Chow Down Atlanta

The atmosphere

Nope, it’s not your regular pizza place. Think of it as high-end dining in a casual atmosphere at affordable prices. Cozy leather booths, wide open spaces, interesting artwork, and shiny concrete floors. It may seem impersonal and intimidating to the uninitiated but the dark colors actually exudes warmth and coziness. The light-colored walls and floor-to-ceiling glass window provide ample natural light while pendant lights add just enough illumination to your food.

The bar and the kitchen

The open kitchen on the side corner offers an obstructive view but allows you to take a peek at their brick ovens and witness busy hands use nothing but fresh ingredients. With the staff making up of culinary school graduates, you’re bound to have consistent food. Front and center, the bar is a sight to behold with their cruvinet system. Using nitrogen to preserve the wines and prevent oxidation, Urban Flats is able to offer even the slightly costly wines by the glass. Also functioning as a refrigeration system, it keeps the reds and whites at perfect temps. I was a bit surprised at their quite extensive wine list which is not usual for places with food prices as theirs.

The food, the food

Yes, we’re all in here for the food. I highly suggest you start with some appetizers. My favorite and the best on the menu is the Tuna Poki. Amazing taste and textures — a combination of sweetish, salty sauce over melt-in-your mouth tuna and crunchy cucumbers and ripe tomatoes. Honestly, I can finish two of these!

Other notable apps include the Mozzarella, Tomato, and Prosciutto — a unique take from your boring Caprese drizzled with balsamic glaze. Another favorite is the Baked Cheese and Tomato. Think creamy, tasty tomato bisque topped with a huge warm, freshly-baked goat cheese. Served with garlic bread, this makes for one great dip. No double-dipping, by the way. Like I said, get your own!

Of course, the flat breads take center stage. The wheat pizza-like dough comes with an assortment of toppings, some more unusual than what you’re used to. Baked to perfection in brick ovens, the make for a filling meal. I have a thing for contrasting tastes and textures so I usually go for something sweet/salty or any other interesting combination. I liked the Tuna, Pear and Brie with a honey-mustard drizzle, or the Spicy Shrimp Chorizo with shrimp, sausage, bleu cheese and chipotle drizzle. The Steak and Portobello is a family favorite and so is The Angus.

If flat breads aren’t your thing, there are plenty other choices. There are wraps and flatwiches, as well as other mouth-watering entrees. The Woodstone Salmon is absolutely delicious with its citrus parmesan crusted salmon served with a side of asparagus, potatoes, and topped with some caper sauce. The French Dip comes with tender oven roasted beef and served on a warm baguette. Everything is good.

If you still have room for dessert. Do try the Chocolate Lava Cake or the popular Chocolate Fondue. Either way, it’s the perfect period to a great and filling meal.

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Insider tip:
The kitchen is very flexible and will make accommodations to suit your needs. Have your flatbread crunchy by requesting a few minutes extra in the ovens. Prices start at $7.50 with the priciest item topping at $11. Flatbreads range from $8-10. Extensive wine list including a $230 bottle of Opus One (Napa) ‘03 and the usual Veuve, Moet, and Dom.

Now serving brunch on weekends. Wine Tasting every Wednesdays from 5-8PM @ $15/person.

The scoop:
Urban Flats
The Avenue at Webb Gin
1250 Scenic Highway SW
Lawrenceville, GA 30045
Phone: 678-344-2022

Technorati Tags: Urban Flats, Snellville, flat bread, tuna poki, goat cheese dip, flatwiches, flats, no-double-dipping, cruvinet