Atlanta Bites: Where and what to eat this month | January 2024

ATLANTA - Here is the latest restaurant news from around metro Atlanta. If you would like to submit information for publication, send an email to joyce.lupiani@fox.com.

EVENTS

Pontoon Brewing in Sandy Springs has announced that it is reopening Jan. 10. They say they were forced to close in October because one their main distribution partners did not pay them for their product. Their Tucker location will not reopen. 

Duck Donuts is bringing back its $12 Duck Dozens in celebration of National Rubber Ducky Day on Jan. 10. The classic Duck Dozen features 12 fan-favorite combinations including Maple Bacon, Cookies and Cream and Peanut Butter Paradise. Also this year, they are starting a new program on Jan. 10 for their loyal guests – QuackChat. It will sprinkle exclusive offers, new flavors and the latest happenings directly to registered mobile devices.

Cooks & Soldiers is bringing back its beloved Tamborrada Festival from 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 14. Join the pintxo experts for the ninth year and transport to the bustling streets of San Sebastián for signature bites & Basque specialties including: pan con tomate, paella, pork cheek croquetas, albondigas and caña klasikoa (grilled bread topped with goat cheese, roasted tomato, green pepper, red onion marmalade & pistachio) alongside live music, specialty gin-tonics, wine & more! General admission ($50 per ticket, includes unlimited food) and VIP ($70 per ticket, includes unlimited food & drinks). 

Varuni Napoli is celebrating National Pizza Week (Jan. 14-20) by offering two very special National Pizza Week-exclusive pizza at their midtown location. The My Sweet Fire is a red pizza topped with homemade peppadew pepper cream, buffalo mozzarella, hot soppressata, and peppadew peppers. Then, once outside the oven, it’s finished with stracciatella cheese and a drizzle of fresh basil pesto. The  Melanzanella is a white pizza first topped with fried eggplant, smoked mozzarella, artisanal salame, and roasted grape tomatoes. Once outside the oven, it’s finished with stracciatella cheese, fresh basil, black pepper, and EVOO. Varuni Napoli pizzas are also available for nationwide shipping through Goldbelly. 

Goldbergs Fine Foods (multiple locations) is celebrating National Bagel Day on Jan. 15 by offering a free bagel with cream cheese with any purchase. This offer is valid on both dine-in and to-go orders while supplies last. They will also have a special deal for National Bagel and Lox Day. Starting Feb. 9, customers can enjoy our Nova Sandwich Special for just $5. 

Roswell Restaurant Week kicks off on Jan. 18. 46 restaurants are participating this year. Participating restaurants include: 12 Lunar Eatery, 1920 Tavern, A Peach of a Party, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, Bask Steakhouse, Canton St. Social, Ceviche Taqueria, Chaplins, Clean Eatz, Coastal Bar & Grill, Crabapple Tavern, Crazy Love Coffee House, Cubanos ATL, di Paolo Italian Kitchen, Doodle Pies, Fresco Cantina Grille, From the Earth, Hola! Taqueria, Hugo’s Oyster Bar, Ipp’s Pastaria & Bar, Lazaro’s Cuban Cuisine, Lola’s Burger & Tequila Bar, Madrid Spanish Taverna, Mochibees, Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, Mr. Taco, North End Kitchen, Osteria Mattone, Pop’s Coffee Co., Pure Taqueria, Rock ‘N’ Taco, The Roswell Garden, Salt Factory, Slope’s BBQ, Sweet Charlie’s, Table & Main, Taqueria Tsunami, The Gas Light, The Mill Kitchen & Bar, The Vick, Uncle Jack’s on Canton Street, Vas Kouzina, Vin25, Wegman’s Bayou Louisiana Kitchen, Whit’s Frozen Custard, Zest Sushi & Small Plates. 

RELATED: New year, new food: Roswell Restaurant Weeks spotlights city’s best eats

Renowned chef, author, and TV personality G. Garvin is set to transform the iconic Atlanta Symphony Hall into a one-of-a-kind culinary experience with "G. Garvin Live!" on Jan. 19. There will be cooking demonstrations, theatrical performances, special live music guests, mouthwatering cuisine, refreshing beverages and plenty of surprises. Participating restaurants include Virgils Gullah Kitchen & Bar, Low Country Steak, Jinbei West, Sea Salt Seafood, SugarHi sweet eats 'n' treats, Cubanos ATL, Jang Su Jang and more. Tickets start at $75. 

Taco Mac makes room for Founders Brewing Company as its first Beer of the Month for 2024. Featured brews from the Grand Rapids, Michigan, craft brewery include Mortal Bloom hazy India pale ale, All Day IPA, Solid Gold premium lager and Vanilla Porter. Thursday pint nights kick off at 5 p.m. with following giveaways: Founders glassware on Jan. 4; sunglasses on Jan. 11; keychain bottle opener Jan. 18; and a Founders hat on Jan. 25.

Superica is celebrating National Spicy Margarita Week Jan. 22 through 28 at all locations. When you order a specialty margarita featuring Tanteo, $1 from each cocktail will be donated to The Giving Kitchen. Each location (Krog Street, West Midtown, Buckhead, Avalon, Dunwoody, + The Battery) will offer its classic Jalapeño Margarita (photo link) and one specialty Tanteo cocktail as well as a delicious spicy pairing from the kitchen: Carnitas Tacos with habanero pickled onions and a side of Superica’s limited edition Cowboy Coffin sauce.  

In honor of National Pie Day, O'Charley's Restaurant + Bar is offering a free slice of pie with the purchase of an adult entree for all dine-in guests on Jan. 23. O’mazing free pie choices include Ooey Gooey Caramel and Key Lime as well as Salted Caramel Cheesecake and Strawberry Cheesecake. Dine-in only. Also happening now, all day Monday through Thursday, guests can order one of two delicious and filling Family Meal Deals To-Go for just $25. 

French bakery and cafe la Madeleine is celebrating National Croissant Day on Jan. 30 with a free croissant offer. Guests can receive a free butter croissant with any purchase, by scanning the app in cafe, or placing an app or online order. For added flavor to the classic croissant, Chocolate Croissants, Almond Croissants, and Chocolate Almond Croissants are also available at la Madeleine, starting at $3.99. 

NEW RESTAURANTS

This is It! BBQ is opening its newest location on Jan. 9 in Douglasville. They will only offer drive-thru service initially. They will be offering first fruits from noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 9 and all meals will be free. Dinner service (not free) begins at 5 p.m. 

Whataburger is hosting ribbon-cutting ceremonies to celebrate openings in three Georgia cities this week. Ceremonies will take place on Jan. 9 in Dawsonville, Jan. 10 in Kennesaw and Jan. 11 in Athens. All ceremonies will start at 9 a.m. 

A grand reopening ribbon-cutting celebration is being held for J.R. Crickets Cascade on Jan. 11. There will be great food, cocktails and a good time. The restaurant is located at 2348 Cascade Road SE. 

Whatababurger is unveiling its 1,000th restaurant at 11 a.m. Jan. 16 at 2955 Cobb Parkway. A grand opening celebration will feature gift baskets, opening remarks, a live DJ and more. 

Bitzel's Chocolate, a state-of-the-art factory and educational experience, is hosting a grand opening celebration on Jan. 17. The 7,000-square-foot factory, retail store, and attraction is the vision of chocolatier and entrepreneur Ray Bitzel and his business partner Dave Rose. Bitzel’s Chocolate offers chef-crafted gourmet confections created by celebrity pastry chef Sabrina Coombs and an unparalleled Willy Wonka-style behind-the-scenes look at the production process "from bean to bar." Bitzel’s Chocolate is located at 453 Northolt Parkway Suwanee, GA 30024 and is open Tuesday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Press Waffle Co. is celebrating its grand opening on Jan. 20 at The Avenue East Cobb. Press specializes in fully customizable authentic Belgian waffles, in both sweet and savory varieties. Customers can build their own waffle from a selection of toppings or can order one of the favorite combinations like "The House" with fresh strawberries, Nutella, cookie butter, and whipped cream or the bestselling Chicken and Waffles with crispy deep-fried tenders, bacon crumble, and maple syrup. The East Cobb location will also feature partnerships with Rock House Creamery and Cool Beans Coffee Roasters. It is located at 4475 Roswell Road. Current hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.  

The Outlet Bar from the esteemed team at Truck & Tap is now open inside the Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta's 915 Food Hall. The bar offers beers, spirits, cocktails, and coffee. Outlet Bar joins the ranks of the half-dozen fast-casual dining options available at the Food Hall.

The Velvet Hippo, an outdoor counter-service sandwich spot and cocktail bar is now open on North Avondale Road. Menu highlights include turkey, pepperoni and provolone hoagie, Vietnamese-style fried fish sandwich, Moroccan lamb burger, smoked sweet potato hummus, crispy fingerling potatoes, apple brandy hot toddy, and Smuggler Donn, made with rum, grapefruit, lime and cinnamon syrup.   

Aberdeen Steakhouse is now open in Milton. Menu highlights at the classic upscale steakhouse include  oysters, lobster beignets, prime filet mignon carpaccio, chilled seafood, Chesapeake Bay crab bisque, 38 oz, prime Tomahaw ribeye, 16 oz. prime Delmonico ribeye, 22 oz. prime bone-in ribeye, lobster tails, North Atlantic salmon, roasted Belle Evan's chicken, roasted duck, and more.

Illy's first Georgia location is now open at Atlantic Station. The café offers Italian coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner and made-in-house pastries. 

The new Signia by Hilton Atlanta hotel in downtown Atlanta, opening this month, will feature 8 food and beverage offerings, each helmed by a team of talented chefs. There will be 3 full-service restaurants and 3 bars. They include Capolinea, an Italian-inspired kitchen; Nest on Four, an upscale sports bar; Homespun, a Southern breakfast destination; Highball, a pool bar featuring craft cocktails and Southern picnic favorites. They will also offer in-room dining and Club Signia, a private lounge experience. At the helm of the hotel’s culinary team are Director of Food and Beverage Jacob Linzey, who oversees all food and beverage operations, including catering and events; Executive Chef Christian Quiñones, who leads the hotel’s expansive culinary team and is responsible for everything from concepts to community engagement; and Executive Pastry Chef Daniella Lea Rada, who leads an all-female pastry team, is responsible for conceptualizing and preparing all house-made desserts, pastries, chocolates and more. Signia by Hilton Atlanta’s beverage and wine programs are led by Director of Beverage Evan Sewell and Sommelier Marvella Castañeda, respectively. 

NEW MENU ITEMS

Tucker Brewing Company is offering its first non-alcoholic beer named Fermentation without Representation or FWR starting Jan. 3. The new refreshing drink is a light-bodied, full-flavor beer with a crisp finish: ABV 0.46%, IBU: 16 and 108 calories. Additionally, their New Year's Resolution Menu features Brussel sprouts & grapefruit salad, a blackened shrimp bowl, and whipped goat cheese served on toasted sourdough. 

Scofflaw Brewing Co. has announced its newest brew – Juice Quest. Taking cues from the new year, Juice Quest is rooted in adventurous possibilities as it encourages sippers to start their own epic quest. The new hazy IPA rewards the taste buds with a treasure trove of lush tropical gems and sparkling golden citrus from the featured hops Azacca, Citra, and Mosaic. Now available in stores in both 12 oz. 6 pack and 12 packs and on draft at your favorite watering hole.

Andy's Frozen Custard has teamed up with Biscoff to combine their flavors and off the Cookie Butter Crunch Concentrate at all Andy's stores nationwide through March 6. The Cookie Butter Crunch Concrete features Andy’s vanilla frozen custard blended with Biscoff® Cookie Butter and Biscoff® Cookies, creating a delectable, frozen, culinary masterpiece. Treat lovers will delight in the opportunity to enjoy two favorites in one, outrageously delicious creation. 

Bojangles is offering a new Chicken Rice Bowl for a limited time only. The Chicken Rice Bowl seamlessly blends the savory goodness of Bojangles Dirty Rice, combined with the rich flavors of slow-cooked Cajun Pintos and shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses. Guests can enjoy the bowl topped in one of two ways: with a diced, tender grilled chicken breast or Bojangles Chicken Supremes and served with Texas Pete® hot sauce on the side. 

Sorella Vicina in Alpharetta is celebrating winter with an updated menu that nods to the season of cooler temperatures. Highlights include red wine poached octopus, Barbaresco braised short rib, braised duck, and Antarctic salmon. 

Newk's Eatery is celebrating turning 20 with the return of legendary dishes like The Royal Sandwich, Debra Pizza and Chili Taco Salad, all available for just $10.99 for a limited time. And if that wasn't enough, six lucky Newk's Rewards members will win a year's worth of Newk's goodness. Guests just have to grab lunch or dinner at Newk's between Jan 10 and March 26, order an entree and a drink and cross their fingers. And if that wasn't enough, six lucky Newk's Rewards members will win a year's worth of Newk's goodness. Guests just have to grab lunch or dinner at Newk's between Jan 10 and March 26, order an entree and a drink and cross their fingers.

OTHER NEWS

Panera is declared broccoli cheddar soup as the nation's favorite soup in honor of National Soup Month. For a limited time, they are offering a cup of soup for only $1 with the purchase of an entree. Must use the code SOUP at checkout. One redemption per transacting. Other restrictions may apply. 

Three restaurants in the metro Atlanta area will be visited by America's Best Restaurants in early January. ABR is a who that brings attention to local, independently-owned restaurants. The restaurants are Man Chun Hong in Doraville; Musulynn's International Restaurant in Covington; and Woodstock's J.D.'s Bar-B-Que. The restaurants' finished episodes will be announced on their Facebook page and America's Best Restaurants' website. 

Marlow's Tavern is now offering an insider program. Loyal customers will receive special gifts. For example, a Bronze member will receive an exclusive Marlow mug; a silver member will receive a swag bag with a pullover, gift card and more items; a gold member will receive a skip the wait card, a set of glassware, and a bottle of wine or spirit; and a platinum member will receive a skip the wait card, a plus one party for up to 8 people at the member's home tavern, and 10% off every visit. 

Little Rey Buckhead is targeting a spring 2024 opening in the Northcreek Office Park on Northside Parkway. Little Rey is often referred to as Superica's "favorite cousin" and the menu is inspired by northern Mexico. Menu offerings include wood-roasted chicken al carbon, al carbon tacos, traditional street-style tacos, salads, fresh salsa, hand-made tortillas, breakfast tacos, pancakes, frozen margaritas and more. 

Starting in February, Chefs Market will take place every weekend in the Railpark at Pullman Yards on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons. The farmers market-meets-bustling bazaar will expand from its current model to include a wide array of cultures and cuisines while focusing on highlighting small businesses, local artisans, purveyors, and beyond. Chefs Market is on the lookout for chefs, artists, farmers, and creators to join them in creating a truly unique experience for Atlantans! The market is now taking applications for the 2024 series. 

Atlanta-based pastry pop-up Galette has announced that it will open its first brick-and-mortar bakery in Avondale Estates in the summer. 

CLOSINGS

The Wurst Beer Hall in Poncey-Highland neighborhood has closed after less than a year. According to their social media post, they are exploring alternative concepts and will reopen in the spring of 2024. The Best Sandwich Shop, which is located next door, will remain open. 

Bocado is closing in Alpharetta on Jan. 2. No reason was given but it appears Bocado may reopen in Sandy Springs in early 2024. Bocado originally opened as Bocado Burger in 2014 but rebranded in 2022. 

Highland Bakery has announced that it is closing its location at 655 Highland Avenue after 20 years. The building is being sold, according to a Facebook post. The bakery says it will shift its focus to its catering business and their "thriving" downtown location.