Best Of Atlanta 2009 Oral Pleasures Large


Oral Pleasures


Best Barbecue BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Rolling Bones Premium Pit BBQ (Permanently Closed)
We’ve always liked ROLLING BONES, but since chef Todd Richards took over, our affections have grown. Richards has updated the ’cue – the sandwiches are less sloppy, the meat has more of the limelight – and is serving some seriously cool new items, including duck barbecuemore...
We’ve always liked ROLLING BONES, but since chef Todd Richards took over, our affections have grown. Richards has updated the ’cue – the sandwiches are less sloppy, the meat has more of the limelight – and is serving some seriously cool new items, including duck barbecue and smoked trout. Sides have also been given special consideration – the creamy potato salad with Benton’s bacon has just the right mix of creaminess, smoke from the bacon and celery crunch, with none of the sugary undertones of lesser potato salads. Don’t miss the duck sandwich with fig preserves. 377 Edgewood Ave. 404-222-2324.www.rollingbonesbbq.com. less...

Best Bar Food BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
The Porter Beer Bar (Temporarily Closed)

Best Breakfast BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
West Egg Cafe (Featured)

Best Brunch BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Holeman and Finch (Featured)
Every night at 10, HOLEMAN AND & FINCH PUBLIC HOUSE begins serving the famous Holeman burger. Only 25 are made each day, and if you get there past, oh say, 10:02, you’re likely to have missed out. People go nuts for this burger, and for good reason – it hints at all the childhood comfortmore...
Every night at 10, HOLEMAN AND & FINCH PUBLIC HOUSE begins serving the famous Holeman burger. Only 25 are made each day, and if you get there past, oh say, 10:02, you’re likely to have missed out. People go nuts for this burger, and for good reason – it hints at all the childhood comfort of a regular fast-food burger, but it’s made with the best ingredients, combining the two powerful forces of nostalgia and good taste. Even if you’re no night owl, there’s hope for you to get your hands on one of these beauties – the restaurant serves it in almost unlimited quantities at Sunday brunch, and you can even get one to go from the host. But the burger isn’t the only reason to visit for brunch – other Sunday fare is just as good, including the city’s best (moist, hulking, flavorful) pancakes. 2277 Peachtree Road. 404-948-1175. www.holeman-finch.com. less...

Best Chef BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Restaurant Eugene (Permanently Closed)

Best Chinese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Tasty China (Marietta) (Temporarily Closed)
Like many Chinese restaurants, TASTY CHINA has gone through numerous chefs and staff changes — the charmingly abrasive hostess Phuong departed this year under mysterious circumstances. But, like a phoenix, the Marietta Szechuan restaurant manages to rise triumphant from every transition. Skipmore...
Like many Chinese restaurants, TASTY CHINA has gone through numerous chefs and staff changes — the charmingly abrasive hostess Phuong departed this year under mysterious circumstances. But, like a phoenix, the Marietta Szechuan restaurant manages to rise triumphant from every transition. Skip the “American” menu and go straight for the good stuff — anything made with Sichuan peppercorns. The french fry-like batons of dry-fried eggplant are as crispy and addictive as ever. The “Shan City chicken” — a pile of boneless or bone-in chicken fried to a crisp with toasted peppercorns and dried red chilis — will have your mouth tingling long after you depart. If the heat is too much to bare, dishes such as the “Slice fish and sour cabbage soup” — a silky and tangy broth swimming with tender pieces of white fish — are mild enough for tamer palates without sacrificing any of the wow factor. 585 Franklin Road, Marietta. 770-419-9849. less...

Best Cocktails BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
DrinkShop (Temporarily Closed)
Sasha Petraske’s local location of his famous New York bar, DRINKSHOP, was not immediately embraced by Atlantans; it was dismissed by some as just another hotel bar with high prices. But few of those cynics noted that Eric Simpkins — an extraordinary local talent formerly mixing at Trois —more...
Sasha Petraske’s local location of his famous New York bar, DRINKSHOP, was not immediately embraced by Atlantans; it was dismissed by some as just another hotel bar with high prices. But few of those cynics noted that Eric Simpkins — an extraordinary local talent formerly mixing at Trois — is tending bar at the NYC import. Simpkins may be soft-spoken, but he’s a master at manipulating boutique liquors into artful cocktails that explode on the palate. While the menu is carefully crafted, your best bet is to place yourself in Simpkins’ capable hands. He finds out what you’re in the mood for, and then creates a progressive experience where each cocktail builds upon the last. The arm garters, ice cubes designed for certain drinks and old-fashioned stemware only make the bar a more unique destination for cocktail enthusiasts craving a little something different. 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. (inside the W Atlanta downtown). 404-582-5800. www.whotels.com/Atlanta. less...

Best Coffee House/Coffeeshop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Octane Coffee (Permanently Closed)
Try as we might, we just can’t find a better coffeehouse than the Westside’s OCTANE. They’ve got it all. Free Wi-Fi? Check. Cool, comfortable digs? Check. Great food? Check (love that house salad; adore that house-made granola). Friendly, community-conscious staff and owners?more...
Try as we might, we just can’t find a better coffeehouse than the Westside’s OCTANE. They’ve got it all. Free Wi-Fi? Check. Cool, comfortable digs? Check. Great food? Check (love that house salad; adore that house-made granola). Friendly, community-conscious staff and owners? Check. And most importantly: Great, expertly made, quality coffee? Absolutely. Octane makes all of its brewed coffee from Counter Culture beans fresh in press pots, and the baristas are the best in town. Watch this year for a spreading of the love – Octane has taken over Method near Emory, and there are more locations in the works. 1009-B Marietta St. 404-815-9886. www.octanecoffee.com. less...

Best French BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Au Rendez-Vous Bistro (Permanently Closed)
For all the upscale, high-falutin’ French places in town, our favorite is the decidedly homey AU RENDEZ VOUS, tucked into a residential neighborhood in Brookhaven. The cash-only, Vietnamese-owned restaurant serves exactly the kind of food you’d find in a real working-class French neighborhoodmore...
For all the upscale, high-falutin’ French places in town, our favorite is the decidedly homey AU RENDEZ VOUS, tucked into a residential neighborhood in Brookhaven. The cash-only, Vietnamese-owned restaurant serves exactly the kind of food you’d find in a real working-class French neighborhood – traditional recipes cooked with love. You won’t go wrong with any of the crepe appetizers, or rich, hearty meat entrees (try the rabbit cooked with red wine). The diminutive prices and feeling of eating in someone’s jumbled living room only add to the appeal. 1328 Windsor Parkway. 404-343-4983. less...

Best Wait Staff BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Aria (Featured)
The tone of a restaurant, the feel of a room, and the service you receive are usually the doing of that restaurant’s general manager. And at Aria, ANDRES LOAIZA sets a perfect example — warmth complemented by knowledge and professionalism. Need a wine recommendation? Loaiza is helpfulmore...
The tone of a restaurant, the feel of a room, and the service you receive are usually the doing of that restaurant’s general manager. And at Aria, ANDRES LOAIZA sets a perfect example — warmth complemented by knowledge and professionalism. Need a wine recommendation? Loaiza is helpful without the slightest hint of snootiness. Visit the restaurant once, and two years later he’s likely to remember your face, name, what you ordered and how much you liked it. His unmatched attention to detail makes him a master practitioner at the art of true service. 490 E. Paces Ferry Road. 404-233-7673. www.aria-atl.com. less...

Best Ice Cream BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream (Featured)
In the year since opening, MORELLI’S GOURMET ICE CREAM & DESSERTS has gained national attention, being listed in Bon Appetite as one of the top 10 ice cream stores in the country. And for good reason – the constantly rotating list of ice creams, sorbets and now gelatos are as creativemore...
In the year since opening, MORELLI’S GOURMET ICE CREAM & DESSERTS has gained national attention, being listed in Bon Appetite as one of the top 10 ice cream stores in the country. And for good reason – the constantly rotating list of ice creams, sorbets and now gelatos are as creative as they are delicious. Standard flavors, such as strawberry and chocolate, are fantastic, but look out for the wackier concoctions that come and go. Recent winners have been the chocolate and Guinness ice cream and the peach champagne gelato. 749 Moreland Ave. 404-622-0210.www.morellisicecream.com. less...

Best Japanese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Sushi Hayakawa (Where to Eat Recommendation)
SUSHI HOUSE HAYAKAWA is one of those rare Japanese restaurants that does exceptionally well on two fronts: The sushi and sashimi is expertly cut, fresh and fabulous, and the hard-to-find home-style Japanese dishes and nightly specials elevate Hayakawa to destination-restaurant status. Golden-fried squidmore...
SUSHI HOUSE HAYAKAWA is one of those rare Japanese restaurants that does exceptionally well on two fronts: The sushi and sashimi is expertly cut, fresh and fabulous, and the hard-to-find home-style Japanese dishes and nightly specials elevate Hayakawa to destination-restaurant status. Golden-fried squid legs served with Japanese mayo, crispy croquettes with a creamy center, roasted gingko nuts, seductively slippery seaweed salads and an assortment of noodle dishes are perfect with an ice-cold carafe of sake from the restaurant’s small, but excellent selection. 5979 Buford Highway. 770-986-0010. www.atlantasushibar.com. less...

Best Korean BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Honey Pig
For many years, Atlantans equated Korean barbecue with beef and only beef. But HONEY PIG changed everything. This Duluth restaurant is all about the pork — especially the belly. The prices may seem high, but don’t fret. That price includes a gluttonous amount of food. Instead of a regularmore...
For many years, Atlantans equated Korean barbecue with beef and only beef. But HONEY PIG changed everything. This Duluth restaurant is all about the pork — especially the belly. The prices may seem high, but don’t fret. That price includes a gluttonous amount of food. Instead of a regular grill grate, the servers cook the meat on a sizzling-hot cast iron dome with butter. The meat — which comes with a load of side dishes and wrappers — is followed by bean sprouts tossed with chili paste, mushrooms and fermented cabbage. At the end of the meal, a long piece of octopus is curled around the tip of the dome, and snipped to pieces before being tossed with a large bowl of rice and the remaining bits of meat and vegetables. Best. Fried. Rice. Ever. 3473 Old Norcross Road, Duluth. 770-476-9292. less...

Best Mexican BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
La Oaxaquena Taqueria (Where to Eat Recommendation)
Dining at LA OAXAQUENA TAQUERIA used to sometimes be difficult because of the limited seating. But the restaurant has moved to an expansive new location where there’s plenty of seating and parking. The salsa and condiment bar is full of the same pristine choices. The sopes have the requisitemore...
Dining at LA OAXAQUENA TAQUERIA used to sometimes be difficult because of the limited seating. But the restaurant has moved to an expansive new location where there’s plenty of seating and parking. The salsa and condiment bar is full of the same pristine choices. The sopes have the requisite qualities of greatness — a crispy crust, soft masa center and fresh toppings. And there are tacos galore. But the restaurant’s famous tlayudas — a specialty of Oaxaca resembling a large pizza made with a crunchy tortilla base and topped with chewy strings of Oaxacan cheese — are impossible to pass up. 605 Mt. Zion Road, Jonesboro. 770-960-3010. less...

Best Middle Eastern BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Falafel Cafe (Where to Eat Recommendation)

Best New Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
LPC (Permanently Closed)
Nothing in Atlanta restaurants has come along in the past year that’s made us as excited as chef Bruce Logue’s cooking at LA PIETRA CUCINA. From the dreamy pillows of house-made ricotta that accompany the Procuitto de Parma and pineapple mostarda to the outrageous black spaghetti with hot caladresemore...
Nothing in Atlanta restaurants has come along in the past year that’s made us as excited as chef Bruce Logue’s cooking at LA PIETRA CUCINA. From the dreamy pillows of house-made ricotta that accompany the Procuitto de Parma and pineapple mostarda to the outrageous black spaghetti with hot caladrese sausage and rock shrimp to perfect wood-roasted fish, Logue’s bold vision of Italian is as thrilling as any genre of food happening in any restaurant in the city. 1545 Peachtree St. 404-888-8709. www.lapietracucina.com. less...

Best Pizza BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Siracusa’s New York Pizzeria (Featured)
Pizza is one of the most convenient comfort foods. And like most comfort foods, people’s pie loyalties are extremely personal. Consistency, however, is a common expectation. Over the past few years, PIZZERIA FORTUNATO has proven itself as a reliable and excellent New York-style pizza joint. The classicmore...
Pizza is one of the most convenient comfort foods. And like most comfort foods, people’s pie loyalties are extremely personal. Consistency, however, is a common expectation. Over the past few years, PIZZERIA FORTUNATO has proven itself as a reliable and excellent New York-style pizza joint. The classic Neapolitan pizza never disappoints. They are massive, which means each person gets that trademark length and girth of a NYC street slice. The crust has the ideal balance of saltiness, sweetness, crunch and tug. The concentrated acid of tomato in the sauce and strings of chewy mozzarella cheese complete the harmony of pizza perfection. And Fortunato’s passes the day-after test with flying colors — chilled or room temperature. 5350 United Drive, Smyrna. 770-432-7454. www.pizzeriafortunato.com. less...

Best Restaurant Design BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Livingston Restaurant & Bar
The massive redo of the Georgian Terrace hotel gave Atlanta a chic place to stay in the heart of Midtown, but it also gave us one of the most stunningly beautiful new restaurants to come along in years. Design company the Puccini Group gave LIVINGSTON all the old-world glamour of the original space andmore...
The massive redo of the Georgian Terrace hotel gave Atlanta a chic place to stay in the heart of Midtown, but it also gave us one of the most stunningly beautiful new restaurants to come along in years. Design company the Puccini Group gave LIVINGSTON all the old-world glamour of the original space and updated it just enough to make a vintage-modern masterpiece of a dining room. High ceilings, columns, and wrought iron flank the main dining room with its comfortable, modern leather chairs. The stunning bar area is all marble and swanky velvet banquettes. And the patio, facing the Fox Theatre and decked out with fat wicker club chairs and canvas umbrellas, is the height of sophistication. 659 Peachtree St. 404-897-5000. www.livingstonatlanta.com. less...

Best Restaurant for Late-Night Dining BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
El Rey Del Taco (Featured)
Finding something to eat in the wee hours of the morning can be a tough task if greasy spoons aren’t your thing. But Buford Highway has plenty of ethnic options serving food designed to soak up for a belly full of alcohol. TAQUERIA EL REY DEL TACO is one of the best taquerias in Atlanta thatmore...
Finding something to eat in the wee hours of the morning can be a tough task if greasy spoons aren’t your thing. But Buford Highway has plenty of ethnic options serving food designed to soak up for a belly full of alcohol. TAQUERIA EL REY DEL TACO is one of the best taquerias in Atlanta that just so happens to be open daily from 10 to 5 a.m. Handmade tortillas, an abundance of taco fillings, large seafood cocktails and some stellar salsa with serious kick are just as good at 4 in the morning as they are at lunchtime. And the occasional group of rowdy Latina drag queens only adds to the already colorful scenery. 5288 Buford Highway, Doraville. 770-986-0032. less...

Best Food Trend BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Offal
Mmm, livers. Yuumm, tripe. Sweetbreads? Oh, yeah. More and more restaurants are jumping on the OFFAL bandwagon, and that’s just fine with us. While many upscale restaurants (as well as ethnic spots) have been serving organ meats for years, the past year has seen an explosion in whole-animalmore...
Mmm, livers. Yuumm, tripe. Sweetbreads? Oh, yeah. More and more restaurants are jumping on the OFFAL bandwagon, and that’s just fine with us. While many upscale restaurants (as well as ethnic spots) have been serving organ meats for years, the past year has seen an explosion in whole-animal cooking, most notably at Holeman & Finch Public House and at Abattoir, the new restaurant from Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison. The good news is that the public seems to be gobbling it up with gusto, meaning this is a delicious trend that’s not going away anytime soon. Chicken hearts, anyone? Yes, please … . less...

Best Sandwiches BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Muss & Turner’s - Smyrna (Featured)
Chefs Todd Mussman and Ryan Turner have managed to do the impossible – get people to drive from intown Atlanta to Smyrna for sandwiches. But the sandwiches at MUSS & TURNER’S are no joke. The chefs use only the best ingredients — always local when possible — and cookmore...
Chefs Todd Mussman and Ryan Turner have managed to do the impossible – get people to drive from intown Atlanta to Smyrna for sandwiches. But the sandwiches at MUSS & TURNER’S are no joke. The chefs use only the best ingredients — always local when possible — and cook them extremely conscientiously. The creations are playful works of art large enough for the heartiest of appetites. You’d think these guys don’t take themselves too seriously with sandwich names like “Insult to Philly,” but you know they mean business when you see the ingredient list. Shaved Wagyu Kamado roasted beef with an au jus that takes 60 hours to prepare? Sold. Oh, and the “Chocolate Elvis” — griddled chocolate challah bread stuffed with natural peanut butter, premium chocolate and bananas — is both vegetarian- and sweet-fiend friendly. 1675 Cumberland Parkway, Smyrna. 770-434-1114.www.mussandturners.com. less...

Best Soul Food BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Busy Bee Cafe (Where to Eat Recommendation)
The term “soul food” refers to more than just fried chicken and greens. It’s the feeling behind the cooking and the pulse of the restaurant. Atlanta has loads of places that make great soul food, but there’s a reason BUSY BEE CAFE is always packed with a line out the door. The placemore...
The term “soul food” refers to more than just fried chicken and greens. It’s the feeling behind the cooking and the pulse of the restaurant. Atlanta has loads of places that make great soul food, but there’s a reason BUSY BEE CAFE is always packed with a line out the door. The place has history, heart and damn fine food. Any of the fried items — such as pork chops, chicken and fish — are crackly and full of flavor. A serving of baked chicken with hot gravy and a corn muffin exudes the coziness of your mom’s cooking when you can’t get the real thing. And the long, long, long list of side dishes provides more than enough choice for the pickiest of folks. Hot cobbler is made with seasonal fruit when it’s available, but the brightly colored slices of homemade cake at the register are a great takeaway for a sugary snack. 810 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. 404-525-9212. www.thebusybeecafe.com. less...

Best Steaks BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Bistro Laurent Tourondel (Permanently Closed)
When chef Laurent Tourondel’s Atlanta outpost of his successful New York restaurant opened, people were skeptical that any Frenchman could make a steak better than our local institutions. But BLT STEAK (short for Bistro Laurent Tourondel) does beef proud. The restaurant’s blazing-hot oven broilsmore...
When chef Laurent Tourondel’s Atlanta outpost of his successful New York restaurant opened, people were skeptical that any Frenchman could make a steak better than our local institutions. But BLT STEAK (short for Bistro Laurent Tourondel) does beef proud. The restaurant’s blazing-hot oven broils each steak — the New York strip is tops — until the surface is caramelized and crispy with char. Each steak is served in a sizzling cast iron pan, topped with a round of herbed butter and pierced with a whimsical plastic cow pick indicating its temperature. The long list of sides changes daily, but the gooey perfection of the potato gratin must be ordered when available. Chef Tourondel’s signature complimentary Gruyere popovers arrive piping hot from the oven alongside soft butter and an oversized metal salt shaker. 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. (inside the W Atlanta downtown). 404-577-7601. www.bltrestaurants.com. less...

Best Thai BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Spoon Eastside (Featured)
Whether you’re a lover of smooth red, fiery green or mellow yellow, it’s easy to appreciate the balance of heat - and heart - that goes into each of the curries at SPOON. And while we can gush all day about the addictive qualities of the Kang Dang with tofu or the Panang with shrimp, Spoon’s noodlesmore...
Whether you’re a lover of smooth red, fiery green or mellow yellow, it’s easy to appreciate the balance of heat - and heart - that goes into each of the curries at SPOON. And while we can gush all day about the addictive qualities of the Kang Dang with tofu or the Panang with shrimp, Spoon’s noodles and specials (most notably the soft shell crabs) manage to live up to the hype that’s hogged by the signature curry dishes. Lucky for the residents of Ormewood Park, Grant Park and East Atlanta, 2009 saw the arrival of Spoon’s Eastside location, meaning they now have to-die-for Massaman within stumbling distance. less...

Best Vegetarian/Vegan BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Dynamic Dish (Permanently Closed)

Best Cheap Eats BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Shaun’s (Permanently Closed)
SHAUN’S RESTAURANT has been a favorite Inman Park hangout since it opened in 2007. But chef Shaun Doty’s recent debut of his family-friendly Sunday night pasta dinners has lured droves of new customers and long-time regulars alike. For a mere $12, diners receive a three-course meal, which includesmore...
SHAUN’S RESTAURANT has been a favorite Inman Park hangout since it opened in 2007. But chef Shaun Doty’s recent debut of his family-friendly Sunday night pasta dinners has lured droves of new customers and long-time regulars alike. For a mere $12, diners receive a three-course meal, which includes a family-style salad, a heaping portion of pasta from a handful of choices — the spaghetti and meatballs may be Atlanta’s best — and a dessert. Affordable carafes of extremely drinkable wine selections are sold by the half-liter or liter. The rest of the menu is also available, but why bother when you can get such great food on the cheap? 1029 Edgewood Ave. 404-577-4358.[http://www.shaunsrestaurant.com| [[http://www.shaunsrestaurant.com]]. less...

Best Overall Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Bacchanalia (Featured)
Atlanta dining just keeps getting better, but BACCHANALIA still reigns supreme as the standard-bearer for excellence in the city. Chef/owners Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison and executive chef Daniel Porubiansky are turning out extraordinarily refined food that retains the Southern roots of its local,more...
Atlanta dining just keeps getting better, but BACCHANALIA still reigns supreme as the standard-bearer for excellence in the city. Chef/owners Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison and executive chef Daniel Porubiansky are turning out extraordinarily refined food that retains the Southern roots of its local, fresh ingredients. In the past year, the wine list has expanded and improved dramatically, and the room remains one of the Southeast’s best examples of luxury without gimmick or pretension. 1198 Howell Mill Road. 404-365-0410. www.starprovisions.com. less...

Best Bar Food BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
The Porter Beer Bar (Temporarily Closed)

Best Barbecue BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Rolling Bones

Best Breakfast BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
West Egg Cafe (Featured)

Best Brunch BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Holeman and Finch Public House

Best Chef BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Linton Hopkins

Best Chinese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Tasty China (Marietta) (Temporarily Closed)

Best Cocktails BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Drinkshop

Best Coffee House/Coffeeshop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Octane Coffee (Permanently Closed)

Best Food Trend BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Offal

Best French BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Au Rendez Vous

Best Hamburger BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Holeman and Finch Public House

Best Ice Cream BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream (Featured)

Best Japanese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Sushi Hayakawa (Where to Eat Recommendation)

Best Korean BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Honey Pig

Best Mexican BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
La Oaxaquena Taqueria (Where to Eat Recommendation)

Best Middle Eastern BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Falafel Caf

Best New Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
La Pietra Cucina

Best Overall Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Bacchanalia

Best Pizza BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Pizzeria Fortunato

BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Shaun’s (Permanently Closed)

Best Restaurant Design BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Livingston

Best Restaurant for Late-Night Dining BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
El Rey Del Taco (Featured)

Best Sandwiches BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Muss & Turner’s - Smyrna (Featured)
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Best Appetizers BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Ecco Midtown

Runner-up
Eclipse di Luna
764 Miami Circle, 404-846-0449, www.eclipsediluna.com

Best Bakery BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Alon’s Bakery & Market (Featured)

Runner-up
Highland Bakery
655 Highland Ave., 404-586-0772, www.highlandbakery.com

Best Barbecue BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q (Where to Eat Recommendation)

Runner-up
Fat Matt’s Rib Shack
1811 Piedmont Ave., 404-607-1622, www.fatmattsribshack.com

Best Bar Food BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Earl (Featured)

Runner-up
Brick Store Pub
125 E. Court Square, Decatur, 404-687-0990, www.brickstorepub.com

Best Beer Selection BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Brick Store Pub

Runner-up
Taco Mac
1006 N. Highland Ave., 404-873-6529, www.taco-mac.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Breakfast BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Flying Biscuit Cafe - Candler Park

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up
Thumbs Up Diner
573 Edgewood Ave., 404-223-0690, www.thumbsupdiner.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Brew Pub BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
5 Seasons Brewing Company - North (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up


Twain’s Billiards & Tap
211 E. Trinity Place, Decatur, 404-373-0063, www.twains.net



Editor’s Note: The incorrect winner was previously listed. The error has been fixed as of 10/1/09.

Best Hamburger BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Vortex

Runner-up
Flip Burger Boutique
1587 Howell Mill Road, 404-343-1609, www.flipburgerboutique.com

Best Burrito BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Willy’s Mexicana Grill

And other metro Atlanta locations.
Runner-up
Raging Burrito
141 Sycamore St., Decatur, 404-377-3311, www.ragingburrito.com

Best Caribbean BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Bahama Breeze

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up
Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill
216 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-607-1525, www.papisgrill.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Cheap Eats BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Eats (Featured)

Runner-up
Taqueria del Sol
359 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-377-7668, www.taqueriadelsol.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Chef BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Rathbun’s (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up
Richard Blais of Flip Burger Boutique
1587 Howell Mill Road, 404-352-3547, www.flipburgerboutique.com

Best Chinese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Chin Chin Brookhaven

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up
Tasty China
585 Franklin Road, Marietta, 770-419-9849

Best Cocktails BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Holeman and Finch (Featured)

Runner-up
Leon’s Full Service
131 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-687-0500, www.leonsfullservice.com

Best Coffee House/Coffeeshop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Aurora Coffee

Runner-up
Starbucks
240 Peachtree St., 404-589-4522, www.starbucks.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Coffee House/Coffeeshop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
San Francisco Coffee Roasting Company

And multiple metro Atlanta locations


Runners-up
Java Monkey
205 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-378-1852, www.javamonkeydecatur.com
and
Octane
1009-B Marietta St., 404-815-9886, www.octanecoffee.com

Best Cookies BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Alon’s Bakery & Market (Featured)

Runner-up
Whole Foods
650 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-4853-1681, www.wholefoodsmarket.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Cuban BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill (Featured)

And other metro Atlanta locations.
Runner-up
La Fonda Latina
2813 Peachtree Road, 404-816-8311, www.fellinisatlanta.com/lafonda.htm

Best Cupcakes BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Atlanta Cupcake Factory - Permanently Closed (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up
Piece of Cake
3215 Roswell Road, 404-351-2253, www.pieceofcakeinc.com

Best Deli BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Goldbergs Fine Foods - West Paces (Featured)

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up
Jason’s Deli
230 10th St., 404-853-3760, www.jasonsdeli.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Desserts BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Alon’s Bakery & Market (Featured)

Runner-up
Cafe Intermezzo
1845 Peachtree Road, 404-355-0411
4505 Ashford-Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, 770-396-1344
www.cafeintermezzo.com

Best Chinese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Canton House Chinese Restaurant

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up
Hong Kong Harbour
2184 Cheshire Bridge Road, 404-325-7630

Best Ethiopian BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Desta Ethiopian Kitchen (Where to Eat Recommendation)

Runner-up
Cottage Ethiopian
1841 Piedmont Ave., 404-724-0201, www.cottageatl.com

Best French BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Atmosphere Restaurant (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up
Cafe Alsace
121 Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-373-5622, www.cafealsace.net

Best Fried Chicken BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Watershed on Peachtree (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up
South City Kitchen
1144 Crescent Ave., 404-873-7358
1675 Cumberland Parkway, Smyrna, 770-435-0700
www.southcitykitchen.com

Best Grits BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Flying Biscuit (13 ATL Locations)

And other metro Atlanta locations.
Runner-up
West Egg Cafe
1168 Howell Mill Road, 404-872-3973, www.westeggcafe.com

Best Ice Cream BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Jake’s Ice Cream (Featured)

Runner-up
Bruster’s
2095 Lavista Road, 404-320-7166, www.brusters.com

Best Indian BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Bhojanic Restaurant (Featured)

Runner-up
Udipi Cafe
1850 Lawrenceville Highway, Suite 700, Decatur, 404-325-1933

Best Italian BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Sotto Sotto Restaurant

Runner-up
Alfredo’s Italian Restaurant
1989 Cheshire Bridge Road, 404-876-1380, alfredositalianrestaurant.com

Best Japanese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Nakato Japanese Restaurant (Where to Eat Recommendation)

Runner-up
Ru San’s
1529 Piedmont Ave., 404-875-7042, rusans.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Korean BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Hae Woon Dae BBQ

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up
Honey Pig
3473 Old Norcross Road, Duluth, 770-476-9292

Best Atlanta Beer/Local Brew BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
SweetWater Brewing Company (Featured)

Runner-up
Red Brick Blonde at Atlanta Brewing Company<br 2323 Defoor Hills Road, 404-355-5558, www.atlantabrewing.com

Best Wait Staff BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Tavern At Phipps (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up
Apres Diem
931 Monroe Drive, 404-872-3333, www.apresdiem.com

Best Wait Staff BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
New York Prime (Featured)

Runner-up
Ryan Gallagher

Best Mexican BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Nuevo Laredo Cantina (Where to Eat Recommendation)

Runner-up
Taqueria del Sol
359 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-377-7668; and other metro Atlanta locations. www.taqueriadelsol.com

Best Middle Eastern BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Mediterranean Grill

And other metro Atlanta locations.
Runner-up
Mezza
2751 Lavista Road, Decatur, 404-633-8833, www.mezzabistro.com

Best New Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Kudzu Playhouse (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up
Leon’s Full Service
131 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-687-0500, www.leonsfullservice.com

Best Overall Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Bacchanalia (Featured)

Runner-up
Wahoo! Grill
1042 W. College Ave., Decatur, 404-373-3331, www.wahoogrilldecatur.com

Best Overall Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Rathbun’s (Permanently Closed)

Best Patio Dining BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Wahoo! Grill

Runner-up
Six Feet Under
415 Memorial Drive, 404-523-6664
685 11th St., 404-810-0040
www.sixfeetunderatlanta.com

Best Pizza BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Mellow Mushroom (14 ATL Locations) (Featured)

And other metro Atlanta locations.
Runner-up
Fellini’s Pizza
909 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-873-3088, www.fellinisatlanta.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Restaurant Design BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
TWO urban licks

Runner-up
Flip Burger Boutique
1587 Howell Mill Road, 404-352-3547, www.flipburgerboutique.com

Best Place for a First Date BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Apres Diem

Runner-up
Top Flr
674 Myrtle St., 404-685-3110, www.topflr.com

Best Restaurant for Late-Night Dining BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Majestic Diner (Featured)

Runner-up
Waffle House
1701 Northside Drive, 404-355-5562, www.wafflehouse.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Restaurant to Bring the Kids BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Osteria 832 Pasta & Pizza (Featured)

Runner-up
Dakota Blue
454 Cherokee Ave., 404-589-8002, www.dakotabluegrantpark.com

Best Restaurant to Bring the Kids BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Fellini’s Pizza (7 ATL Locations) (Featured)
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Restaurant to Take Visitors BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
TWO urban licks

Runner-up
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
224 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-876-1800, www.marymacs.com

Best Food Trend BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Organic/sustainable

Runner-up
Farm to table

Best Restaurant When Someone Else is Paying BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Bacchanalia (Featured)

Runner-up
Kevin Rathbun Steak
112 Krog St., 404-524-5600, www.kevinrathbunsteak.com

Best Sandwiches BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Alon’s Bakery & Market (Featured)

Runner-up
Star Provisions
1198 Howell Mill Road, 404-365-0410, www.starprovisions.com

Best Appetizers BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Ecco Midtown

Runner-up
Eclipse di Luna
764 Miami Circle, 404-846-0449, www.eclipsediluna.com

Best Bakery BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Alon’s Bakery & Market (Featured)

Runner-up
Highland Bakery
655 Highland Ave., 404-586-0772, www.highlandbakery.com

Best Barbecue BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Rolling Bones Premium Pit BBQ (Permanently Closed)
We’ve always liked ROLLING BONES, but since chef Todd Richards took over, our affections have grown. Richards has updated the ’cue – the sandwiches are less sloppy, the meat has more of the limelight – and is serving some seriously cool new items, including duck barbecuemore...
We’ve always liked ROLLING BONES, but since chef Todd Richards took over, our affections have grown. Richards has updated the ’cue – the sandwiches are less sloppy, the meat has more of the limelight – and is serving some seriously cool new items, including duck barbecue and smoked trout. Sides have also been given special consideration – the creamy potato salad with Benton’s bacon has just the right mix of creaminess, smoke from the bacon and celery crunch, with none of the sugary undertones of lesser potato salads. Don’t miss the duck sandwich with fig preserves. 377 Edgewood Ave. 404-222-2324.www.rollingbonesbbq.com. less...

Best Barbecue BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q (Where to Eat Recommendation)

Runner-up
Fat Matt’s Rib Shack
1811 Piedmont Ave., 404-607-1622, www.fatmattsribshack.com

Best Bar Food BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
The Porter Beer Bar (Temporarily Closed)

Best Bar Food BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Earl (Featured)

Runner-up
Brick Store Pub
125 E. Court Square, Decatur, 404-687-0990, www.brickstorepub.com

Best Beer Selection BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Brick Store Pub

Runner-up
Taco Mac
1006 N. Highland Ave., 404-873-6529, www.taco-mac.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Breakfast BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
West Egg Cafe (Featured)

Best Breakfast BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Flying Biscuit Cafe - Candler Park

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up
Thumbs Up Diner
573 Edgewood Ave., 404-223-0690, www.thumbsupdiner.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Brew Pub BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
5 Seasons Brewing Company - North (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up


Twain’s Billiards & Tap
211 E. Trinity Place, Decatur, 404-373-0063, www.twains.net



Editor’s Note: The incorrect winner was previously listed. The error has been fixed as of 10/1/09.

Best Brunch BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Holeman and Finch (Featured)
Every night at 10, HOLEMAN AND & FINCH PUBLIC HOUSE begins serving the famous Holeman burger. Only 25 are made each day, and if you get there past, oh say, 10:02, you’re likely to have missed out. People go nuts for this burger, and for good reason – it hints at all the childhood comfortmore...
Every night at 10, HOLEMAN AND & FINCH PUBLIC HOUSE begins serving the famous Holeman burger. Only 25 are made each day, and if you get there past, oh say, 10:02, you’re likely to have missed out. People go nuts for this burger, and for good reason – it hints at all the childhood comfort of a regular fast-food burger, but it’s made with the best ingredients, combining the two powerful forces of nostalgia and good taste. Even if you’re no night owl, there’s hope for you to get your hands on one of these beauties – the restaurant serves it in almost unlimited quantities at Sunday brunch, and you can even get one to go from the host. But the burger isn’t the only reason to visit for brunch – other Sunday fare is just as good, including the city’s best (moist, hulking, flavorful) pancakes. 2277 Peachtree Road. 404-948-1175. www.holeman-finch.com. less...

Best Hamburger BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Vortex

Runner-up
Flip Burger Boutique
1587 Howell Mill Road, 404-343-1609, www.flipburgerboutique.com

Best Burrito BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Willy’s Mexicana Grill

And other metro Atlanta locations.
Runner-up
Raging Burrito
141 Sycamore St., Decatur, 404-377-3311, www.ragingburrito.com

Best Caribbean BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Bahama Breeze

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up
Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill
216 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-607-1525, www.papisgrill.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Cheap Eats BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Eats (Featured)

Runner-up
Taqueria del Sol
359 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-377-7668, www.taqueriadelsol.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Chef BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Restaurant Eugene (Permanently Closed)

Best Chef BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Rathbun’s (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up
Richard Blais of Flip Burger Boutique
1587 Howell Mill Road, 404-352-3547, www.flipburgerboutique.com

Best Chinese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Tasty China (Marietta) (Temporarily Closed)
Like many Chinese restaurants, TASTY CHINA has gone through numerous chefs and staff changes — the charmingly abrasive hostess Phuong departed this year under mysterious circumstances. But, like a phoenix, the Marietta Szechuan restaurant manages to rise triumphant from every transition. Skipmore...
Like many Chinese restaurants, TASTY CHINA has gone through numerous chefs and staff changes — the charmingly abrasive hostess Phuong departed this year under mysterious circumstances. But, like a phoenix, the Marietta Szechuan restaurant manages to rise triumphant from every transition. Skip the “American” menu and go straight for the good stuff — anything made with Sichuan peppercorns. The french fry-like batons of dry-fried eggplant are as crispy and addictive as ever. The “Shan City chicken” — a pile of boneless or bone-in chicken fried to a crisp with toasted peppercorns and dried red chilis — will have your mouth tingling long after you depart. If the heat is too much to bare, dishes such as the “Slice fish and sour cabbage soup” — a silky and tangy broth swimming with tender pieces of white fish — are mild enough for tamer palates without sacrificing any of the wow factor. 585 Franklin Road, Marietta. 770-419-9849. less...

Best Chinese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Chin Chin Brookhaven

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up
Tasty China
585 Franklin Road, Marietta, 770-419-9849

Best Cocktails BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
DrinkShop (Temporarily Closed)
Sasha Petraske’s local location of his famous New York bar, DRINKSHOP, was not immediately embraced by Atlantans; it was dismissed by some as just another hotel bar with high prices. But few of those cynics noted that Eric Simpkins — an extraordinary local talent formerly mixing at Trois —more...
Sasha Petraske’s local location of his famous New York bar, DRINKSHOP, was not immediately embraced by Atlantans; it was dismissed by some as just another hotel bar with high prices. But few of those cynics noted that Eric Simpkins — an extraordinary local talent formerly mixing at Trois — is tending bar at the NYC import. Simpkins may be soft-spoken, but he’s a master at manipulating boutique liquors into artful cocktails that explode on the palate. While the menu is carefully crafted, your best bet is to place yourself in Simpkins’ capable hands. He finds out what you’re in the mood for, and then creates a progressive experience where each cocktail builds upon the last. The arm garters, ice cubes designed for certain drinks and old-fashioned stemware only make the bar a more unique destination for cocktail enthusiasts craving a little something different. 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. (inside the W Atlanta downtown). 404-582-5800. www.whotels.com/Atlanta. less...

Best Cocktails BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Holeman and Finch (Featured)

Runner-up
Leon’s Full Service
131 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-687-0500, www.leonsfullservice.com

Best Coffee House/Coffeeshop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Aurora Coffee

Runner-up
Starbucks
240 Peachtree St., 404-589-4522, www.starbucks.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Coffee House/Coffeeshop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Octane Coffee (Permanently Closed)
Try as we might, we just can’t find a better coffeehouse than the Westside’s OCTANE. They’ve got it all. Free Wi-Fi? Check. Cool, comfortable digs? Check. Great food? Check (love that house salad; adore that house-made granola). Friendly, community-conscious staff and owners?more...
Try as we might, we just can’t find a better coffeehouse than the Westside’s OCTANE. They’ve got it all. Free Wi-Fi? Check. Cool, comfortable digs? Check. Great food? Check (love that house salad; adore that house-made granola). Friendly, community-conscious staff and owners? Check. And most importantly: Great, expertly made, quality coffee? Absolutely. Octane makes all of its brewed coffee from Counter Culture beans fresh in press pots, and the baristas are the best in town. Watch this year for a spreading of the love – Octane has taken over Method near Emory, and there are more locations in the works. 1009-B Marietta St. 404-815-9886. www.octanecoffee.com. less...

Best Coffee House/Coffeeshop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
San Francisco Coffee Roasting Company

And multiple metro Atlanta locations


Runners-up
Java Monkey
205 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-378-1852, www.javamonkeydecatur.com
and
Octane
1009-B Marietta St., 404-815-9886, www.octanecoffee.com

Best Cookies BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Alon’s Bakery & Market (Featured)

Runner-up
Whole Foods
650 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-4853-1681, www.wholefoodsmarket.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Cuban BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill (Featured)

And other metro Atlanta locations.
Runner-up
La Fonda Latina
2813 Peachtree Road, 404-816-8311, www.fellinisatlanta.com/lafonda.htm

Best Cupcakes BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Atlanta Cupcake Factory - Permanently Closed (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up
Piece of Cake
3215 Roswell Road, 404-351-2253, www.pieceofcakeinc.com

Best Deli BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Goldbergs Fine Foods - West Paces (Featured)

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up
Jason’s Deli
230 10th St., 404-853-3760, www.jasonsdeli.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Desserts BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Alon’s Bakery & Market (Featured)

Runner-up
Cafe Intermezzo
1845 Peachtree Road, 404-355-0411
4505 Ashford-Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, 770-396-1344
www.cafeintermezzo.com

Best Chinese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Canton House Chinese Restaurant

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up
Hong Kong Harbour
2184 Cheshire Bridge Road, 404-325-7630

Best Ethiopian BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Desta Ethiopian Kitchen (Where to Eat Recommendation)

Runner-up
Cottage Ethiopian
1841 Piedmont Ave., 404-724-0201, www.cottageatl.com

Best French BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Au Rendez-Vous Bistro (Permanently Closed)
For all the upscale, high-falutin’ French places in town, our favorite is the decidedly homey AU RENDEZ VOUS, tucked into a residential neighborhood in Brookhaven. The cash-only, Vietnamese-owned restaurant serves exactly the kind of food you’d find in a real working-class French neighborhoodmore...
For all the upscale, high-falutin’ French places in town, our favorite is the decidedly homey AU RENDEZ VOUS, tucked into a residential neighborhood in Brookhaven. The cash-only, Vietnamese-owned restaurant serves exactly the kind of food you’d find in a real working-class French neighborhood – traditional recipes cooked with love. You won’t go wrong with any of the crepe appetizers, or rich, hearty meat entrees (try the rabbit cooked with red wine). The diminutive prices and feeling of eating in someone’s jumbled living room only add to the appeal. 1328 Windsor Parkway. 404-343-4983. less...

Best French BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Atmosphere Restaurant (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up
Cafe Alsace
121 Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-373-5622, www.cafealsace.net

Best Fried Chicken BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Watershed on Peachtree (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up
South City Kitchen
1144 Crescent Ave., 404-873-7358
1675 Cumberland Parkway, Smyrna, 770-435-0700
www.southcitykitchen.com

Best Wait Staff BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Aria (Featured)
The tone of a restaurant, the feel of a room, and the service you receive are usually the doing of that restaurant’s general manager. And at Aria, ANDRES LOAIZA sets a perfect example — warmth complemented by knowledge and professionalism. Need a wine recommendation? Loaiza is helpfulmore...
The tone of a restaurant, the feel of a room, and the service you receive are usually the doing of that restaurant’s general manager. And at Aria, ANDRES LOAIZA sets a perfect example — warmth complemented by knowledge and professionalism. Need a wine recommendation? Loaiza is helpful without the slightest hint of snootiness. Visit the restaurant once, and two years later he’s likely to remember your face, name, what you ordered and how much you liked it. His unmatched attention to detail makes him a master practitioner at the art of true service. 490 E. Paces Ferry Road. 404-233-7673. www.aria-atl.com. less...

Best Grits BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Flying Biscuit (13 ATL Locations)

And other metro Atlanta locations.
Runner-up
West Egg Cafe
1168 Howell Mill Road, 404-872-3973, www.westeggcafe.com

Best Ice Cream BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream (Featured)
In the year since opening, MORELLI’S GOURMET ICE CREAM & DESSERTS has gained national attention, being listed in Bon Appetite as one of the top 10 ice cream stores in the country. And for good reason – the constantly rotating list of ice creams, sorbets and now gelatos are as creativemore...
In the year since opening, MORELLI’S GOURMET ICE CREAM & DESSERTS has gained national attention, being listed in Bon Appetite as one of the top 10 ice cream stores in the country. And for good reason – the constantly rotating list of ice creams, sorbets and now gelatos are as creative as they are delicious. Standard flavors, such as strawberry and chocolate, are fantastic, but look out for the wackier concoctions that come and go. Recent winners have been the chocolate and Guinness ice cream and the peach champagne gelato. 749 Moreland Ave. 404-622-0210.www.morellisicecream.com. less...

Best Ice Cream BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Jake’s Ice Cream (Featured)

Runner-up
Bruster’s
2095 Lavista Road, 404-320-7166, www.brusters.com

Best Indian BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Bhojanic Restaurant (Featured)

Runner-up
Udipi Cafe
1850 Lawrenceville Highway, Suite 700, Decatur, 404-325-1933

Best Italian BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Sotto Sotto Restaurant

Runner-up
Alfredo’s Italian Restaurant
1989 Cheshire Bridge Road, 404-876-1380, alfredositalianrestaurant.com

Best Japanese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Nakato Japanese Restaurant (Where to Eat Recommendation)

Runner-up
Ru San’s
1529 Piedmont Ave., 404-875-7042, rusans.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Japanese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Sushi Hayakawa (Where to Eat Recommendation)
SUSHI HOUSE HAYAKAWA is one of those rare Japanese restaurants that does exceptionally well on two fronts: The sushi and sashimi is expertly cut, fresh and fabulous, and the hard-to-find home-style Japanese dishes and nightly specials elevate Hayakawa to destination-restaurant status. Golden-fried squidmore...
SUSHI HOUSE HAYAKAWA is one of those rare Japanese restaurants that does exceptionally well on two fronts: The sushi and sashimi is expertly cut, fresh and fabulous, and the hard-to-find home-style Japanese dishes and nightly specials elevate Hayakawa to destination-restaurant status. Golden-fried squid legs served with Japanese mayo, crispy croquettes with a creamy center, roasted gingko nuts, seductively slippery seaweed salads and an assortment of noodle dishes are perfect with an ice-cold carafe of sake from the restaurant’s small, but excellent selection. 5979 Buford Highway. 770-986-0010. www.atlantasushibar.com. less...

Best Korean BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Honey Pig
For many years, Atlantans equated Korean barbecue with beef and only beef. But HONEY PIG changed everything. This Duluth restaurant is all about the pork — especially the belly. The prices may seem high, but don’t fret. That price includes a gluttonous amount of food. Instead of a regularmore...
For many years, Atlantans equated Korean barbecue with beef and only beef. But HONEY PIG changed everything. This Duluth restaurant is all about the pork — especially the belly. The prices may seem high, but don’t fret. That price includes a gluttonous amount of food. Instead of a regular grill grate, the servers cook the meat on a sizzling-hot cast iron dome with butter. The meat — which comes with a load of side dishes and wrappers — is followed by bean sprouts tossed with chili paste, mushrooms and fermented cabbage. At the end of the meal, a long piece of octopus is curled around the tip of the dome, and snipped to pieces before being tossed with a large bowl of rice and the remaining bits of meat and vegetables. Best. Fried. Rice. Ever. 3473 Old Norcross Road, Duluth. 770-476-9292. less...

Best Korean BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Hae Woon Dae BBQ

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up
Honey Pig
3473 Old Norcross Road, Duluth, 770-476-9292

Best Atlanta Beer/Local Brew BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
SweetWater Brewing Company (Featured)

Runner-up
Red Brick Blonde at Atlanta Brewing Company<br 2323 Defoor Hills Road, 404-355-5558, www.atlantabrewing.com

Best Wait Staff BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Tavern At Phipps (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up
Apres Diem
931 Monroe Drive, 404-872-3333, www.apresdiem.com

Best Wait Staff BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
New York Prime (Featured)

Runner-up
Ryan Gallagher

Best Mexican BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
La Oaxaquena Taqueria (Where to Eat Recommendation)
Dining at LA OAXAQUENA TAQUERIA used to sometimes be difficult because of the limited seating. But the restaurant has moved to an expansive new location where there’s plenty of seating and parking. The salsa and condiment bar is full of the same pristine choices. The sopes have the requisitemore...
Dining at LA OAXAQUENA TAQUERIA used to sometimes be difficult because of the limited seating. But the restaurant has moved to an expansive new location where there’s plenty of seating and parking. The salsa and condiment bar is full of the same pristine choices. The sopes have the requisite qualities of greatness — a crispy crust, soft masa center and fresh toppings. And there are tacos galore. But the restaurant’s famous tlayudas — a specialty of Oaxaca resembling a large pizza made with a crunchy tortilla base and topped with chewy strings of Oaxacan cheese — are impossible to pass up. 605 Mt. Zion Road, Jonesboro. 770-960-3010. less...

Best Mexican BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Nuevo Laredo Cantina (Where to Eat Recommendation)

Runner-up
Taqueria del Sol
359 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-377-7668; and other metro Atlanta locations. www.taqueriadelsol.com

Best Middle Eastern BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Falafel Cafe (Where to Eat Recommendation)

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