For the next few days, Decatur will be the locus of literary life in metro Atlanta. But it serves as a center for dining and drinking year-round, with a peerless selection of options within walking distance of Decatur Square. Here are a few of the reasons people from throughout the city choose Decatur as a dining destination.
Cakes & Ale: Two great options under one roof. At the Bakery at Cakes, look for the city's best coffee, baked goods and the vegetable-centric cooking of chef David Sweeney, who has begun serving a small-plates dinner menu as well as lunch. Next door, chef-owner Billy Allin cooks the most personal farm-to-table fare in the city using only local meats and vegetables, much of it from his own garden.
155 Sycamore St., Decatur. 404-377-7994, www.cakesandalerestaurant.com.
Leon's Full Service: A terrific cocktail bar attached to a good restaurant, Leon's rocks throughout the day. You may just want to hang out in the bar and let the staff shake delicious cocktails while you plow through a bucket of Belgian frites with dipping sauces. But you won't be disappointed by the locally sourced Southern fare in the dining room.
131 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-687-0500, http://leonsfullservice.com.
Brick Store Pub: Leon's brother establishment offers one of the country's best selections of craft beer in bottle and on tap. If you favor Belgians, head to the upstairs bar and let the gents there turn you on to some brews you never knew existed. Solid pub fare and a Southern cheese plate of note are on the menu.
125 E. Court Square, Decatur. 404-687-0990, http://brickstorepub.com.
Victory Sandwich Bar: Inexpensive mini-sandwiches, cheap mixed drinks and a pool table draw a younger crowd. Vegetarians love the "Beeter," a smoked beet slider. If you want something more upscale, see if there's a seat at Paper Plate, the cocktail bar and small-plates room in the back of the building.
340 Church St., Decatur. 404-377-9300, http://vicsandwich.com.
Taqueria del Sol: This beloved local chain combines Mexican and Southern flavors with felicitous results. A Memphis BBQ taco sided by spicy turnip greens with a stiff margarita and a bowl of cheese dip taste very right on a hot Georgia evening. The line looks daunting, but it moves quickly and the food arrives at the table almost before you do.
359 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-377-7668, http://taqueriadelsol.com.
No. 246: Wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta are the hallmarks of this loud, busy Italian restaurant. Check out the wood-grilled entrees and fresh fish specials, and consider the back patio for late-night drinks and snacks. It hides in plain sight just off the square.
129 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 678-399-8246, www.no246.com.
Chai Pani Decatur: This branch of an Asheville, N.C., restaurant serves Indian street snacks such as pani puri (filled pastry puffs) and bhaji (Indian-style bread sliders) as well as fun fried okra sticks and a few more substantial meals in a colorful setting. Good alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, such as salted limeade, suit the food well.
406 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-378-4030, http://chaipanidecatur.com.
Farm Burger: Grass-fed beef patties come with all kinds of local, organic toppings as well as big baskets of fries and onion rings. A quinoa patty, crunchy and flavorful, offers an alternative for non-meat eaters.
410 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-378-5077, www.farmburger.net.
The Iberian Pig: Creative takes on Spanish food, good cocktails and excellent service keep this restaurant reliably packed. If you're looking for a more traditional tapas menu, you might be disappointed. But if, say, pasta in a creamy sauce with braised goat meat or pork loin with cherries and almonds appeal, then you'll join the fan club.
121 Sycamore St., Decatur. 404-371-8800, www.theiberianpigatl.com.
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