Ever wonder where your favorite local chefs love to chow down? Us, too. Thus Eater Atlanta gives you its new Go-To Guide—your chef's guide to Atlanta, the southeast, and beyond.
Hector Santiago. [Photo: Alex Lassiter]
Today we catch up with Hector Santiago—a chef we know and love from his recently closed (and still mourned) restaurants Pura Vida and Super Pan as well as his still-cult-followed El Burro Pollo pop-ups. Now Atlantans can find the three-time James Beard nominee and Top Chef alum at his new post, executive chef at Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison's Abattoir. Here where you can spot Santiago when he's not throwing down on the Westside.
Weekend breakfast:
Ria's—amazing coffee, pancakes, and bacon. Simple and well prepared. I always get the short stack with bacon and eggs, and they make me an amazing macchiato.
Quickie lunch:
Five Guys—simple, good burger.
Casual dinner:
Community Q—my friend, Dave, makes some of the best BBQ in town. Great prices.
Ethnic restaurant:
Mi Pilon—when I'm craving a taste of home [Puerto Rico].
Late-night snacks and booze:
Octopus Bar—only place to eat late-night, but I'd eat there even if it wasn't?the food is excellent! They serve food that cooks want to eat.
Fancy night out:
Bacchanalia—ever-changing menu with great products and staff led by Andy Carson.
Top five Atlanta restaurants not mentioned above:
Sotto Sotto—one of my all-time Atlanta favorites; solid food and great service.
Empire State South—great drinks and atmosphere at the bar + some of the best food in Atlanta.
Antico Pizza—delicious, charred pizza. I love eating in the kitchen.
4th & Swift—Jay and his team put out a great product; a very beautiful place with great food.
General Muir—I love going here because it reminds me of when I lived in New York.
Out-of-town fave (regional):
Cypress (Charleston)—I love Charleston and can't wait to go back. It's been years, but we had an amazing meal there. Chef Deihl makes amazing food.
Out-of-town fave (national):
Red Medicine (Los Angeles)—inventive, delicious food that has surprising flavors. It was the last time I said "wow" after a meal.
Out-of-the-whole-country fave:
La Huella (San Ignacio, Uruguay)—the art of simplicity. A place where you can eat amazing food, sitting by the beach in shorts. Great, casual service.
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