The Hungry Fan’s Picks for Eatin’ Out and Eatin’ Good in Atlanta

The cuisine scene in Atlanta is definitely on the rise. And they know how to do some mean Southern cooking. So while you’re in Atlanta for the Final Four this April, if you feel like getting some good grub outside the stadium, here are some my picks!

Pick 1: Abattoir

Two words: BACON BEIGNETS. Oh yes. This place has a slightly crazy menu featuring nearly every piece of meat you could possibly conceive of, but it’s awesome, the food is really fresh, and I recommend it. (This is not one of the lowest-cal spots to eat in Atlanta…just FYI).

Dishes to try:

Pommes frites with pimento cheese foam

Octodog

Local beef tartare

The short ribs

The chicken schnitzel if you’re not feeling like meat because it comes with a cornbread waffle (two of my favs combined into one)

Desserts — which I would just start with if I could — including cinnamon monkey bread and fried apple pie

Find Abattoir at 1170 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30318.

Pick 2: Bocado

Sustainable and simple, the food is awesome. It also doesn’t hurt that they have a reputation for the best burger in Atlanta! Stop by and try for yourself…

Dishes to try:

Deviled eggs with boiled peanuts and other yummy goodness

Radicchio and kale salad with a gorgonzola vinaigrette

American kobe steak tartare (yes, I love tartare)

The big MUST is the Bocado burger stack (YUM)

The short rib and/or fried chicken sandwich (offered at lunch only)

Find Bocado at 887 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30318.

Pick 3: Miso Izakaya

If you’re looking for something a little different than Southern or American-style cooking, this Japanese gastropub has been called one of North America’s six best izakayas by Bon Appetit Magazine. And I’m a sucker for good ramen at any time of the day…

DIshes to try:

The sushi is high quality and fresh

Pork belly over creamy grits

Pork buns (my fav)

Tonkatsu ramen (another fav)

The pork kimchi rice is the signature dish…great if you like kimchi

Find Miso Izakaya at at 619 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta, Georgia 30312.