Dining Out
11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays-Sundays.
Snacks and small plates $3-$10; soups and salads, $7-$13; sliders and sandwiches, $8-$16; barbecue plates, $11-$2; desserts, $2-$6.
309 Nelson St., NW, Atlanta, 404-228-6377. www.smokeringatlanta.com.
Smoke Ring, a new “Georgia-style barbecue” joint from 101 Concepts (Cibo e Beve, Food 101, Meehan’s Public House), recently opened in Castleberry Hill. Jordan Wakefield, former executive chef at Meehan’s downtown, is in the kitchen. And Wakefield’s wife, Erin, is in charge of the bar.
The look: Situated on Nelson Street in the former J.R. Crickets space, near Elliott Street Pub, the rustic-modern build-out features brick walls and loads of roughhewn and reclaimed wood panels, floor boards and fixtures. A gazebo-like structure in the center of the dining room serves as a semiprivate booth, while a platform next to a pair of corner windows doubles as a stage.
The scene: One recent night during a soft opening event, Smoke Ring was loud and crowded with curious Castleberry neighbors and food bloggers. Onstage, Atlanta band the Deadfields blasted through a set of country-rock covers. One afternoon a few days later, the scene was much quieter with a scattering of workers from nearby offices having lunch.
The food: Wakefield covers all the barbecue basics on a menu that features a big section of snacks and small plates. Look for crispy spicy pig ear fries ($5), smoked Georgia trout dip ($8), and barbecue waffle fry "nachos" topped with Brunswick stew ($10). Barbecue plates ($10-$22), with pulled pork, brisket, chicken, ribs or wings, come with two sides, such as collards, Brussels sprouts, or mac-and-cheese. Sliders, including the Underbelly ($9) with crispy pork belly, caramelized onions and bacon marmalade, come two to an order with fries.
The drinks: The beverage program pushes playful Southern flavors. Among cocktails, the Whistlin' Pig ($9) mixes Whistle Pig straight rye whiskey with orange bitters and ginger beer, while the Boiled Peanut Martini ($8) infuses Cinco vodka and house boiled peanut juice, garnished with Cajun spices on the rim. A recent canned and bottled beer list included Pabst Blue Ribbon ($3.50), Terrapin Recreation Ale ($5), and Bell's Two Hearted Ale ($6).
The extras: In the next few weeks, look for a morning menu, starting at 9 a.m., with coffee service and breakfast sandwiches. And look for more live music on the weekends.
