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2017 turned out to be a pretty mediocre year for Atlanta restaurant openings. While it seemed to get off to a strong start with the opening of Bon Ton and The Halal Guys, permitting issues and major construction delays would prove hard for most forthcoming restaurants to overcome. However, 2018 is already shaping up to be a banner year in restaurant openings for Atlanta as well as for several cities around the country. Here, now, are the 10 most anticipated restaurants coming to Atlanta in 2018.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
When: Spring
Where: Little Five Points, 299 Moreland Ave. NE
What: After multiple delays due to the city of Atlanta permitting department, the much-anticipated arrival of Nashville’s Hattie B’s and their signature hot chicken could be the end of February. Good news for fans of the restaurant’s fried chicken which comes in six levels of heat.
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Tiny Lou’s
When: Spring
Where: Poncey-Highland, 789 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE
What: Tiny Lou’s will soon be located in the newly-renovated Hotel Clermont just up the road from Ponce City Market. The restaurant’s name is inspired by a popular dancer from the 1950s who performed at the hotel’s Gypsy Room and was said to have been “the girl who refused to dance with Hitler.” The French-inspired restaurant will serve Southern riffs on steak frites, escargot, trout almondine, and braised short ribs in a space filled with glossy marble tile and pink velvet banquettes.
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Steady Hand Beer
When: Spring
Where: Westside, 1611 Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard
What: A change in the beer and liquor distribution laws last year has lead to the sudden uptick in brewery expansions and openings around Atlanta. Steady Hand joins TopGolf, Bacchanalia, and Star Provisions who have taken up residence along Ellsworth Industrial in Westside. In addition to the brewhouse, brothers Brian and Kevin Sullivan and business partner Randy Wise say the brewery will host live music in the taproom which will feature 15 to 20 taps, a private events area, and food trucks.
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The James Room
When: Spring
Where: Old Fourth Ward, 659 Auburn Avenue NE
What: This highly-anticipated restaurant and cocktail bar from Missy and Kristin Koefod of 18.21 Bitters should open its doors sometime this spring. The all-day eatery will open in the morning with pastries, tea, and coffee and move into the evening with cocktails, snacks, and small plates.
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Manny’s Grant Park Pub
When: Late Spring
Where: Grant Park, 588 Woodward Avenue
What: The pub coming from longtime barman (and grandson of the founder of Manuel’s Tavern) Manuel Maloof will be located on the corner of Woodward Avenue and Boulevard in Grant Park. The family-friendly sports bar and restaurant will offer plenty of televisions for game day viewing, a patio for al fresco dining, a game room with darts, and a menu filled with pub fare, beer, and wine.
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LLoyd’s
When: Early Summer
Where: Inman Park, 900 Dekalb Avenue
What: The team behind Victory Sandwich Shop, S.O.S Tiki Bar, and Little Trouble say their latest restaurant will be an “unholy mix of Chili’s and southern comfort food.” Think neighborhood diner with paper placemats and comfort fare such as French dips and burgers as well as prime rib and fried chicken nights. The no-frills bar program will include made-to order, simple cocktails, beer, and wine with absolutely no fanfare. The group is also planning a coffee kiosk next door.
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Watchman’s Seafood & Spirits
When: Early Summer
Where: Krog Street Market, 99 Krog Street NE
What: This seafood restaurant and cocktail bar from the team behind Kimball House will take over the space formerly occupied by The Luminary in Krog Street Market next door to Ticonderoga Club. Partner Bryan Rackley told Atlanta Magazine last Fall, “It’s us, so you know drinks are going to factor into the equation. Our food menu will focus on sustainable Southern seafood with an emphasis on Gulf seafood.”
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Unnamed O4W Pizza restaurant
When: Summer
Where: Old Fourth Ward, 659 Auburn Avenue NE
What: Fans of this pizza joint from Anthony Spina rejoiced when the news broke last Fall that the beloved Grandma Pie would be returning to the Old Fourth Ward. Spina has teamed up with restaurateur Billy Streck (Cypress Street Pint & Plate, Hampton & Hudson) in a yet-to-be name restaurant at the forthcoming Studioplex expansion. The restaurant will serve Spina’s pizzas, Italian snacks, sandwiches, salads, and pasta (including vegan and gluten-free options) and includes a full bar.
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Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria
When: Fall 2018
Where: Adair Park/West End, 581 Metropolitan Parkway SW
What: The news just broke earlier in January that this popular north Nashville pizza and beer restaurant would be expanding its operations to Atlanta. Owners and longtime friends since their days at Tennessee State University Clinton Gray, Derrick Moore, and Emanuel Reed plan to tear down the existing structure on the corner of Metropolitan Parkway and Wells Street for a complete rebuild of the restaurant. Slim & Husky’s serves specialty pizzas including gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options paired with local and craft beers.
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Wood’s Chapel BBQ
When: Late 2018
Where: Summerhill, 85 Georgia Avenue
What: The 5200-square-foot restaurant from the team behind The General Muir, Fred’s Meat & Bread, Yalla, and The Canteen will serve barbecue plates and sandwiches like fried, smoked catfish, a barbecue-inspired Cuban sandwich, brisket grilled cheese, and a lamb belly cemita. Georgia Avenue is currently undergoing major redevelopment as part of an effort to revitalize four blocks of this historic community founded just after the end of the Civil War.
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