After months of mostly takeout and curbside delivery options available in metro Atlanta, some restaurants have opened for dining within and/or on patios. Answering the COVID_19 pandemic, Governor Brian Kemp issued a Public Health State of Emergency, closing all bars and nightclubs, and banning gatherings of ten or more people. Many restaurants voluntarily closed down.
On April 3, Gov. Kemp issued a shelter in place order for the state, closing most businesses. Some restaurants pivoted to takeout models and began to find a groove. For many, it proved difficult and cost prohibitive. On April 23, Gov. Kemp began the first phase of reopening with gyms, fitness centers, salons, nail care shops, and massage therapy businesses allowed to reopen.
The gradual reopening second phase sanctioned dining in at restaurants beginning Monday, April 27, with no more that 10 patrons per 500 square feet of public space allowed. On May 12, an Executive Order added additional guidance in the form of a 39-point plan of measures to mitigate exposure. This moved the 500 square feet of distance per 10 patrons to 300 square feet. Workers must be screened for fevers and respiratory illness. Salad bars and buffets are prohibited. Work stations must be staggered, and disposable menus and cutlery should be used if possible. The plan prioritizes take out and curbside pickup over dining in.
Following these mandates, which run at least until May 31, many restaurants chose to re-open their dining rooms and/or patios for service. The list grows each day as restaurant reinvent themselves to comply with safety measures for guests and employees. Bars and nightclubs must remain closed at least until May 31.
While options are still slightly limited, there is possibility to match your hankering.
When the moon hits your eye and you just want pizza pie, Nina & Rafi and Mellow Mushroom locations are open. And for that Italian amore: No. 246, A mano, Bellina Alimentari, Brezza Cucina, Colletta, Forza Storico, Grana, Il Gialo Osteria, Ippolitos, La Grotta, St. Cecilia, Sotto Sotto, and Sugo are open.
Missing a fancy experience (albeit with a facemask)? Aria, Bacchanalia, Bistro Niko, Floataway Café, Le Bilboquet, Mission + Market, and Pricci have opened.
Brewpubs are usually spacious places. Bold monk Brewing, Good Word Brewing, Steady Hand Beer, SweetWater Brewing Co., and Wild heaven Beer are open.
Craving seafood expertly cooked in someone else’s kitchen? Atlanta Fish Market, Beetlecat, The Big Ketch, Chops Lobster Bar, Noble Fin, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, and W.H. Stile Fish Camp have docked for some inside and some patio dining.
Hunting tacos? El Rey Del Taco, Moxie Taco, Superica locations, and Yumbi Taco Shop are open.
Need a little Southern comfort? Bantam + Biddy, Folk Art, Poor Hendrix, The Southern Gentleman, and Wisteria are ready.
Seeking out the many styles of Asian cooking? E. Ramen, Hawker’s Asian Street Fare, Momonoki, O-Ku, Snackboxe Bistro, Thai Chili, and Wagaya are open.
For other worldly tastes: Apres Diem, Biltong Bar, Chai Yo Modern, Chat Patti, Estrella, Gypsy Kitchen, The Iberian Pig, Jai Ho, Le Colonial, Noona, Saltyard, and table are serving.
In pursuit of a well-cooked steak? Look to: Arnette’s Chop Shop, Cuts Steakhouse, Del Friscos’ Grill, Hal’s Steakhouse, Kaiser’s Chophouse, King + Duke, Marcel, and Morton’s.
A good burger or wings? Bocado, Lucky’s Burger and Brew, Irby’s Tavern, Taco Mac locations, and Wing Café & Tap are open.
For a little bit of everything, American style: 5 Church, 57th Fighter group, Buckhead Diner, Boxcar, Canoe, Foundation Social, Hampton + Hudson, Hudson Grill, Houston’s, Nine Mile Station, STK, and Ted’s Montana grill are terrific choices.
Times and seating vary and are ever-changing right now. It’s not going to be the same experience. Tables will be spaced. Menus may be much more concise than you are used to. You will have to ask for your favorite condiments. You may be eating with plastic cutlery. You may have to (kindly) ask your server to repeat something as they talk from behind a mandated mask. Be patient. It’s a learning process for all of us. Thank your server and tip well.
