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 Desserts BOA Award Winner

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

Best Italian BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
BoccaLupo
Soulful cooking and comfortable neighborhood charm are bedrocks of Italian cuisine. Inman Park’s BoccaLupo delivers with its cozy, laid-back dining paired with destination-worthy cuisine. Sporting his ever-present headband, Bruce Logue, former sous chef to Mario Batali, prepares simple and earnestmore...
Soulful cooking and comfortable neighborhood charm are bedrocks of Italian cuisine. Inman Park’s BoccaLupo delivers with its cozy, laid-back dining paired with destination-worthy cuisine. Sporting his ever-present headband, Bruce Logue, former sous chef to Mario Batali, prepares simple and earnest dishes highlighting the season’s freshest ingredients. The restaurant is perpetually packed, and not just for the food. A meticulously selected wine list and an expert craft cocktail menu kick the experience up all the notches. Choose a classic like Bolognese gravy atop tangled ribbons of pappardelle or go for Logue’s ever-changing four-course pasta tasting with additions of uni, stone crab, ramps, and, sometimes, shaved truffles. less...

Best Bakery BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
The Little Tart Bakeshop
When it comes to pastry in Atlanta, there’s one counter that forever tempts us and confounds our ability to choose just … one … thing. If we could, we’d hand over a Nobel Prize in pastry to the Little Tart Bakeshop, and then we’d stuff our faces with all the heavenly croissants and unreasonablymore...
When it comes to pastry in Atlanta, there’s one counter that forever tempts us and confounds our ability to choose just … one … thing. If we could, we’d hand over a Nobel Prize in pastry to the Little Tart Bakeshop, and then we’d stuff our faces with all the heavenly croissants and unreasonably complex scones and delightfully savory ham puffs and Vidalia onion galettes. And, dear god, if it’s Saturday, yes we’ll take a cinnamon-sugar morning bun. And maybe one of those decadent salted caramel nut tarts for dessert. And then … less...
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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 » 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 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 Atlanta Food Instagrammer BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
@betterhalfcook
instagram.com/betterhalfcook

Best Atlanta Food Tweeter BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
@fifthgrouper
twitter.com/FifthGrouper

Best Bakery BOA Award Winner

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

Best Barbecue BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

Best Bar Food BOA Award Winner

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

Best Beer Selection BOA Award Winner

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

Best Breakfast BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Home grown GA Restaurant

Best Brew Pub BOA Award Winner

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

Best Burrito BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Bell Street Burritos - Midtown/Buckhead
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Cajun BOA Award Winner

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

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 Bakery BOA Award Winner

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

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

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 Bartender/Mixologist BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Lusca - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

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

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