Bar Review - CB South makes Colorado an Atlanta suburb

Another mild winter brought only one half-decent snowfall to Atlanta this year. If you're pining for the white stuff but can't afford to go spring skiing in Colorado, you can get your resort-town bar fix at CB South in Dunwoody. There's no snow at CB South, but there are plenty of pictures of it, along with Colorado-themed artifacts — skis, trail maps, state flags — to replicate the atmosphere of its sister bar, the Last Steep, in Crested Butte. Owner Sean Hartigan reluctantly left the resort town in the central Colorado Rockies to be closer to family and has brought the laid-back, aprés-ski vibe to the new Southern outpost.

Only open for a couple months, CB South already has a loyal following of ex-pat Coloradoans, local bar leaners and families attracted by the Caribbean-influenced food (that breaks the ski lodge stereotype of chili, burgers and pizza) and non-smoking atmosphere. On a busy Saturday night, a large group celebrated a special occasion, high schoolers loitered on the small patio and a few regulars held down the bar. The staff was busy hustling out food including conch fritters, fish tacos, blackened shrimp quesadillas and Hawaiian chicken sandwiches.

Hartigan and his crew work hard to create a casual, comfortable atmosphere with attentive service. Bartenders come around to refill beers from patrons' pitchers, and even the footrests around the bar are the perfect height (a critical element for bar flies seeking long-term comfort). Employees often hang around after their shifts and chat with customers, and Hartigan works the bar, concocting one-off cocktails to order. A request for a fruity rum drink produced the Island Delight, a tasty treat made with Malibu and Bacardi rums and topped with fancy garnishes that induced flashbacks to a lazy week in Trinidad. The bar's Bloody Mary — bright, citrusy and a little spicy — was voted the best in Crested Butte. Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada and Bud Light are available on draught, along with a typical selection of bottle beers.

Bars in Dunwoody are usually just a place to sip $7 martinis while waiting for a table at the trendy new eatery by Perimeter Mall. A non-corporate neighborhood bar is a welcome addition. Even if you're not a schusser, CB South will remind you of a cold winter night spent around a warm fireplace with friends.

CB South. Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-midnight. 5500 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road (Shops of Dunwoody). 770-828-0335.