First Look: Cabbage Pie, Cabbagetown

186 Carroll St. S.E., Atlanta. 404-883-3920. facebook.com/thecabbagepie/info?tab=overview.

From the team behind the popular Bantam Pub in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, Cabbage Pie opened a couple of months ago in the renovated former Village Pizza space on Carroll Street in Cabbagetown. Judging from the crowds most nights, the neighborhood was ready for this lively “pizza bistro” and its full bar.

The look: The buildout, which hides the pizza ovens in the kitchen, created several distinct dining areas, including an indoor/outdoor space just inside the sidewalk entrance. Decorative elements trade on the bohemian DIY style of Cabbagetown residences and businesses, with bright colors and thrift store finds.

The scene: One recent evening, every seat at the bar was taken, but there wasn't a wait for a table, as a mix of neighborhood families, couples and singles settled in for dinner or the prelude to a night out.

The food: The sprawling menu from executive chef Darvelio Ramirez offers everything from appetizers, salads and soups to sandwiches, pizza and pasta. Sometimes there's even smoked baby back ribs ($10/$14) and pulled pork ($12). Dream Pizza ($5.50 slice/$16 pie) is a meaty melange of ground beef, house cured bacon, ham, Italian sausage, pepperoni and salami topped with a paprika spinach cream cheese sauce drizzle. Angel hair pasta ($12) is tossed with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes and chicken.

The drinks: At the bar, find cocktails such as the Zephyr, with Hendricks Gin, mint, lemon, basil, cucumber and sugar. Everything on the wine list is available by the glass or bottle ($5-$50) with the likes of Sardinian Vermentino and Italian Grecante Grechetto and Lambrusco among the selections. Three Taverns A Night On Ponce and Creature Comforts Tropicalia were on the recent draft beer list ($3.50-$8).

The extras: Brunch, served 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, includes most of the regular menu, plus the likes of hangar steak and eggs ($12), omelets ($8-$9), French toast and pancakes ($6-$8).