BY ASIF LAKHANI
When the Atlanta Braves move to Cobb County in 2017, their plan is to bring not only a baseball team with them but also some of the best dining, retail and entertainment that Atlanta has to offer—all in a corporate atmosphere. The Braves have confirmed that Tex-Mex from Ford Fry, barbecue from Fox Bros. BBQ and pizza from Antico will be sold at the SunTrust Park complex. However, there's plenty of time before that becomes a reality, and numerous dining options in the area to get acquainted with before the identity of Cobb Parkway changes. Check out these 5 places already operating in the Braves' new neighborhood before everyone else does.
- Heirloom Market BBQ
This place has some of the best meat in town. Thick, juicy, fatty charred cuts of brisket highlight a simple menu of staples along Korean-inflected dishes like kimchi coleslaw, Korean sweet potatoes, Korean pork and sauce , and there's a real winner here. The daily specials are not to be overlooked either, and the cucumber radish salad and baked beans with brisket bits are a must. Put Hotlanta sauce on everything. Because the demand is high and parking spaces are limited, patrons either have to eat standing on the patio or take the food to-go. It's hard to leave unsatisfied though. 2243 Akers Mill Road, S.E., Atlanta. 770-612-2502, www.heirloommarketbbq.com
- Harry's Pizza and Subs
New York-style pizza is only a 5-minute drive away from where SunTrust Park, the Braves' new Cobb County home, is being constructed. Harry's pizza is reliably good and there is plenty of variety. Think more comfort pizza than Neapolitan, but indulge the same way nonetheless. You'll find a TV with a game on, drink specials and a packed house for Thursday night trivia. You can't miss the sign for the parking lot on Powers Ferry Road, and you certainly don't want to miss out on the food either. 2150 Powers Ferry Road, S.E., Atlanta. 770-955-4413, harryspizzaandsubs.com/
- Rose & Crown Tavern
Maybe you're in the area late, but don't want to settle for fast food or Waffle House. Rose & Crown Tavern, conveniently located up the street from Harry's Pizza, is open until 2 a.m. on weekdays, 3 a.m. on weekends and 12:30 a.m. on Sundays. The prices aren't outrageous (though not cheap), but you get what you pay for in portion size and quality; this is above-standard pub food, which features English and American influences. The drinks flow as well as you can ask for, and there are plenty of TVs in a large dining room and bar area so no one feels cramped. They also offer brunch, so there'll be no need to tailgate in sweltering heat before a Sunday afternoon first pitch. 1931 Powers Ferry Rd SE, Atlanta, 770) 933-5595, imsmartsites.com/roseandcrown/
- Tacos La Villa
Tucked away in a little shopping center on Cobb Parkway, this fast-casual Mexican restaurant is less than a mile from SunTrust Park. Tacos La Villa is as authentic a hole-in-the-wall (of any kind, whether Mexican or not) as they come. Among tacos, you'll find beef tongue, cow brain, al pastor and more. And the menu is expansive in case tacos aren't what you are craving. A divine salsa bar, daily specials, horchata and Mexican sodas combine for a memorable meal. While this restaurant offers a great value, the wait can be daunting during peak times. 2415 Cobb Parkway, S.E., Smyrna. 770-951-0415, www.facebook.com/pages/Tacos-La-Villa/
Located closer to Tacos La Villa than home plate is to first, Yakitori Jinbei is Cobb Parkway's best option for authentic Japanese. Its ramen bowls are perfect for a rainy day or rain delay, and the skewers are as appetizing as they come. There's also sushi, tempura, box dinners and rice bowls. Situated at Cumberland Square North Shopping Center, Yakitori Jinbei is one of the smaller establishments on this list and definitely the most formal. Yet it is the ultimate closer. 2421 Cobb Parkway, S.E., Smyrna, (770) 818-9215, www.yakitorirestaurant.com/
Read the AJC Fall Dining Guide, Atlanta Around the Clock, here .
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