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DEL.ICIO.USWhat’s the BEST Restaurant OTP?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
BISTRO VG: INTOWN CHARM OUTSIDE THE PERIMETER
Photo: Bita Honarvar/AJC
We may as well admit it. You know, the rivalry between OTP and ITP.
I ventured OUTSIDE this past weekend to visit with my sis, who lives in Kennesaw. We celebrated my dad’s 83rd birthday at Aspens in West Cobb. Besides portion sizes that were, frankly, ridiculously large, it was a fun meal with exceptional steaks. Chris and Michele Sedgwick have built quite an empire OTP — Bistro VG and Pure Taqueria I would list among the best in the area. And Acworth was home to one of the best — Seasons de Provence — before it closed two years ago. Cartersville has lovely D Morgan’s, and College Park has the funky Brake Pad and the Feed Store (and Oscar’s, before the IRS shut it down four years ago.)
But Windward Parkway and the like is littered with chains — and those restaurants that aren’t often have the cookie cutter look of a chain, anyway. Every fancy strip mall in Alpharetta looks exactly the same. Yet I hear from readers often about the restaurants they love.
So CHAINS EXCLUDED (unless it’s a local one, such as the Sedgwick Group), what’s your favorite restaurant OTP?
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By Jessica
August 19, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Di Paolo in Alpharetta (Holcomb Bridge Rd. in Stein Mart shopping center). Best Italian ever!
By test
August 19, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
test
By ct
August 19, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Kampuri Japanese restaurant at Stonecrest. They have the BEST Hibachi!
By bevb
August 19, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
For Alpharetta/Roswell I definitely have a favorite- Little Alley. They are the opposite of everything franchise and have great tapas, beverages, and atmosphere. Pure is fun for margaritas but it is always sooo crowded and loud I can barely hear myself. And try trattoria 141, great Italian! They have carciofi, profiteroles, and delcious octopus- and half off wine nights. All of these places have websites- google them and check out the menu for yourself.
By ODOGG
August 19, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Chef Henry’s Louisiana Grill in Acworth.
By bevb
August 19, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Your right Jessica- I forgot about DiPaolo and I live right next to it. Great italian there too!
By JJ
August 19, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Big Creek Tavern at Lake Lanier, right off Holiday Road.
I go there with friends, parents, family, etc. and EVERYONE wants to go back. It’s a great place to go.
Local lake folk visit there, you can go in your swimsuit. Very casual, and by far the best atmosphere around……Everything on the menu is wonderful. I love the patio with the bar and live music.
By Cynic
August 19, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Test:
Got it?
By JD
August 19, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Trackside Grill in Kennesaw and Old Mill in Acworth for Southern fusion. Henry’s in Acworth for Cajun. Three Bears in Marietta for vegetarian brunch (don’t knock it ‘til you try it).
By OTPDAD
August 19, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
For Gwinnett/ Lawrenceville/ Lilburn area, I have three faves;
Danthai- Awesome Thai in a crappy location.
Messina’s Mediterranean- Awesome Greek in a crappy location.
Eagle’s Landing Cafe and Grille- Awesome Brunch and Cajun/ Seafood in a crappy location.
Thereyahaveit! Check ‘em out!
By bb
August 19, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
and if you want to go really OTP- Five and Ten and The National destroy everything else in Atlanta. The food is incredible and half the price. Go for the prixe fix and spend $24 on a 3 course meal that will blow you socks off. The wine list is pretty stellar as well. Chef Hugh knows what he is doing!
By Prootwadl
August 19, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Marietta Diner? Canoe?
By Craig
August 19, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
The Applachaian Grill in Cartersville for fried green tomatoes; Doug’s Place in Emerson for Meat & 3; Thaicoon @ Marietta Square for sushi: Blackstones in Vinings for steaks;Fusco’s Via Roma in Acworth for italian.
By king
August 19, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Blue willow in Social Circle
By DSG
August 19, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Smokejacks in Alpharetta. Best BBQ.
By Zedd
August 19, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Provino’s has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. Too long ago to mention =)
By RK
August 19, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Bistro VG is worth a trip up…
By Xlax
August 19, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Obama Hut. Because you never know what you’re geeting. It’s alot of fluff but no substance. I think all of America is going to a real bad taste in their mouths real soon.
By Becky
August 19, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Iron Horse BBQ in Villa Rica..
By THEO
August 19, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
PORTERDALE BAR IN GRILL IN WONDERFUL PORTERDALE, GEORGIA. THEIR FOOD IS AWESOME!
By Benton
August 19, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Boy Xlax, you’re a regular Jon Stewart. I much prefer Bushworld Restaurant. You go in, pay in advance, but you don’t get any food. Your dinner is being eaten by the rich guy at the country club next door.
By bing
August 19, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
College Park is not OTP
By KLK
August 19, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
My favorite for a regular restaurant, solid food at a fair price is Normans Landing off of 400/Hwy 141. We live in East Cobb and when up that way, it is a must. On the mark service as well - always perfect. Greenwoods in Roswell is also good, but heavy.
By xlax
August 19, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Benton, We have all eaten at Bushworld. For the last 8 years we’ve been force fed bolonga.
By Me
August 19, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Sia’s Restaurant
www.siasrestaurant.com
By Get Real
August 19, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
I cannot explain what the difference is but the Longhorn’s in Tucker is the best I have ever had…including Ruth’s Chris. In fact we drive by 2 other Longhorns to get to the one in Tucker. I always get the 12 oz Renegade….well worth the trip and price of the meal.
By new mom
August 19, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Our favorites:
Dominick’s, either Norcross or Lawrenceville location
Cosmo’s pizza, downtown Lawrenceville
Aqua Terra, downtown Buford
J Alexander’s—It’s technically a chain but they only added the second Georgia location in Dunwoody (Their first is in Norcross at the Forum, Peachtree Parkway)
And our absolute favorite: Matthew’s Cafeteria in beautiful downtown Tucker! :D I grew up in Tucker, and I love the fact that nothing has changed about that restaurant. Yum.
By Restauranteur
August 19, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Hey Benton,
Why not become a rich guy rather than look at them with extreme envy? Then you can go to the country club or wherever you see fit.
I’ll give you a restaurant analogy since that’s the subject of the blog. You and 9 of your friends go to a restaurant and enjoy the meal. When the check arrives, one of your party pays for 7 of the meals and simply asks the other 9 people to split the cost of 3 meals among the nine. Sounds like a deal, doesn’t it?
That’s what is happening in our current tax system: 71% of the federal tax burden is paid by the top 10% of tax filers. The bottom 50% pay just 4% of the total.
If you want to go on welfare, move to Holland.
If you want to be a jealous victim and want people to feel sorry for you (“oh, poor, poor Benton. I just don’t see how you make it. Bless your heart.”), then continue to blame your woes on Bush (or Karl Rove, Halliburton, Enron, the free enterprise system, Republicans in general, the evil rich, big oil, big pharma, corporations, your next door neighbor, the system, the other guy—you’re getting the hang of it—I feel it.) You’ll always have a home in the Democrat Party.
By JW
August 19, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Taqueria los Hermanos and Shorty’s in Tucker (which isn’t that far outside the Perimeter) are fantastic!
By Jason
August 19, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
“If you want to go on welfare, move to Holland.”
Unless you’re Bear Stearns, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac. Then it’s okay to receive government assistance.
By red adair
August 19, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Normans Landing is the best for all entries and I just ate what I carried out and the colllard greens are the best. And that sweet Bill always comes over to ask me if things are alright. He is a sweet boy.
By finally
August 19, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
In the Gwinnett general area I highly suggest
Sycamore Grill-best to have reservations it is pretty small 5329 Mimosa Dr in Historic Stone Mountain Village
Milano in Snellville-great Italian and atmosphere 2133 Main St E (Hwy 78)
Benny’s Bar and Grill, NOT basic bar food, awesome New Orleans inspired dishes 3902 Hwy 78 (near Killian Hill)
Bambinelli’s Lilburn, ltalian and Great Pizza Kroger shopping center at Indian Trail and L’ville Hwy
El Campesino Mexican Rest at 5 Forks and Killian Hill (Publix Shopping Center) Very good food but can get extremely busy on Friday nights.
Cioffis 1218 Rockbridge Rd in Stone Mountain. Very good, casual and reasonable, also has bakery and deli attached, across from Kroger Shopping Center.
Even though it is a chain, Ted’s Montana Grill has the best Burgers very consistant. Great Service.
By Meridith Ford
August 19, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Hey “restauranteur”: Please use your spellcheck while doing the long division for that bill. And guys, could we stay on topic?
By CR
August 19, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
For Italian, you must go to Lucia’s, which is located at the intersection of Woodstock Rd (92) and Sandy Plains Road in Roswell. It is a family owned and operated business with a warm, friendly atmosphere.
I agree with KLL about Norman’s Landing in Cumming. A great casual spot.
For BBQ, I always go to Swallow at the Hollow in Roswell.
By Benton
August 19, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
Hey Restauranteur, Thanks! I was wondering what kind of people make up the 29% who still give Bush high approval ratings. And I don’t blame my “woes” on Bush. I just think he’s a corrupt politician who’s looking out for his rich friends. That’s not the principle on which this country was founded. I don’t care what Sean Hannity tells you or where you get your fudged percentiles and figures. And if I move to Holland, it’s not going to be because of the welfare. It’s going to be for the cute girls. However, I don’t see why I should leave the country I’m proud of just because it’s government has been taken over by thugs and morons, just because there’s still 29% who drink their dose of Kool-Aid every morning. Unlike the neo-cons, true patriots don’t just turn and run when the going gets tough.
By jjt
August 19, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
Panasia Asian Bistro in Roswell on Holcomb Bridge is the best Asian I’ve had around and we’ve tried many. It’s Asian cuisine with a little Southern influence. It is a small neighborhood bistro with very personal service directly from the owners. They have the best fresh homemade dumplings you will find.
By ellen
August 19, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
If you’re looking for great food, great service and a great atmosphere you have to try Oak Street Cafe in Roswell. They have the best fries in town and the meatballs are to die for!!
By Shawn D.
August 19, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Ah, the bad ‘ol ITP/OTP distinction that’s a hallmark of a non-native! I go where I like without making a deal of what imaginary “barrier” I have to cross to get there.
Meredith, do you know there are other streets than Windward in Alpharetta? Ever hear of Smokejack or Midway Meal House?
Ever hear of Old South BBQ in Smyrna?
How about Richardson Brothers or Wienerz in Marietta?
By International Swagger
August 19, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
When did The Brake Pad and The Feed Store which are both located in East Point/College Park become OTP locations? YOu need to correct the article MERIDITH FORD!
By JulieS
August 19, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
In Lilburn - the best Greek food - Messina’s on Hwy 29 - it’s in a bad location and the interior needs help- but awesome authentic greek food
By JulieS
August 19, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
In Lilburn - the best Greek food - Messina’s on Hwy 29 - it’s in a bad location and the interior needs help- but awesome authentic greek food
By PJ
August 19, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Roswell is full of great places: Relish is super-yummy upscale Southern in the former funeral home. Greenwood’s is always great for soul food and pie in a quirky atmosphere. Bistro VG & Aqua Blue are perfect for a night out. Pastis has good food and a killer balcony above the square. Nine gets better every time we eat there with fun sidewalk seating on the square.
By jill
August 19, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
Sugo off West Crossville Road in Roswell. We drove up from Atlanta just to try it, and it did not disappoint. The owner was our server that night!
http://www.sugorestaurant.com/
By Jill
August 19, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
And I also agree with earlier posts about Norman’s Landing off exit 13 off 400. Great place.
By dylan w/o the dead
August 19, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
spiced right bbq in lilburn terrific bbq the best i have had since sconyers in augusta
By John
August 19, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
Apparently some people can’t read a map. Canoe is actually inside the perimeter and not outside. OTP doesn’t mean outside of Decatur, which is what the people who live in Decatur seem to think. The world does not revolve around that part of town.
Decatur sucks.
By CBL
August 19, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
Dominick’s in Norcross. Also have a Lawrenceville location, but I’ve only been to the Norcross one. Portions are huge- a half portion is more than enough to loosen the belt. Very good Italian comfort food. Great wines too. Prices are reasonable, so it’s busy.
For Southern food, Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle is recommended along with the New Perry Hotel down in Perry, GA.
By Miss Peachy
August 19, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
How about 150 miles outside the permeter: Highland Grille and Birmingham. Fantastic.
By Jeff is goofing off again
August 19, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
Among my favorites are HI LIFE Kitchen and Cocktails in Norcross and its sister restaurants, Aqua Blue in Roswell and Marlow’s Tavern in Johns Creek.
By Another Native
August 20, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this
OTP ? 99.99999% of the world is outside the ring of silliness.
By JJ
August 20, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
Third Coast Grill on Friendship Road. Best Cuban Talipia I have ever had.
By Charles
August 20, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this
Personally I think OTP is anything that’s not in downtown Atlanta, Buckhead, Virginia Highlands - basically, anywhere you don’t see Atlanta City workers.
That being said I would recommend Garrison’s or LaPaz in Vinings (no, really it IS Vinings and NOT Smyrna) and Blu Greek Taverna in Marietta.
Benton: If you are sure Obama is taking the White House this fall get ready your resume ready. My company’s business plan (like many) is to cut jobs (15% of my employees) if the Democrats get in. Somebody has to pay for the taxes they’re proposing - that someone is people like you. I’ll work the extra 10 hours a week to make up for the production people like you give me.
By Doodad
August 20, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this
Sushi Nami in Alpharetta (and yes on Windward) is incredible. We have been going since they opened and Scott and crew treat us very well.
By Clint
August 20, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
Best in Kennesaw -
Capers on Main - amazing food… don’t let the outside fool you!
Marlow’s Tavern - try the firecracker shrimp.
By Pam
August 20, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
DOWNTOWN LAWRENCEVILLE has the best OTP restaurants. There is DOMINICKS, COSMOS PIZZA, LITTLE RIVER GRILL, THE LUNCH BOX, and MCCRAY’S TAVERN ON THE SQUARE. Great, great food.
By dadofthree
August 20, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
Muss & Turner’s in Smyrna/Vinings is my nominee for best restaurant OTP. It’s obvious they think about what goes into everything they serve.
For BBQ, Sam ‘n’ Dave’s 2 is best.
By Sick Henry
August 20, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
Hmmm, no comments about restaurants in Henry County. It’s because they all suck and have mega attitude. Avoid Henry restaurants at all cost. Henry is definitely the bowels of the restaurant industry.
By b1ondie420
August 20, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Some of our favorites are Trackside Grill in Kennesaw and Three Bears Cafe in Marietta.
By Xeones3
August 20, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Norman’s Landing off of GA-400 for sure!! Best blackened catfish OTP OR ITP hands down - great atmosphere too.
For steaks - Ray’s Killer Creek (Great Blue Cheese chips too)
By JulieT
August 20, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Kennesaw - Capers on Main, definitely a great place … even has a great kid menu! The desserts are to die for!!
Acworth - The Old Mill and Chef Henry’s are our favs!
By sc49erfan
August 20, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
I love Pampas in Alpharetta. It’s on States Bridge Rd across from the Kroger Shopping Center. Fabulous steaks and lovely atmosphere. Excellent wine list.
By jh
August 20, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
Relatively new restaurant in Kennesaw - Elevation Chop House and SkyBar.
It’s just a few feet from McCollum Airfield, and there’s a great view of planes taking off and landing, and Kennesaw Mountain is within viewing distance.
Food and service are great, with a bar on each of the two floors.
By jimbo
August 20, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
I’ve got to agree with bevb on Trattoria one 41. They have great food, unique cocktails, a diverse wine list and super friendly service. Its the small kind of place that has real neighborhood charm.
By Zou
August 20, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
I moved here from Chicago fifteen years ago. By comparison, there ARE NO GOOD RESTAURANTS in Atlanta.
By delta567
August 20, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Fortunato’s Italian in Smyrna has yummy pastas and fantastic garlic rolls. Blackstone in Smyrna has fabulous steaks and seafood in a cushy atmosphere. And I still like the ambience(and food) at The Vinings Inn in Vinings. They have live jazz upstairs. And for WONDERFUL authentic Indian - where actual Indian people go and eat- try Swapna Indian Cuisine. They have a great lunch buffet.
By Jen
August 20, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Sugo - Historic Roswell Aqua Blue - Roswell Rice - Historic Roswell Pastis - Historic Roswell Peachtree Diner - Roswell Byblos - Roswell Bistro VG - Roswell
By delta567
August 20, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Fortunato’s Italian in Smyrna has yummy pastas and fantastic garlic rolls. Blackstone in Smyrna has fabulous steaks and seafood in a cushy atmosphere. And I still like the ambience(and food) at The Vinings Inn in Vinings. They have live jazz upstairs. And for WONDERFUL authentic Indian - where actual Indian people go and eat- try Swapna Indian Cuisine on Cobb Parkway. They have a great lunch buffet.
By delta567
August 20, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Fortunato’s Italian in Smyrna has yummy pastas and fantastic garlic rolls. Blackstone in Smyrna has fabulous steaks and seafood in a cushy atmosphere. And I still like the ambience(and food) at The Vinings Inn in Vinings. They have live jazz upstairs. And for WONDERFUL authentic Indian - where actual Indian people go and eat- try Swapna Indian Cuisine on Cobb Parkway. They have a great lunch buffet.
By suz
August 20, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Matthew’s Cafeteria in Tucker - always wonderful, Shorty’s Pizza in Tucker- lovely pizzas and salmon, homemade sausage, Provino’s in Snellville, El Tapatio for that authentic Tex Mex, Hickory House on Northlake Parkway (barely, only just)OTP, the dining room at the Le Cordon Belu cooking school
By bob
August 20, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
i recommend a little italian place call casa nuevo in alpharetta “grasslands” area, just north of mcfarland on hwy 9. maria grows her own veggies and the meals are great.
By bigtoma
August 20, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
I agree with Zou. If you are NOT from Atlanta or Georgia, you probably will agree that there a not many good restaurants either OTP or ITP. ITP - I would like to try Rathbuns. OTP - Nada. Great cites for food - NY, Chi, SF, Boston, DC, St. Louis, and Seattle. After those there are a bunch that are better than Atl. Atl has chains, expensive ‘good’ restaurants, and well that is about it. Some good ones have been mentioned though - Dominicks, Hi Life, Aqua Blue. There absolutely is NO decent mexican food in this town - ITP or OTP.
By bigtoma
August 20, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Casa Nuevo is really a good little italian restaurant - but pick a night when Maria and husband are there and the food will MUCH better.
By John
August 21, 2008 6:21 AM | Link to this
Maggie’s seafood restaurant in Bar Harbor is worth the drive.
By Token Gringo
August 22, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
I agree with Rice and Aqua Blue as best OTP. I disagree with Bistro VG (formerly Van Goghs… watery crab cakes twice in a row) and Pastis, the food is average at best.
By Never amazed by people's idiocy
August 22, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Look, I’m no expert, but when Atlanta is receiving the kind of national attention it is for our restaurants, it really strains your credibilty to say Atlanta has no good restaurants. That sentiment is simply inaccurate. We may not be NYC or LA or Chicago, but we are doing VERY well for a city our size. I would even argue that we are OVERacheiving for a city our size. My second point, the plenty of good Mexican restaurants in Atlanta. Basically pick a place on Buford Hwy, you’ll be the only non-latino, but it’ll be damn good. As well as my two nominations for best OTP, La Taqueria Oaxaca and Azteca Grill. Both on the southside (two of the very few decent places on the southside), both amazing. La taqueria, super authentic and delicious. Azteca Grill, creative, similar to Taqueria del Sol (originally founded by the same guys). Oh, and by the way, Democrats are by far more friend to small businesses like the restaurants we are talking about. Please people, stop drinking the Kool-Aide and actually find out what a candidate’s policies actually are and how they would actually impact a given area of policy. (Stepping off soapbox, now. Sorry!)
By Mike
August 25, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
You must try La Petite Maison in Sandy Springs. Just one mile OTP on Roswell Road, it is true, authentic French without the heavy sauces and attitude. Excellent food and excellent (reasonable) prices. Service is fantastic not to mention the marvelous table bread.
By Kate
August 31, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
By Kate
August 31, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this