Transforming a former Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant into a chef-driven pub may seem a tad eccentric. But that’s the story behind Tifosi Gastropub in Alpharetta, where chef Trevor Moore has put together a casual tavern-meets-fine dining menu with a decidedly Italian bent to go with craft beer and classic cocktails.
The look: Red brick is the predominant design element in the square freestanding building on South Main Street. Inside, the atmosphere recalls the the current wave of upscale sports bars. A spacious main dining room with high ceilings, tall windows and dark wood tables and chairs gives way to a cozy bar area in the back.
The scene: Tifosi is an Italian word that describes a group of football or racing fans. During a recent Sunday afternoon visit, TVs were tuned to NCAA basketball and NASCAR. Several groups of guys were sticking to burgers and beer, while a more adventurous couple at the bar sipped red wine and tried the fried lasagna, or "Sicilian Nachos" ($9.50).
The menu: Many of Moore's offerings turn pub grub Italian. Think fried calamari ($9.50) and risotto fritters ($8) instead of chicken wings and an Italian cheeseburger ($10.50) with red pesto, pepperoni and provolone on ciabatta bread. Entrees range from chicken roulade ($14) and brown butter scallops ($18) to thyme lamb shank ($21).
The drinks: The full bar menu features 24 beers on tap, a concise American and Italian wine list and plenty of specialty martinis. A recent beer list included Allagash Four, Duvel Green, Ommegang Hennepin and Stone Arrogant Bastard, as well as local seasonals from Sweetwater and Terrapin.
The extras: Look for daily chef's chalkboard specials in addition to weekly food and drink promotions. Appetizers are half-off at the bar 4-7 p.m., Mondays-Fridays. Well martinis are $5 on Mondays. House wines by the glass are $3 on Wednesdays. And take $1 off high gravity beers on Fridays.
Dining out
Tifosi Gastropub
11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday; 11 a.m.- midnight Thursday-Saturday. Bar open late.
Starters, soups and salads, $6.50 -- $11; sandwiches and entrees, $8.50 -$21.
102 South Main St., Alpharetta, 770-343-9050, www.tifosipub.com
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