The Po'Boy Shop & Basement Bar
Basement bar 🤝 Cajun food = Spot you need to check out! An unassuming restaurant with a cool basement bar that's serving up some of the best po'boys and Cajun food that I have found. You can either stop in for a quick bite or takeout in the no-frills upstairs, or wander down the stairs to the basement bar for a Louisiana-inspired good time! Order a Hurricane to drink and you probably won't be able to walk up the steps anyways 😂 Downstairs you'll find pool tables, darts, slot machines, TVs, a whole lot of seating, and mardis gras themed decor.
The restaurant uses bread right from New Orleans for their Po'Boys, so you know it's authentic. There are over 20+ varieties of sandwiches available in Small or Regular sizes on the menu, plus other Cajun cuisine faves like Boudin Balls, Gator Bites, Gumbo, and more.
I ordered the Fried Shrimp Po'Boy (a classic) plus the Muffuletta, and really enjoyed both! It's not really a hidden gem, but still a GEM! 💛
See MoreGene's
Recently opened in East Lake, Gene's puts a Viet-Cajun twist on classic barbecue... Yes, you heard that right! It's the BBQ you love, but with both Vietnamese and Cajun flavors. Think Boudin Egg Rolls, Crab Claws, and Smashed Cucumber Salad as sides, and partners for delicious brisket, pulled pork and ribs. Pair it with a Hurricane or their Frozen Genesicle (the most delicious creamsicle ever with a non-alcoholic option), and top it off with Biscoff Banana Pudding, of course, and you're in for a wonderful, filling meal any foodie would love.
The uniqueness of Gene's flavors & recipes really stands out. I mean, even the Mac and Cheese has a new vibe. Couple that with the shining disco ball, juke box, and the vibrant staff, and the experience is definitely worth the wait. And yes, there will be one!
PRO TIP: Get to the restaurant about 15 minutes
early, and you'll be the first person in line and won't have to wait to chow down.
See MoreJava Saga
This unassuming coffee shop is serving up some killer fried chicken. Originally started as a food truck, but the family-owned hotspot opened a brick & mortar off Buford Highway last year, and is offering up a variety of Taiwanese Fried Chicken. You can find nuggets ("Chick Bits"), Sandwiches, and a few different heat levels to choose from on the menu. These spice levels go from Lifeline (Mild), to Crypto (Hot & Numbing), to Octane (Very Hot). But regardless of the heat you choose, each bite is packed with flavor.
Beyond chicken, they also offer dishes like Loaded Fries, Lou Ro Fan, which is a family recipe (Pork Belly, Quail Eggs, Ikura, and Rice), and even breakfast! Of course, as the name suggests, Java Saga has a large coffee & drink menu (including Boba). I tried the Bobo Tiger's Blood and really enjoyed it. They are generous with their boba, too! Though it's a no-frills spot, the food is bold and the owners are so kind, and I'd definitely recommend trying it out.
See MoreAntico Pizza Tucker
This has always been one of my go-tos for a no-frills, high-flavor meal with friends. They recently won the Bib Gourmand Award from Michelin, which is given to restaurants that prove great food doesn't have to be expensive. My favorite pizzas here are the Diavola with Spicy Salami & Calabrian Peppers, and the Lasagna with Meatball, Ricotta, and Basil.
See MoreKamayan ATL - Filipino Restaurant
Come on a weekend, and you'll see a line out the door before they even open. That's been going on since well before they were recently added to Atlanta's Michelin guide list. This bustling restaurant is serving up authentic Filipino comfort food and has quickly garnered a fan base in ATL.
Each dish at Kamayan ATL is made with love. The whole staff makes you feel like you're home as soon as you walk in the door, even if you've never had Filipino food before. Their menu is packed with family-style & classic dishes. From traditional favorites like Lumpia (they have 4 different types: Pork, Shrimp, Veggie & Lumpianisa with Sausage) and Chicken Adobo, to showstoppers like Fried Pompano & Lechon Sigsig, you really can't go wrong with anything you try here.
Tita Mia & the pastry chefs here do not play around. Kamayan is famous for the Ube Flan Cake, so you have to get that. But don't skip the Ube Churros or the Filipino Classic, Halo Halo. UNREAL.
Open Thursday to Sunday each week.
See MoreWahoo! Grill
I recently had the chance to try this grill for the first time & wow, this place is great!
Decatur locals may know it well, but from the unassuming street view, you'd never know what flavor is packed inside, making it a true hidden gem. Here you can find fresh seafood, pasta, & other European-influenced dishes. My favorite menu items we ate were the P.E.I. Mussels, the Grilled Salmon & for dessert, the Flourless Chocolate Cake. Such eclectic flavors that were the BOMB.COM.
The best-kept secret of the restaurant is its beautiful garden in the back. It's often used for weddings, but it is also the perfect setting for an intimate, romantic dinner.
Plus, they also have their own Wine Shop on site, & it's the only one in the area if it's kind. We were so impressed by the variety of offerings here. All in all, it was a great experience & l'll definitely be back for the food & the service!
See MoreThe Ashford
Looking for a spot in Brookhaven to grab dinner & drinks? Last week I checked out this spot with friends, & it's such a cute place with unique menu flavors. I really enjoyed the Fondue & Winter Squash-Ricotta Ravioli.
But also, don't skip out on dessert! Their Pistachio Cake would have me come back ALONE. Next time you're in the area, give them a go!
See MoreTio Lucho's
This Peruvian spot in Poncey-Highland opened last year & offers deliciously fresh coastal cuisine, with a seafood-centric menu. This restaurant is created by Chef AJ Aastillo... And y'all, YOU NEED TO GO.
Not only is the food some of the best l've had in Atlanta in a while, but the staff is so welcoming & happy to explain any items to you that you may be unfamiliar with. Peruvian cuisine isn't as popular in Georgia, but it really should be! Everything tasted amazing, but my two standouts were the Ceviche Mixto (bathe me in Leche De Tigre, please) and the Salmon Anticuchero. The Pisco Sour was also delightful.
Tio Lucho's is open for lunch, brunch, dinner & happy hour, so there are plenty of options for when to visit. I really encourage you to do so, especially if you've never had Peruvian food before. Give it a shot & try something new!
See MoreLagarde American Eatery
The only decision you should have to make today: Raw or Grilled? 🦪 Recently visited here for the first time & really enjoyed everything this Chamblee spot had to offer!
Their cuisine is "American with a NOLA twist," so expect options ranging from Smash Burgers to Jambalaya (SO GOOD). But the true hidden gem of this place is their oysters! On Tuesdays, they have select $1 Oysters on the half-shell, so it's the perfect place to get your fix. Such a great deal!
P.S. They also recently opened their 2nd metro Atlanta location in Milton.
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler 🥳
See MoreQuoc Huong Banh Mi Fast Food
BUFORD HIGHWAY GEM 🍜
Checked another restaurant off my BuHi bucket list with this one! This no-frills, authentic spot was DELICIOUS. Tons of people rave about their bánh mis, so l'm so glad they lived up to the hype. I really enjoyed the Shredded Chicken Bánh Mì, Pho Tôm (shrimp) & Charcoal Shrimp Vermicelli. We were super lucky and walked in and were seated right away, but regulars know to wait a few minutes. They are FAST, so don't worry too much about the wait. They also seem to do a TON of takeout.
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