger Day Deals (Sept. 18, all Ruby Tuesday locations) — Signature smashed burgers served with fries or tots and unlimited Garden Bar access starting at $8.99, including Single, Mushroom Swiss, Loaded Guac, and Triple Smashed Burger options.

Wayback Burgers National Cheeseburger Day Deal (Sept. 18, participating Wayback Burgers locations) — Classic Burger for $5, available in-restaurant, online or through the Wayback Rewards program; limit two per order.

COMING UP

EGGtoberfest 2025 — Big Green Egg’s annual celebration returns Saturday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, where 200 cooks from across the country will fire up Eggs to serve endless bites, share grilling tips, and showcase recipes. This family-friendly food festival benefits the Atlanta Community Food Bank, with tickets starting at $89 (kids 10 and under free), and includes live music, competitions, kids’ activities, giveaways, and exclusive event-only Egg deals.

James Beard Award-winning author and chef Hank Shaw will celebrate the release of his new cookbook Borderlands: Recipes and Stories from the Rio Grande to the Pacific with a special dinner at Chichería Mexican Kitchen on Sunday, Oct. 5 from 6–9 p.m. Guests can enjoy a five-course Borderlands-inspired menu by executive chef Joey Vazquez, curated cocktails and wine, a welcome tequila cocktail, live Q&A, and a book signing with Shaw. Tickets are $85

Nàdair will host an exclusive wine dinner with Robert Sinskey Vineyards on Oct. 8 at 6 p.m., featuring a five-course menu by Michelin Award–winning sommelier Ashleigh McFadden paired with Sinskey’s acclaimed wines, including Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and late-harvest muscat. Tickets are $225 per person and available online.

HALL Napa Valley’s On the Road wine dinner series comes to metro Atlanta on Nov. 19 in Dunwoody, where Vintner Kathryn Hall will host an exclusive evening celebrating the release of the 2022 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon. Guests will enjoy curated pairings, fine dining, and insider conversations about the artistry and legacy behind one of Napa Valley’s most acclaimed wines. Tickets sell out quickly. 

If you would like to submit information for this listing or future roundups, send a press release and photos to joyce.lupiani@fox.com.