Fine dining may be down, but upscale sports pubs are still popping up all over Atlanta. One of the newest, Erwoods Kitchen and Keg in Crabapple, is the creation of owner Rob Forrest and chef Trevor Moore, the duo behind Tifosi Gastropub in nearby Alpharetta. Not surprisingly, the concept and cooking at the two places have a lot in common, including a sizable selection of draft beer and a long, meandering menu.
The look: Erwoods took over the former Little Azio location in a mixed use development on Crabapple Road. The bright, airy space features sturdy wood and stone and an inviting patio partially shaded by a pergola. The open kitchen retains Azio's brick oven, put to use by Moore for a variety of flatbread pizzas ($9 -- $12).
The scene: One not so busy afternoon, the atmosphere was defined by sports news and game replays on the 18 HDTVs scattered around the bar and dining areas. Several groups of day-drinkers soaked up some cold beer and warm sun out on the patio, while a few families enjoyed the air-conditioned comfort inside.
The menu: Moore's takes on gussied-up up bar food run from fried pickles ($5) and loaded cheese fries ($7) to baked brie wrapped in puff pastry ($9.50) and smoked salmon crostini with bacon, capers and creme fraiche ($10). But there's a distinctive "Man v. Food" element to the menu, too — with Buffalo chicken, barbecue pork and country-fried steak sliders ($7), called "men's tapas," and the 1.5-pound "Monster Burger" ($16).
The drinks: Among the 24 draft beers, look for the likes of Rogue Dead Guy ($7), Stone Arrogant Bastard ($7) and Terrapin Hopsecutioner ($5). Bottled beers include old school oddities such as Mickey's Big Mouth and classy sips such as Lindemans raspberry lambic. Wines range from $6 for a glass of Le Lapin chardonnay to $80 for a bottle of Domaine Serene pinot noir.
The extras: A recent patio wine tasting ($15) included six different wines with light appetizers. New weekend breakfast offerings include a calzone with scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage ($9) and a $5 kids menu.
Dining out
Erwoods Kitchen and Keg in Crabapple
11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays -- Thursdays; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays; 8:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays; 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays. Bar open late.
Starters and salads, $5-$13; flatbreads, $9-$12; sandwiches and burgers, $8-$16; entrees, $11-$17.
12635 Crabapple Road, Suite 310, Alpharetta, 770-754-9555, www.erwoods.com
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