Best Of Atlanta 2015 Oral Pleasures (Header)


Oral Pleasures

What a bizarre time in history to be alive. We can have almost anything delivered to our doorstep. We maintain many of our relationships through screens. Entertainment is endless and instant. Books, TV shows, movies; we scarcely have to wait for anything anymore. Everything is on demand. Everything is on our time. And yet, despite all the advances and all the conveniences modern life affords, why do so many of us seem to have so little time these days?

Technology has given us a way out of countless human interactions. But they still haven’t figured out a way for us to eat the same meal together remotely. An evening filled with food and friends is not an item on a delivery menu. Food is arguably one of the last holdouts of human interaction. It doesn’t matter how much money you have or where you’re from, you have to be present to eat. Maybe that’s why the allure of restaurants endures. Chefs create meals we can’t replicate or summon at will. You have to drive to a restaurant and sit down and order. Like in the old days, you have to wait. Restaurants force us to delay gratification and suspend our overloaded lives if only for the duration of a single meal.

As time lurches on, our minutes become increasingly valuable. We’re connected 24/7. Even when we take time off, we’re never truly away. We answer emails from bed soon after we open our eyes, we eat lunch at our desks. All those times that used to be reserved for rest and relaxation are disappearing. Eating together — at home or in a restaurant — is some of the only genuine leisure time we have left.

This year, Creative Loafing’s dining squad wanted to highlight establishments that have stood the test of time and restaurants we believe have what it takes to stick around. For us, the best restaurants favor quality over quantity and are vigilant in their consistency. Restaurants such as Mamak (Best overall restaurant), where you can close your eyes and point to a dish and be certain something great will show up to the table. Not just one time, but week after week after week. In Buckhead, the lavish new Atlas (Best fine dining) redefines what fine dining can be in Atlanta while the Colonnade (Best restaurant frozen in yesteryear) just three miles south continues to chug along, serving tried-and-true Southern food as it has for nearly 90 years.

Ain’t nobody got time for a bad meal.

— Stephanie Dazey, Food Editor

Best Pop Up Food Event BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Eat Me Speak Me - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Best Restaurant Design BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Optimist

Best Place for a First Date BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Ecco Midtown

Best Restaurant for Late-Night Dining BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Octopus Bar

Best Restaurant to Bring the Kids BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Grindhouse Killer Burgers (5 ATL Locations)
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Restaurant to Take Visitors BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Vortex

Best Food Trend BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Farm-to-table

Best Restaurant When Someone Else is Paying BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Bacchanalia

Best Sandwiches BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Victory Sandwich Bar

Best Seafood BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Optimist

Best Wait Staff BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Bacchanalia AND Bone’s

Best Chinese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Gu’s Dumplings

Best Soul Food BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Busy Bee Cafe

Best Soup BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Souper Jenny - Buckhead
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Southern BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Mary Mac’s Tea Room

Best Spanish/Tapas BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Barcelona Wine Bar

Best Steaks BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Kevin Rathbun Steak

Best Brunch BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
West Egg Cafe

Best Sushi BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Umi

Best Tacos BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Taqueria Del Sol
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Tex-Mex BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Superica

Best Thai BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Little Bangkok

Best Under the Radar Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Crafty Hog

Best Vegetarian/Vegan BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Cafe Sunflower Buckhead

Best Vegetarian/Vegan BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Cafe Sunflower Buckhead

Best vegetarian dish at a non-vegetarian restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Fresh Veggie Plate: Bantam + Biddy

Bantam + Biddy


www.bantamandbiddy.com

Best Veggie Burger BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Grindhouse Killer Burgers (5 ATL Locations)
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Vietnamese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Lee’s Bakery

Best Weekly Dining Deal BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Grindhouse Killer Burgers (5 ATL Locations)

Best Wine List BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Barcelona Wine Bar

Best Desserts BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Café Intermezzo - Midtown
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Desserts BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Café Intermezzo - Midtown
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Desserts BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Cafe Intermezzo
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Desserts BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Cafe Intermezzo
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Doughnut BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Sublime Doughnuts

Best Ethiopian BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Desta Ethiopian Kitchen

Best Farmer’s Market BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Emerald City Bagels AND Simply Seoul AND The Little Tart Bakeshop

Emerald City Bagels


www.emcitybagels.com


Simply Seoul


www.simplyseoulkitchen.com


The Little Tart Bakeshop


www.littletartatl.com

Best Farm-To-Table Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Miller Union

Best fine dining BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Atlas

Best Food Court BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Krog Street Market

Best Food Festival/Event BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Taste of Atlanta

Best Food Truck BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Yumbii @ Brookwood Hills

Best French BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Bistro Niko

Best French Fries BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Leon’s Full Service

Best Fried Chicken BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Colonnade

Best Fro Yo BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Yogli Mogli
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best gluten-free options BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
YEAH! BURGER

Best Grits BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Flying Biscuit (13 ATL Locations)
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Hamburger BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Grindhouse Killer Burgers (5 ATL Locations)
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Hotdog BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Varsity (7 ATL Locations)
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Hotdog BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Doggy Dogg

Best Ice Cream BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Indian BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Chai Pani

Best Italian BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
BoccaLupo

Best Japanese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Nakato Japanese Restaurant

Best juice bar BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Arden’s Garden Little 5 Points
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Korean BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Sobban Restaurant - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Best Local Brewery BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
SweetWater Brewing Company

Best Local Farm BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Love is Love Farm at Gaia Gardens

Best Local Food Advocate BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Will Edmond
twitter.com/willedmond

Best Local Food Company BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Fresh Harvest

Best Local Brewery BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Orpheus Brewing

Best Mexican BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Nuevo Laredo Cantina

Best Middle Eastern BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Rumi’s Kitchen Sandy Springs

Best mixologist BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Miles Macquarrie: Kimball House

Best New Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Superica

Best OTP Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Seed Kitchen & Bar

Best Overall Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Mamak

Best Overall Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Rathbun’s

Best Patio Dining BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House - Grant Park

Best Pizza BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Antico Pizza Napoletana

Best place to dine alone BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Waffle House
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Place to Fill Your Growler BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Hop City Craft Beer and Wine - The Krog District

Best Pop Up Food Event BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Eat Me Speak Me - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Best Restaurant Design BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Optimist

Best Place for a First Date BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Ecco Midtown

Best Restaurant for Late-Night Dining BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Octopus Bar

Best Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
The Colonnade

Best Restaurant to Bring the Kids BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
One Eared Stag

Best Restaurant to Bring the Kids BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Grindhouse Killer Burgers (5 ATL Locations)
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Restaurant to Take Visitors BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Vortex

Best Food Trend BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Farm-to-table

Best Restaurant When Someone Else is Paying BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Bacchanalia

Best Sandwiches BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Victory Sandwich Bar

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