Bar Review - Bucket Shop o' fun

By Jeff Holland Wednesday August 28, 2002 12:04 AM EDT

You've driven by it, most likely, every time you've been to Lenox Square mall. But did you ever wonder how to actually get to the patio of the Bucket Shop Cafe on Lenox Road? Just turn onto Kingsboro Road next to the office tower and wind your way up the ramps of the parking garage to level four. Walk through the lobby and you'll find an unlikely neighborhood bar filled with after-work networkers, bar-stool regulars and groups of friends enjoying pitchers of beer and generous plates of comfort food.
The attractive two-sided bar inside sports a decent selection of draft beers and premium liquors, and the friendly waiters and bartenders aim to please. Several large TVs, including one on the patio that seems a bit unnecessary, are usually turned to Braves games or other sports. During football season, the place is packed with Tigers — the Bucket Shop is an official Auburn hangout.

There's a lot to choose from in the food category. If you've got a big group, share some of the yummy chicken rolls served with a spicy Tex-Mex sauce ($6.50). It also makes a satisfying meal for one. Other apps include Buffalo shrimp served with slaw, fries and bleu cheese ($7.50) and the ubiquitous platter of wings (about 50 cents a piece).

The Bucket Shop also has an extensive menu of large salads (fried chicken, buffalo chicken or blackened chicken with bleu cheese, $7.75), burgers and sandwiches like the Cuban, shrimp po'boy and cheesesteak. Entrees include a NY strip ($13.95), Jack Daniel's pork chops ($11.95) and a blackened chicken fettucine ($10.95) that will leave you fat and happy.

While known as an after-work gathering spot, the Bucket Shop is open late and attracts service-industry folks later in the night. It's a great place for dinner and a nightcap after a movie or show.

Mind yourself on the way out, though. Spiraling down the parking garage can make you a little dizzy if you've had one too many.

Bucket Shop Cafe, 3475 Lenox Road. Mon.-Fri. 11:30 a.m.-4 a.m., Sat. 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m., Sun. noon-midnight. 404-261-9244.