Atlanta Bites: Where and what to eat in metro Atlanta | April 2024

ATLANTA - Here is the latest roundup of restaurant news from around metro Atlanta. Information on special events, new menu items and specials, new restaurants, closings and other restaurant news. If you would like to submit an item for Atlanta Bites, send an email to joyce.lupaini@fox.com. 

Events

The first Athens Vegan Chef Challenge is underway until April 30. Local chefs are showcasing their creativity with plant-based menu options. Participating restaurants include Rashe’s Cuisine, Hi-Lo Lounge, Akademia Brewing, Big City Bread Cafe, Oh My Delicious, The National, and Little City Diner. More info

Marcus Bar & Grille on Edgewood Avenue celebrates its first anniversary with a party on April 5 from 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy bites from Chef Marcus, special cocktails, and live music. More info

Chamblee Restaurant Week returns from April 7 to 13. With 18 participating restaurants, guests can savor food and drinks from some of Georgia's finest establishments. Dine-in, take-out, or delivery options are available. More info

Zunzi’s + Zunzibar marks the end of their fundraising quarter with a ZUNZIFEST! celebration on April 9. For the recent fundraising period, they donated 1% of sales to Giving Kitchen. Members of Zunzi’s 26 CLUB can enjoy a free regular Conquistador or vegan option from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. More info

Sorella Vicina, in collaboration with Honig Vineyard & Winery, hosts an exclusive wine dinner on April 11. Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine paired with Honig wines. Tickets are $150 each, with limited availability. Early reservations are recommended. More info

The inaugural SIP Brookhaven event takes place on Oglethorpe University's campus from 3 to 6 p.m. Expect boutique wines, craft cocktails, live music, and more. Tickets are $35 through April 12 and $50 at the door. More info

Starbucks is offering new Spicy Lemonade Refreshers starting April 16. The "swicy" flavor trend combines sweet and spicy elements. The three flavors include Spicy Dragonfruit, Spicy Pineapple, and Spicy Strawberry. Customers can also try the new Spicy Cream Cold Foam and Spicy Chili Powder Blend. Available for a limited time. More Info

Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day is happening on April 16 at participating Scoop Shops nationwide. Ben & Jerry's aims to give away 1 million scoops this year. Fans can visit their local shop for a go-to favorite or try new flavors like the brand-new Scoop Shop exclusive Mango flavor, recently debuted creamy Non-Dairy Strawberry Cheezecake, or new options like PB S’more and Impretzively Fudged. More Info

The Palm at The Westin Buckhead is celebrating National Chicken Parmesan Day on April 19 with $2 Chicken Parmigiana Sliders from 4 to 6:30 p.m. The sliders feature tender chicken, zesty marinara sauce, and melted cheese, all sandwich between warm, toasted buns. More info.

Six Flags Over Georgia's Brews & Bites Festival returns April 20 through May 19. The food and beverage festival will feature more than 75 craft brews from local and national vendors, an exciting culinary menu, and hands-on entertainment for the whole family. Beverage companies include Ole Smoky Moonshine, Atlanta Hard Cider Co., Fire Maker Brewing Co., Monday Night Brewing, Terrapin Beer Co., Scofflaw Brewing, SweetWater Brewing Co., Simply Spiked and Peace Hard Tea. Food items include smoked pork kabobs, apple monkey bread, beer brats, pretzel bites and beer cheese, mango habanero bites, ranch cheese curds and horchata bites. More info.

The 31st annual Dining Out For Life occurs on April 24. Over 60 restaurants participate in supporting Open Hand’s mission to provide healthy meals and nutrition education. List of participating restaurants

Aveline! at Kimpton Shane Hotel resumes its Yappy Hour on April 24 in partnership with Braveheart Bulliez Rescue. Enjoy snacks, craft cocktails, and treats, with 15% of proceeds benefiting Braveheart Bulliez Rescue. The event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. More info

The Southern Gentleman and Texas-based Garrison Brothers Distillery are offering an exclusive bourbon dinner on April 24 starting at 6:30 p.m. The evening begins with a welcome reception featuring passed hors d'oeuvres and a specialty welcome cocktail. Following the reception, guests will be seated for a three-course dinner from Texas native and executive chef Banks White, paired with Garrison Brothers selections. Knowledgeable representatives will guide guests through each course and bourbon pairing throughout the evening. Tickets are $180 per person (plus tax) and include the welcome reception, three-course dinner, and gratuity. More Info

Auntie Anne's is giving away free pretzels at their grand reopening on April 26 of the Perimeter Mall location and at all stores nationwide when customers use their Auntie Anne's app. More Info

Wetzel's Pretzels is celebrating National Pretzel Day on April 26 by giving away free pretzels. The theme this year is WETZ PARTY in honor of Wetzel's 30th anniversary. Customers will receive one free original pretzel per person between 3 p.m. and close (no purchase necessary). 

Chuck E. Cheese celebrates World Autism Month with a Sensory Sensitive Sunday event on April 28. Nearly 500 locations open two hours early for sensory-sensitive fun. List of participating locations

New Restaurants

Auburn Angel has opened in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood on Auburn Avenue NE. It is celebrating its grand opening on April 19. Menu highlights include grilled octopus, lamb neck, Skull Island prawns and Firefly squid, steak tartare, lamb loin, striped bass, and more. More info. 

Beignets and Brew, a relaxed bakery and café offering hot and fresh New Orleans-style beignets and specialty coffee beverages, has opened its doors at The Avenue Peachtree City. 

Bruxie opens its first location in Chamblee, known for its Belgian waffle sandwiches and chicken tenders. Ribbon cutting is on April 5, followed by the grand opening on April 6. More info

Chipotle debuts its first Mableton location on March 29. The restaurant offers a Chipotlane and is open daily from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. More info

Divan Restaurant & Bar celebrates its 20th anniversary with a move to a new location in Midtown Atlanta. Experience Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a historic 5-story building. More info

J’ouvert Caribbean Kitchen opens in Uptown Atlanta, offering Caribbean street food and brunch items. Enjoy a fusion of flavors in a vibrant setting. More info

Jeremiah's Italian Ice is celebrating its grand opening on April 20 and 21 in downtown Decatur. There will be prizes and games with the chance to win free Italian Ice for a year, and other family-friendly attractions. More info. 

Mercedes-Benz Stadium has added a new frictionless market: Michelob Ultra Grill. The frictionless market offers fans a convenient and efficient way to grab their favorite food and beverages. Michelob Ultra Grill will feature hot food items and snacks. Fans enter the market using any credit or debit card or cashless card and as they shop, items are added to a virtual cart. When they exit, the card is only charged for the items the customer takes with them. The stadium also offers Spirited, an enhanced beverage experience that uses facial authentication technology. More Info

Raik Mediterranean opens in Suwanee. Menu highlights include hummus, Baba Ghannouj, Falafel, Fried Kibbeh, Fattoush, Tabouli, flatbread, chicken/beef/salmon nabobs, lamb shank, and more. More info. 

Sidelines Grille opens on Lower Roswell Road in East Cobb. More info. 

Stir House opens April 25 in downtown Atlanta. Menu highlights include the A-Town with Impossible grounds with onions, garlic, sweet peppers, red beans, corn, purple cabbage topped with a fried drumstick and drizzled with Red Pepper aioli sauce; the Nolan with jasmine rice, vegan shrimp, garlic, onions, red beans, spinach, sweet peppers, and spicy Beyond sausage; and the Da Vinci with fettuccuine noodles, Daring chicken, garlic, onion, broccoli, sweet peppers, and meatballs. Appetizers include fried drumsticks, fresh spring rolls, bao buns, fried oyster mushrooms and more. More info.

Tim Hortons, the beloved coffee and bakery shop founded in Canada 60 years ago, is now open in Fairburn at 7940 Senoia Road. More info. 

Z!EATS is opening on the Upper Westside on April 23. The restaurant will feature bold flavors and fresh ingredients in dishes that draw inspiration from Atlanta's diverse culture and the owners' Turkish heritage. Z!EATS will host a grand opening celebration from April 23 to April 28. On April 23, 20% of all proceeds will be donated to The Giving Kitchen; teachers/faculty receive 20% off April 24; first responders receive 20% off April 25; BOGO 50% entrees April 26; and kids eat free April 27-28. More info. 

Celebrating 4/20

Velvet Taco is giving customers the chance to get high (in the sky) with a prize of skydiving for two followed by lunch at all locations nationwide to celebrate April 20. All guests have to do to enter? Roll up to Velvet Taco and grab a 420 Blazin’ Taco on the loyalty app or follow the entry instructions on @velvettaco ’s giveaway post. 

Krystal is celebrating 4/20 by offering a whopping $5 off on orders of $20 or more for both online and mobile orders at participating locations. Valid for both pickup and delivery. All you need to do is use the code MUNCHIE at checkout. More info. 

Jimmy John's is offering their Deliciously Dope Dime Bag to celebrate 4/20 this weekend. It includes a hand-sliced smoked ham and provolone cheese sandwich topped with Jalapeño Ranch, XTRA Oregano-Basil, sliced pickles crispy jalapeños and fresh-sliced lettuce and tomato, alongside a spear of a fan-favorite Jimmy John’s pickle, a delectable Fudge Chocolate brownie, and a satisfying serving of Jimmy Chips. The Deliciously Dope Dime Bag will be available for online order only at participating restaurants nationwide for $10 with the use of the promo code DIMEBAG and select fans across the country will be surprised with additional merch, including a Jimmy John’s branded rolling tray (for catching crumbs from the chips, of course). More info. 

Cheba Hut celebrates 4/20 with food specials and giveaways, including Nug subs for just $4.20 all day long. Also receive a free Cheba Hut frisbee. More info. 

Menu Items/Specials

Bojangles has introduced the all-new Bo's Bird Dog, a spin on the classic hot dog featuring an iconic Chicken Supreme tender nestled in a split-top potato bun topped with thick-cut pickles and drizzled with Carolina Gold sauce. 

Dave & Buster's is leveling up its food game with a new menu featuring more than 20 tasty new items, including Loaded Barbacoa Fries, Stacked Steak Bowl, Cajun Shrimp Pasta, and Cereal Cake dessert. Guests can enjoy 50% off ALL food starting April 15 by joining their rewards program. More Info

Pollo Campero, the Guatemala-born, fast-casual restaurant, is celebrating its 100th location by offering a commemorative cup that unlocks free refills for life. The cup is available for $5 at all Atlanta locations, and Pollo Campero will donate $3 for each cup sold up to $100,000 to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. More Info

Duck Donuts is offering cotton candy flavors for a limited time. Special items include the Cotton Candy Dream (vanilla icing with cotton candy topping and strawberry drizzle), Cotton Candy Explosion (cotton candy icing with cotton candy topping and vanilla drizzle), and Cotton Candy Swirl (vanilla icing with cotton candy topping and cotton candy icing drizzle). More Info

Schlotzsky's has added the Bacon Bun to its offerings nationwide. The Bacon Bon features an iconic Cinnabon cinnamon roll made with Makara® cinnamon and signature cream cheese frosting, topped with crispy bacon and caramel drizzle for the perfect savory and sweet combination. Customers can purchase a Bacon Bon or Bacon MiniBon for a limited time. More Info

Wetzle's Pretzels is now offering the Orange Dream, a delightful homage to the beloved creamsicle dessert. The new beverage is made with sweet, creamy orange citrus granita and layered with soft whip topping – starting at $6.99 and available at participating Wetzel’s locations across the U.S. for a limited time. More Info

Bulla Gastrobar introduces a spring menu with fresh bites and cocktails. The new food items include Crema de Gambas; Macarrones Con Chorizo; Mushrooms Con Chorizo; braised ribs; Estofado de Res; and Baileys Tiramisu. Spring cocktails include the Mediterranean Negroni and Mezcal Paloma. More info

Canoe adds Roasted Springer Mountain Chicken to its dinner menu, served with roasted root vegetables and natural jus. Enjoy riverside dining with this seasonal dish. More info

Caribou Coffee offers weekly specials throughout the month, including discounts on beverages and food items. Mondays: Visit and receive a large for the price of a medium to use for the remainder of the week (valid Tuesday-Sunday). Tuesdays: Take 50% off the featured handcrafted beverage. Details on each week’s beverage will be shared by email and in the Caribou Coffee app. Wednesdays: Receive 20% off food all day. Thursdays: Earn double points on your orders in-store or through the app after noon. Fridays: Buy one handcrafted beverage, get one for 25% off. Saturday and Sundays: Earn triple points on your purchase in-person, order ahead or delivery. More info

Chipotle is celebrating the Stanley Cup Playoffs by offering a BOGO deal on April 22 if customers come in wearing a hockey jersey at 3 p.m. Limit of 5 free items and each free item requires a purchase of an entree item. Participating locations only. Other restrictions may apply. More info.

Chido & Padre's elevates Taco Tuesday with new margaritas and rotating taco options. Guests can choose between flour or corn tortillas, with each order comprising two tacos accompanied by Mexican rice and black beans. These offerings will rotate every few weeks, ensuring a fresh experience with each visit. In the rotation are: Ancho-crusted tuna – a unique offering featuring ancho-crusted tuna paired with a tangy lemon arugula slaw ($17); Shrimp Holbox – grilled marinated shrimp served with a refreshing mango papaya slaw, drizzled with a light Holbox-inspired vinaigrette ($16) and Steak Jalisco – a hearty choice of grilled, marinated carne asada topped with smoky chipotle slaw ($16). Margaritas include Teremana margarita – A delightful blend of Teremana tequila, agave, and fresh lime juice ($14) and Spicy mango margarita – A fiery mix of Tanteo jalapeno-infused tequila, mango juice, lime juice, and agave ($13). More info

Culver's presents thick-cut bacon, enhancing signature menu items with premium-quality bacon. While bacon has long been a guest-favorite addition to signature menu items like ButterBurgers and the Culver’s Deluxe, Culver’s menu development team saw an opportunity to upgrade to an even better product. Culver’s new bacon is cooked using a proprietary method that leaves it chewy on the inside, with the edges crisped to perfection on the grill. More info

Gypsy Kitchen in Buckhead launches a new brunch service featuring a diverse menu and brunch cocktails. Menu highlights include a chef's board; small plates such as atatas bravas, garlic shrimp, crispy Brussels sprouts, grilled Spanish octopus, and Moroccan-spiced lamb skewers; breakfast paella with  four eggs, chorizo, mamba rice, vegetable broth, rainbow carrots, cauliflower, and herbed garnish; prawns and polenta with buttery polenta, grilled shrimp, saffron bilabial sauce, crispy garlic, and chive crema; French toast with cardamom crème, fresh berries, and strawberry vanilla glaze; and more. Brunch cocktails will also be available. Flamenco guitarist George Marlow will play from 12-3 p.m. More info

Firehouse Subs brings back the BBQ Cuban Sub, a fan-favorite limited-edition sandwich available until June 30th. Try this unique twist on a classic Cuban sandwich. More info.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Taverns offers new weekly specials. The Boots and Buckles Bash happens every Sunday at 5 p.m. Enjoy line dancing, specialty food and drink offerings. Thursday night is Ladies Night. Enjoy $15 appetizer boards and $15 rose and champagne flights with $5 wine speicals. Music bingo starts at 7 p.m. More info

Huddle House celebrates its 60th anniversary with the return of French Toast Toppers. Choose from a variety of delicious toppings to customize your French toast. More info

Jimmy John's reintroduces fan-favorite sandwiches, including the Caprese Salami Pesto Sandwich and Wrap. Indulge in these flavorful options for a satisfying meal. More info

Kyuramen, the acclaimed Japanese amen chain, launched the "New Bowl Lottery Game" in April 2024, giving diners to have a chance to win a free menu item with every bowl of ramen ordered, adding more fun and thrill to the dining experience. More info.

Krispy Krunchy Chicken offers the Cajun Chicken Sandwich, featuring Cajun-spiced chicken breast, honey sauce, and pickles on a warm brioche bun. More info

McDonald's reintroduces breakfast bagel sandwiches, available in three delicious varieties – Bacon, Egg and Cheese; Sausage, Egg and Cheese; and Steak, Egg and Cheese. More info

Newk's Eatery brings back fan-favorite salads and sandwiches, including Spicy Jalapeno Ranch Salad, The Pesto Chicken Caesar Salad and Newk’s Chicken Salad Sandwich for a limited time. Spicy Jalapeno Ranch Salad, The Pesto Chicken Caesar Salad and Newk’s Chicken Salad Sandwich. for a limited time. More info.

Panera unveils largest menu transformation in history. New sandwiches include Toasted Italiano, Chicken Bacon Rancher, Ciabatta Cheesesteak and Tomato Basil BLT. New salads include Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains, Southwest Chicken Ranch, Balsamic Checken Greens with Grains and Ranch Cobb Salad. More info. 

Taco Mac has unveiled a revamped lunch menu featuring new salads and fan favorites, including world-class burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and, fresh, never-frozen Buffalo wings. Crisp salads include the Southwest salad topped with succulent shrimp, a traditional garden salad with perfectly seasoned grilled chicken or shrimp, and a grilled chicken BLT salad. Wing lovers can feast on various flavor options, and there are also several choices for those who prefer their chicken in a wrap or sandwich, including grilled, Southern-fried, and Buffalo style. The specially curated lunch menu is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. More info.

Ray's On The River unveils a gourmet steakhouse burger menu featuring unique flavor combinations. Options include: Bullseye bison burger ($20) – bison and chipotle patty, BBQ sauce, pepper Jack cheese, lettuce, remoulade sauce, Doux South pickles, and onion rings; Betty’s BLT ($15) – Benton's bacon, lettuce, sliced tomato, and garlic and thyme aioli; Greek lamb Burger ($19) – lamb patty, pickled red onion, cumin, and feta and dill aioli; Comeback burger ($18) – brisket burger, Big Boy sauce, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and onion and Smokehouse Burger ($18) – brisket burger, Smokehouse sauce, pepper Jack cheese, chopped cherry pepper, and onion rings. Available 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. More info

Tin Lizzy's Cantina offers BBQ tacos for a limited time. Guests can choose from the Carolina pulled pork taco, featuring slow-roasted pork drenched in a tangy mustard barbecue sauce and topped with crisp coleslaw, or, for those with a penchant for sweeter notes, the Memphis BBQ pork taco, which combines the same tender, slow-roasted pork with a sweet barbecue sauce, complemented by slaw and crowned with crispy potato sticks. More info

Waffle House is offering strawberry waffles topped with whipped cream at participating locations for a limited time. 

Closings

Hampton + Hudson on North Highland Avenue is temporarily closed for maintenance. More info. 

Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub in Brookhaven is closing April 29 after 14 years. More info.

Red Hare Brewing & Distilling closed its Delk Industrial location. More info. 

Dirty Dough in Roswell has closed. More info. 

La Panarda in Cascade Heights has closed. The restaurant was operated by Chef Deborah VanTrece, who was recently selected as the curating chef for the American Express Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jacison International Airport.  More info. 

Pepsi collaborated with Chef Bobby Flay to launch two new flavors to elevate the taste of BBQ foods – Pepsi Peacha nd Pepsi Lime. The tangy citrus bite of lime and the plush sweetness of a ripe peach are popular and nostalgic summertime flavor profiles, and when combined with the crisp and refreshing taste of Pepsi. Go to BetterWithPepsi.com to access exclusive recipes from Bobby Flay and enter for a chance to win an epic BBQ experience. Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. More info. 

Other News

Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta in Midtown Atlanta has appointed Eric Snow as executive pastry chef. Snow has led pastry teams at iconic destinations such as the Oak Room at the Plaza Hotel in New York, Alain Ducasse at the Essex House, Daniel Boulud's Café Boulud Palm Beach, Grand Hyatt Kauai, Wynn Las Vegas, and Atlanta's Joël, where he began his professional path in 2001. Most recently, Chef Snow has served as the executive pastry chef for Atlas and The Garden Room. More info.

California Pizza Kitchen's popular Thank You card promotion ends April 22. Most importantly, $50,000 IN CASH is still up for grabs, which means everyone with an unopened Thank You Card needs to head out to their local CPK over the next five days to find the big grand prize, as well as several other incredible giveaways. More info.

The French-owned la Madeleine is expanding its franchise opportunities in the Atlanta area and hopes to open 20 locations, which will employ 25-30 full- and part-time employees at each cafe. Currently, there are 4 locations -- Atlanta, Buford, Duluth and Marietta. La Madeleine offers a range of prototypes to accommodate different trade areas.Options include Traditional, Petite, Self-Contained Kiosk or Inline formats that provide flexible opportunities, including designs ideal for nontraditional venues. More info.

Holistic Spirits Co., the plant-based spirit company founded by wellness entrepreneur Amy Holmwood and actor Woody Harrelson, is now available in the state of Georgia.Holistic Spirits Co. launched with two expressions last September, Origen Specialty Vodka and Harmony Gin. Origen and Harmony are infused with a proprietary, natural blend of artichoke leaves, elderberries, green tea leaves, and muscadine grapes, and are non-GMO, contain zero sugar, and no artificial colors or flavors.  For now, both expressions are available to purchase in-state or at Reservebar.com. More info.

Atlanta-based restauranteur, Ebony Austin of Nouveau Bar & Grill, recently won the Community Leadership Award at the 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo. Austin has given more than $1,000,000 to college students to fight food disparities and recently partnered with U.S. Foods to provide 18-wheeler trucks filled with, vegetables, and necessities for families facing food insecurity at both Howard University and Morehouse College. The Atlanta-based, vibe-forward social dining experience, Your 3rd Spot, took home the Best Hospitality Training Program. Finalists in each category were selected by a panel of experts from Johnson & Wales University who evaluated each submission based on several criteria. 

Big Green Egg promotes Dan Gertsacov to CEO, replacing Andi Arani, who will continue to serve as vice chairman of the company. Gertsacov assumes the new role with a wealth of experience, having served as Chief Commercial Officer of Focus Brands; Chief Marketing and Digital Officer of Arcos Dorados, McDonald's largest independent franchise; Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company; and earlier in his career, as Head of New Markets, Latin America at Google. He's also a trained chef, with a passion for exploring the live-fire food culture around the world. More info. 

Small Sliders, which offers fresh, cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders, has signed an agreement to open 6 locations in northwest Atlanta alongside multi-brand operating group, Purple Square Management Co. The group aims to have its first two locations open in early 2024, with the four additional locations to follow soon after. Smalls Sliders opened its first restaurant in 2019 and has since grown to eight Cans throughout Louisiana, with more than 60 locations already in the development pipeline. Small Slider also just announced the appointment of industry veteran Julie Hauser-Blanner as its chief operating officer. Smalls Sliders is the brainchild of restauranteur and visionary Brandon Landry, led by CEO and brand-building expert Maria Rivera, and is backed by industry veterans, 10 Point Capital, and former NFL star Drew Brees. More info.