Atlanta Diners Weigh in on ‘Eatertainment’ Center Punch Bowl Social

It’s been one month since Punch Bowl Social opened at the Battery Atlanta in the shadow of Braves SunTrust Park. The 25,000-square-foot, two-story “eatertainment” center features everything from shuffleboard to bowling to foosball and karaoke, as well as a dizzying amount of food and drink—eight menus worth.

The food, under the culinary direction of Top Chef judge Hugh Acheson (Empire State South), covers lunch to late night as well as weekend brunch, the gluten free, and kids. Think lobster rolls, grain bowls, burgers, tiny tacos, poutine, and snacks like Acheson’s much-loved pimento cheese. Beer, wine, cocktails, smoothies, shakes, and non-alcoholic cocktails round out the beverages.

The public reviews are rolling in on Yelp, Facebook, and OpenTable, and it’s a mixed bag of yea, nay, and meh. Here’s some of the public’s hot takes on Punch Bowl Social so far.

The Food
Facebook user Tom Adams suggests ordering the Sriracha fries.

Yelper Alessandra N. said, “Food was really good. Get the lobster fries.” Fellow Yelper Karen N. thought Acheson’s pimento cheese was a winner and felt the “sloppy Joe comes from Heaven it’s gotta be blessed!” But, Yelper Zach H. was not impressed with his Alabama chicken sandwich until he added more white sauce. Then it was “very good.” However, the wings remained just “descent” with “zero spice.”

Over on OpenTable, LarynM lamented about the “lack luster” fried chicken (which was too dry). The tomato salad was also “bland”. In the end, this user said Punch Bowl Social was worth it, despite the food—possibly wishing they had ordered the nachos or French toast seen at nearby tables.

The Service
Yelp’s Kelsea O. called Punch Bowl Social “a mess” with “too many options to cover fully” after waiting for 25 minutes to be acknowledged at the bowling lanes to order food. However, she applauded their use of recycled materials and paper straws.

Scott B. called his experience (on a game day) the “worst service ever” after ordering food and waiting for an hour for “soggy nachos”. Chris F on OpenTable made the assumption that maybe Punch Bowl Social just isn’t prepared for the Braves game day crowds yet. TripAdvisor user Dolphinheadkw said service was “slow” but decided to cut Punch Bowl Social some slack for being new and “still working out the kinks”.

However, Cheri C. thought her overall lunchtime experience with the family was worth five stars and praised the “smiling hostess” and knowledgable server as well as the various gaming and food options available. Suzzette M gave a Yelp shout-out to manager Dio and to the “wonderful” staff.

In Conclusion
Yelper Bradley J wanted the music turned down which he claimed was “ridiculously loud” and also “pretty bad”. But he thought the food and drinks were good. TripAdvisor user Rjswarts agreed with the noise complaint, saying it was “LOUD as all get out” while calling the staff “nice but overwhelmed.”

Laura N said on Yelp she found Punch Bowl Social to be “a more sophisticated Dave and Buster’s” and the atmosphere to be weird “in a good way.” While on OpenTable, DayneU loved the food but was less than pleased with the lack of Sunday brunch drink specials like “unlimited” or a “pitcher” of mimosas.

Possibly the most succinct review of them all, however, came from Daniel over on Facebook.

Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Punch Bowl Social, The Battery Atlanta, 875 Battery Avenue Suite 720, Atlanta. punchbowlsocial.com.

• Eight Menus and Sensory Overload Await at Punch Bowl Social [EATL]
• Punch Bowl Social Opening at Battery Atlanta Seeks to Challenge ‘Eatertainment’ Model [EATL]