The recently opened Jack & Diane's in the Chastain Square shopping center on Roswell Road has been dubbed a boutique rock 'n' roll sports bar. It's hard to quibble with that description.
The concept certainly is in step with Atlanta's new wave of reimagined sports-themed places with upscale bar food, most notably Stats, the chic downtown spot. But while Stats sprawls over multiple levels, Jack & Diane's, as conceived by the family and culinary team behind the popular Buckhead South African restaurant 10 Degrees South, has the concentrated focus and feel of a pub — even if there's seating for some 200 customers.
Sports meets rock
The interior and outdoor patio spaces, designed by the Atlanta-based Wolf Design Group, are pleasantly understated. Dark wood, exposed brick and a deep color palette combine with subdued lighting to create a sophisticated aura. The sports-meets-rock theme is echoed in photos and paintings of stars, including the Beatles and Rolling Stones. On one wall, ATLANTA is spelled out in rust-colored metal letters that were once part of the old Atlanta airport sign. Not surprisingly, flat-screen televisions are positioned around every corner, but high enough to be unobtrusive. When there isn't a big game on, the soundtrack is a steady stream of classic rock and oldies. The cozy 10-seat bar adjoins a larger lounge area, with a setup for live performances.
Namesake menu
For her namesake restaurant, 10 Degrees South chef Diane Anthony created a menu that riffs on familiar American dishes, including pub grub, barbecue and steakhouse favorites, and adds some Asian and Caribbean flavors. Starters and small bites range from housemade meat pie pockets and chicken burger sliders with pickled ginger and wasabi to nacho platters and oven-baked wings. The meaty chili is tinged with Jamaican-style spices and topped with cheese and red onions. Sandwiches and mains aren't exactly budget-priced, topping out at $15 for an ahi tuna burger and $28 for an 8-ounce grilled filet mignon. On the other side of the ledger, a $10 cheeseburger with one side is well worth the money. On a recent visit, it came out nicely char-grilled — cooked to medium, as ordered, with a pink, juicy center — and topped with melted cheddar on a soft bun. Thin, crispy fries or thick, battered onion rings make the perfect, guilty accompaniments. But mac 'n' cheese, sautéed mushrooms, cole slaw and broccoli are among the other choices. Meaty St. Louis ribs (available in half or full rack portions), marinated in a honey barbecue sauce, have become a signature dish. Roasted chicken, spiral pasta covered in chili, fish and chips and salmon round out the entrees.
Cocktail time
Signature cocktails are named for 10 Degrees South regulars, such as the Big Dirty Frank, mixed with Jack Daniels and Red Bull cola, and Candy K, with Ketel One vodka, soda and a splash of OJ. There are 10 beers on draft, but the most exotic offerings on the current list are Sweetwater 420 and Terrapin Rye Pale Ale. The wine list is mostly made up of California selections, with by-the-glass prices from $7 to $16.
AT A GLANCE
•
Where:
4279 Roswell Road, 404-943-0838
• Signature dish
:
St. Louis ribs
• Entree prices: $10-$28
• Hours: Kitchen open 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Bar open late.
• Reservations: Call ahead for large parties
• Credit cards: Yes
• Online:
