Where to Eat & Drink in Atlanta Right Now: Part 3
In our Romantic-Date-Night-Crazy-Sexy-Cool Restaurants Era (JK, this is just a few suggestions pulled from my final writing test for that food & drinks job I didn't get)
I’m not really a fan of Valentine’s Day (another annoying made-up holiday where you’re pressured to spend money, etc.). I’m also not a fan of going out to eat on Valentine’s Day, or most holidays, honestly. Restaurants are overbooked, kitchen staff is overworked and stressed out, and the level of service + food quality is never as good as it would be on a normal night. But I just happen to be sharing this right on time in case you do partake in February 14th or if you are planning a date night for literally any other day of the week.
Part 3 is the final in my (also made-up) series about Atlanta restaurants. If you don’t know why I shared this in 3 parts, you can catch up here or here.
Now that you’ve been filled in with the 411, below is an update to a “romantic restaurants” guide, or 3 spots you can dine at in Atlanta for any date night.
Ruby Chow’s, Old Fourth Ward
Settle into a rounded corner booth, great for canoodling, at Ruby Chow’s near Ponce City Market. This is a trendy, see and be seen type establishment, which means it’s ideal to dine at with a new date or steady partner, but not so much that secret rendezvous. Love knows no bounds, or days of the week, so Ruby Chow’s gets brownie points for being open on Mondays, and bonus points for their Monday night special: half off bottles of wine. If you prefer cocktails, spice things up with a Lemon Pepper Stepper and then get a bunch of food to share: pick from three steamed buns options, and order some fried oysters and the pork kimchi rice. An absolute must is the cacio e pepe made with Szechuan pepper. It’s hot, and the true star of the show.
Kitty Dare, Inman Park
We don’t talk enough about how light, refreshing foods are the trick to date night because they won't put you to bed before the Uber drops you off at your doorstep. The dinner menu at this chic Mediterranean spot is designed for you to order multiple plates–you’ll feel satiated not stuffed after trying the dips trio, a couple entrees like the citrus salmon and the crispy saffron rice, and of course an order of feta fries. The best part is you’ll still have room for that super sweet finale. Dine on the patio if the weather allows and then move to the bar and get cozy with some cardamom orange creme brulee, saffron and dates panna cotta, or a scoop of pistachio gelato. Pair your dessert with a specialty cocktail featuring black fig vodka or a light, refreshing spritz with mint leaves.
Cafe Alsace, Decatur
One of the oldest cafes in Decatur, Cafe Alsace hasn’t changed much in 25+ years, but that’s part of its charm. The space is so small you’ll have no choice but to play footsie with your tablemate so you better like each other. Alsatian cuisine incorporates some German cooking traditions, which is why the menu is more than nicoise salad, french onion soup, and escargot—though those are solid options, too. Get the best of both worlds: we’re reaching for the spaetzle aux champignons, the sauerkraut with three types of sausage, and the chocolate pot de creme, with two spoons, no exceptions. While you wait for each course, impress your lover by teaching them the new phrases you’ve learned on DuoLingo. We’re kidding, don’t do that. Just be yourself and have a good time. Dining out together is the true language of love, after all.