Highlander - Atlanta

My final stop of the “Dive Bar tour of Atlanta” was at The Highlander.

Indoor and Outdoor seating, local Art for sale, Pool Tables and an extensive Menu for “Bar Food”.

As we bellied up to yet another bar we started by ordering the Pasta-Rella Sticks (5 Mozzarella Sticks wrapped in Pasta and Deep-Fried, served with a side of Marinara $7.95)

Jesus these were good! The Pasta Wrapper made for a crispy-crunchy shell for the Oooey Gooey Mozzarella and the thick and chunky Marinara was really tasty as well.

Then for my entrée I went with a Burger, the Caprese Burger in fact. (Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato, Fresh Basil with a drizzle of Balsamic Vinegar and EVOO $8.95)

I ordered it with a Falafel Patty and for my side I had Corn Fritters.

Shortly after ordering I was told that they were out of falafel and so I switched to a Veggie Patty.

It still tasted pretty good (although I am still a little upset there was no Falafel Patty – I bet that would have been amazing). Not the best Veggie Burger but still decent, and the Corn Fritters were OK as well.

Overall I think I enjoyed my appetizer better then my entrée but the prices at the Highlander are good, the drinks have a nice pour, and I see why my friends go there as often as they do.

Jack's Pizza and Wings - Atlanta

The people that I was staying with in Atlanta seem to frequent Jack’s Pizza and Wings just about every day, therefore it was inevitable that we should dine there while I was in town.

They talked it up as a Dive Bar (True) with great Drinks (True) and really good Food (True), however to them it is really a family and far more then just a place to have a Drink or a Meal. I picked up on this the minute I walked in and I see why they love it so much.

As we bellied up to the bar I saw a sign on the wall with one of their signature drinks, and although I normally avoid these types of cocktails it sounded good so I gave it a try.

Bacardi Shark Week (Bacardi Torched Cherry, Bacardi Coconut, Orange Juice, Cranberry and Sprite $5)

It was very refreshing and had just the right kick.

(Later we had several shots of course and got a little drunk, but this was a great start-off cocktail!)

Then on to our order….

I had previously been told that Jack’s had great specialty Pizzas and that you could order them by the slice.

I was also told that I might be interested in what they called the “Soul Food” slice.

(Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Collard Greens and Gravy on a Pizza Crust $4.99)

Honestly, how could I NOT try this?

First of all this photo does NOT do it justice and you also cannot tell (from the photo) just how LARGE the slice was.

And secondly, this was a full Chicken Breast, breaded, deep-fried and sliced on top of a pile of Collard Green-Covered Mashed Potatoes, then slathered in Gravy! It was all of my favorite Southern Soul Food Flavors in every bite!

I consider myself to have a pretty big appetite, and I could only eat about half of it (and then ate most of the Chicken off of course).

I highly recommend trying this, even if it is just to say that you did it.

My friends also ordered food.

One had something that I believe was called Pizza Sticks (a large, thick piece of Pizza cut in to pieces and served with Marinara for dipping)

And the other had 10 Wings, (5 Hot and 5 Jerk)

I didn’t try either of their food, but it looked good and there were no complaints.

It is always a good idea to take suggestions from the locals when dining out of your own area, and in this case it really paid off!

Ria's Bluebird - Atlanta

My friend wanted to take me out for Breakfast and told me that we would be going to Ria’s Bluebird and that I should probably get the Pancakes because they were the best in town. Not one to argue with such a profound statement that is exactly what I did. It went a little something like this.

First of all we lucked out and were seated right away, which I was told was rare because there was often a wait (which is usually a good sign). Also on a side note our service was all around fantastic!

Ria’s is only open from 8am until 3pm daily, and there are only 7 or 8 tables, with a couple of spots at the counter and minimal outdoor seating.

The Menu is simple with interesting twists on classic Breakfast favorites (served all day) and some equally interesting Soups and Sandwiches for Lunch (served 11 – 3).

There are also several Vegetarian options for both Breakfast and Lunch.

I decided on the Short Stack of Buttermilk Pancakes (N.Y. Times called them the World’s Best Pancakes) hand-sifted, made from scratch, with Hot Maple Syrup ($4.25) and for an extra $1 I added Toasted Georgia Pecans.

With an additional side of Pine Street Market Bacon and Skillet Potatoes ($3.75 each) and a cup of Coffee ($2.50) I was good to go.

The Pancakes were indeed Magnificent (I don’t think I’ve ever used that word before, but I’ve already used the word “Fantastic” in this review, and “Magnificent” seemed just a little bit better). Fluffy on the inside – Crispy/Griddled to Perfection on the outside – with just the right amount of Butter and Syrup – It really don’t get much better then this!

The Bacon and Potatoes rounded it out to make a complete meal, however those “Cakes” were the true star.

My friend that brought me here also did it up right with the Fat Stack (3 Pancakes) with Eggs and Bacon on the side.

I’m so grateful for my friend suggesting and bringing me here.

I’m grateful to Ria for having such and awesome Restaurant (that is truly a smart and well-oiled machine)

and I look forward to coming back to Atlanta to get another healthy dose of Ria’s Bluebird!

The Earl - Atlanta

I remember going there before and having a Burger that I really enjoyed, but on my most recent trip to Atlanta I really fell in love with The Earl.

It definitely fits into the category of being a Dive Bar (that also offers food) where I’d imagine most people go to drink and see a concert, however we were there to eat lunch on this particular afternoon and I was pleasantly surprised by the delicious sounding items on their menu.

I decided on the Homemade Veggie Burger (Gluten Free! Made with Fresh Veggies, Flax, Rice and Roasted Pepitas. Topped with Sautéed Spinach, Roasted Red Pepper Strips, and Earl’s Roasted Garlic Goat Cheese and a side item $8).

The Menu description sounded too good to pass up, and I couldn’t believe it was just $8.

When it arrived I was very pleased with how large the Veggie Patty was and also how generous the toppings were, especially that heaping dollop of Goat Cheese.

Boy was it delicious! The texture and flavor from the Burger was outstanding and I ate every bite. I had chosen the Sweet Potato Fries as my side. They tasted really good and I think I ate them up as well. I didn’t care for the Dipping Sauce that comes with them though, too “Mustardy” for my taste, but I thought they were good by themselves so it really didn’t matter.

My friends order the Earl Nachos with Steak (White Corn Chips covered with Melted Jack Cheese, topped with Lettuce, Salsa Fresca, Jalapeno Peppers and Sour Cream $9). They really liked it and told me the Steak Add-On really made it shine.

A great place for a Beer, a Shot or a Concert, and also a great place for a delicious lunch!