Chow Down Atlanta

I finally got a chance to visit The Depot. It’s this new gastro pub serving New Orleans-style cuisine in a restored freight depot. I must admit, the place is impressive.

Most of the architectural details have remained intact with a touch of modernism added for good measure. The front and side entry, concrete floors, part of the brick wall, the platform, tracks, have all been retained which lend a nostalgic feel to the place. While modern patio furniture, an added wing that now houses the kitchen, a wine cabinet, red leather bar stools, provide a refreshing contrast. The double-sided bar is expansive and serves as the focal point. I particularly love the red club-style bar stools and the original tracks put to good use as foot rests.

Outside, a huge three-part patio beckons. The main part, geared more for dining, includes festive green and white chairs complementing black tables, all on a stone-tiled floor with a fountain to boot. There’s a small strip on the side by the grass (right beside the beltline) that provides additional seating. And the best part, a few steps up where the original platform extended, are bar stools and pub tables facing the double-sided bar. By allowing access to the bar outside, you can still be part of the action. It’s an inventive design and use of space.

I was able to try a few things and those that made a lasting impression include the sweet potato chips (thinly sliced and fried crisp), the crab fingers (hefty sized, thin batter), pizza (good, chewy crust), and, of course, the raw oysters. Menu items range from $8-15. Drinks are generally cheaper by a buck or two. All in all, The Depot offers a hip place to have a drink. Having a unique take on bar food is just an added bonus.

Inside scoop:
Located off I-20 just past the Atlanta Zoo exit.

The scoop:
904 Memorial Drive, Atlanta
In Reynoldstown at Glenwood Park
404-577-1904
Mondays-Fridays: 11-3am
Saturdays: 11am-2am
Sundays: 11-midnight
Serving food from 11 a.m. until midnight on Sundays and Saturdays

Technorati Tags: The Depot, East Atlanta, Reynoldstown, Glenwood Park, New Orleans cuisine, gastro pub

Alas, I have found one of the best burgers in ATL. Hungry for a snack one late evening, my family ended up at H&F and ordered the last 4 burgers of the evening. It was 10:05PM. The burgers sold out less than 5 minutes after they were available. Incredible.

This burger is simply fantastic. Ground the same day, it is juicy, meaty, and tasty. It is perfectly seasoned, through and through, without any bland spots (or bites). Two plump patties with cheese and onions on their own buttered, toasted bun. With a side of perfect fries. I’ve gone to burger heaven.

But the goodness doesn’t stop there. We also had the Metzger Farm Pork Belly with creamy grits, charred onion and b&b pickle. My mom finished an entire order by herself — and that’s in addition to her burger. The pork was crispy yet juicy with just enough fat to tease. The grits, onion, and pickle relish were all superb, all on its own, yet allowed the pork to shine. Together, they made one fantastic team. I would love to have a dinner portion of this.

I love okra and the Fried Okra with sweetish, spicy vinegar truly delivered. The okras were extremely fresh and sweet with just a light dousing of batter. A perfect side to the pork belly. I demolished an order and would’ve loved another but my burger, the Eli’s bread with salted butter, and drink (below) have occupied most of the space in my belly.

It was a perfect late night snack. And a habit that would be extremely hard to break.

Insider tip:
Grab an available table when you see one.
Service is impeccable.
While the bar side has a fun and lively ambiance, the other side is cozy and gives plenty of room to dine in a casual yet classy space.
Valet parking available.

The scoop:
Holeman and Finch
2277 Peachtree Road
Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone 404.948.1175
Fax 404.969.3034
Hours of operation
Mon - Sat 5:00pm to 1:30am
Sun - 12:30pm to 3:00pm

Technorati Tags: Holeman and Finch Public House, burgers, gastropub, Buckhead