Recs for Atlanta Convention Center Area (or Nearby)

[Chris Amirault]

I've got four -- count 'em -- four dinners in a row that I'll be hosting while in Atlanta for a convention next month, and I'd like to get them booked as soon as possible. If I can hit a $20-40 pp price point for a drink, shared app(s), and an entree, I'd be happy. These are not food fiends such as yours truly, so something interesting enough but quality would be great. Any and all recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[toolprincess]

There's a southern restaurant that we had a group dinner at when I was there for a conference it's called pittypat's porch. I don't remember the food being spectacular but it wasnt bad and it was a fun experience.

[toolprincess]

Also it is within walking distance of the convention center.

[Chris Amirault]

Thanks, toolprincess! Any other ideas out there?

[onrushpam]

There's not a whole lot nearby the convention center, but you'll have access to easy public transportation.

MARTA to Decatur for Cakes and Ale or Brickstore Pub. There are other good places in Decatur and it's a nice area to walk.

MARTA or bus to Empire State South. I haven't been there, but it's high on my list of places to try.

[Brown Hornet]

Sorry to be a little late to this post. If it's not too late I've got several suggestions in order of my recommendation:

Holeman & Finch -- For lack of a better word it's a gastropub, but that's selling it short. The best cocktail program in Atlanta as far as I'm concerned and the food is outstanding and right in your price range. Also an amazing burger that they sell in limited quanities nightly.

One Eared Stag -- A funkier and more creative take on southern farm-to-table. This is what modern southern cooking is about.

The Optimist -- Seafood/Raw Bar -- I'm a reluctant to recommend a seafood restaurant in Atlanta to a Rhode Islander, but it's outstanding. The main restaurant may be a little over budget but the raw bar, which has a separate menu from the restaurant, is also very good. Oh, they also have a small putting green outside in case you want to practice your putting stroke after dinner.

Local Three -- Another take on southern cuisine, similar to Empire State South, but a bit looser and less expensive. The bar offers a great selection of bourbons/ryes.

Lastly, the Decatur suggestion is a good one -- lots of bars restaurants within walking distance of each other. If you head out that way, I'd recommend No. 246 which has some of the best pasta dishes in Atlanta.

Hope you have good time while you're here.

[Chris Amirault]

Thanks -- that's extremely helpful!

[Chris Amirault]

Thanks again, everyone. I have reservations at both One Eared Stag and the Optimist and will report back.

[RAHiggins1]

If its not too late I'd throw The Spence in the mix.

Edited November 16, 2012 by RAHiggins1 (log)

[Chris Amirault]

Really, really liked One Eared Stag across the board. Optimist was less successful -- overcooked fish and pork in particular -- but still a good fit for what we needed. But OES is terrific.

[Brown Hornet]

Glad you enjoyed OES, it's kind of flown under the radar a bit here. Since I posted, I've heard from several folks that Optimist has struggled handling the post-Esquire crowds -- hopefully they get it back on track since it was really outstanding the first few months after opening.

[Beth E.]

Which convention center is this? I'm getting the idea that Atlanta has more than 1. I will be at the Georgia World Congress Center and I don't know if any of these places are close to that convention center.