Chips. Dip. A match made in heaven, really. Whether that dip is onion, cheese or crab, it just works. Here are just a few our favorite dippables around Atlanta.
Guacamole – Alma Cocina
191 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta; www.alma-atlanta.com
Located downtown in the 191 building, Alma Cocina has both indoor and atrium seating that makes it perfect for happy hour margaritas and a leisurely lunch over tamales. Those happy hours wouldn't be the same without a dip.
Be sure to check out the seasonal guacamole that changes out toppings like roasted squash and fresh corn.
Queso - El Mexicano
1341 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta
This delightfully divey spot on Moreland has captured the east side of Atlanta's queso-loving hearts. It's thick and buttery, and most definitely not friendly to diets. A slight spice is available with the option for pickled jalapenos.
One thing not optional is the salsa that comes along for the ride — deep red and smoky, you'll want to drink it.
Local kale and roasted artichoke dip – Common Quarter
1205 Johnson Ferry Rd #101, Marietta; www.commonquarter.com
It seems like East Cobb is where all the cool kids are eating now. Common Quarter being at the center. The food is "far from fussy, yet with enough quirk and nuance to feel special."
Take the rotating 'chips and dip.' Incarnations have included a chunky kale with artichokes spiked with Calabrian chile, one with tangy bleu cheese and a deeply flavored black truffle and onion version. All are worthy of eating by the spoonful.
Onion dip – Homegrown
968 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta; www.homegrownga.com
This is not your grocery aisle canned dip. No, like everything else at Homegrown, this is comfort food done the way you always hoped it would be. The thick, tangy dip is packed with caramelized onions and served with ruffled chips. Health food, this is not.
Kettle chips and cheese – Parma Tavern
3350 Buford Dr NE #200, Buford; www.parmarustictavern.com
This Buford neighborhood spot is famous for an over-the-top Krispy Kreme burger, local craft beer taps and housemade kettle chips that are nearly as addictive as those donuts surrounding the burger. They come with a creamy mixture of gorgonzola and parmesan cheese. Normally, it's spread on top, but we like to get it on the side for the maximum chip to cheesy goodness ratio.
Kale Ale Cheese Fondue – Wrecking Bar
292 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta; www.wreckingbarbrewpub.com
Regulars of Wrecking Bar Brewpub know what a treasure it is. Not only are brewing award-winning brews and mixing up some killer cocktails, the food menu is magnificent.
Their dippable treasure is made with aged gouda, cheddar, kale and their house brewed ale. Veggies and bavarian pretzels are served on the side for dipping.
Black truffle crimini dip – Endive Publik House
1468 Mecaslin St NW, Atlanta; www.endivepublik.com
What started out as a catering company has turned into a lively restaurant in Loring Heights. One of the dishes that seems to come from the catering menu, but works incredibly well is the black truffle cremini dip. The creamy mixture is flecked with earthy cremini mushrooms, while black truffle oil gives it a deep, umami flavor. The photogenic dish is served with roasted root veggies.
Buffalo chicken cheese dip - Guaco Joe's
2950 New Paces Ferry Rd SE, Atlanta; www.guacojoes.com
Any tailgater knows that one of the most requested nibbles is a buffalo chicken dip. The second? Cheese dip. Vining's Mexican spot Guaco Joe's takes those two loves and combines them. And you don't even have to wait for football season.
Smoked crab dip - Atlantic Seafood Company
2345 Mansell Rd, Alpharetta; www.atlanticseafoodco.com
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