Oral Pleasures
Every night is a busy night at Holeman & Finch Public House. Burger pilgrims arrive hours early to reserve one of the limited-edition, double-patty delights in advance. They camp out at the bar or around high-top tables, waiting elbow to elbow for an amplified voice to announce that Burger Time has arrived at last. Regulars chuckle at the nightly spectacle.
Atlanta diners are an enthusiastic bunch. Hip to the latest hot spots, the fooderati flock to newly opened restaurants, always hungry for what’s next. Holeman & Finch was no exception when it opened to a packed house and much fanfare back in 2008. But five years later, it’s still tough to find a seat in the house that former bar manager Greg Best, Linton Hopkins, and team built.
In the last few years, we’ve seen Atlanta’s restaurant culture evolve and reinvent itself with an explosion of exciting new restaurants. In many ways, staying power is a restaurant’s true currency these days. This year, when setting out to highlight the best Atlanta has to offer, we searched for restaurants that anchor our current dining scene and will continue to mold it for years to come.
Empire State South remains a bastion of modern cooking in the South, tackling three meals a day like nowhere else. Tasty China in Marietta reminds us that we’re still willing to venture OTP in the name of incredible ethnic food. We were once again seduced by the harmony of Octane Coffee and Little Tart Bakeshop. There are newcomers, too. This year we found smart, memorable cocktails at Paper Plane, daring and authentic Italian at BoccaLupo and Storico Fresco Pasta. Deft hands at the General Muir brought us a refined take on the Jewish deli.
Every year, it gets harder to create the list of Best of Atlanta winners. But having too many great restaurants to choose from is a problem we’re happy to have.
— Stephanie Dazey
Best Vietnamese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Restaurant BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Barbecue BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Beer Selection BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Brew Pub BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Hamburger BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Cocktails BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Coffee House/Coffeeshop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Restaurant BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Neighborhood for Food Lovers BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Japanese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Korean BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Startup/Incubator BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Lunch BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best New Restaurant BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Place to Eat Street Food BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best OTP Restaurant BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Overall Restaurant BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Chinese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best vegetarian dish at a non-vegetarian restaurant BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Sandwiches BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Fighters for Atlanta’s Soul BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Brunch BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Tacos BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Wine List BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Pizza BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Local Brewery BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Bakery BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Barbecue BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Bar Food BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Beer Selection BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Breakfast BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Brew Pub BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Burrito BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cajun BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Chinese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Caribbean BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cheap Eats BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Chef BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Chinese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Chocolates BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cocktails BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Coffee House/Coffeeshop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cuban BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cupcakes BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Deli BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Desserts BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Chinese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Doughnut BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Ethiopian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Food Festival/Event BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Atlanta Food Tweeter BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Food Truck BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best French BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best French Fries BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Fried Chicken BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Fro Yo BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best gluten-free options BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Grits BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Hamburger BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Hotdog BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Ice Cream BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Indian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Italian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Japanese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Korean BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Local Farm BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Local Food Company BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Atlanta Beer/Local Brew BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Mexican BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Middle Eastern BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best mixologist BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best New Restaurant BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Food Trend BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best OTP Restaurant BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Overall Restaurant BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Vietnamese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Restaurant BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Local Brewery BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Bakery BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Barbecue BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Barbecue BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Bar Food BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Beer Selection BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Beer Selection BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Breakfast BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Brew Pub BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Brew Pub BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Hamburger BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Burrito BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cajun BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Chinese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Caribbean BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cheap Eats BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Chef BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Chinese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Chocolates BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cocktails BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Cocktails BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Coffee House/Coffeeshop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Coffee House/Coffeeshop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Restaurant BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Cuban BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cupcakes BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Deli BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Desserts BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Chinese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Doughnut BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Ethiopian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Food Festival/Event BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Atlanta Food Tweeter BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Food Truck BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best French BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best French Fries BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Fried Chicken BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Fro Yo BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best gluten-free options BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Grits BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Hamburger BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Neighborhood for Food Lovers BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Hotdog BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Ice Cream BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Indian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Italian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Japanese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Japanese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
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