Where is the Best Morning-After Brunch in Atlanta, Georgia?
THe last review from June caught my attention – now, as the Flying Biscuit has become a chain, you see less grunge in the waitstaff (tattoos, race, etc.) (they might allow Mexicans to cook and clean) and more clean cookie cutter personnel. I dropped by the Peachtree/Piedmont Buckhead factory a month ago and was ushered quickly to the bar, as I was by myself, and lounging at tables by yourself w/ the NY Times is not part of their business model. Long waits for getting refills of coffee from the barman, although I was the only one at the bar, was another hint that I should not stay very long. THe portions seemed smaller, also.
I’m a big fan of the burger craze of the last few years. It’s cool to have so many great (and creative) options around Atlanta for the sandwich that defines the US of A. But I keep going back to one that seems to be more American than any other, and that’s the burger at the EARL. For starters, it’s not too big and not to small, and there’s nothing fancy about it. It’s just 8oz of red meat slapped on the grill, served with lettuce, tomato and your choice of cheese. It tastes like the 4th of July. Plus they’ll actually cook your burger medium rare if you want it. While there are a multitude of sides (including tots) their shoestring fries are where it’s at. They’re always crispy and always salty. Which is the mark of a good fry to begin with. So get a PBR tallboy, go catch some new band that all the hipsters are excited about, and enjoy a night at East Atlanta’s best music venue. Pros + Burger + shoe string friesCons – They allow smoking
I’d have to say this is probably my favorite bar in the Highlands. The food is really good for a bar (try the specials!) and there are always people in here even on a sunny Sunday afternoon in the middle of summer. On the weekend nights, it can get pretty packed in here…fairly diverse crowd. Bartenders are good as well. I believe there is a nonsmoking section next door in the restaurant area.Pros + good bar menu, diverse crowdCons – none
Everytime I come to Atlanta I go to the Thumbs Up…was introduced to it by a local a couple of year’s ago…and I’m never disappointed. Yes, as others say, you will wait for a table on the weekends if you arrive after 10am, but the food is well worth the wait. The biscuits are fluffy and wholesome-wheat biscuits, mind you, and the other selections on the menu are awesome. The catfish is amazing, as is the steak and egg combo…the french toast is HUGE and satisfying…and there are many offerings for the veggie’s in any group. I like to go during the week, when the crowds are smaller, and sit at the counter to chat with the locals. The coffee will keep you wired for the day. Only two complaints…the parking is dodgy…and there are too many good things on the menu to make an easy decision.Pros + great menu selection, fab biscuits, catfish, steak and eggs and REAL homefriesCons – bad parking, long lines on weekends
